STRENGTHS - While not a huge cornerback, he plays strong and physical on every snap. He uses his hands well to re-route receiver and throw off the timing between receiver and quarterback. From off alignment, Adams consistently "clicks and closes" fast on passes in front of him in a flash and will deliver a blow up hit to try and break up pass. He has the playing speed, awareness and athleticism to stay on receiver's hip when he doesn't allow receiver to get separation releasing vs press. When in good coverage postion, Adams has the ball skills, aggressiveness and body control to reach in front of receiver to break up pass without committing the penalty. Consistently coming up quickly in run support and on passes in front of him, Adams has the toughness and tackling ability that NFL teams love to see in a CB.
WEAKNESSES - For a player who seems to enjoy playing physical and tough, Adams does not use hands aggressively to jolt and slow receiver's release from press alignment. Too often when he lines up in press he bails early into side pedal and allows an easy release - Do not punch aggressively. He plays so physical and keeps hands on receiver so much that it is often borderline if it is a penalty. He seems to be a quicker than fast CB who can stay with receivers out of their cuts, but lacks the elite speed to stay with them consistently on intermediate/deep routes. While he is very willing to make hit/tackle, he does not consistently wrap-up and finish his tackles.
SUMMARY - Highly regarded entering the 2012 season, Adams is not the premier propsect that he has been hyped to be. He is rather a good, solid cornerback prospect with the tools to develop into a quality nickel cornerback and possibly a starter if he can improve his footwork and become more consistent. With big receivers all over the NFL, cornerbacks who do not hesitate to put their hands on receiver and play physical are in demand as teams try to find ways to slow down these big receivers. Overall, I would not draft Adams early because I think he is unlikely to become a starting outside cornerback. In the best case scenario he will become a nickel cornerback who excels on special teams, but to do that he would need to greatly improve in the areas mentioned above.