The Leading Authority of the NFL Draft

John P. Lopez of SI.com points out that Fred Smoot's production has steadily dropped. He loves to talk trash and bark, and is a popular figure. But more and more, the eight-year veteran has not been backing it up. Third-round pick Kevin Barnes wowed coaches during OTAs. Yeah, it's a whole different world come Sundays in the fall, but Barnes should threaten for playing time in nickel packages, certainly, and maybe more. He also has the size to compete with the NFC East's bigger receivers.
 

Mancini’s Take: Smoot has always been a guy whose mouth is bigger than his game. Who can forget how Carolina’s Steve Smith shut him up to the tune of 11 receptions for 201 yards and a touchdown when the clownish cornerback played for the Vikings in 2005? The 6’1” Barnes not only has good height, but he also uses his long arms to fend off receivers. In addition to his leaping ability and straight-line speed, the thing I love about the former Terrapin is his ability to hit and wrap up ballcarriers. I know I’ve said this before, but it’s amazing to see how many defenders do not know how to tackle. For all its other deficiencies, Washington has a very deep secondary. Barnes will have to earn his playing time behind D’Angelo Hall and Carlos Rogers.

Mandel's Take: Smoot has been more bark than bite for years, so this is hardly a surprise. Barnes seems to have grasped at least the verbal part of being a corner, saying Smoot is "getting a little bit older". I love it. Barnes' athleticism and closing speed combined with his size and sticky hands make him an upgrade over Smoot. I remember that Smith scorching, Rev. I also recall former Giant Plaxico Burress abusing him in last year's opener, to the point where Smoot left the game with a "hip pointer". Miraculously, Smoot was able to play the following week. Smoot can talk all he wants, but his lack of production on the field makes Barnes the frontrunner for playing time.
 

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