2012 stats: 58 tackles, 8 assists, 1-3-1 interceptions, 9 passes defensed, 10-209-0 kick returns
Cassius Vaughn was one of what seemed like several dozen cornerback prospects the Colts brought in at the start of the season in a desperate attempt to find anyone who could play the position.
An undrafted signee by the Broncos in 2010, he had a promising rookie season on special teams. He won the third corner job in 2011 camp, but was later bumped down due to inconsistent play. Denver's 2012 housecleaning included trading him the the Colts straight up for superfluous fullback Chris "the wrong" Gronkowski.
In his one season as a Colt, he was up and down. Pressed into service early due to injuries, poor play and general confusion at the position, Vaughn ended up starting 11 games, playing both sides and the slot.
Vaughn was so-so in coverage. He had most of his problems deep; being beaten for five touchdowns and flagged nine times, but was one of the Colts' better cover men in short and intermediate range. Unfortunately, he saved one of his worst games for the national stage, getting burned by Baltimore's Anquan Boldin in the Wild Card game.
Vaughn was a better run defender than his size would make you think, but he's no Antoine Winfield.
He made something of a name for himself as a special-teamer with Denver, but did not shine there as a Colt. A so-so kick returner, he was replaced at the position, and he didn't do a heck of a lot on coverage that I can recall except get flagged twice.
Although Vaughn has been in the league three seasons now, I still think of him as a prospect who has shown flashes of greatness, inconsistency and, sometimes, bone-headed play. Thrown into some high-pressure situations throughout his career, he has had his trials, but has also shown resilience and talent.
Will other teams bid for him?: Some team could fall in love with his versatility and promise, but I doubt it. If the Colts tender him a reasonable contract offer, it won't give them any compensation (because Vaughn was not drafted), but it would give them the right to match.
Chances he'll be back: About 50-50, but it depends on how things shake out. Despite all the new faces (or maybe because of them), the Colts are still in flux at cornerback. Vontae Davis, for whom the team traded a second-round pick, is definitely staying. But two of the Colts' other top corners, Jerraud Powers and Darius Butler, are unrestricted free agents. Although both would probably re-sign if the price is right, the Colts may not be able to retain them both, even though they have lots of room under the cap. The team also has some prospects it likes at the position, most notably Josh Gordy, Justin King and Teddy Williams, but they hardly seem ready for prime time. If either Powers or Butler departs, the Colts will probably retain Vaughn because of his starting experience. But if they both stay, the team may well look at younger options at fourth corner.
1 comment:
The offensive line is the clear priority in the off season as there is an urgent need to keep the franchise quarterback healthy. But the defensive backfield is a definite weakness, and needs addressing.
The Vontae Davis trade is looking better by the week.
What say you, Jerry, about Vontae's first year with the Colts?
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