In 2019, he had 36 tackles, an interception and three passes defended. He could be a perfect fit as a nickel corner who also plays some on the outside. The worry is that it still didnt translate to him putting a cap on deep passes. Last year was a wee bit lacking, but this year is loaded with at least 20 who could legitimately end up starting, or at least get starting consideration. The 40-yard dash times are in, and the best of this year so far is also one of the top marks in recent combine history. As a redshirt freshman, Lucas had 59 tackles with eight passes broken up and two interceptions. 0:00. Jamison is a slot corner candidate for the NFL. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports. He has a good skill set, but his lack of consistency was shown in busted coverage too often. *Garrett Williams, Syracuse, rSo, 5112, 190, 4.44e, NIC, Rd3 | REPORT, 11. In 2021, he had 50 tackles, three interceptions and eight passes defended. Jakorian Bennett came into the season with all the hype in Maryland's secondary, and while he remains a quality under-the-radar prospect in his own right, Deonte Banks effectively broke onto the scene across from him and has morphed into a potential early-round prospect. CORNERBACK & SAFETY PROSPECT RANKING 2021 NFL DRAFT . While only listed at 6-foot, Forbes has a much longer wingspan than youd expect for a man that size, which is why hes consistently able to make plays from behind receivers. 10 The Linc - Eagles are "going to lose a whole lot of free agents this offseason" Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 3/3/23. https://t.co/aZXZhQds0q pic.twitter.com/CuHgioEhlc, ryan wilson (@ryanwilsonCBS) January 13, 2023. Bryant is a big corner who has some speed concerns. Five rookies make the cut: Sauce Gardner, Jack Jones, Tariq Woolen . Teams like his well-rounded skill set and coverage ability. After an elite freshman season with LSU and a disappointing 2021 to follow, Ricks announced his transfer to Alabama. Quarterback. * - denotes 2023 prospect. 1 corner, and if he does well taking on No. Prospects like Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State 's C.J. DJ Ivey, Miami, rSr, 6004, 194, 4.50e, 0928, 3278, 7878, NFLPA, PFA | REPORT, 42. While Jones (5-8, 185) plays the ball well, his size limitations make him a slot candidate only in the NFL. Team sources say he comes with serious off-the-field concerns. He has room for further development though. 4/27/22: Brown played well overall for Arkansas in 2021, recording 54 tackles, five interceptions and six passes broken up. He's got good size and length, and he can run just enough to be fine. 4/24/21: Farley decided to skip the 2020 season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft. Witherspoon brought it every single week for the Fighting Illini in a way we, quite frankly, have never seen before in our nine years of college grading. INDIANAPOLIS We all remember gym class in elementary school, when being the fastest kid in the class was the greatest mark of respect. Here are the top NFL draft prospects to watch for: Washington. Some sources feel Gordon could be a big nickel in the NFL. He allowed only eight catches from 24 targets in the SEC last season. Armour-Davis helped himself by working out well at the combine. The NFL Draft Bible rolls into Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine with the latest positional primer preview, featuring the 2023 NFL Draft cornerback class. He was targeted 63 times but allowed just 22 catches for 206 yards with three interceptions and 14 pass breakups. If the Browns turn to the draft for a slot corner early Turner should be on that list of prospects. Elam has good height and length with quickness. Similar to cover 2, made famous by Tony Dungy in Tampa Bay, but with a twist; the middle . 4/27/22: Elam played really well to open the 2021 season, including an impressive performance against Alabama. 2023 NFL Draft Order. (@FTBeard7) October 23, 2022. PBU. 4/27/22: Young recorded 60 tackles, a pass broken up and an interception in 2021. Bryan Bresee, Clemson. Weight Lbs 190lbs. ?pic.twitter.com/uEr98vuFUa, PFF College (@PFF_College) November 7, 2021. He should look to add more functional strength for the NFL. Siriman Harrison, Guelph, Sr, 6013, 195, 4.56e, 0900, 3100, 7468, CGS, UDFA, RANK | NAME | SCHOOL | YR | HT | WT | FORTY, 1. Its the games like Tennessee (92.3 coverage grade) and Alabama (85.9) that get you excited about what hes physically capable of doing at the next level. 2023 NFL DRAFT PRIMER SERIES: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | EDGE | LB | CB | S, PLAYER KEY: Rank, Player, School, Year, Height, Weight, Forty, Hand, Arm, Wingspan, All-Star Game, Combine Status, Projection | Scouting Report, ABBREVIATIONS: SRB = Senior Bowl, EWS = East-West Shrine Bowl, NFLPA = NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, HULA = Hula Bowl, TROP = Tropical Bowl, CGS = College Gridiron Showcase, NIC = NFL Combine Invite, UDFA = Undrafted Free Agent, NIC (National Invitational Camp) = NFL Scouting Combine, RANK | NAME | SCHOOL | YR | HT | WT | FORTY | HAND | ARM | WING | AS | COMBINE | PROJECTION | PROFILE, 1. pic.twitter.com/tmZromjz0r, Tru Maroon Nation (@TruMaroonNation) October 16, 2022. 4/27/22: Thompson totaled 34 tackles, two passes defended and an interception in 2021. Below we take a look at the cornerback group in this year's NFL Combine. Jarrick Bernard-Converse, LSU, rJr, 6006, 197, 4.52e, 0958, 3200, 7928, EWS/HULA, PFA |REPORT, 37. 7/17/21: Elam played well in 2020, recording 39 tackles, two interceptions and 11 passes broken up. *For exclusive year-round coverage of the NFL Draft follow us @NFLDraftBible, bringing you the names you need to know first, since 2002! (@DP_NFL) August 21, 2022. As a senior, Thompson needs to show more ball skills as he has only one interception and five breakups from 2017-2020. . Anthony Cook, Texas, Sr, 6000, 185, 4.55e, 0918, 3218, 7558, HULA, PFA | REPORT, 59. 4/27/22: In 2021, Williams had 63 tackles, nine passes broken up and an interception. I like how he is physical here, gets hands on the receiver during the contact window pushes em towards the sideline. Trae Waynes, 6'0 1/8, 186 . He turned in a solid 2019 season with 54 tackles, one interception and eight passes broken up. Kordell Rodgers, Texas State, Sr, 5104, 179, 4.53e, 0858, 3048, 7100, CGS, UDFA, 75. As such, he's one of the bigger cornerbacks in the class. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. *Darius Rush, South Carolina, rSr, 6015,196, 4.52e, 0948, 3268, 7968, SRB, NIC, Rd4 | REPORT, 19. In 2019, he collected 31 tackles, three interceptions and 11 passes defended. *Tyrique Stevenson, Miami, rJr, 6002, 204, 4.50e, 0958, 3238, 7728, NIC, Rd2 | REPORT, 10. He stands at 6'1 although he appears to be closer to 6'2 and is 200 pounds. He showed added special teams value in 2021 by serving as a punt returner. 4/27/22: Jones totaled 41 tackles, a forced fumble, three interceptions and six passes defended in 2021. He may not ever be among the elite at the position due to his athletic profile, but hes a guy you want on your defense. Evans was decent, but did not stand out, at the Senior Bowl. The 2023 Senior Bowl is officially in the books, and after another revelatory week of action in Mobile, it's time to update our prospect rankings for each position group in the 2023 NFL draft class. *Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU, Sr, 5075, 175, 4.38e, 0828, 2938, 7068, NIC, PFA, Rd6 |REPORT, 29. Anthony Johnson, Virginia, Sr, 6011, 207, 4.52e, 0858, 3278, 7738, SRB, NIC, Rd5 | REPORT, 24. He did not stand out at the Senior Bowl, but was faster than expected at the combine. Hell need to reel that in at the next level. Several prospects also made a name for themselves on the all-star circuit; players on the rise include KeiTrel Clark of Louisville, Lance Boykin of Coastal Carolina and Keenan Isaac of Alabama State. "No cornerback can contest Emmanuel Forbes' production over the course of his career with 14 interceptions and six being returned for a touchdown.". Smith also possesses some of the best ball skills in the class with 16 pass-breakups and six interceptions on 94 career targets. Jaylin Williams, Indiana, rSr, 5096, 195, 4.44e, 0900, 2948, 7138, NFLPA/HULA, PFA | REPORT, 48. Hill was even better in the shortened 2020 season, recording 45 tackles, an interception and four passes broken up. After reaching out to some area scouts who cover Texas, two of them said they had him on Day 3 and one said they had him on Day 2. Berry is keeping all of his options open. The path to the 2023 NFL Draft will cross a major checkpoint with the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from February 28 to March 6. He could be a solid second-day pick who becomes a quality starter in the NFL. He is a big corner with speed and athletic limitations for the NFL. In 2019, he recorded 32 tackles, two interceptions and 11 passes defended. Smooth athlete with quick twitch at 6'2", 205 pounds. Thats going to take a massive leap next fall, as hell be coveted by man-heavy teams. The top 2022 Cornerback prospects available for the 2022 NFL Draft. He's got ideal size at 6-1 and 200 lbs and was Joey Porter Jr. is a super-talented cornerback who has improved each and every year at college until 2022 where he played at an elite level. Aspiring college or profootball journalist? Quarterbacks. If he plays well, he has first-round potential. He is fast, athletic and instinctive. *Christian Gonzalez, Oregon, rSo, 6010, 200, 4.36e, NIC, Rd1 | REPORT, 3. With his skill set and upside, he could explode. 4/27/22: Jones was one of the most dangerous ball hawks in college football in 2021, putting up some fabulous ball production. Ohio State's CJ Stroud is one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. What a show Michigans DJ Turner put on in Indianapolis as the Wolverine slot corner shined with his athleticism. https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-rankings-cornerback-devon-witherspoon-christian-gonzalez-joey-porter-jr/, 28. Top 10 Position Rankings. Team sources say McDuffie is a smooth corner with speed and cover skills. Check out all of the movement, from 1 to 50. He flashed some coverage ability and a good skill set there. With plenty of talent at the outside corner position as well as some intriguing options for teams like the Browns looking for a slot cornerback. 2022 NFL Draft rankings: QB3 Desmond Ridder. If Johnson covers well as a senior, he could be a riser. Catch up with our positional rankings . One expert thinks he'll be the No. *KeiTrel Clark, Louisville, rJr, 5102, 19, 4.38e, 0838, 2968, 7300, EWS, NIC, Rd3 | REPORT, 15. 4/27/22: Booth collected 37 tackles, three interceptions and three passes broken up in 2021. College Junior Penn State. As a pro, he will have to work on using his feet rather than grabbing, as that habit will lead to a lot of penalties. 7/17/21: Williams is an undersized defender who will have to compete as a slot corner in the NFL. The ones who love him see a corner with excellent ball skills, some length, and quickness. In two years as a starter, however, Melifonwu has earned coverage grades of just 79.3 and 74.1, as hes not quite as physical as his athletic testing might suggest. You dont need to watch too much more than the Ohio State games the past two years to figure out why Porter is getting first-round hype. Riley Moss Iowa, rSr, 6003, 192, 4.54e, 0918, 3038, 7338, SRB, NIC, Rd5 | REPORT, 21. All defensive backs are in man coverage except for the free safety who is responsible for the deep middle of the field. Can be a matchup negator. He was wise return to the Crimson Tide in 2021. . Kendrick totaled 18 tackles, six passes broken up and an interception in 2020. Hes one of the lankiest corners youll see in the draft and that length presents a ton of problems for receivers in press coverage. Stingley did not work out at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, and team sources said they were underwhelmed with his interview. The last time we saw him, in 2019, he earned a 90.5 coverage grade and allowed a passer rating of only 26.8. Quavian White, Georgia State, rSr, 5083, 187, 4.50e, 0918, 3100, 7448, NFLPA, PFA | REPORT, 53. Surprisingly, his starting role was reduced as a sophomore, but he broke out in 2020 and really impressed NFL advance scouts. The play below does a good job of encapsulating what I mean: Brah I just started watching Cam Smiths film and this is the first play I see???????? This past season, 187 of his 339 coverage snaps still came in press coverage a rarity for a slot corner. Player Summary Joey Porter Jr. is a super-talented cornerback who has improved each and every year at college until 2022 where he played at an elite level.. Emerson could end up being a candidate for a Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft. The good news is that not only were those four starts stupendous but also, hes been a starter since his freshman year at, You dont need to watch too much more than the. He allowed only 179 yards into his coverage last season. Oregon CB 0 Christian Gonzalez plays with confidence and trusts his length and athleticism. . Stays on top, even cuts it off and more aggressive at the catch point. 6. Another team would prefer a cornerback with the quick feet, recognition and ball skills to play in off man coverage, like TCU's Jason Verrett. He's a Press Corner with a good combination of size, strength and ball skills necessary to cover bigger, stronger NFL Receivers. ** - denotes 2020 prospect. Justin Ford, Montana, rSr, 6000, 190, 4.52e, 0838, 3068, 7428, HULA, PFA | REPORT, 50. 7/17/21: Smith is a tall corner who runs pretty well. Corey Mayfield, UTSA, rSr, 5104, 193, 4.50e, 0878, 3138, 7538, NFLPA, PFA | REPORT, 49. He is a smooth cover corner who has good discipline and fundamentals to go along with a quality skill set. Established in 2002, the NFL Draft Bible is the most trusted independent scouting service in the world and is used by all 32 NFL teams. Coming off a strong performance at the Reeses Senior Bowl, Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon possesses top-notch instincts and physical traits, along with the ability to line up on either side of the field. Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress. He was respectable in 2019 and 2020, but his ball production dropped. 7/17/21: Kendrick transferred to Georgia after getting in some trouble. 1 pick. His best season came in 2019 when he had 52 tackles with two interceptions and eight passes broken up. He has tremendous feet that can mirror a wide receiver along the entire route tree. Jan 20, 2023. Siaki Ika, Wisconsin. . CB. He collected 41 tackles, three breakups and four interceptions in 2021. We look at the top 32 players at this position thus far this season. After a top-heavy cornerback class that turned out to be excellent in 2021, the 2022 version is littered with talent throughout the class. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, his makeup speed is nothing short of elite and not just elite for a bigger corner but for all corners. Surtain was the highest-graded cornerback in college football this past season and has seen his PFF grade increase every single year since his freshman campaign. 7/17/21: McCreary was excellent in 2020, recording three interceptions, six passes defended, one forced fumble and 45 tackles. Joey Porter Jr., Penn State, rJr, 6020, 192, 4.46e, NIC, Rd1 | REPORT, 2. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. Stokes has low-4.3 speed and has been one of the stingiest corners in college football over the past three seasons. He did not stand out at the Senior Bowl. A strong work out at LSU's pro day on April 6th could help to turn around his draft stock. Some limitations in speed and athleticism cause some team staff to question whether Taylor should move to safety in the NFL. He is very undersized and will have to compete to be a backup slot corner and special teams contributor. Blow off the past injury issues - he's got all of the tools to be a steal outside of the top 50. *Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford, rJr, 6010, 190, 4.53e, NIC, 0928, 3168, 7718, SRB, Rd4 | REPORT, 16. Kaleb Hayes, BYU, rSr, 5113, 196, 4.50e, 0848, 3338, 7728, NFLPA, PFA | REPORT, 51. That makes you think that his skills can translate on the outside. An injury cost him time in 2020, but McCollum had three interceptions each season in 2017-2019. Arquon Bush, Cincinnati, Sr, 5114, 180, 4.50e, NIC, Rd5 | REPORT, 23. Illinois' Devon Witherspoon takes the top spot: The feisty cornerback earned a 92.0 grade and didn't surrender a single touchdown in 2022. 7/17/21: Johnson was solid for Duke in 2020, but he really impressed during the previous two seasons. 1. Athletically Gonzalez put himself in elite territory getting a 9.95 Relative Athletic Score based on his combine testing. 89.1. With his quickness, instincts and agility, McCreary is reliable to run the route and prevent separation. He was a quality college corner, but he faces some limitations for the NFL. Height Feet 6-1. 1. The lack of ball skills and production are disappointing, but Emerson has a lot going for him according to team sources. 4/27/22: Prior to a late-season injury, Jobe was Alabama's most talented corner in 2021, but he needs to become more consistent in his technique for the NFL. McCreary recorded 49 tackles, 14 passes defended and two interceptions in 2021. Forced the PBU!pic.twitter.com/rsJ6yEAL58, Full-Time Dame ???? *Devon Witherspoon, Illinois, Jr, 5116, 185, 4.55e, NIC, Rd1 | REPORT, 4. For the most part, Kendrick played well for Clemson in 2020. Stroud and Kentucky's . Over his career, he totaled 32 passes broken up and 10 interceptions. To go along with his size, sources say Gardner is fast and has ball skills but is a little raw. He has zero picks thus far in college, so improving his ball production would help him to rise. 4/27/22: Hill helped himself with teams at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine by blazing a fast 40. Veterans still playing well: Jalen Ramsey, Stephon Gilmore and Darius Slay make the top 10 after strong campaigns to add to their already decorated resumes. Witherspoon may not have the size of others on this list, but none can hold a candle to his performance this past fall. Porter fits best in a scheme where he's asked to play more zone coverage than man, although he is capable in both. Weight Lbs 197lbs. Oh, and he didnt allow a single touchdown all season. 9. Smith can be productive from any alignment and in any role. 7/17/21: Booth has some buzz in the scouting community after a 2020 season that saw him produce 27 tackles, two interceptions and four passes broken up. Elijah Blades, Buffalo, Sr, 6012, 176, 4.50e, 0848, 3268, 7748, CGS, UDFA, 67. "[Woolen] is a fourth- or fifth-rounder to me," said one area scout. Smith could be a candidate to move to safety in the NFL. Williams could start out as a backup and special teams contributor. Tobias Harris, Old Dominion, Jr, 5066, 182, 4.50e, 0958, 3128, 7328, CGS, UDFA, 71. @???????????????????????????????? This some excellent mirror and matching from Deonte Banks. In 2019, he totaled 48 tackles, two interceptions, seven breakups and a forced fumble. The 2023 NFL Draft will take place from Thursday, April 27 to Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. Robinson manned the slot for UCF over the past couple of seasons, but hes not your typical slot. It wasnt a good event for Oregon States Alex Austin who ran just a 4.55 40-yard dash at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds. He's earned a 90.7 coverage grade in his college career compared to Stingley's 91.9 mark. Witherspoon is an outstanding pro corner, he's super aggressive without being particularly handsy, has the speed that allows him to stay wit Christian Gonzalez has elite speed and quickness showcased by his almost Olympic track time. Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama. Forty Time Secs 4.32. 6-2, 192: He's a Michigan State cornerback - he can get physical. Fields is sleeper who could rise, but he needs to show the ability to run with speed receivers in his fifth season with the Red Raiders. Christian Braswell, Rutgers, Sr, 5104, 181, 4.55e, 0928, 3018, 7378, HULA, PFA | REPORT, 46. He missed action, played against New Mexico, struggled against Arkansas, and then went out for the season. Projected Round: Third. 2023 NFL Draft Grade: Top 60 (Mid Day 2) 9. However, no cornerback may be more physical than Joey Porter Jr. (it runs in the family), as the Penn State playmaker man brings size, athleticism and change of direction ability, along with the propensity to create turnovers. Armour-Davis was a solid cover corner over the course of the year, showing some size, ball skills, athleticism and quickness. 4/27/22: Evans played well for the Tigers in 2021, collecting 28 tackles, an interception, two forced fumbles and six passes broken up. Had 1 INT and 8 PBUs before declaring early. Even though he lacks size, Williams showed his willingness to tackle in 2019 when he racked up 73 stops. Live picks, grades and reaction to the 2023 NFL Draft.