DRC fitting in nice in Philadlephia

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has only been with his new team, the Philadelphia Eagles, a few days but he is happy and already feeling settled in, according to his father Stan Cromartie.

DRC is not worried about the long-jam some might see at the Eagles cornerback position. They signed Nnamdi Asomugha a few days after getting DRC and already have Asante Samuel.

DRC is not worried about the competition and the team seems to believe he would be the better guy to move into the slot when the Eagles go to their nickel package (5 defensive backs). He also volunteered to take the slot.

With Asomugha and Samuel covering the corners, DRC’s speed, size and athleticism make him all the more valuable. It’s a better fit than what he had in Arizona and he apparently knows it.

As a nickel back you won’t be starting, but you see a lot of playing time. At 25, DRC is younger than Samuel and Asomugha (both 30). It also might add some years to his career.

Samuel still hasn’t reported to camp because of personal reasons and some speculate he might be traded. If only for money, it makes more sense to keep DRC because his contract doesn’t carry the same dollar signs as Samuel and Asomugha.

Samuel allowed 3.2 yards per pass attempt in his direction last year and was first in the league in his success rate (78 percent), which is the percentage of passes that don’t manage to get at least 45 percent of the needed yardage on first down and 60 percent of needed yardage on second down or 100 percent of needed yardage on third down, according to Football Outsiders.

Of course, there are lots of factors that go into these numbers, like which cornerbacks are covering the other team’s number one receivers. The quality of a team’s overall defense and who a quarterback is picking on. But it makes for good conversation.

Rodgers-Cromartie okay wth trade to Eagles

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is okay with going to the Philadelphia Eagles if his much talked about trade takes place, according to his father.

Stan Cromartie, former Southeast High basketball great, said he talked with Dominique's today and his son realizes it's a business and has no apprehension.

Rodgers-Cromartie, who played for Lakewood Ranch High, is reported to be going to Philadelphia for quarterback Kevin Kolb. The Eagles are also asking for a first round draft pick, which is one of the reasons the deal is being delayed, Stan Cromartie believes.

"I talked to my son's agent Eugene Parker a little while ago and he told me that the first person the Eagles asked for in a potential trade for Kolb was my Dominique," Stan Cromartie said. "Arizona feels they are already giving Philadelphia a number one pick in Dominique because that is what he was (selected 16th overall in the 2008 draft).

"Dominique just wants to play football. He understands this is a business and anything can happen at anytime. The Cardinals want a QB and the Eagles say they want Dominique. I don't think Arizona will give up another first round pick.

"Whatever happens, Dominque is grateful to Arizona because they made his dream come true. Wherever the ship falls, he is ready to play football. Deion Sanders played for five NFL teams."

Rodgers-Cromartie signed a five year, $15.1 million contract that includes $9 million guaranteed with Arizona. He was Pro Bowl selection in the 2009 season, but was unable to play because of an injury.

Rodgers-Cromartie gives Mistral Raymond a boost at Dick Vitale Gala

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie sees big things for Mistral Raymond, the Palmetto High graduate out of USF. who could become the fourth defensive back from Manatee County play in the NFL this season.

Rodgers-Cromartie was at the Dick Vitale Gala Friday night along with his dad, Stan Cromartie, who is assistant Athletic Director at Edward Waters College.

"I think Bubba (Raymond's nickname) is going into a great situation at Minnesota," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "They need corners and him being a good safety/corner he is going in and learn from Antoine Winfield, who has been an all pro for many years."

The starting cornerback for Arizona, Rodgers-Cromartie believes Manatee County is turning into 'Cornerback County' because of a trend started by Bayshore graduate Fabian Washington, who was first round pick in 2005 out of Nebraska and is now with Baltimore.

"Before everyone here wanted to be a receiver, but Fabian changed that. Now everyone wants to make that transition to cornerback" said Rodgers-Cromartie who played his senior year at Lakewood Ranch before going on to Tennessee State.

In 2008, Rodgers-Cromartie was a first round pick by Arizona in the same year Southeast graduate Mike Jenkins was picked in the first round by Dallas.

Rodgers-Cromartie is anxious to get back on the field, but feels certain the NFL Players Union will get a good deal for the players.

"I think they are doing a real good job and I am confident things will work out," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "Since the lockout I've been relaxing and going to some of the off season camps and working out sometimes here in Bradenton. I am not too much worried about the season. I think it's going to start on time."

Rodgers-Cromartie looks impressive

If Arizona Cardinals defensive back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is not at one-hundred percent, the other teams in the NFL could be in for a rough time.

The Lakewood Ranch graduate says he is still not fully recovered from knee surgery and a subsequent toe injury he suffered during the off season.

However, the third year pro has been impressive during the first week of training camp, showing his knack for breaking up passes and coverage skills. Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald praised Rodgers-Cromartie after going against him in practice, noting how physical he is despite his slender 6-2, 185 pound frame.

The 24-year-old Rodgers-Cromartie is coming off a Pro Bowl season where he showed he has a lot more going for himself than his 4.29 speed in the 40-yard dash. He and Fitzgerald got into a spirited physical encounter during drills on Monday.

The 6-2, 218 pound Fitzgerald is a two time first team All Pro (’08 and ‘09), four time Pro Bowler and was selected the Pro Bowl MVP last season when he caught 97 passes for 1,092 yards and 13 touchdowns.