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The Colorado Buffaloes sure know how to develop cornerbacks. According to Pro Football Focus, former (and forever) Buffalo Ken Crawley has been the top-graded cornerback in the NFL through Week 4.
A look at what has made Ken Crawley the highest graded CB in the NFL through Week 4, by @PFF_Zoltanhttps://t.co/HVEug8MWTx pic.twitter.com/7emxNMNj9s
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) October 6, 2017
Crawley, who was an undrafted free agent after graduating in 2016, has been fantastic for the New Orleans Saints in his second season. According to PFF, Crawley ranks so highly because he consistently creates havoc on aggressive plays, and he’s able to do that without allowing any big plays. He’s only allowed 8 receptions this year and has two pass breakups and an interception. He’s allowing a paltry 3.7 yards per target, which the seventh-lowest of 113 qualifying cornerbacks.
His best play of the season was an interception in the end zone last week against the Miami Dolphins, and sure it was against Jay Cutler, but Crawley showed off the ball skills and athleticism that made him so good at CU.
Crawley is also making the sure plays more than ever before because of increased physicality to his game. Tackling issues plagued him at Colorado and in his first season with the Saints, but his high grade comes partly because he has yet to miss a tackle this season. Tackling is perhaps the most underrated skill for cornerbacks and Crawley is showing how valuable it is.
We at Ralphie Report are very proud of Ken Crawley and we cannot wait to see where his NFL career takes him, especially with him still wearing the black and gold.