ROOKIE REPORT-DARRELLE REVIS (NYJ-CB)

By Ralph Mancini, Fantasy Football Insiders Senior Writer

Although the New York Jets might’ve had bigger holes to plug in their less-than-formidable defense during last April’s NFL Draft, you’d have to search far and wide for one anyone taking issue with their selection of the ultra-athletic and physical cornerback Darrelle Revis out of the University of Pittsburgh.
Not only did Jets management look at Revis as the top cornerback coming out of college, but they thought enough of the 5’ 11” 204-pound standout to trade up from the 25th to 14th slot to secure his services. During his collegiate years, the Aliquippa, Pennsylvania native established himself as an impact player worthy of a starting 11 of his first 12 games as a freshman.
Following his successful 2004 campaign in which he broke up or defended 26 passes, Revis went on to earn Big East first-team honors not only for his shutdown abilities in coverage, but also for his skills as a big-play artist on punt returns. He took his role as difference maker to another level as a senior by returning two interceptions for touchdowns versus the universities of Virginia and Cincinnati.
Revis’s signature game took place with his team locking horns with their heated rivals from the University of West Virginia in the infamous “Backyard Brawl.” It was during this game that the future first rounder authored a 73-yard punt return that saw him break numerous tackles before hitting pay dirt. The opening stage of Revis’s professional career was marred by a 20-day holdout during training camp. However, after three weeks of getting acclimated to his new surroundings, the determined 22-year-old was hell-bent on being an instant contributor for the Green and White.
In week one, the dynamic cornerback was one of Gang Green’s few bright spots as he showcased his hard tackling to the opposition. His nitty-gritty, hard-nosed play was particularly effective in week four as Revis kept coming with the blitz forcing Bills quarterback Trent Edwards into at least three incompletions.
In addition, the multi-faceted corner went on to also break up two pass plays and record his first NFL interception by getting underneath Buffalo receiver Roscoe Parrish and returning it 19 yards.
In that same game, however, Revis also exposed his deficiencies, looking uncomfortable in covering the slot receiver position. Edwards ended up throwing 11 times in his direction and completed nine of those pass attempts for 83 yards. His shortcomings in that game propelled him to work on his technique and improve his coverage, allowing him to better utilize his exceptional quickness.
Although Revis’s 4.53 forty time doesn’t quite match up with that of fellow rookie corner Leon Hall, who checks in with a 4.39, the young Jet has enough physical velocity to keep up with NFL wide outs on deep routes and patterns.
In addition, Revis is adept at jamming his adversaries at the line of scrimmage, depriving them of a clean release.
Athletically, Revis is the complete package as demonstrated by the fact that he not only played five different positions on his high school football team, but was also an outstanding basketball player and track runner. Much like a number of current NFL stars, Revis’s good bloodlines have allowed him to make a smooth transition into professional ball, and play with extreme confidence from the get-go.
In fact, the rising star has publicly stated that his uncle, former NFL defensive lineman Sean Gilbert, has been his role model and inspiration in his journey up the ranks.
His strong personality and leadership qualities have translated positively on the field. To date, Revis leads his team with 47 solo tackles. If Jets management successfully revamps their defensive corps in the off-season with more beef on the defensive line and one or two linebackers suited for their 3-4 scheme, look for Revis to flourish into a premiere playmaking ball-hawk with a nasty streak to match.