Marcus Peters: Seahawks Draft Profile

Many fans of the Seattle Seahawks are also fans of the Washington Huskies. Those who are, know all about Marcus Peters.

The three-star recruit from Oakland, was a starter for the Dawgs from the middle of his freshman season to the end of his UW career. He was then named second-team All-Pac12 his sophomore year, and was a Mid-Season All American to begin 2014.

Unfortunately, Peters didn’t make it past mid-season.

He was released from the program for undisclosed violations of team rules, but it was pretty clear what was going on. Here is a quote from the link:

"Marcus Peters was somewhat famously suspended for one game this September after headbutting an Eastern Washington University receiver and then throwing a tantrum on the sidelines. That outburst was followed by reports that Peters was clashing with new UW coach Chris Petersen and his staff, culminating in arguments all week and at least one skipped practice."

We could go on forever about what could have been for Peters at UW, but the truth is, he is going to be OK. He still has a chance to be a first round pick due to his size and athleticism if he convinces a team that his anger problems and stubbornness are a thing of the past. As the saying goes, all you have to do is convince one team.

But that’s enough about college transgressions. Let’s get to Marcus Peters on the field.

Marcus Peters Draft Profile: Strengths

In my opinion, Peters is the most gifted CB in this draft. At 6’0″, 197 pounds and with 31 1/2″ arms, he is pretty much what you would build if you were creating-a-corner on Madden. He is the most physical college corner that I have ever seen. His best attribute is the way he redirects receivers and disrupts timing whenever he is in press coverage, but for the best examples of his physicality, watch the plays at 1:25, 5:37, 6:31 and 7:31 in the video below.

Not many corners are willing or able to be that aggressive. He won’t be able to push guys around like that in the NFL, but it is very impressive nonetheless.

Peters also plays with great instinct. By great, I don’t necessarily mean his instinct is always right, but he is always trying to anticipate routes and passes. Instinct and aggressiveness go well together.

Peters is also more than just a straight-line athlete, he has loose hips and is a fluid athlete all-around. He has the strength (and willingness) to make plays in the run game. Peters takes on blockers in space extremely well. Watch the play at 2:00 in the video. Watch how he evades the blockers using his quick feet, and strong hands and is still able to make the tackle. That’s what you want to see from a corner.

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Marcus Peters Draft Profile: Weaknesses

When Peters does get beat, it is either because he gambled (there is a downside to his persistent aggressiveness), or he loses focus and gets caught staring at the backfield. Watch the play at 5:15. And you will see an example of both on one play. He jumps the crossing route too early, and then stares down the QB to try to figure out what’s going and while the receiver turns up field.

Luckily for the Dawgs, the QB didn’t see it.

Marcus Peters Draft Profile: Byron Maxwell’s Replacement?

If Marcus Peters is coached up well, and allows himself to be coached, he will be a shutdown corner in the NFL. The only question is, will he still be on the board at #31 when the Seattle Seahawks go on the clock?

The New Orleans Saints at #13, Philadelphia Eagles at #20, Cincinatti Bengals at #21, Pittsburgh Steelers at #22 and Dallas Cowboys at #27 are all possible landing spots for Peters. And with only two CB’s in this draft class being worthy of being a 1st round pick, I would say there is a less than 50/50 chance of Peters falling to the ‘Hawks.

But that’s the great thing about the draft. You never know what’s going to happen, especially with Pete Carroll and John Schneider.

Next: Shaq Thompson a Possibility For the Seahawks?

Previous reports in the Seahawks Draft Profile Series:

Photo credit for all above pictures: USA Today Sports