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Phillip Gaines
Cornerback
Height: 6' 0", Weight: 193 lbs
Rice
Strengths: Gaines is a speedster. His 40-yard dash time at the Combine was 4.38 seconds. He has great vision and follows the play well. He is aggressive and mirrors receivers like a pro. His timing is excellent, allowing only 13 catches in 40 targets during the entire 2013 season. Although he had no interceptions in his first three years with the Owls, he finished 2013 with four picks. He was a four-year starter and two year captain at Rice.
Weaknesses: Gaines will sometimes get jammed at the line of scrimmage, as he tends to focus on the backfield before the snap. He has some durability concerns. He missed a portion of 2009 with a broken wrist and most of 2011 with a foot injury. Gaines needs to improve his angles in pursuit. He needs to work on his run support and has the hands of a defender, not a receiver.
Bottom Line: Gaines is a smart cornerback who has flown under the radar. He should be a solid performer at the next level.
Projected Round: 3
Team He Fits Best On: Redskins, Giants, Buccaneers
Phillip Gaines of Rice 2012 Pass Breakups (via Chuck Pool Jr.)