Obscure Seahawks Bi-Weekly: Chandler Fenner

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jarrett Boykin (11) catches a touchdown pass against Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chandler Fenner (48) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The third installment of Obscure Seahawks Bi-Weekly takes a look at cornerback Chandler Fenner. Fenner fits the Seahawks mold of cornerbacks with more length but possibly suspect quickness. Let’s take a look at this second year man out of Holy Cross.

The Basics

Age: 22 (turning 23 in July)

Height: 6’1’’

Weight: 189 lbs

College: Holy Cross

Number: #30

Method of Acquisition: Signed to practice squad 12/06/12, then signed to a futures contract 1/16/13.

Years Pro: 2

40 yard dash time: 4.53 seconds

Vertical: 33 inches

NCAA career stats: 44 GP, 158 tackles, 2 INT, 18 PD, 2 FF

Fun Fact: Chandler Fenner was also a track star in college and ran the 60 meter dash in 7 seconds.

Scouting Report

Fenner is a big physical corner who some had pegged as a free safety coming into the 2012 draft. He lacks elite speed, quickness or athletic explosiveness but is strong and an excellent run defender at the corner position. Fenner shows some ability to blitz as well, indicating that he might have a future as a slot corner. Most reports say that Fenner’s weakness in flipping his hips and changing directions indicate that he is best suited to a zone heavy scheme.

Chances of Making the Team

Virtually non-existent. Browner, Sherman and Winfield are absolute locks to make this team. Given his play last year, I think Jeremy Lane is also unlikely to be shown the door. That’s four out of a maximum of six.  Adding in newly drafted Tharold Simon makes five and one would have to think that one of Walter Thurmond or Byron Maxwell could also make this roster. I’m not sure Fenner has the ability to beat out any of those guys. Pete Carroll likes guys with unique skillsets and there isn’t really anything about Fenner that totally jumps off the page at you. His measurables are respectable without being amazing so he’ll have to show great technique if he wants to stand out. It’s possible the Seahawks could keep him around on the practice squad if they felt that he has a chance to compete for the job as Winfield’s successor at slot corner. Arbitrary Estimates: 0.7% chance of making the team, 13% chance of making the practice squad.