Cam Sutton

[Legacy User]

Some analysis from the net.

Sutton (5’11/188) was a rare four-year starter in the Vols’ secondary, graduating as the school’s all-time leader in pass breakups (37) with seven interceptions. Sutton missed half of his senior season with a fractured ankle, but experienced no durability problems before that. He managed a 35th-percentile athleticism workout in Indy, running 4.52 with underwhelming peripherals. Sutton earned praise for a solid Senior Bowl week, but he struggles in man coverage and misses way too many tackles. Short armed (30"), not a physical enough for the slot, and not athletic enough for the boundary, Sutton is low-probability pick. http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/122 ... ron-sutton

Certainly not endearing...

This is not consistent with me watching every game he played his entire career. He wasn't the guy I felt the best about from TN (Barnett and Dobbs were the two guys I felt strongest about), but I don't think his film suggests he is not physical and/or can't cover in man. He is not a "wow" athlete, but he is a guy that has a good size/weight/speed ratio and consistently made plays vs. the pass and run for multiple years (when healthy).

[Scunge]

What I read about him is that he is not grabby, meaning he did not see much penalties and he only gave up 3 TDs for his career. And he scored 3 TDs on punt returns so in a way he gave up nothing in terms of points.

I don't know, for every negative review of a prospect I can show you a positive, glowing one. I have read some crazy reviews where people were saying that JuJu is not a physical player and goes down easily

This is all just speculation and we won't know until the preseason games and the regular season what we have. Like last preseason it became clear to me that we struck gold with our rookie trio, with Burns he missed his first 3 preseason games and we had to wait longer on him, but I knew that we had something special with those three. It will be the same this year.

[Steelafan77]

I've read everywhere this cat was a solid producer in the collegiate theatre. Wasn't a WR he didn't go up against. The Steelers feel his best position is inside with the ability to play some boundary. I still wanted Douglas more, especially since Griffin and Lewis were off the board. I feel like this is a very 'safe' and solid pick. He will get his wings and start like all the others playing Sunday's on ST's. Sutton is my 3rd favorite pick of this draft. In addition to Sutton, Allen should be an absolute stud on ST's with those measurables. Watt, Adams even Conner and Schuster will be capable of contributing. I look at ST's as very much improved going forward, theoretically.

[bradshaw2ben]

Really good college player who will have issues seeing the field on defense. I hope he's able to upgrade the return game from where AB left it last year.

[Steelafan77]

Well... I hope to see more than 'issues getting on the field for defense' I'm sure as the Steelers do too. Otherwise this is another wasted mid round pick.

[franco32]

Some analysis from the net.

Sutton (5’11/188) was a rare four-year starter in the Vols’ secondary, graduating as the school’s all-time leader in pass breakups (37) with seven interceptions. Sutton missed half of his senior season with a fractured ankle, but experienced no durability problems before that. He managed a 35th-percentile athleticism workout in Indy, running 4.52 with underwhelming peripherals. Sutton earned praise for a solid Senior Bowl week, but he struggles in man coverage and misses way too many tackles. Short armed (30"), not a physical enough for the slot, and not athletic enough for the boundary, Sutton is low-probability pick. http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/122 ... ron-sutton

Certainly not endearing...

This is not consistent with me watching every game he played his entire career. He wasn't the guy I felt the best about from TN (Barnett and Dobbs were the two guys I felt strongest about), but I don't think his film suggests he is not physical and/or can't cover in man. He is not a "wow" athlete, but he is a guy that has a good size/weight/speed ratio and consistently made plays vs. the pass and run for multiple years (when healthy).

Al,

Thanks as always for your Tennessee evaluations. A lot of people are saying he can't play man-to-man in the slot, but that isn't what I saw on film. I get the size issue, but he seems to have quick feet and good change of direction. How do you feel he can play slot in the NFL?

[bradshaw2ben]

He has no length or size-- he's going to have a very hard time re-directing anyone. I think his movement skills are very good, but when you jump up a level in class, the weapons you face are generally much better athletes and are going to negate his college quickness advantage. I've heard they are thinking of using him on the outside-- he might have a better chance out there with #2 WRs but I don't think he's a guy you want to see in Man2Man vs an elite NFL X. He's Willie Gay all over again-- except not quite as long and better mirroring.

[jebrick]

He will struggle with press man. I think he is an off -man CB in the NFL. He is a Willie Gay clone.

[R_S]

If he turns into Willie Gay, then that's a good pick at that spot.

[bradshaw2ben]

If he turns into Willie Gay, then that's a good pick at that spot.

if it were 2008, yeah

I've been saying Willie Gay is the comp-- I expected him to go to Tennessee, until I heard DLB said he thinks they need to have more man 2 man coverages because of how the NFL is evolving.

I think brick has the right idea-- off man might be right for him-- nickel safety could be the plan.

[chippedhamsandwich]

If he turns into Willie Gay, then that's a good pick at that spot.

Punt Returner "Willy Gay"??

Yes please, that would be a great pick

[Stosh-67]

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/cameron-sutton

Nice web site B.
He will make up for the short arms with his 8 1/4" hands.....

Only kidding.

I was pulling for them to draft Raul as well.
But our guys know these two players 1,000 time better than I do.

He is our guy and can't wait to see how he performs.

Good luck Cam.

[steelclan]

If he turns into Willie Gay, then that's a good pick at that spot.

Punt Returner "Willy Gay"??

Yes please, that would be a great pick

If he turns into Gay he is a home run at this spot. Gay's production and longevity is above average for a 1st rounder (ave 1st is 4 year starter) I don't think folks realize what a great pick he was.

[jebrick]

If he turns into Willie Gay, then that's a good pick at that spot.

if it were 2008, yeah

I've been saying Willie Gay is the comp-- I expected him to go to Tennessee, until I heard DLB said he thinks they need to have more man 2 man coverages because of how the NFL is evolving.

I think brick has the right idea-- off man might be right for him-- nickel safety could be the plan.

Off man works so well vs NE

[steelclan]

If he turns into Willie Gay, then that's a good pick at that spot.

if it were 2008, yeah

I've been saying Willie Gay is the comp-- I expected him to go to Tennessee, until I heard DLB said he thinks they need to have more man 2 man coverages because of how the NFL is evolving.

I think brick has the right idea-- off man might be right for him-- nickel safety could be the plan.

Off man works so well vs NE

Steeler's FO has been harping on more press all off season. It started in post season presser, mentioned during draft process and stated as one of primary goals to change outcomes for upcoming season. Many folks get caught up in pass rush = way to defeat Pats. It is only a piece of solution the biggest push towards that solution is forcing Brady to hold the ball long enough to get to him. Denver's CBs did exactly that.

[bradshaw2ben]

As I said, I think Willie Gay was a terrific pick and good player. He has limitations, though. I guess I'm saying i think Sutton will ultimately be a role player-- which is not bad in a vacuum-- but I'm not sure he's good enough to get a lot of snaps on D in what potentially will be a good group of CBs. If Gay is cut/retires... if Golson can't play at all and is cut/retires... Sutton probably backs up Sensabaugh. If neither of those things happens, maybe they give him and Allen a chance to win the #2 CB job. Other than PRs, where he has a pretty fair chance of winning the job, don't see him getting a lot of PT in 2017, at least. See if you can figure out who will win the top 3 CB jobs and who will be cut:

1... 5114, 203, 32.50 arm, 9.00 hand, 4.41 40yd, 1.56 10yd, 17 reps, 34.0 VJ, 120" BJ, 4.27 SS, 7.15 3c
2... 6000, 191, 29.88 arm, 9.00 hand, 4.44 40yd, 1.50 10yd, 12 reps, 39.0 VJ, 125" BJ, 4.27 SS, 6.88 3c
3... 6007, 200, 32.75 arm, 9.25 hand, 4.63 40yd, 1.59 10yd, 12 reps, 35.0 VJ, 125" BJ, 4.59 SS, 7.16 3c
4... 6027, 215, 34.00 arm, 10.0 hand, 4.48 40yd, 1.51 10yd, 15 reps, 38 VJ, 127" BJ, 4.18 SS, 6.64 3c
5... 5112, 189, 31.00 arm, 9.00 hand, 4.42 40yd, 1.60 10yd, 15 reps, 37.0 VJ, 122" BJ, 4.06 SS, 6.60 3c
6... 5117, 193, 33.25 arm, 9.50 hand, 4.46 40yd, 1.56 10yd, 07 reps, 33.0 VJ, 124" BJ, 4.33 SS, 6.96 3c
7... 5085, 176, 29.75 arm, 9.38 hand, 4.46 40yd, 1.54 10yd, 15 reps, 33.5 VJ, 120" BJ, 4.20 SS, 6.81 3c
8... 5110, 188, 30.00 arm, 8.25 hand, 4.52 40yd, 1.57 10yd, 11 reps, 34.0 VJ, 120" BJ, 4.23 SS, 6.81 3c
9... 5101, 187, 31.00 arm, 9.50 hand, 4.48 40yd, 1.51 10yd, 16 reps, 38.5 VJ, 118" BJ, 4.15 SS, 6.89 3c
10. 5101, 183, 30.75 arm, 9.13 hand, 4.34 40yd, 1.56 10yd, 17 reps, 35.0 VJ, 126" BJ, 3.97 SS, 6.50 3c

[stillthere]

https://www.fanragsports.com/nfl/steelers/third-rounder-cameron-sutton-could-make-early-impact-with-steelers/

Third-rounder Cameron Sutton could make early impact with Steelers
John Perrotto
By John Perrotto
Posted on May 7, 2017


PITTSBURGH — With no openings in the starting lineup of a team that won the AFC North and reached the AFC championship game last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t looking for players in the NFL draft who needed to make an immediate impact.

Outside linebacker T.J. Watt and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, the Steelers’ first two picks, will likely have what amounts to redshirt seasons in 2017, seeing only spot duty unless the team is hit hard by injuries.

The draftee with the most realistic shot at consistent playing time — and perhaps even a spot in the starting lineup when the Steelers open the season Sept. 10 against the Browns at Cleveland — is cornerback Cameron Sutton, the first of two third-round picks.

William Gay, the 32-year-old slot corner, began to show his age late last season. The New England Patriots picked on him often during their victory over the Steelers in the AFC championship game.

With his man coverage skills and extensive experience playing at a high level in the SEC while at Tennessee, Sutton has a chance to beat Gay out for the starting job in training camp. Veteran Coty Sensabaugh, signed as a free agent in the offseason, will also get a look.

Meanwhile, Senquez Golson is somewhat of a wild card. The Steelers second-round pick in 2015, has yet to play in a regular-season game because of injuries.

“Cameron is a press corner and plays close to the line of scrimmage, but can also play off,” Steelers secondary coach Carnell Lake said. “He does a good job of mirroring the receiver. He stays close, and that shows in his productivity as a corner for Tennessee over the years in his career.”

The 5-foot-11, 188-pound Sutton became a starter as a freshman in 2013 and started every game through his junior season. He was limited to seven games last season because of a fractured ankle but recovered in time to play in the Senior Bowl and take part in the NFL Scouting Combine.

In 45 career games, Sutton set a school record with 37 passes defensed to go with 127 tackles — 111 solo and 13 for loss — 7 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries.
Tennessee cornerback Cameron Sutton (33) breaks up a pass intended for LSU wide receiver Travin Dural during practice for Saturday's Senior Bowl college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

The Steelers plan to play more man coverage next season to take advantage of the skill sets of outside corners Artie Burns and Ross Cockrell. Sutton is comfortable playing man.

“That’s something I did pretty much every play in college,” Sutton said. “We played man, single high, or some form of man every single play.”

Sutton ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the combine and says his ankle is completely healed.

“I felt my best, 100 percent, when I got into the Senior Bowl,” Sutton said. “That’s when I felt my best moving around again. And then getting closer to the combine, pro day and everything I hadn’t had any problems. I’m really, really good right now.”

While Sutton’s best shot at starting is in the slot, the Steelers like that he also played some safety in college. The Steelers are thin beyond starters Sean Davis and Mike Mitchell. Their top reserves are Robert Golden and Jordan Dangerfield.

“I think versatility in a defensive back is something you always should look for, the ability to be able to call any defense and the defensive back should be able to draw upon his skills to be able to handle that,” Lake said. “I think that just comes with drafting the right guys. I think this is a good attempt, especially in the third round, of getting someone who can help us do that.”

Sutton and Lake met the night before Tennessee’s pro day. Sutton came away hoping the Steelers would draft him.

“Whatever the team needs me to do,” Sutton said. “I’m excited to be a Steeler.”

[bradshaw2ben]

If we were mostly going to play zone or off man, I'd give Sutton a 60% chance of winning the job. I'm willing to have open mind about him playing press vs NFL receivers but I don't think that's playing the percentages.

[franco32]

I will say this. When I watch Cam Sutton on film, I don't think about short arms or small hands. He's a guy that makes plays. He's got great hips and feet and that is evident in his punt return success as well. Beyond that, he seems like a smart kid. He reads plays early and anticipates. That mental side of the game can't be overlooked.

Given the run on CBs and Safeties at that point, I think it was a very good pick.

[bradshaw2ben]

franco-- When you see him make plays-- they all seem to be from off coverage. He's a really good off-coverage player. I'm not sure that helps you at all vs NE, unless maybe at safety.

[SteelBull]

Maybe we can win more of the other games during the year with him so we get NE at home in the playoffs? Not that that has helped the last two times, but those were a relatively long time ago.

[franco32]

He makes a lot of plays from off man coverage. I do agree with that. However, I did see a number of plays where he was in man-to-man and turned and ran with the WR very well and got a couple picks. (Georgia I think was one.) He's not going to beat you up in press man, although he is quite physical for his size. He's not afraid of contact.

In the past couple years, we've been lining up the likes of Antwon Blake in the slot against Edelman and an aging William Gay. Neither of those players have Sutton's feet, hips, or change of direction skills. Is Sutton going to single-handedly shut down Edelman in the slot? No, but I do consider him a potential upgrade at that position depending on how quickly he learns. From everything I've read, he was a real leader on the Vols and a smart kid.

I get that he is not Richard Sherman in press man coverage but I'm not sure we need that.

New England did not gash our secondary because Chris Hogan is an elite athlete. They gashed us because our secondary kept making mental mistakes over and over again. To beat the cheats, you have to cut down the mental mistakes, play better in the red zone, and get a pass rush that doesn't take 8 seconds to get there. I think this draft will help the cause.

[bradshaw2ben]

He makes a lot of plays from off man coverage. I do agree with that. However, I did see a number of plays where he was in man-to-man and turned and ran with the WR very well and got a couple picks. (Georgia I think was one.) He's not going to beat you up in press man, although he is quite physical for his size. He's not afraid of contact.

In the past couple years, we've been lining up the likes of Antwon Blake in the slot against Edelman and an aging William Gay. Neither of those players have Sutton's feet, hips, or change of direction skills. Is Sutton going to single-handedly shut down Edelman in the slot? No, but I do consider him a potential upgrade at that position depending on how quickly he learns. From everything I've read, he was a real leader on the Vols and a smart kid.

I get that he is not Richard Sherman in press man coverage but I'm not sure we need that.

New England did not gash our secondary because Chris Hogan is an elite athlete. They gashed us because our secondary kept making mental mistakes over and over again. To beat the cheats, you have to cut down the mental mistakes, play better in the red zone, and get a pass rush that doesn't take 8 seconds to get there. I think this draft will help the cause.

I don't disagree with any of that-- Chris Hogan and co beat our isolated safeties... Golden, Burns, & Mitchell. Remains to be seen if we do anything to address that problem. Maybe we'll get biblically lucky and Jacob Hagen will take a giant step forward to win the #3 safety job. He's a guy that could make a play or two in coverage as a safety and would be an upgrade, in my opinion, over Golden/Dangerfield, in Quarters and the coverages they like to play in red zone.

[Stallworth16]

Cam Sutton is a candidate to replace Willie Gay in his role as a slot corner who can play outside too.

Looking back at Willie Gay's career, he played 5 years in his first stint as a Steeler mostly as a slot cb with mixed results. He was cut (2012) and signed by Arizona for a year. Then back to the Steelers for 4 years, for a total of nine years as a CB for the Steelers.

Gay reached his highest level of play in his second stint between the ages of 28-30, Steelers top cb those years. Last season he seemed to be losing a step. It's surprising that Gay has only 9 career interceptions (5 pick 6s, Big Play Willie Gay) in a Steelers uniform or an average of 1 per year. Overall he's been a solid player with a long career. Gay is now 32, with a birthday on January 1st.

[steelclan]

How do Steelers break Sutton in? Do they put him in slot straight away or do what they did with Davis last season and try him out all over the place?

[Scunge]

Well, I think Sutton should be the full time punt returner, so that is one way to have him active and playing right away.

I guess I just feel differently about the CBs and these issues of size and length. Many want to penalize Sutton and Golson for having short arms, and not having ideal size but man I am excited to have two players that can actually force more contested catches. It just seems like we always have CBs that aren't even within the frame of the TV when a pass is completed. These two CBs at least in college were in the hip pocket of the WR and were able to play the football, the catch point, break up the pass. What good is being 6' or 6'1" like Cortez Allen if you are just oblivious to where the ball is, if you have no instincts to play the ball?

The one thing about Sutton is that I am really staring to come around to him as a player after having watched more of his junior year tape. Was really impressed with his punt return work, with his hands in catching punts and also in making INTs and in breaking up passes.

This may not be a popular opinion but maybe with Golson and Sutton the Steelers do less with a 3rd safety and more with having those two come on in sub packages.

[bradshaw2ben]

Julio Jones, Larry Fitzgerald-- even Anquan Boldin are a mismatch problem from the slot for which we don't have a great answer with Golson, Sensabaugh, Gay, Sutton on the field.

As I said, certainly willing to take a wait and see approach to what Sutton can do at this level. I'm sure you can all remember Gay isolated vs. Jordy Nelson and James Jones, though.

I do think that our "hit the jackpot" version of things working out at CB would be Burns-Allen-Sutton-Golson all make it, and all 4 are able to be on the field and not liabilities in dime.