Florida State Seminoles cornerback Ronald Darby is set to join the Buffalo Bills after being taken with the No. 50 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Darby was a multiyear starter for the Seminoles and was one of the top performers at the NFL Scouting Combine.
NFL Draft results 2015: Ronald Darby drafted by Bills
Ronald Darby has been drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round.
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An athletic cover corner with good size, Darby served as Florida State’s top cover man during their historic winning streak. After contributing as a backup his freshman season, Darby stepped into a major role on defense during the school’s undefeated 2013 National Championship-winning season. He recorded two interceptions that year, and along with the Seminoles’ other talented defenders, helped the team finish first in points allowed.
Darby’s greatest asset is his world-class speed. He can play more aggressively than others at his position because he has the wheels to recover from mistakes. Darby isn’t just an athlete, however. He possesses strong instincts and is rarely fooled by double moves. Darby would have more batted passes and interceptions if not for opposing quarterbacks actively avoiding him.
However, the cornerback isn’t without his flaws. Darby has dropped interceptions due to small hands (8 5/8”). There are also some off-the-field concerns. Darby reportedly declined to testify during Jameis Winston’s code of conduct investigation despite allegedly witnessing the incident.
Unsurprisingly, Darby’s combine numbers are astounding. He ran the 40 in 4.38 seconds and had a 41 1/2” vertical leap. Both were among the best for cornerbacks. Darby also had a 6.94 second 3-cone drill.
Darby finished his college career with 79 tackles including one tackle for loss. He also intercepted two passes and forced two fumbles.
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