“You’re Going To Play Most Of The Time”
June 10th, 2016
Meet Dirk Koetter, supreme realist.
Koetter isn’t afraid to call it like he sees it. Who could forget his anti-stats rant last season? It was beautiful. It’s such a pleasure to have a head coach who keeps it real.
Rookie cornerback Vernon Hargreaves had a sparkling day at underwear football practice yesterday, including an interception and an impressive pass breakup. Asked about Hargreaves after practice, Koetter didn’t pretend his rookie has to win a job.
“When you’re a first-round draft pick, you’re going to play. You’re going to play most of the time,” Koetters said. “We know we improved our depth at corner. Brent Grimes has been down the last few days. We have great competition. We’re trying to get competition at every position. Vernon Hargreaves and Alterraun Verner have both stood out as far as the last few days, as far as making plays.”
Yes, Hargreaves will play a lot. Where he plays is the big question. Yesterday, Verner noted how much he’s enjoying playing outside, and it’s clear that Brent Grimes will be outside.
If you missed Joe’s practice video yesterday, it features Hargreaves getting on-field lessons on inside-cornerback play.
June 10th, 2016 at 6:46 am
Agree. Love this guy. He s got to get wins though. Unfortunately he doesn’t have the cupcake schedule this year like last year. However, you have got to believe the defense will be better and Jameis in year two of that offense will be more comfortable. Last year they got blasted in games. Can’t have that under koetter. But love his approach so far.
June 10th, 2016 at 7:32 am
It will be very interesting to see how the CB depth chart plays out, we all know Grimes will be our no. 1, but after that it’s all guessing. My guess would be Banks no. 2 and VH3 as our nickel back with Verner switching out for banks and VH3 throught the season and certain matchups.when’s the last time we had depth like this at corner?? Have to go back to the super bowl run with Barber, Kelly, & my man Dwight Smith. What a duo that was.
June 10th, 2016 at 9:10 am
I like hearing Verner’s name mentioned. He’s one of those guys that if we can keep him in the line-up, it makes our defensive back depth enviable. Plus, last year was so abysmal for him that I’m sure he’s looking to break out. At least that’s my hope anyway.
June 10th, 2016 at 10:34 am
So far it seems to be Grimes and Verner on the outside and VH3 in the nickle. Banks is struggling learning to back peddle he’s taller which makes it naturally harder and he has always turned and ran in coverage. I really like Banks and hope he can adjust to this new system.
June 10th, 2016 at 7:00 pm
@Stan
Me too, banks is a good player, want him to succeed. I think he and vh3 could be a great tandem in the coming years.