Oct 19, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Aaron Colvin (14) recovers a blocked extra point attempt against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Oklahoma won the game 34-19. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
It is no secret the Cincinnati Bengals need to address the cornerback position once more when the 2014 NFL Draft rolls around, and a strong candidate is now Oklahoma defensive back Aaron Colvin.
Colvin was a participant in the 2014 Senior Bowl before he suffered a torn ACL, per his agent on Twitter:
@AColvin14 has torn his acl. Send prayers for this terrific young cb and even better person who will make his mark in the NFL.
— Ken Sarnoff (@KenSarnoff) January 21, 2014
The news is certainly a horrible break for Colvin, who will now lose millions in the draft process as a result of the injury. Unfortunately, it is simply how the business works (which is shameful at times), but Colvin seems to have a fire about the situation and is ready to tackle the comeback trail:
— Aaron Colvin (@AColvin_22) January 22, 2014
As strange as it sounds, Colvin’s injury makes him an ideal candidate for the Bengals in the mid-rounds. Not only does Colvin excel as a cornerback, he spent his sophomore year as the starter at strong safety — a versatility that is a must in the confines of the Cincinnati defense.
Colvin was also named to the All-Big 12 team at cornerback after the 2012 and 2013 seasons. NFL Network’s Gil Brandt is one of many experts who thought Colvin would go high in the draft before his injury:
Thought Aaron Colvin had chance to go in 2nd round. Some team will take chance on him late, sit him for yr like #49ers did w Lattimore
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) January 22, 2014
An interesting comparison here is Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin, who broke his leg at the Senior Bowl a few years ago and fell to the fourth round. He is now a quality starter after his recovery.
Weighing in at 6’0″ and 181 pounds, Colvin’s situation is ideal for the Bengals. They grabbed Dre Kirkpatrick in the first round a few years ago and may not want to spend another high pick on the position. As Brandt hints, Colvin is going to fall and need time to heal and develop. This meshes perfectly with Cincinnati’s situation as Leon Hall, Adam Jones and Terence Newman continue to age.
Colvin is an extremely talented player now in an unfortunate situation, but his pro prospects would skyrocket if he landed in Cincinnati and took his time off to heal as an opportunity to soak up any and all info the quality veterans on the roster would throw his way.
In other words, Colvin to the Bengals seems like the perfect marriage.