Darcel McBath Presser

by John Bena on Apr 25, 2009 11:24 PM MDT in 2009 NFL Draft - Denver Broncos

S DARCEL MCBATH

SECOND-ROUND DRAFT PICK (48th OVERALL)

On overall impressions of Broncos

"I'm excited. I'm excited about the future, I'm excited about what's going to happen. I'm going to try to fit in and do my part on the team."

On transition from cornerback to safety at Texas Tech

"Moving to safety was a priority thing. When I moved there, I did a good job so they wanted to keep me there. Our safeties are the cornerstone of our defense, we make all the calls. After a while, I kind of got locked in that position. I stayed there and I became a pretty good player at the position."

On how his cornerback experience helped in the transition to safety

"It just helped me with my ball skills, playing deep balls. And as far as interceptions and returns, it kind of helped me because instead of playing it like a run, I was playing it more as a cover free safety and not a corner."

On playing with CB Champ Bailey and S Brian Dawkins

"I'm blessed because I get to come into a system that has two future Hall of Famers; those guys are great. My eyes are going to be wide open and I'm going to be trying to learn from those two guys. Those two guys alone, if I can pick up anything from them, I'll be a better player."

On competition faced in college (Texas Tech)

"Playing in the Big 12 I've seen some of the best receivers, some of the best talent, in the country. Playing against (Michael) Crabtree everyday... (inaudible), we had fun doing it. I enjoyed it because it was a battle everyday to get better. If he beat me, or if I beat him, it was a battle everyday to get better. I just wanted to get better everyday and playing in the Big 12, you can't help but do that. So I was happy I got a chance to play in the Big 12."

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Comments

This was the one

pick I scratched my head about, mostly because a) I was hoping for a DT or DE here, and b) just know nothing about the guy. That doesn’t always mean anything — I’m no pro scout. But it’s good to at least learn something about him. Still not sure about this one given some of the other guys available, but then we said that last year when they took Eddie Royal.

by underdog on Apr 25, 2009 11:28 PM MDT reply actions

His attitude

is going to get him really far on McD’s squad. He’s willing to learn and make himself better.

"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win" -Brandon Marshall

by Joe Medina on Apr 25, 2009 11:30 PM MDT reply actions

McBath played in a conference that relied strictly on throwing the ball. Texas Tech scored at will, and that caused the opposition to increase their pass attempts. His stats are simply a function of his sample size.

His measurables leave a lot to be desired as well. 6 foot 1 under 200 lbs, he doesn’t have much left to add to the frame. If he projects to a free safety, his speed is average at best with a 40 time of 4.58. He’s not strong, so don’t expect him to intimidate and possession receivers— he only repped 14 in the bench press. His best physical attribute is his leaping ability, where he ended up third for safeties with a 38 foot vertical.

Another talented player that does not address a need. I’m all for character guys, but this was a complete and total reach.

by legendarywalton on Apr 26, 2009 12:22 AM MDT reply actions

His seven interceptions may have come because of the opportunity to defend more passes, but I’d rather have a free safety that plays in a 75% passing league than one who never learned to play in coverage. Would Darcel be a good strong safety? Highly unlikely. As a free safety though, and as it stands right now you guys are in NO position to pick and choose, he’ll be fine.

And I’m pretty sure he didn’t have a 38-foot vertical jump. He may not have a lot of weight on him, but the strength training program at Tech is one of the best. We have a history of safeties that seem to tackle a lot stronger than they should, and McBath wraps up well, too.

His 40 time may not blazing, but he plays faster in pads than many other safeties. I think you guys got a good starting free safety for 2009.

After all is said and done, more is said than done.

by ayleein on Apr 26, 2009 9:50 AM MDT up reply actions

Agreed

Darcel was a differance maker at Tech. If i remember correctly, he was out for the game against the Sooners, one big reason that they got blown out like they did. He has GREAT ball hawking skills, and I think that he’ll do great in Denver.

by newby on Apr 26, 2009 2:36 PM MDT reply actions