Overall
Dre Kirkpatrick is a fantastic cornerback prospect, and in most years is the first Corner off the board, but I think he gets unfairly criticized by too many people. Kirkpatrick was recently arrested for possession of Marijuana, and people are dropping him on their boards for that reason. To me, I really don't care about that and it is a non-factor. We all know that the NFL isn't exactly a league of Choir Boys, and I think there is a big difference between just being an immature kid, and bad character guy. I do not believe Kirkpatrick to be a Pacman Jones, Aqib Talib type, but rather just a college kid who just happened to get caught for something that happens on every college campus. Not to defend his actions, but just to say that he is not a "Thug". He also gets over-shadowed by Morris Claiborne who is phenomenal. From a football perspective, there is a lot to love about Dre Kirkpatrick, and very little to dislike. Like all Nick Saban's cornerbacks he excels in bump and run coverage, is physical, and is tough against the run. He also has great speed, fluid hips, and plays the game with a high football IQ. His few on-field weaknesses are all things that can be rather easily coached. I would have no qualms at all personally about taking Kirkpatrick, and I view him as the clear cut #2 CB, and a Top 10 talent. On draft day, he will be a Top-15 pick.
