OMac Changing Positions...

[wesfau2]

Playing CB?  Just don't see why you wouldn't put him in the slot if you're looking for another role for him to play.


Onterio McCalebb ran the fastest unofficial 40-time during the 2013 NFL combine, posting a 4.27 during his first attempt. Then he followed up with an even-more impressive 4.21 during his second. Eventually the official number was 4.34 seconds, or in other words, "holy s***, that's fast."



The Auburn running back, nicknamed the Canadian Comet (he was born in Florida), signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent. However he won't be working out as a running back during the team's rookie minicamp during the weekend of May 10-12. McCalebb is "making the switch to cornerback for the May 10-12 rookie minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium as the Bengals try to find a position for him while auditioning his return skills," writes Bengals.com. "Too slight to play NFL running back, McCalebb could also get a look at receiver."

"When you've got a guy with top-end speed like that, we're going to give him a chance to display it in a variety of ways," special teams coach Darrin Simmons said of McCalebb. "We'll try him returning, as well as being a gunner and covering. The one thing you can't coach is speed. He was a very productive back at Auburn. He returned kickoffs, but that was one of the least things he did. He played a lot from scrimmage, but there just aren't a lot 168-pound NFL backs."

Cornerback isn't entirely unfamiliar. As Lucas pointed out in a recent posting, McCalebb did some work as a defensive back during Auburn's pro day.

During the time it took you to read this posting, McCalebb has already ran six miles.



http://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/5/1/4290152/bengals-onterio-mccalebb-moving-cornerback

[Townhallsavoy]

He's not very shifty.  More straight line speed, right?  Notconfident he'll transition to corner very well.

[The Prowler]

Can he backpeddle? If so, he'll make a good DB.

Seriously though, the Bengals do realize that playing on Defense at any position requires the defenders to be able to tackle...and with McCalebb's desire to not get hit in College, surely they realize that him trying to make tackles in the NFL could be a absolute disaster.

[CCTAU]

Can he backpeddle? If so, he'll make a good DB.

Seriously though, the Bengals do realize that playing on Defense at any position requires the defenders to be able to tackle...and with McCalebb's desire to not get hit in College, surely they realize that him trying to make tackles in the NFL could be a absolute disaster.

D. Sanders made a career out of it.....

[JR4AU]

He's not very shifty.  More straight line speed, right?  Notconfident he'll transition to corner very well.

My thoughts as well.  I guess the Bengals aren't putting any big amount of money at risk to try out an undrafted free agent at a position he's not played in hopes his speed will translate in to some talent no other coaching staff before them has uncovered. 

[Buzz Killington]

Probably looking for an "official" spot for him to go along with return duties.  I would think slot receiver would be ideal though.

[Snaggletiger]

D. Sanders made a career out of it.....

 

[Townhallsavoy]

My thoughts as well.  I guess the Bengals aren't putting any big amount of money at risk to try out an undrafted free agent at a position he's not played in hopes his speed will translate in to some talent no other coaching staff before them has uncovered.

If he can catch, I could see him playing a DeSean Jackson role.  Blazing speed, return skills, and the ability to take a bubble screen for 20+ yards. 

[wesfau2]

Probably looking for an "official" spot for him to go along with return duties.  I would think slot receiver would be ideal though.

It's like I think, type and post it and then you do exactly the same...24+ hours later.

[Saniflush]

It's like I think, type and post it and then you do exactly the same...24+ hours later.

He's been at the gun show.

[Buzz Killington]

He's been at the gun show.

with the Hammer brothers

[AU_Tiger_2000]

Can he backpeddle? If so, he'll make a good DB.

Seriously though, the Bengals do realize that playing on Defense at any position requires the defenders to be able to tackle...and with McCalebb's desire to not get hit in College, surely they realize that him trying to make tackles in the NFL could be a absolute disaster.

McCalebb was such a great defensive player that he routinely forced Auburn's plays out of bounds.

[DnATL]

McCalebb was such a great defensive player that he routinely forced Auburn's plays out of bounds.

True - He does have experience using that sideline like an extra defender

[CCTAU]

True - He does have experience using that sideline like an extra defender

He's the fastest player to ever dive for the sidelines. The review said, "Yes, he did break the plane. Please reset the clock."