Texans Will Look To The Future Of Cornerback In The Draft
By Travis Oquin
Josh Shaw (4th round)
6’1”, 200 – USC
Josh Shaw from USC is a big corner and he’s a player that the Texans have looked at and worked out privately. The Texans very well could have a dual interest in Josh Shaw as the scouting community is somewhat split on whether he will stay at corner or move to free safety. He played both while at USC.
Much like we mentioned with Eric Rowe, Shaw is a player that could serve a dual purpose for the Texans as a corner and safety or at the very least he gives the team options in how to utilize him.
Aug 29, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; Southern California Trojans cornerback Josh Shaw (26) against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Aloha Stadium. USC defeated Hawaii 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Shaw is an excellent athlete. He ran a 4.44 40-yard dash at the combine and pumped up 26 reps on the bench, an outstanding number for any defensive back.
He also ran a very quick 7.01 in the 3-cone drill and showed a nearly 38 inch vertical jump. Here is a look at Josh Shaw.
Shaw is solid in press coverage and plays well mirroring his man downfield. With his size and athleticism, Shaw is a player that could benefit greatly from NFL caliber coaching and we have already seen Romeo Crennel and his staff get a lot out of a number of cornerbacks that were undrafted and in some cases castoffs from other teams.
Any team will do their due diligence on Shaw, as he was involved in a rather odd story prior to last season where he sprained both ankles in an off-field incident and told a story of attempting to save his nephew from drowning. Shaw went on to let USC make him out to be a hero.
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The problem was none of it was true. The real story as it came out was a loud argument with his girlfriend where the police were called and he jumped off the balcony to avoid a confrontation with the police. No domestic violence charges were filed and per some NFL scouts and investigators, there isn’t a belief that it was anything other than immaturity.
Clearly there are many worse things that NFL players and prospects do, Shaw’s just happened to be quite embarrassing once the truth came out. Most do not believe it will hurt his draft status.
The Texans could do a lot worse than a multi-purpose defensive back that could potentially help them at two different positions in the 3rd round or later.
Click for my look at the Inside Linebackers.
Click for my look at the Outside Linebackers.
Click for my look at the Wide Receivers.
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