Analysis: 49ers' Rogers more skilled than Clements

August 3, 2011MAIOCCO ARCHIVE
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Matt MaioccoCSNBayArea.com
The phone picked up at NFL Films headquarters early Wednesday morning and when the caller identified himself, the voice on the other end did not hesitate."Carlos Rogers has a lot of ability but no confidence."Greg Cosell, senior producer at NFL Films, watches more NFL coaches film than anyone not affiliated with a team. And he's not afraid to share his unvarnished opinions.The 49ers filled a hole at cornerback Tuesday night when they signed former Washington Redskins cornerback Carlos Rogers to a one-year contract while he was on a visit to meet with coaches and team officials in Santa Clara.NEWS: 49ers sign CB Rogers to one-year contract
Rogers replaces Nate Clements, whom the 49ers cut last week to save more than 15 million in cap space. Clements quickly signed a two-year, 10.5 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals."Clements has passed the point where he's an effective down-to-down corner," Cosell said.Rogers is only 19 months younger than Clements, but Clements has played four more NFL seasons. Rogers was the ninth overall pick in the 2005 draft. Clements was chosen 21st overall in 2001."I think Carlos has a better physical skill set than Nate Clements at this point in their careers," Cosell said. "But Rogers plays with big cushions and gives up a lot of competitions."I can't speak to what's in his mind, but watching him I've always gotten the impression that he doesn't get amnesia like a cornerback should. He seems to get troubled when he's beaten and it impacts the way he plays."Cosell added, "His skill set is not exactly Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but he could be a top-10 corner in this league. You wouldn't nickname him, 'Toast,' but he's not as good or consistent as he could be. Now when it comes down to different coaching staffs, I'm sure a lot of them would watch him and say, 'He's pretty good.'"