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Scout's Take - 3.7.09

The former Bearcat falls short of the prototype in terms of his measurables – he lacks ideal speed for corner and at 184 pounds he doesn’t make up for it with size and bulk. Mickens does make up for his lack of speed with his quickness in short areas and his instincts, anticipating well. One aspect of his game that cannot be questioned is his production, as Mickens was an All-Big East performer all four years at Cincinnati (Second Team as freshman/sophomore and First Team as a junior/senior). He also possesses elite ball skills. Mickens gets a good read on passes, has the aggressiveness to go for the big play and the reliable hands to finish the play with an interception (14 career INTs). Durability wasn’t a big question until recently when an injury to his left knee caused Mickens to miss the final three regular season games of the 2008 season. Attempts to return for the Orange Bowl and the Senior Bowl were both truncated—he was in-and-out of the game (and ineffective) against Virginia Tech, a game he should have likely sat out. He also had leave the Senior Bowl early after looking less than healthy the first couple of days in Mobile. Mickens was still not at 100 percent at the NFL Scouting Combine, making his upcoming Pro Day (March 19) pivotal. Since his injury, Micken’s stock has been on a slide, however if his knee checks out this senior corner could be among the top bargains in the 2009 Draft. He will start in the league.

1.20.09 – MOBILE, Mike Mickens(CB-Cincinnati) missed practice with a nagging knee injury. Draft Guys On Location at The Senior Bowl

Scout's Take - 7.1.08

Pros: Mickens has the prototypical length for a corner with the wingspan to challenge the receiver on any ball thrown in his direction. He is always around the ball, despite the fact that since his true freshman season, opposing quarterbacks have been looking in his direction with less frequency. Mickens is dangerous with the ball in his hands, evidenced by his two touchdowns off interceptions last season. He looks to be able to play in either a man-to-man or a zone-based defensive scheme. Mickens has smooth hips and is capable of turning and running with receivers without losing a step.

Cons: The Bearcats coverman could use another 10 or 20 pounds to be able to do battle in the pro ranks. Unless he gets bigger and stronger, Mickens could have trouble playing bump and run, and his ability to contribute against the run could be limited—he needs to disengage from blocks better. He could end up being a one-dimensional contributor at the next level.

Overall: As a true freshman, Mickens won a starting corner role, finished second in the nation in passes defensed, and has continued to improve each season. He was a key cog to the Bearcats’ breakout season in 2007. His cover skills make Mickens a likely day one pick, but to garner first round consideration, the Cincinnati product will have to either bulk up or really wow scouts with his speed and quickness.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Cincinnati)