[baymeadows3408]

I have read in some twitter discussions that the agent fees are typically 3%. That sounds a lot lower than I would have anticipated, but if so, I would expect a true professional to be able to create 3% in value in a contract. If they are charging 15%+, then it definitely can be questionable whether they provide that value.

Sherman backers have mentioned on social media that supposedly 2-3 other teams passed on the same deal the 9ers struck. If true, then that would indicate that he did get the best deal he could. If this was such a "team friendly" contract, you would have expected other bidders to jump at the chance to have a potential all pro player who could be cut if needed.

I remember Sherman distinctly at Stanford. I remember the anxiety I felt every time I saw him isolated out on the corner against the other team's top passing target. I would turn to my seat mate and predict a chunk play to that receiver and was often "rewarded" for my prescience. As a non-expert, his switch from WR to CB felt like a disastrous mistake from the sideline. Clearly he was just getting up the learning curve, but it was a painful curve to watch as a fan. I was shocked he was drafted as high as he was (5th round, 154th overall), but shows that the talent evaluators at least saw the potential there.

Here's his profile from NFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/rich...id=2495507

OVERVIEW
Sherman is a size prospect with some good intangibles that will help him mold into a contributing backup corner for a press-heavy team. However, he does not possess the natural coverage instincts, fluidity or burst to be considered a future starter. Is comfortable and capable in press man, using his size to disrupt receivers' releases off the line, but doesn't show enough make up speed to consistently recover when beaten. Awareness in zone and off-man are only adequate. Has average ball skills but some upside as a playmaker. Tough against the run but still developing from a technical standpoint. Sherman is a Day 3 prospect.

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Sherman possesses rare height for a corner with enough bulk and speed. Effective when lined up at the line in press man coverage. Uses length well and established sound initial positioning. Flashes the ability to turn and run. Flashes the ability to high-point the football. Willing to help out in run support.
WEAKNESSES Can be baited out of position when in zone and a tick late to diagnose underneath routes. Tall, high-cut prospect who displays some hip-stiffness. Not explosive when transitioning or when changing direction. Lacks great recovery skills when beaten off the line. Can struggle tacking in the open field at times.

I remember him better as a receiver than CB in college.  Like you, I didn't remember him as a star on defense and I didn't understand the reasoning behind switching him to D when he was one of our best options at receiver.

I remember Sherman having rough games vs. Cal and Notre Dame in 2009. He had the pick 6 vs. USC but was still super raw. Golden Tate made him look silly. I think by midway through the 2010 season he had made a lot of improvement, but I wasn't really paying attention to him and common fans like myself tend to not notice cornerbacks unless they are doing something wrong. I would love to see some sort of metric comparing 2009 Richard Sherman to 2010 Richard Sherman.

[baymeadows3408]

I have read in some twitter discussions that the agent fees are typically 3%. That sounds a lot lower than I would have anticipated, but if so, I would expect a true professional to be able to create 3% in value in a contract. If they are charging 15%+, then it definitely can be questionable whether they provide that value.

Sherman backers have mentioned on social media that supposedly 2-3 other teams passed on the same deal the 9ers struck. If true, then that would indicate that he did get the best deal he could. If this was such a "team friendly" contract, you would have expected other bidders to jump at the chance to have a potential all pro player who could be cut if needed.

I remember Sherman distinctly at Stanford. I remember the anxiety I felt every time I saw him isolated out on the corner against the other team's top passing target. I would turn to my seat mate and predict a chunk play to that receiver and was often "rewarded" for my prescience. As a non-expert, his switch from WR to CB felt like a disastrous mistake from the sideline. Clearly he was just getting up the learning curve, but it was a painful curve to watch as a fan. I was shocked he was drafted as high as he was (5th round, 154th overall), but shows that the talent evaluators at least saw the potential there.

Here's his profile from NFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/rich...id=2495507

OVERVIEW
Sherman is a size prospect with some good intangibles that will help him mold into a contributing backup corner for a press-heavy team. However, he does not possess the natural coverage instincts, fluidity or burst to be considered a future starter. Is comfortable and capable in press man, using his size to disrupt receivers' releases off the line, but doesn't show enough make up speed to consistently recover when beaten. Awareness in zone and off-man are only adequate. Has average ball skills but some upside as a playmaker. Tough against the run but still developing from a technical standpoint. Sherman is a Day 3 prospect.

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Sherman possesses rare height for a corner with enough bulk and speed. Effective when lined up at the line in press man coverage. Uses length well and established sound initial positioning. Flashes the ability to turn and run. Flashes the ability to high-point the football. Willing to help out in run support.
WEAKNESSES Can be baited out of position when in zone and a tick late to diagnose underneath routes. Tall, high-cut prospect who displays some hip-stiffness. Not explosive when transitioning or when changing direction. Lacks great recovery skills when beaten off the line. Can struggle tacking in the open field at times.

I remember him better as a receiver than CB in college.  Like you, I didn't remember him as a star on defense and I didn't understand the reasoning behind switching him to D when he was one of our best options at receiver.

I remember Sherman having rough games vs. Cal and Notre Dame in 2009. He had the pick 6 vs. USC but was still super raw. Golden Tate made him look silly. I think by midway through the 2010 season he had made a lot of improvement, but I wasn't really paying attention to him and common fans like myself tend to not notice cornerbacks unless they are doing something wrong. I would love to see some sort of metric comparing 2009 Richard Sherman to 2010 Richard Sherman.