Today’s NFL is a pass friendly league, rules have changed to make it easier to score points through the air, so having CB’s that can cover is a must. Corners come in different sizes, styles and flavors. Some excel at press man, off man, cover 2 zone or cover 3. Since the Seahawks have had success finding tall, long press, that can run and play, everyone in the NFL has tried to copy. With the rules changes, not allowing guys to have their hands on WR’s as much, you really need CB’s that are quick, agile, with loose hips and good feet. I have 29 CB’s with draft worthy grades:
1. CB Marcus Peters 6’0 197 lbs rJr. Washington (#13 on the Big Board) Grade: 1st Round
40 Time: 4.53 Vertical: 37.5 Broad Jump: 10’1 3 Cone: 7.08 Short Shuttle: 4.08 Bench Press: 17 reps
Career Stats: 28 Games 129 Tackles 11 INT 35 PBU
Strengths: Peters is a tall, long, strong, athletic CB who competes on every play. Uses his length, jams and redirects WR’s at the line of scrimmage. Shows the ability to turn, open his hips, and run, staying in the WR’s hip pocket. Has good ball skills and anticipation, under cutting throws, picking them off or breaking up the pass. In off coverage he flashes the ability to drive on the slant pass and make plays on the football. Strong hands, doesn’t give up on the play once the WR catches it, he rips the football out. Reads the QB’s eyes, will come off of his guy and pick the football off. Has good, not great long speed. Relies on getting that initial jam at the LOS. Good tackler, willing to get physical and put hits on ball carriers. Passionate football player with a lot of confidence in his ability. Shut down Saints WR and 2014 1st Round Pick Brandin Cooks during the 2013 college football season. He’s at his best when allowed to play press man coverage.
Weaknesses: Peters was kicked off of the team this past season after he and the new staff couldn’t see eye to eye. This may keep some teams away, and others will do their homework, speak to the staff prior to him to find out who this kid really is. Peters gets grabby at times when dealing with the small, quick, shifty WR’s. At times he is high in his back pedal, making it difficult to break on the ball.
2. CB Kevin Johnson 6’0 188 lbs rSr. Wake Forest (#16 on the Big Board) Grade: 1st Round
40 Time: 4.52 Vertical: 41.5′ Broad Jump: 10’10 3 Cone: 6.79 Short Shuttle: 3.89
Career Stats: 46 Games 190 Tackles 38 PBU 7 INT
Strengths: Johnson has a good combination of height, length, speed and athleticism for the CB position. Played at 172-175 lbs during his college career, showed up at the combine at 188 lbs. If off man, he displays loose hips and fluid, quick feet. Has really good closing speed, gets out of his back pedal and gets his hands on the football. Can open up, turn and run with WR’s with speed. Understands route concepts, smart and instinctive, rarely out of position. In press man, he does a good job getting the initial jam at the line of scrimmage, disrupting timing and rerouting the WR. Has no issues opening his hips, turning and running. covering the deep pass. Does a good job turning his head, locating the football and making a play on it. Has the ups to get in the air and make plays on jump balls vs the big WR’s. Also fared well playing in cover 3 as well. Very versatile football player. Johnson is a very physical football player for a guy his size, very willing and able tackler.
Weaknesses: Johnson added weight to his frame for the combine, but can he keep it on? He has to get better at consistently getting the jam initial jam at the LOS when in press coverage. Johnson will on occasion bite on the double move, he has to remain disciplined.
3. CB Trae Waynes 6’0 186 lbs rJr. Michigan St. (#17 on the Big Board) Grade: 1st Round
40 Time: 4.31 Bench Press: 19 reps Vertical: 38′ Broad Jump: 10’2 3 Cone: 7.06 Short Shuttle: 4.19
Career Stats: 36 Games 101 Tackles 6 INT 13 PBU
Strengths: Very experienced in press man coverage due to the style of defense played at Michigan St. Shows the ability to get a decent jam at the LOS and has the long speed to turn and run, covering the deep ball. Does a good job turning his head, locating the football and making a play on it. Does a decent job shadowing his assignment. Decent and willing tackler, not afraid to get involved in the run game. At his best in press man coverage. Played a good amount of cover three, showed good discipline, good eyes and anticipation. The ability to break quickly on passes in front of him, making plays on the football.
Weaknesses: Struggles in off man coverage, much better in press. Was roughed up vs Baylor, had a hard time vs WR Antwan Goodley, who muscled him around. Needs to get stronger in the upper body in order to deal with the bigger, more physical WR’s.
4. CB/FS Byron Jones 6’1 200 lbs rSr. UConn (#33 on the Big Board) Grade: 2nd Round
40 Time: 4.40 Bench Press: 18 reps Vertical: 44.5 Broad Jump: 12’3 3 Cone: 6.78 Short Shuttle: 3.94
Career Stats: 43 Games 223 Tackles 8 INT 18 PBU
Strengths: Jones is a world class athlete that has 20 starts at safety, and 19 at cornerback. Tall, long, and athletic, he really improved his technique as a CB from 2013 to 2014. Displays a very good initial jam at the LOS when in press man coverage. Has the speed and agility to turn, run, and cover the deep pass. Big enough to match up with Big WR’s on the outside. Can play on either side of the field. In off man, has good instincts, eyes, and the ability to break on the ball when it’s in the air. His prior experience at safety adds value. Has good hands. Tough, willing to play through a shoulder injury in 2014. Has tons of potential going forward being as though he’s only played CB for 19 games in college.
Weaknesses: Jones has issues at times turning his head, locating the football on the deep ball. Is sometimes too high in his back pedal, making it hard for him to cover the in routes, slants, and comebacks. Inconsistent tackler, might be due to the shoulder injury he played with for 7 games in 2014.
5. CB P.J. Williams 6’0 194 lbs Jr. Florida St. (#64 on the Big Board) Grade: 3rd Round
40 Time: 4.45 Bench Press: 12 reps Vertical: 41′ Broad Jump: 11’3 3 Cone: 7.08 Short Shuttle: 4.28
Career Stats: 40 Games 123 Tackles 4 INT 18 PBU
Strengths: Came to FSU as a safety, played S as a freshman, then made the transition to CB in 2013 as a sophomore. Williams wins when he’s in press coverage, where he can use his length and strength to mess up the WR’s timing off of the line of scrimmage. Flashes the ability to mirror WR’s, undercut the pass and get his hands on the ball. Matches up well with the big WR’s, especially inside the five yard line in jump ball situations. Has very good timing and bounce, goes up and challenges the jump balls well. Has good, not great long speed. Could move back to safety, a la Antrel Rolle, who made the transition in year two of his career. Good tackler when he wants to be.
Weaknesses: Williams has issues running with WR’s when he doesn’t get a jam at the LOS. Allows guys to get behind him. Inconsistent ability to turn his head, locate the football on the deep pass. Tight hips shows versus the quick, shifty WR’s. Williams was one of the players in the game vs Oregon who gave up, his effort was a complete joke, especially as a tackler.
6. CB Steve Nelson 5’10 197 lbs Sr. Oregon St. (#70 on the Big Board) Grade: 3rd Round
40 Time: 4.49 Bench Press: 19 reps Vertical: 34.5 Broad Jump: 9’7 3 Cone: 6.88 Short Shuttle: 4.07
Career Stats: 25 Games 122 Tackles 8 INT 24 PBU
Strengths: Smooth in his backpedal, loose hips, and quick feet. Can play press man coverage, opens his hips, turns gets in the hip pocket of the WR and runs well. Will go up in the air and compete for the football with bigger WR’s. Uses the sideline to his advantage, squeezing the WR towards the boundary. Solid in off man coverage, has good instincts and anticipation, and the ability to drive on the football. Had a great game vs Arizona St. WR Jaelen Strong, a likely late 1st-early 2nd round pick. Has experience playing in the slot.
Weaknesses: Nelson has issues grabbing WR’s when they are coming out of breaks. Allows separation on the inside dig routes. Will bite on play fakes and double moves on occasion.
7. CB Senquez Golson 5’9 176 lbs Sr. Ole Miss (#71 on the Big Board) Grade: 3rd Round
40 Time: 4.46 Bench Press: 16 reps Vertical: 33.5′ Broad Jump: 10’0 3 Cone: 6.81 Short Shuttle: 4.20
Career Stats: 49 Games 96 Tackles 16 INT 15 PBU
Strengths: Smooth in his backpedal, loose hips, great feet and excellent ball skills. Gets out of his backpedal smoothly, drives and makes plays on the football. Smart, has great eyes and instincts, rarely takes an false step. Excels in off man and zone coverage(Cover 3). Former Centerfielder in the Boston Red Sox organization, and it translates to the football field. Has the ability to open the hips, turn, locate the football and go get it. When it touches his hands, he catches it. Reminds me of former St. Louis Rams CB Dre’ Bly. Has the long speed to compete outside and the agility and quickness to excel inside as a slot CB. Very tough, not afraid to stick his face in and make tackles on big RB’s. Perfect fit for a team who plays a lot of zone.
Weaknesses: Golson loses at times just because of a lack of size. At times he will gamble and guess wrong.
8. CB Jalen Collins 6’1 203 lbs rJr. LSU (#75 on the Big Board) Grade: 3rd Round
40 Time: 4.48 Vertical: 36′ Broad Jump: 10’4 3 Cone: 6.77 Short Shuttle: 4.27
Career Stats: 39 Games(10 Starts) 90 Tackles 3 INT 17 PBU
Strengths: Collins has prototype press man corner size. He’s tall, long, athletic and can run. Physical football player who tackles very well, not afraid to support the run. Is pretty good when he gets a good jam at the line of scrimmage. Has the long speed to cover the deep ball. Has the size and physical traits to be an elite press man CB.
Weaknesses: Collins is recovering from a Jones fracture surgery which took place after the combine. NFL Network’s Albert Breer has info from four teams that Collins failed multiple drug tests while at LSU. Add that on top of the fact that Collins is raw, lacks experience, only has 10 starts under his belt in three years of football, and you have a boom or bust selection. Collins has ways to go technique wise, but I would seriously question whether he could be trusted off of the field.
9. CB/FS Quinten Rollins 6’0 195 lbs rSr. Miami(OH) (#77 on the Big Board) Grade: 3rd Round
40 Time: 4.57 Bench Press: 14 reps Vertical: 36.5 Broad Jump: 10’2 3 Cone: 7.10 Short Shuttle: 4.28
Career Stats: 12 Games 72 Tackles 7 INT 9 PBU
Strengths: Former starting PG on the basketball team. Had a tremendous year for a kid with only one year of college football under his belt. Played a lot of press man coverage. Good hips and footwork, changes direction very well. In off man, reads routes and the QB’s eyes well, makes plays on the ball. Has great ball skills, catches everything he gets his hands on. Could be asked to make the move to FS because of his anticipation and ball skills. Very good tackler. Has no issue coming up and supporting the run.
Weaknesses: Long speed is a serious concern. I seen guys in the MAC run right by Rollins. Still raw and learning the position. Has to get better with getting a jam at the LOS on a consistent basis.
10. CB Bryce Callahan 5’10 184 lbs rSr. Rice (#81 on the Big Board) Grade: 3rd Round
40 Time: 4.40 Vertical: 43′ Broad Jump: 11’0 Bench Press: 15 Reps
Career Stats: 47 Games 145 Tackles 13 INT 33 PBU
Strengths: Very athletic prospect. When in press man, shows the ability to turn and run with the WR, staying in his hip pocket. Has long speed and the ability to change direction, move laterally and cover the short to intermediate routes. Nice in zone and off man as well. Could excel in the slot at the next level. Has the ability to be a core special teams guy on cover units and he has experience returning punts as well.
Weaknesses: Is undersized and had issues with bigger, stronger WR’s who got physical with him and were able to out big him.
11. CB/FS Eric Rowe 6’1 205 lbs Sr. Utah (#85 on the Big Board) Grade: 4th Round
40 Time: 4.45 Bench Press: 19 reps Vertical: 39 Broad Jump 10’5 3 Cone 6.70 Short Shuttle: 3.97
Career Stats: 47 Games 261 Tackles 3 INT 34 PBU
Strengths: Rowe was a three year starter at FS before playing CB as a senior. His versatility add to his value as a prospect, especially for teams that like FS’s with man coverage ability. At CB: When technically sound, he’s a very good press man corner. Uses his length and strength at the LOS to hold up and redirect WR’s. Uses his length and speed to recover when beat initially to break up passes. At FS: Shows good range as a CF, reads the QB’s eyes and has the ability to get to the outside to make a play on the football. Has experience playing the deep half in Cover 2 Man as well. Decent tackler.
Weaknesses: Is high in his backpedal, making it hard to breakdown, and drive on the football. Had issues at times coming up and making tackles in space as a FS, being the last line of defense, this is a concern. Gets manipulated at times by the QB and bites on pump fakes taking him out of position.
12. CB JaCorey Shepherd 5’11 200 lbs Sr. Kansas (#93 on the Big Board) Grade: 4th Round
40 Time: 4.65(Injured Hamstring at pro day)
Career Stats: 42 Games 90 Tackles 5 INT 30 PBU 63 KR 1,350 yards 21.4 avg
Strengths: Shepard has good size and length for a CB, shows the ability to get out of his backpedal and make a play on the football when in off man coverage. Always competes, shows the ability to recover after initially getting beat and break up passes. Shows the instincts the anticipate and undercut passes, deflecting them or picking them off. Good in off man and cover 3. Added value because of his KR ability.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t have great long speed, gets beat deep at times. Has to master his jam at the LOS in order to slow down the fast WR’s on a consistent basis.
13. CB/FS Josh Shaw 6’0 201 lbs rSr. USC (#97 on the Big Board) Grade: 4th Round
40 Time: 4.44 Bench Press: 26 reps Vertical: 37.5 3 Cone: 7.01 Broad Jump: 10’10 Short Shuttle: 4.12
Career Stats: 40 Games 119 Tackles 6 INT 14 PBU
Strengths: Shaw is a good athlete, very well put together. He’s played FS, SS, and CB most recently during his college career. At CB: Shaw has a decent amount of experience playing in the slot, primarily when he was playing S. He really excels outside in press man coverage, where he uses his length, strength, and speed to disrupt the timing of WR’s. Can turn and run, really covers the deep ball well. Really impressed the scouts during Senior Bowl week with his tenacity, size, length and ability to run. At FS: Played CF and has the versatility to come down and play some man to man coverage because of his background as a CB. Shaw is a decent open field tackler. He shows good eyes and range, shows explosiveness when filling lanes versus the run.
Weaknesses: Shaw only played in 3 games as a senior because he lied about how he was injured prior to the first game of the season. He told USC that he was injured hopping into a swimming pool to save his drowning nephew, when he really was injured jumping off of a 2nd story balcony at his ex-girlfriend’s place. Some teams will question his character after making up such a story. At CB: Shaw struggles changing directions, dealing with the smaller, shifty quick WR’s. Hips are kind of tight. Still raw for the position, he is high in his backpedal often. At FS: Shaw takes false steps at times, leaving him a half step behind the play. He also will take bad paths to the football vs the run. Not a heavy hitter, will catch the ball carrier vs delivering a blow.
14. CB/FS Alex Carter 6’0 196 lbs Jr. Stanford (#99 on the Big Board) Grade: 4th Round
40 Time: 4.50 Bench Press: 17 reps Vertical: 40′ Broad Jump: 10’1 3 Cone: 7.05 Short Shuttle: 4.07
Career Stats: 40 Games 146 Tackles 18 PBU 2 INT
Strengths: Carter has a good mix of height, length, and speed. Has experience playing press man, off man and in zone. Has good straight line speed, shows the ability to turn and run, staying with WR’s on the deep ball, but also shows the ability to mirror, turn laterally and stick with WR’s on the in cutting routes. Gets physical with WR’s, will go up and contest the jump balls, fighting for the football. Uses his body well on plays inside the five. Really competes well with big WR’s. Some like Carter as a FS convert, but I think he can play CB in the NFL.
Weaknesses: Carter is inconsistent with his jam at the line of scrimmage. Misses, allowing WR’s a clean, free release. Carter also has trouble turning his head, locating the football on the deep ball.
Other Prospects with draft worthy grades:
15. CB Kevin White 5’9 183 lbs rSr. TCU (#101 on the Big Board) Grade: 4th Round
16. CB Doran Grant 5’10 200 lbs Sr. Ohio St. (#115 on the Big Board) Grade: 4th Round
17. CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu 5’9 192 lbs Sr. Oregon (#122 on the Big Board) Grade: 4th Round
18. CB Charles Gaines 5’10 180 lbs rJr. Louisville (#130 on the Big Board) Grade: 5th Round
19. CB D’Joun Smith 5’10 187 lbs Sr. Florida Atlantic (#134 on the Big Board) Grade: 5th Round
20. CB Ronald Darby 5’11 193 lbs Jr. Florida St. (#148 on the Big Board) Grade: 5th Round
21. CB Craig Mager 5’11 201 lbs rSr. Texas St. (#153 on the Big Board) Grade: 5th Round
22. CB/S Ladarius Gunter 6’1 202 lbs rSr. Miami(FL) (#169 on the Big Board) Grade: 5th Round
23. CB Damian Swann 6’0 190 lbs Sr. Georgia (#174 on the Big Board) Grade: 5th Round
24. CB Justin Coleman 5’11 185 lbs Sr. Tennessee (#178 on the Big Board) Grade: 5th Round
25. CB/FS Nick Marshall 6’1 207 lbs Sr. Auburn (#181 on the Big Board) Grade: 5th Round
26. CB Garry Peters 6’0 191 lbs rSr. Clemson (#187 on the Big Board) Grade: 6th Round
27. CB Lorenzo Doss 5’10 182 lbs Jr. Tulane (#190 on the Big Board) Grade: 6th Round
28. CB Quandre Diggs 5’9 196 lbs Sr. Texas (#197 on the Big Board) Grade: 7th Round
29. CB Dexter McDonald 6’1 205 lbs rSr. Kansas (#232 on the Big Board) Grade: 7th Round
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