Sep 23, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback Chimdi Checkwa (35) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 37-21. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Chimdi Checkwa
From the first time I saw him in 2011 as a rookie, I thought Chimdi Checkwa was going to be a good one if he got the chance. He has great, 4.3 closing speed, can get his hands on you, good feet and can flip his hips to turn and stay with his man. The only problem back then was his inconsistency playing the ball as he was right there for all the catches he gave up.
Then when the new regime came in, he was cut but McKenzie was at least smart enough to put him on the practice squad and he made is way back up last year. And now, with 2013 first round pick D.J. Hayden out, Checkwa looks like he’s the best corner on the team and due for a big promotion from the twos. He had two passes defensed with one of them wiped out by penalty and did not give up a catch on the night.
Starter Tarrell Brown was abused in the game so that was a 10-7 round for Checkwa, who ended the round beating Brown on the ropes. But this isn’t new as also before the game, ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez quoted Allen as saying, “Since I’ve gotten here, he’s continued to get better every day. He’s very valuable to us on special teams so if he continues to improve, I think Chimdi’s a guy that can help us this year.”