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Rookie cornerback Natrell Jamerson knows his spot on the New Orleans Saints isn't guaranteed. So the fifth-round pick out of Wisconsin knows he has to fight his way onto the final 53-man roster.

And he's doing so at a new position. Jamerson spent most of his final college season at safety, and statistically, that was his most productive year for the Badgers with 51 tackles, 12 pass breakups and two interceptions.

But the Saints think he fits their system as a cornerback.

"Being able to let him be a corner full-time is going to help him a lot," Saints defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn said. "Because he does have the athletic ability to play the position."

Jamerson said that's been the biggest adjustment he's had to make since joining the Saints for OTAs. He said getting into the mindset of playing cornerback is the main thing he has to do to successfully make the transition -- that and listening to his coaches.



"Trying to transition back to the corner mind-state, it's a lot of things that I'm not used to doing because of playing a different position," Jamerson said. "But whether it's (Aaron Glenn) or a vet or another coach that's coaching me on something, you know, I'm taking it all in and making sure I don't make the same mistakes over and over. I'm just trying to show 'em that I can go out there and play."

He said he'll have to polish off techniques he didn't have to utilize as much playing safety such as press coverage.

"Making sure I'm good off the line with my backpedal and things like that," Jamerson said.

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jeanpierre

Natrell Jamerson moves to safety in college and plays lights-out his senior year and at the senior bowl...

Gets drafted by the Saints in the fifth round where Payton and Dennis Allen move him back to cornerback?!?

neugey

That composite Saints player mural is cool. Wonder if it could be available as a desktop wallpaper?

halloween 65

Maybe a square peg in a round hole? I hope we don't relive those days. Looked like a promising safety.

SmashMouth

Probably just testing their versatilities... when is the best time to unearth hidden capabilities?

Rugby Saint II

My guess is they will play him at both positions and then decide where he plays the best and where the team needs to play him.

K Major

Read an article that stated Saints scouts had a vision for Jamerson on the boundaries (cornerback). He could show well at camp & ultimately become a #3 at CB behind Latt & Crawley or even a punt returner (has sub 4.4 speed). One thing in his favor is versatility, speed & played good special teams in college. Boston Scott will have competition here. Unless NJ falls apart in camp, I could see him pushing Devante out of a roster spot.

XVI could probably provide us more insight on Natrell (Wisconsin playing days) though.

K Major

Quick read on Natrell.

https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/201...en-bay-packers

ScottF

that Speed might earn him an ST spot but he might be better off getting the injury redshirt or stashed on the PS

nola_swammi

Don't forget about Justin Hardee from last year on ST. Converted WR to cornerback. Run a 4.36 bench press 17 or Chris Banjo 4.50 bench press 23
Jamerson will have to sit this year unless he have a helluva camp.


Justin Hardee*|*Illinois,*WR*:*2017 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile


Chris Banjo*|*Southern Methodist,*FS*:*2012 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile