Louisiana-Lafayette CB Dwight Bentley could be a late-round draft pick for Cowboys

[Midswat]

By Brandon George / Reporter
bgeorge@dallasnews.com | Bio

4:00 PM on Mon., Jan. 30, 2012 | Permalink


A cornerback who caught my eye at the Senior Bowl practices last week in Mobile, Ala., was Louisiana-Lafayette's Dwight "Bill" Bentley. His size (5-9 3/4, 176) wasn't the reason.

The Cowboys obviously need help in the secondary, and Bentley could be worth taking a shot on in the late rounds of April's NFL draft.

Bentley showed toughness and quickness all week in practices. He was often the most active defensive back on the field. On Tuesday, he had a great practice. He broke well to the football on slants and showed great ball skills on deep passes.

Bentley is an intriguing player. His size, obviously, won't help him. But he's versatile. He can play outside or inside over the slot.

Asked if he prefers to play in man coverage, Bentley said, "It doesn't matter. I just prefer to play football."

Bentley said his strengths include "playing fast, good ball skills and my instincts."

He showed all of that last week in front of NFL scouts.

 

[GloryDaysRBack]

Doesn't sound like someone we'd have interest in...

Playing fast
Coverage skills
Ball skills
Instincts

Those aren't typically qualities we look for in DBs

 

[cmd34]

Doesn't sound like someone we'd have interest in...

Playing fast
Coverage skills
Ball skills
Instincts

Those aren't typically qualities we look for in DBs

Here's what we look for:

Soft as cream cheese
Able to count 10 yards so can maintain constant cushion on WR's
Ability to look around and point at teammates when burned by WR
Wanted by no other teams (Sensabaugh Syndrome)

 

[Midswat]

Strengths - Displays solid palms up in the air technique.

Weaknesses - Able to locate and make plays on the ball.


With the 14th pick in the NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Dwight Bentley.

 

[dbair1967]

Doesn't sound like someone we'd have interest in...

Playing fast
Coverage skills
Ball skills
Instincts

Those aren't typically qualities we look for in DBs

Dave Campo has exited the building though

 

[Cr122]

I'm curious to see what his broad jump will be among other things at the combine.

I'd prefer a taller corner, but if he can cover, jump and tackle. That's enough.