Darius Butler CB 5'10 183 Uconn 4.53

Butler has been a standout in the secondary for the Huskies since his redshirt freshman season. During that 2005 season, he had 36 tackles and four picks, and also averaged over 33 yards per kick return, taking one back for a touchdown. As a sophomore, Butler finished with 50 tackles to go with four more interceptions. As a junior he had a career high 54 tackles, along with two interceptions for the season. Butler did everything as a senior until a knee injury ended his season after nine games. On defense he had 37 tackles, two for loss. As a wide receiver he caught eight passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. He was also the Huskies main kick returner, averaging 23.5 yards per kick reeturn.

Strengths

Butler has all the athletic gifts to continue to play at a high level at the next level. He is an excellent athlete, with the quickness and agility to follow receivers in and out of their breaks. On talent alone, he is one of the best corner prospects in the draft. Butler is such a good athlete that the Huskies get him on the field and ask him to play a variety of roles for the team. He has spent time as a kick returner during his career, and is being used as a receiver on offense to utilize his playmaking ability. Butler also shows a nose for the football, and is an excellent leaper, which allows him to go up and make plays on the ball in the air.

Weaknesses

Butler is not lacking much physically. He has just about average size, but that is about it from that perspective. He also is not the most physical corner on the field. He can cover just about anyone, but will need to learn how to become physical with receivers and be more aggressive in run support.

Future

Darius Butler is an excellent cover corner and brings big play ability to the secondary. He is not the most physical defensive back in the draft but his ability to cover his man is what sets him apart. Butler’s combine performance has put him on the first round bubble. The natural athleticism and speed were on display, and a tremendous 43" vertical definitely turned some heads. Malcolm Jenkins and Vontae Davis appear to be the front runners for the top two DB spots, but Darius Butler could be the next off the board.