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http://www.draftutopia.com/cornerbackrankings.html
2017 NFL Draft: Cornerback Rankings
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Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: November 27, 2016
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Desmond King, CB, Iowa
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Projected Round Top 5 Pick
2016 Season Recap The 5-11 200 lb Desmond King lined up at both field cornerback and boundary cornerback in 2015. I see King as a field cornerback that can cover any opponents best receiver in the NFL.
Desmond King had 4 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackles, and 5 total tackles. King needs to do more moving forward, but he's still my top ranked cornerback.
King did not have a deflection in his first three games. He dominated on tape against Rutgers, Northwestern, Minnesota with Mitch Leidner at quarterback, and Purdue. King did okay against Wisconsin in coverage, but he did get knocked down on a running play. I'm looking past that at this point since I honestly believe Desmond King is the top cornerback in the draft with his man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage with 6 deflections from pass breakups in 2016.
Desmond King now has 7 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. King did a good job stopping the run against Michigan while dominating in coverage against the Wolverines.
Before 2016
Desmond King had 46 solo tackles, 26 assisted tackles, 72 total tackles, 13 deflections from pass breakups, 8 interceptions, and 949 total yards on special teams returning both kickoffs and punts.
Desmond King can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. King knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 191 lb Sidney Jones was awesome on tape against JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2015. Washington is great at developing NFL cornerbacks.
Sidney Jones was solid against Rutgers. He wasn't spectacular though. I don't think it will affect his draft stock much at this point.
Sidney Jones was spectacular against Stanford. Jones has anchored Washington's defense only being targeted 9 times in Washington's first seven games thanks to superb man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage on tape. Jones may not have a deflection yet, but he's so lethal in coverage on tape that opposing quarterbacks are throwing towards his teammate Kevin King. Jones has a big game on National TV against Utah this weekend and Jones can solidify his status as the #2 cornerback in this draft if Washington wins.
Sidney Jones locked down JuJu Smith-Schuster once again. Jones has done enough on tape to convince me he is the #2 cornerback in this draft after strong games against Utah, California, and USC. Jones did a superb job covering Chad Hansen and JuJu Smith-Schuster on tape.
Not only did Jones dominate at at cornerback in coverage. He also showed he can stop the run on tape. That is going to get a lot more teams interested in drafting Sidney Jones.
Washington State receiver Gabe Marks dominated had some success against Sidney Jones. Jones didn't struggle since he did a good job blanketing Marks, but he has to play better in the PAC 12 Championship game.
Before 2016
Sidney Jones played boundary cornerback next to Marcus Peters in 2014 as a true freshman. Jones 48 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 61 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 interceptions in 2014.
In 2015, Jones took over as the field cornerback where Marcus Peters played covering #1 wide receivers. Peters had 31 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 46 total tackles, 10 deflections from pass breakups, and 4 interceptions.
The Washington Huskies have a good track record for developing first round cornerbacks. I expect Sidney Jones to make a huge splash during either his junior or senior season at Washington to put himself in position to be a first round pick as Jones enters his junior season.
If Jones struggles against JuJu Smith-Schuster this year, I will move him down, but right now I like him slightly more than JuJu Smith-Schuster based on what I've seen on tape.
Sidney Jones can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. Jones knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 191 lb Jalen Tabor complimented Vernon Hargreaves in 2015 as a boundary cornerback. Tabor will be Florida's field cornerback in 2016.
Jalen Tabor nicknamed "Teez" Tabor has had excellent tape in 2016. Tabor missed Florida's opener, but having 4 interceptions against all 4 SEC opponents Florida has faced does make Tabor stand out on tape. Tabor continues to showcase the man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage needed to start in the NFL. Tabor has dominated against #1 flanker receivers after facing #2 wide receivers in 2015.
Tabor did not have an interception against North Texas. His only deflection of the season did take place against the North Texas Mean Green though.
Tabor dominated in coverage against LSU. Tabor has made the adjustment from boundary cornerback to field cornerback while being more physical in 2016. Tabor can stop the run as well as drop back into coverage.
Tabor dominated in coverage against Florida State. Tabor had 3 deflections from pass breakups despite the loss to Florida State.
Before 2016
Jalen Tabor had 21 solo tackles, 19 assisted tackles, 40 total tackles, 14 deflections from pass breakups, and 4 interceptions in 2015. Jalen Tabor may not have the same success without Vernon Hargreaves, but if he does have the same success without Hargreaves he could be the first cornerback drafted in 2017.
Tabor can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage. Florida lined Tabor up at field cornerback, boundary cornerback, nickel cornerback, dime cornerback, quarter cornerback, strong safety, and free safety. Tabor is more versatile than Hargreaves on tape, but unlike Hargreaves, Tabor faced #2 receivers rather than #1 targets. Tabor never missed tackles on tape which was something Hargreaves did at times.
Tabor isn't as physical as Hargreaves though. One thing Tabor struggles with is adjusting when a quarterback is throwing the deep ball on the run. This was highlighted in Florida's game on tape against LSU.
Tabor can have all the talent in the world heading into this season. If he does not show up to play well against a teams best receiver, then it will affect his stock in a negative way. That's just common sense. The secondary stops the passing game as a team and with three starters gone, we could easily see Tabor's play decline even though some have him as a top 10 pick.
Jalen Tabor can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. Tabor knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 196 lb Marlon Humphrey was awesome on tape in 2015 as a field cornerback at Alabama. The only question is will the sophomore redshirt play well enough to declare for the 2017 NFL Draft.
Marlon Humphrey dominated against JuJu Smith-Schuster showcasing the man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage to be a lockdown cornerback in the NFL. Humphrey showed the same coverage against Texas A&M receiver Christian Kirk. This sophomore redshirt is talented enough to get picked in the top half of the first round if he declares.
Humphrey had 3 of his 4 deflections from pass breakups against Western Kentucky and Ole Miss. He finally got his 4th deflection against Texas A&M this past weekend. Humphrey is also excellent at picking up on running plays and blitzing corners. Even if Humphrey is not the best cover corner you could easily argue he's the most complete cornerback against the pass and run on tape despite having fewer deflections than Desmond King.
Marlon Humphrey got injured in the Iron Bowl against Auburn. Humphrey did not return to the game.
Before 2016
Marlon Humphrey is the son of former NFL player Bob Humphrey. Marlon Humphrey was a 5 star recruit in high school before committing to Alabama. Marlon had 8 deflections from pass breakups along with 3 interceptions after taking the field cornerback job as a freshman redshirt in 2015.
Marlon Humphrey can play man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage effectively. Humphrey knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 213 lb Quincy Wilson was a nickel cornerback to Jalen Tabor and Vernon Hargreaves in 2015. Wilson is moving up to boundary cornerback in 2016.
Quincy Wilson faces mostly #2 receivers on tape. Despite facing weaker competition, Wilson has excellent size and can play man, zone, or press coverage. Wilson struggles against the run.
Some mocks have Wilson in the top 10. Even though I disagree with that assessment, I can understand why people feel that way with Wilson having the best speed and size among the cornerbacks along with excellent coverage.
Quincy Wilson dominated in coverage against Missouri, LSU, and Florida State. Wilson plays like a first round cornerback the more I watch him on tape.
Wilson may not have a lot of experience. He has the football IQ to play cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 though. Having that immense football IQ despite, the best size, and speed among the 2017 NFL Draft cornerbacks makes you a first round pick even with limited experience.
Wilson is expected to declare for the 2017 NFL Draft along with Tabor. Both Florida cornerbacks should be first round picks.
Before 2016
Quincy Wilson was a dime cornerback in 2014 as a true freshman. Wilson started two games in 2014.
Wilson got promoted from dime cornerback to nickel cornerback in 2015. Wilson started 9 games showcasing excellent speed on tape. Wilson showed the versatility to play nickel cornerback, free safety, strong safety, 4-3 right outside linebacker, or 4-3 left outside linebacker.
Wilson showcased excellent speed and versatility on tape with 5 deflections in 2015. One thing Wilson needs to correct is his ability to stop the run.
Quincy Wilson is getting promoted from nickel cornerback to boundary cornerback in 2016. Can Wilson play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively? Wilson can be a huge riser if he answers that question on tape in 2016.
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Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 197 lb Tre'Davious White was awesome on tape in 2015. White should have declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, he had a lot less competition at cornerback and now will have a lot more competition at cornerback in 2016.
Tre'Davious White was a turnover machine against Wisconsin. He had an interception and a fumble recovery for LSU.
White has been a guy that SEC quarterbacks have been actively trying to avoid throwing to. White had 1 deflection against Auburn, Missouri, and Ole Miss on tape. White deserves a lot of credit for the success he is having in 2016 despite the departure of Les Miles.
White stepped up in the second half of the season. White has 13 deflections from pass breakups in 2016, but still has issues with press coverage and stopping the run.
Before 2016
Tre'Davious White lined up at field cornerback and boundary cornerback for LSU in 2015. He could be a solid boundary cornerback as he had 30 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 44 total tackles, and 7 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. White needs double digit deflections in 2016 if he wants to be a first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Tre'Davious White can play man coverage and zone coverage effectively. White knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
White has the speed and coverage to cover effectively. He's not physical enough to have an impact in press coverage and also looked very obsolete when trying to stop the run on tape against Alabama. White got constantly pushed on the ground by Alabama's fullbacks and tight ends. He has to play much better against Alabama in Death Valley during his senior year at LSU if he wants to be a first round pick.
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Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 181 lb Cameron Sutton dominated in 2014 as a field cornerback. When Justin Coleman left, Sutton moved to the nickel and struggled in 2015. Sutton should be a field cornerback again in 2016.
Cameron Sutton fumbled a punt return in the first quarter. After that he bounced back with 2 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, 4 total tackles, 1 deflection from a pass breakup on the final play of the game, 1 interception, and 1 tackle for a loss which kept Appalachian State from winning in regulation.
Cameron Sutton dominated on tape against Virginia Tech receiver Isaiah Ford. Sutton got injured against Ohio. It is not a season ending injury and with Sutton's injury progressing he will return later in the season. I still think Sutton is a fringe first round prospect when watching his tape.
Sutton returned for Tennessee against Kentucky. Sutton dominated on tape against Kentucky and Missouri. Tennessee has lined Sutton up at field cornerback, boundary cornerback, or nickel cornerback. Sutton has done a much better job stopping the run at this point and should be a first round pick.
Before 2016
Cameron Sutton began his freshman career as a boundary cornerback in 2013. In that role he had 34 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles, 39 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 interceptions.
The following season, Sutton became a #1 field cornerback. Sutton had 31 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 37 total tackles, 13 deflections from pass breakups, and 3 interceptions.
Cameron Sutton had 27 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle, 28 total tackles, and 6 deflections from pass breakups in 2015 when moving to nickel cornerback. Sutton has the ability to play field cornerback, boundary cornerback, or nickel cornerback.
Cameron Sutton saw a huge drop off in deflections in 2015. Despite that, he still looks like the best press coverage cornerback on tape at times.
Cameron Sutton can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. Sutton knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
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Projected Round 2nd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 191 lb Cordrea Tankersley was a boundary cornerback next to Mackensie Alexander in 2015. Mackensie Alexander, T.J. Green, and Jayron Kearse are all gone meaning that Tankersley will be the new leader of Clemson's secondary.
Cordrea Tankersley did an awesome job against Auburn. Tankersley had 2 tackles for a loss and 1 deflection for a pass breakup in Clemson's win over Auburn.
Tankersley had 3 deflections for pass breakups against Troy. Lamar Jackson threw away from Tankersley when Louisville faced Clemson's defense. Tankersley has 6 deflections on the season with his deflections coming against Auburn, Troy, Louisville, and North Carolina State.
Tankersley dominated on tape against both Florida State and Wake Forest. Tankerlsey has 9 deflections from pass breakups. Tankersley got called for pass interference against Pittsburgh and can unleash dirty hits which is his only concern.
Tankersley can play against the run well. I've seen Tankersley in the first round of a lot of mocks. The more I watch Tankersley's tape, the more I can buy into the notion of Tankersley being a first round pick despite giving him a third round grade at the beginning of the year.
Right now I have Tankersley as my top second round cornerback prospect. If he finishes the year on a strong note for Clemson, I will move Tankersley into my first round.
Before 2016
Cordrea Tankersley was a boundary cornerback next to Mackensie Alexander who had 9 deflections from pass breakups as well as 5 interceptions as a junior in 2015. He is expected to be a field cornerback in 2016 and did line up at field cornerback when Mackensie Alexander played boundary cornerback.
Cordrea Tankersley can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. Tankersley knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
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Projected Round 2nd Round
2016 Season Recap The 5-11 185 lb Adoree Jackson is USC's #1 field cornerback. Jackson also plays boundary cornerback too.
Adoree Jackson did a great job in coverage against Calvin Ridley. Jackson showcased the man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage that you want to see from a first round cornerback. Jackson has the speed and hands that NFL teams rave about.
Jackson didn't do as well against Utah State, but he's impressed on tape against Stanford, had 2 deflections against Utah, did well against Arizona State, before locking down Colorado, and Arizona's wide receivers on tape.
Adoree Jackson has addressed and corrected his concerns with coverage. My biggest question with Adoree Jackson is does he have the football IQ to recognize cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes. This isn't a knock on Jackson. It's just something I'd like to see Jackson show me at some point in the draft process.
Adoree Jackson missed 4 tackles against Washington wide receiver John Ross. Jackson also gave up a touchdown to Ross. Jackson had 2 interceptions against Washington's other receiver along with a blocked field goal.
Before 2016
Adoree Jackson does not have first round coverage, but I love his speed and hands on tape. Jackson can be used as a cornerback and a return specialist here. Jackson had 1,453 total yards on offense, defense, and special teams in 2016.
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Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
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Projected Round 2nd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 195 lb Gareon Conley is Ohio State's field cornerback. He played that role last year and created opportunities for top 10 pick Eli Apple. The junior redshirt cornerback could declare with a strong junior season.
Gareon Conley had 1 deflection for Ohio State against Bowling Green. Conley is showing more leadership on this defense though and that's a good thing after Ohio State lost 3 starters on their secondary.
Conley has 6 deflections so far in 2016. His only games without a deflection came against Tulsa and Indiana. Conley's 2 interceptions on the season came against Tulsa and Wisconsin.
Gareon Conley struggled agaisnt Northwestern receiver Austin Carr. Carr has done enough to jump JuJu Smith-Schuster for second round consideration and Conley dominated at field cornerback, boundary cornerback, and nickel cornerback against Michigan State. Conley had the game-winning interception against Michigan State.
Conley can play man coverage and zone coverage effectively. Conley pressed against Michigan. Conley gave up two third downs to a Michigan receiver, but he also had 1 deflection from a pass breakup. Conley was still more consistent in coverage than teammate Marshaun Lattimore a sophomore redshirt at cornerback.
Before 2016
Gareon Conley had 33 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 49 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 interceptions in 2015. Eli Apple, Von Bell, and Tyvis Powell complimented Conley at Ohio State last season. With those three defensive backs in the NFL, Conley becomes the leader of Ohio State's secondary.
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Ezra Robinson, CB, Tennessee State
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 180 lb Ezra Robinson enters his senior season as a great cornerback that can domiate in man and press coverage. Robinson struggled in zone though.
Robinson dominated in 2016 with 11 deflections from pass breakups and 5 interceptions. Robinson got an invite to the 2017 Senior Bowl which is why he is moving up to my third round until I see what he can do against superior competition in Mobile. If Robinson fails to impress in Mobile, I will move him back down since this draft is loaded with cornerbacks.
Robinson dominated against Arkansas Pine Bluff, but was inconsistent against Jackson State. Robinson had some moments against Vanderbilt in 2016.
Before 2016
Ezra Robinson transferred from Michigan State to Tennessee State. Robinson can play man and press coverage. Robinson struggles with zone coverage though as well as the run which limits him to cover 0, cover 1, and cover 2 schemes.
Robinson had 7 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. Robinson can jump in the air though and is effective in the red zone in coverage.
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Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 190 lb Brendan Langley is Lamar's #1 field cornerback. There are as many as five FCS cornerbacks that could get drafted in 2017, and Lamar cornerback Brendan Langley is the best of those FCS cornerbacks.
Langley had a deflection in his 2016 opener. Langley also had 5 total tackles in that game and showed why he's the top FCS cornerback.
Langley corrected his issue with dropping passes in 2015. Langley had 6 interceptions and 7 deflections in 2016 and one of the reasons he is so successful is because he is mainly focusing on playing defense.
Brendan Langley can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage. Does Langley have the football IQ to understand cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4. Langley had an interception against Houston when playing the FBS opponent in Houston.
Before 2016
Brendan Langley transferred from Georgia to Lamar in 2015. Langley played both wide receiver and cornerback at Lamar. Langley drops a lot of passes on offense though and would be better as a defensive back getting deflections rather than a wide receiver that catches passes. Langley had 11 deflections from pass breakups in 2015 in his first season at Lamar and if he can match that, he could shoot up draft boards.
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Jeremy Cutrer, CB, Middle Tennessee State
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-2 170 lb Jeremy Cutrer did not become a starting cornerback on Middle Tennessee State until 2015. Cutrer had 13 deflections from pass breakups in 2015 and needs to show NFL scouts he's not a one-year wonder.
Jeremy Cutrer has 6 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. Half of those deflections came against Northern Alabama. The other three deflections came against Louisiana Tech, North Texas, and Missouri. Cutrer had his worse game in 2016 against Vanderbilt.
Cutrer now has 10 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. Cutrer still runs fast on tape, but now he's harnessed how fast is fast enough and how fast is too fast. Mastering that can make a huge difference in how he performs in the NFL.
Before 2016
Jeremy Cutrer showed the versatility to play field cornerback, boundary cornerback, strong safety, or free safety in 2015. Cutrer has great speed and hands. He stands out with that speed if you watch his tape against Alabama.
Cutrer has great man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage on tape. Cutrer has the football IQ to play cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 schemes. Cutrer is amazing in the red zone.
Cutrer's biggest problem on tape is that sometimes he runs too fast to the point where he misses tackles. Cutrer can become a day 2 pick if he corrects that flaw on tape in 2016.
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Brad Watson, CB, Wake Forest
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 190 lb Brad Watson can be used as a field or a boundary cornerback. He gave Jameis Winston problems in 2014 and Deshaun Watson problems in both of his seasons as Clemson's starter. Watson enters 2016 as one of the top cornerbacks in the nation.
Brad Watson had 4 solo tackles, 3 assisted tackles, and 7 total tackles. Watson was third on Wake Forest in tackles during their 7-3 win over Tulane. Tulane's quarterback threw away from #25, Brad Watson at all times.
Watson did a good job with a deflection against Indiana. Watson really impressed me on tape against Florida State. Watson showed the versatility to play field cornerback, boundary cornerback, strong safety, or free safety. Watson also gave up a touchdown to the 6-5 225 lb Auden Taint. Watson did a good job covering him, but had trouble containing him due to only being 6-0 190 lbs. Watson has the football IQ to be a starting NFL corner on tape, but he may struggle against bigger receivers in the red zone. Watson also got knocked down on a running play against Dalvin Cook so Watson may struggle against the run.
Watson added 10 lbs of muscle during Wake Forest's bye week. Watson dominated against James Quick when Wake Forest played Louisville. Lamar Jackson was held to 10 points in the first three quarters and had to play keep away from Brad Watson.
Brad Watson did an awesome job blanketing Artivis Scott. Watson wasn't as consistent against Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams who made Watson miss two tackles with his speed on tape. Watson did have some plays where he covered Williams effectively, and probably gave Williams the most problems on tape among any cornerback I've watched facing Williams. Williams still got the better of Watson on running plays, showing off his blocking pushing Watson backwards on tape.
I like Watson in coverage. Watson has problems against the run though and bigger receivers will abuse Watson on tape in running situations if those receivers can block.
Before 2016
Brad Watson had 47 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 72 total tackles, 16 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 interceptions in 2015. Watson is a guy that can shoot up draft boards if he matches his 2015 numbers in 2016.
Brad Watson can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. Watson knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 195 lb Chidobe Awuzie can play field cornerback, boundary cornerback, strong safety, or free safety with his versatility. Awuzie is the top NFL draft prospect for Colorado in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Chidobe Awuzie began the season on a very high note against Colorado State. Awuzie had 8 solo tackles, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, 1 interception, and 1 tackle for a loss against Colorado State. Awuzie kept Jehu Chesson to 0 receptions for 0 receiving yards. Awuzie did well against USC even though he was not on JuJu Smith-Schuster who dominated in that game.
Awuzie had a season best 2 deflections for pass breakups in a 10-5 win VS Stanford showcasing the same man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage that Sidney Jones showed on tape. Awuzie already matched his 7 deflections from pass breakups from 2015 so far in 2016.
Awuzie has stepped up without Ken Crawley. Awuzie looks like a cornerback that can play cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 on tape.
Awuzie contained JuJu Smith-Schuster. Awuzie had his worst game of the season against Washington State getting burned in coverage on plays. Awuzie had the same problem against Utah. Awuzie still has way too much talent to fall out of the third round and would be a steal on day 3 if he fell to the fourth round. Awuzie's size and speed are the two things keeping him from being a first round cornerback despite being incredibly versatile on tape.
Before 2016
Chidobe Awuzie had 78 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 90 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, and 7 deflections from pass breakups.
Chidobe Awuzie played with Kevin Crawley last year. Now he has to anchor Colorado's secondary while improving his coverage. This guy has the size of a cornerback and the skills of a linebacker which lead me to believe he's going to be a nickel corner that blitzes and plays very aggressive in the NFL.
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Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 5-10 170 lb Jourdan Lewis is undersized. He makes plays though and has moments that really stand out on tape.
Lewis missed the first three games of the season. Lewis added 16 lbs of muscle in the offseason to improve to 5-10 186 lbs. Lewis improved in zone coverage in 2016 after dominating in man and press coverage while struggling in zone in 2015. Lewis had a deflection in every game he started except the game against Illinois this past weekend. Lewis made an excellent one-handed interception against Wisconsin on tape.
Jourdan Lewis now has 10 deflections in 2016. I think he's done enough on tape to be drafted in the first three rounds despite being undersized.
Before 2016
Jourdan Lewis is undersized, but he had 20 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. Lewis lined up at field cornerback, boundary cornerback, nickel cornerback, dime cornerback, and quarter cornerback.
Lewis can play man and press well. He struggles in zone. That will limit him to cover 0, cover 1, and cover 2 schemes. If Lewis has to line up in the nickel due to his size, teams will have to use him as a man coverage corner in the slot.
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Jordan Thomas, CB, Oklahoma
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 190 lb Jordan Thomas is Oklahoma's #1 field cornerback. Thomas needs a huge junior year to get scouts attention.
Jordan Thomas has 11 deflections from pass breakups in 2016 after taking over for Zack Sanchez at field cornerback. He had 0 deflections against both Houston and Texas Tech playing like a borderline day 2 pick on tape against Greg Ward Jr. and Patrick Mahomes.
Jordan Thomas now has 15 deflections. He struggled against the run at West Virginia and got beat deep on some throws that West Virginia's receiver dropped in the red zone. Thomas is still a third round pick, but he's on the brink of falling to the fourth round.
Before 2016
Jordan Thomas had 4 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. Thomas is going to over to field cornerback with Zack Sanchez now in the NFL.
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Damontae Kazee, CB, San Diego State
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 5-11 190 lb Damontae Kazee nearly declared for the 2016 NFL Draft. Kazee wisely returned to school though for his senior season.
Damontae Kazee had 3 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle, and 4 total tackles in San Diego State's season opener. He needs to do more in week 2 if he wants to impress NFL scouts.
Damontae Kazee had 3 deflections from pass breakups against California. Kazee did give up a passing play in zone coverage. He seems more like a hard hitting man coverage corner. Kazee did not cover Chad Hansen when watching the tape. Kazee looks like a third to fourth round pick at best when watching his tape against California.
Before 2016
Damontae Kazee had 58 solo tackles, 17 assisted tackles, 75 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, and 8 interceptions in 2015. Kazee also won Mountain West Defensive Player Of The Year in 2015.
Damontae Kazee flies after the ball like a wrecking ball. He's a hard hitter that is as fast as a bullet when it comes to delivering hits. Kazee is great in man and zone coverage, he's not the best press corner and does need to improve his understanding of coverage schemes. Kazee makes up for this with his incredible vision and hard hitting.
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Treston Decoud, CB, Oregon State
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-3 208 lb Treston Decoud is an excellent field cornerback with amazing size. Decoud could shoot up boards if he stays healthy in 2016.
Treston Decoud 11 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, 13 total tackles, 6 deflection from pass breakups, and 2 interceptions so far in 2016. Decoud had strong games against Minnesota, Idaho State, California blanketing Chad Hansen, and Utah. Decoud got picked apart by John Ross.
Decoud did well in man and press coverage against Washington. John Ross picked Decoud apart in zone coverage and made Decoud miss two tackles. Decoud will do well in cover 0, cover 1, and cover 2 schemes, but could struggle in cover 3 and cover 4 schemes.
Before 2016
Treston Decoud had 31 solo tackles, 19 assisted tackles, and 50 total tackles in 2015. Decoud did great against the run and could be a sleeper at cornerback if he can become more consistent in coverage in 2016 after having only 5 deflections in 2015.
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Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-2 203 lb cornerback will transition from nickel cornerback to field cornerback in 2016. Rasul Douglas has dominated with 8 interceptions and 7 deflections from pass breakups in 2016.
Before 2016
Rasul Douglas was a JUCO transfer before finally seeing the field as a nickel cornerback in 2015. Douglas will get promoted to field cornerback in 2016 so we will get to see what Douglas can do this upcoming season despite a lack of experience.
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Brandon Facyson, CB, Virginia Tech
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Projected Round 4th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-2 197 lb Brandon Facyson is one of the best cornerbacks in the 2017 NFL Draft. He became Virginia Tech's field cornerback as a sophomore redshirt after Kendall Fuller suffered a season ending injury.
Brandon Facyson had 2 deflections from pass breakups in Virginia Tech's season opener. I'm interested to see if Facyson can duplicate that performance when facing Tennessee at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Facyson has 7 deflections in 2016. His only deflections came against Liberty, Boston College, and Syracuse. Facyson struggled aganst Tennessee. Facyson struggled against East Carolina receiver Zay Jones. Facyson struggled against Ryan Switzer on North Carolina, and Facyson struggled against Miami FL quarterback Brad Kaaya and wide receiver Stacy Coley. Facyson needs to return to school, but if he declares he will be a day 3 pick.
Brandon Facyson hasn't impressed me without Kendall Fuller. Facyson has one chance to redeem himself if he can shut down Mike Williams in the 2016 ACC Championship. Right now Facyson has to beat Virginia in order for Virginia Tech to make the ACC Championship.
Before 2016
Brandon Facyson had 20 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 27 total tackles, and 10 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. Facyson will have to maintain those numbers without Kendall Fuller in 2016.
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Breon Borders, CB, Duke
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Projected Round 4th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 180 lb Breon Borders is Duke's field cornerback. He played that role last year and did well in man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage. Borders was overshadowed by strong safety Jeremy Cash.
Breon Borders had 4 deflections from pass breakups against Northwestern. Borders had 3 more deflections from pass breakups in a win over Notre Dame. Borders did so well in coverage that Kizer threw away from Borders.
Borders has 10 deflections in 2016. Borders had a mixed outing against Virginia Tech with 2 deflections on Isaiah Ford. Borders limited Ford to 4 receptions for 62 receiving yards, but one of those receptions was a 50 yard passing play plus Borders got called for pass interference in that game.
Borders got injured and missed Duke's games against North Carolina and Pittsburgh. Borders has impressed on tape, but has also been inconsistent. The injury Borders suffered kept him from moving into day 2 territory despite having impressive moments on tape at times in 2016.
Before 2016
Breon Borders began his career as a boundary cornerback next to Ross Cockrell in 2013 having 8 deflections from pass breakups in 2013. He didn't do as well with only 6 deflections from pass breakups in 2014. When Cockrell left, Borders had his best season transitioning to field cornerback having 9 deflections from pass breakups.
Borders dominated on tape against North Carolina showing the man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage that you look for in a starting cornerback. Borders has the football IQ to play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 scheme.
Kevin King, CB, Washington
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Projected Round 4th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-3 192 lb Kevin King was a nickel cornerback in 2015. King will move to a boundary cornerback role next to Sidney Jones in 2016.
Kevin King had 5 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, 7 total tackles, and 2 tackles for a loss in 2016. King needs to do more for Washington in week 2 even though he impressed against Rutgers.
Kevin King has 5 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. Kevin King is getting a lot of deflections mainly due to teams throwing away from the cornerback across from him in Sidney Jones.
Kevin King has dominated in coverage in 2016. King has 10 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. King has stepped up at boundary cornerback after being a safety in 2014 and a nickel cornerback in 2015. Kevin King's fantastic tape has earned him a fourth round grade assuming he declares for the 2017 NFL Draft.
Before 2016
Kevin King started 12 games at safety in 2014. King moved over to nickel cornerback in 2015.
Kevin King started eight games in 2015 playing in eleven of the teams thirteen games. King had an interception in each of Washington's first three games.
Kevin King now has the versatility to play nickel cornerback, strong safety, or free safety. He will get his chance to be a boundary cornerback across from Sidney Jones in 2016.
Demetrious Cox, CB, Michigan State
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Projected Round 4th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 200 lb Demetrious Cox took over for Trae Waynes as Michigan State as a field cornerback in 2015. Cox will enter this season as the #1 cornerback on Michigan State's depth chart.
Demetrious Cox had 2 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles, 7 total tackles, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup against Furman. Cox is a player to keep an eye on for Michigan State in 2016.
Demetrious Cox struggled against Notre Dame. He bounced back with at least 1 deflection in three of his last five games. Cox had 4 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles, 14 total tackles, 0.5 tackle for a loss, and 1 deflection for a pass breakup against Wisconsin. Demetrious Cox is a guy I will watch against Michigan this weekend.
Demetrious Cox moved over from field cornerback to free safety. Cox struggled against Northwestern, Michigan, and Ohio State. Cox has lost a step and is not as effective as he was in 2015.
Before 2016
Demetrious Cox played boundary cornerback next to Trae Waynes in 2014. Cox had 48 solo tackles, 31 assisted tackles, 79 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, and 3 interceptions in 2015. Cox will continue to develop as a #1 field cornerback at Michigan State in 2016.
Demetrious Cox specializes in zone coverage. He is best used in cover 3 and cover 4 schemes.
Jamar Summers, CB, Connecticut
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Projected Round 5th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 190 lb Jamar Summers enters his junior season. Summers may declare with a strong junior season in 2016.
Jamar Summers did a great job tackling. He had some problems in coverage against Maine so I think it would be in his best interest to return for his senior season in 2017 since Summers is still a work in progress.
Jamar Summers had 3 deflections from pass breakups as well as 10 total tackles against Syracuse. He also got torched by Amba Etta-Tawo at wide receiver for Syracuse. Summers has talent to break up passes, but he gets torched a lot in coverage as teams like Maine, Navy, Syracuse, Houston, and South Florida all picked apart Summers on tape.
Before 2016
Jamar Summers was a boundary cornerback next to Byron Jones in 2014. Summers had 16 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 22 total tackles, 2 deflections from pass breakups, and 1 interception as a true freshman in 2014.
Jamar Summers became a field cornerback after Byron Jones went to the NFL in 2015. Summers had 26 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 39 total tackles, 3 deflections from pass breakups, and 8 interceptions in 2015.
Jamar Summers can play man coverage and zone coverage effectively. Summers knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
Dwayne Thomas, CB, LSU
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Projected Round 5th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 201 lb Dwayne Thomas started five games at boundary cornerback and four games at nickel cornerback. Thomas has the versatility to play field cornerback, boundary cornerback, nickel cornerback, strong safety, or free safety.
Dwayne Thomas had 2 solo tackles against Wisconsin. He struggled at times in LSU's season opener.
Dwayne Thomas is extremely versatile on tape. He's had moments though where he has been inconsistent for LSU in 2016.
Dwayne Thomas is the nickel cornerback for LSU. Thomas has incredible speed of the edge and has been lined up at 4-3 right outsdie linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, and 4-3 left outside linebacker as someone who thrives in blitzing situations that goes straight for the quarterback.
Thomas can be effective on tape in coverage, but he's more of a hybrid player than a cover corner. Thomas had some moments on tape in LSU's loss to Florida.
Before 2016
Dwayne Thomas had durability concerns in his first two seasons at LSU. Thomas had 6 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. Thomas has a lot of potential, but at the same time he needs a lot more experience as well.
Jalen Myrick, CB, Minnesota
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Projected Round 5th Round
2016 Season Recap The 5-10 205 lb Jalen Myrick was a nickel cornerback to Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun in 2015. In 2016, Jalen Myrick will be Minnesota's #1 field cornerback with those two corners in the NFL now.
Jalen Myrick had 5 solo tackles, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, and 1 tackle for a loss in his first game as Minnesota's field cornerback. Myrick did well against Oregon State, but will have more competition moving forward.
Jalen Myrick had 2 of his 4 deflections against Iowa. Myrick will be a huge project for any team in the market for a cornerback.
Jalen Myrick shut down Austin Carr on tape. Carr left the game against Minnesota injured at wide receiver for Northwestern.
Before 2016
Jalen Myrick saw limited action in 2015. He will get more action as a #1 field cornerback in 2016.
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Des Lawrence, CB, North Carolina
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Projected Round 6th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 185 lb Des Lawrence enters his senior season at North Carolina. Lawrence really stepped up in 2015 with a breakout junior season.
Des Lawrence got a sack on Georgia. Lawrence did a great job blitzing for North Carolina in a nickel cornerback role.
Des Lawrence had 3 deflections from pass breakups against James Madison. Lawrence struggled in coverage after that, but had 4 deflections in the past three weeks against Virginia Tech, Miami FL, and Virginia. Lawrence looked better in coverage against guys like Virginia Tech wide receiver Isaiah Ford and Miami FL wide receiver Stacy Coley. Lawrence is a late round gem that can move up boards if he continues to play well on tape.
Des Lawrence now has 8 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. Lawrence is a late round pick that has improved from a seventh round pick to a sixth round pick.
Before 2016
Des Lawrence had 43 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 59 total tackles, and 14 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. If he can match those numbers during his senior year his stock will improve and if he can get at least 10 deflections again he should get drafted.
Des Lawrence is awesome in man coverage. Lawrence isn't that good in zone or press which is why he should be limited to cover 0, cover 1, and cover 2 schemes.
Taylor Reynolds, CB, James Madison
Projected Round 6th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 195 lb Taylor Reynolds is the final FCS cornerback that we believe gets drafted. Taylor Reynolds is one of the most durable cornerbacks despite playing in the FCS.
Taylor Reynolds leads James Madison with 8 deflections in 2016. Reynolds is still a project at cornerback despite his success in 2016 in the FCS. Reynolds struggled on tape against Ryan Switzer making him a late round pick at best.
Before 2016
Taylor Reynolds became a full-time starting cornerback in 2014. Reynolds had 43 solo tackles, 28 assisted tackles, 71 total tackles, 4 deflections from pass breakups, and 4 interceptions as a field cornerback in 2014. Reynolds had 30 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 46 total tackles, and 16 deflections from pass breakups in 2015 during his junior redshirt season. Reynolds has a chance to get drafted if he can match those numbers in 2016.
Brandon Wilson, CB, Houston
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Projected Round 7th Round
2016 Season Recap The 5-11 200 lb Brandon Wilson will become Houston's field cornerback in 2016. Wilson was a boundary cornerback on Houston in 2015.
Brandon Wilson had no problem replacing William Jackson III. Wilson had 5 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles, 10 total tackles, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, and a 100 yard field goal return for a touchdown against Oklahoma.
Wilson has been impressive when healthy. Wilson has missed a few games with injuries which makes you wonder if he has durability concerns.
Before 2016
Brandon Wilson was a good complimentary cornerback to William Jackson III in 2015. Wilson had 51 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 58 total tackles, 8 deflections from pass breakups, and 1 interception in 2015. Wilson has to step up as Houston's field cornerback in 2016 with William Jackson III gone.
Any comments or questions....put 'em in print on the bottom. Strong CB class....I think we need 2 cause Tru is gone. Hill can't get 'er done....And Mike Jordan is playing like Jordan's sons.
2017 NFL Draft: Cornerback Rankings
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Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: November 27, 2016
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Desmond King, CB, Iowa
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Projected Round Top 5 Pick
2016 Season Recap The 5-11 200 lb Desmond King lined up at both field cornerback and boundary cornerback in 2015. I see King as a field cornerback that can cover any opponents best receiver in the NFL.
Desmond King had 4 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackles, and 5 total tackles. King needs to do more moving forward, but he's still my top ranked cornerback.
King did not have a deflection in his first three games. He dominated on tape against Rutgers, Northwestern, Minnesota with Mitch Leidner at quarterback, and Purdue. King did okay against Wisconsin in coverage, but he did get knocked down on a running play. I'm looking past that at this point since I honestly believe Desmond King is the top cornerback in the draft with his man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage with 6 deflections from pass breakups in 2016.
Desmond King now has 7 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. King did a good job stopping the run against Michigan while dominating in coverage against the Wolverines.
Before 2016
Desmond King had 46 solo tackles, 26 assisted tackles, 72 total tackles, 13 deflections from pass breakups, 8 interceptions, and 949 total yards on special teams returning both kickoffs and punts.
Desmond King can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. King knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 191 lb Sidney Jones was awesome on tape against JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2015. Washington is great at developing NFL cornerbacks.
Sidney Jones was solid against Rutgers. He wasn't spectacular though. I don't think it will affect his draft stock much at this point.
Sidney Jones was spectacular against Stanford. Jones has anchored Washington's defense only being targeted 9 times in Washington's first seven games thanks to superb man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage on tape. Jones may not have a deflection yet, but he's so lethal in coverage on tape that opposing quarterbacks are throwing towards his teammate Kevin King. Jones has a big game on National TV against Utah this weekend and Jones can solidify his status as the #2 cornerback in this draft if Washington wins.
Sidney Jones locked down JuJu Smith-Schuster once again. Jones has done enough on tape to convince me he is the #2 cornerback in this draft after strong games against Utah, California, and USC. Jones did a superb job covering Chad Hansen and JuJu Smith-Schuster on tape.
Not only did Jones dominate at at cornerback in coverage. He also showed he can stop the run on tape. That is going to get a lot more teams interested in drafting Sidney Jones.
Washington State receiver Gabe Marks dominated had some success against Sidney Jones. Jones didn't struggle since he did a good job blanketing Marks, but he has to play better in the PAC 12 Championship game.
Before 2016
Sidney Jones played boundary cornerback next to Marcus Peters in 2014 as a true freshman. Jones 48 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 61 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 interceptions in 2014.
In 2015, Jones took over as the field cornerback where Marcus Peters played covering #1 wide receivers. Peters had 31 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 46 total tackles, 10 deflections from pass breakups, and 4 interceptions.
The Washington Huskies have a good track record for developing first round cornerbacks. I expect Sidney Jones to make a huge splash during either his junior or senior season at Washington to put himself in position to be a first round pick as Jones enters his junior season.
If Jones struggles against JuJu Smith-Schuster this year, I will move him down, but right now I like him slightly more than JuJu Smith-Schuster based on what I've seen on tape.
Sidney Jones can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. Jones knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 191 lb Jalen Tabor complimented Vernon Hargreaves in 2015 as a boundary cornerback. Tabor will be Florida's field cornerback in 2016.
Jalen Tabor nicknamed "Teez" Tabor has had excellent tape in 2016. Tabor missed Florida's opener, but having 4 interceptions against all 4 SEC opponents Florida has faced does make Tabor stand out on tape. Tabor continues to showcase the man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage needed to start in the NFL. Tabor has dominated against #1 flanker receivers after facing #2 wide receivers in 2015.
Tabor did not have an interception against North Texas. His only deflection of the season did take place against the North Texas Mean Green though.
Tabor dominated in coverage against LSU. Tabor has made the adjustment from boundary cornerback to field cornerback while being more physical in 2016. Tabor can stop the run as well as drop back into coverage.
Tabor dominated in coverage against Florida State. Tabor had 3 deflections from pass breakups despite the loss to Florida State.
Before 2016
Jalen Tabor had 21 solo tackles, 19 assisted tackles, 40 total tackles, 14 deflections from pass breakups, and 4 interceptions in 2015. Jalen Tabor may not have the same success without Vernon Hargreaves, but if he does have the same success without Hargreaves he could be the first cornerback drafted in 2017.
Tabor can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage. Florida lined Tabor up at field cornerback, boundary cornerback, nickel cornerback, dime cornerback, quarter cornerback, strong safety, and free safety. Tabor is more versatile than Hargreaves on tape, but unlike Hargreaves, Tabor faced #2 receivers rather than #1 targets. Tabor never missed tackles on tape which was something Hargreaves did at times.
Tabor isn't as physical as Hargreaves though. One thing Tabor struggles with is adjusting when a quarterback is throwing the deep ball on the run. This was highlighted in Florida's game on tape against LSU.
Tabor can have all the talent in the world heading into this season. If he does not show up to play well against a teams best receiver, then it will affect his stock in a negative way. That's just common sense. The secondary stops the passing game as a team and with three starters gone, we could easily see Tabor's play decline even though some have him as a top 10 pick.
Jalen Tabor can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. Tabor knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 196 lb Marlon Humphrey was awesome on tape in 2015 as a field cornerback at Alabama. The only question is will the sophomore redshirt play well enough to declare for the 2017 NFL Draft.
Marlon Humphrey dominated against JuJu Smith-Schuster showcasing the man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage to be a lockdown cornerback in the NFL. Humphrey showed the same coverage against Texas A&M receiver Christian Kirk. This sophomore redshirt is talented enough to get picked in the top half of the first round if he declares.
Humphrey had 3 of his 4 deflections from pass breakups against Western Kentucky and Ole Miss. He finally got his 4th deflection against Texas A&M this past weekend. Humphrey is also excellent at picking up on running plays and blitzing corners. Even if Humphrey is not the best cover corner you could easily argue he's the most complete cornerback against the pass and run on tape despite having fewer deflections than Desmond King.
Marlon Humphrey got injured in the Iron Bowl against Auburn. Humphrey did not return to the game.
Before 2016
Marlon Humphrey is the son of former NFL player Bob Humphrey. Marlon Humphrey was a 5 star recruit in high school before committing to Alabama. Marlon had 8 deflections from pass breakups along with 3 interceptions after taking the field cornerback job as a freshman redshirt in 2015.
Marlon Humphrey can play man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage effectively. Humphrey knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 213 lb Quincy Wilson was a nickel cornerback to Jalen Tabor and Vernon Hargreaves in 2015. Wilson is moving up to boundary cornerback in 2016.
Quincy Wilson faces mostly #2 receivers on tape. Despite facing weaker competition, Wilson has excellent size and can play man, zone, or press coverage. Wilson struggles against the run.
Some mocks have Wilson in the top 10. Even though I disagree with that assessment, I can understand why people feel that way with Wilson having the best speed and size among the cornerbacks along with excellent coverage.
Quincy Wilson dominated in coverage against Missouri, LSU, and Florida State. Wilson plays like a first round cornerback the more I watch him on tape.
Wilson may not have a lot of experience. He has the football IQ to play cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 though. Having that immense football IQ despite, the best size, and speed among the 2017 NFL Draft cornerbacks makes you a first round pick even with limited experience.
Wilson is expected to declare for the 2017 NFL Draft along with Tabor. Both Florida cornerbacks should be first round picks.
Before 2016
Quincy Wilson was a dime cornerback in 2014 as a true freshman. Wilson started two games in 2014.
Wilson got promoted from dime cornerback to nickel cornerback in 2015. Wilson started 9 games showcasing excellent speed on tape. Wilson showed the versatility to play nickel cornerback, free safety, strong safety, 4-3 right outside linebacker, or 4-3 left outside linebacker.
Wilson showcased excellent speed and versatility on tape with 5 deflections in 2015. One thing Wilson needs to correct is his ability to stop the run.
Quincy Wilson is getting promoted from nickel cornerback to boundary cornerback in 2016. Can Wilson play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively? Wilson can be a huge riser if he answers that question on tape in 2016.
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Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 197 lb Tre'Davious White was awesome on tape in 2015. White should have declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, he had a lot less competition at cornerback and now will have a lot more competition at cornerback in 2016.
Tre'Davious White was a turnover machine against Wisconsin. He had an interception and a fumble recovery for LSU.
White has been a guy that SEC quarterbacks have been actively trying to avoid throwing to. White had 1 deflection against Auburn, Missouri, and Ole Miss on tape. White deserves a lot of credit for the success he is having in 2016 despite the departure of Les Miles.
White stepped up in the second half of the season. White has 13 deflections from pass breakups in 2016, but still has issues with press coverage and stopping the run.
Before 2016
Tre'Davious White lined up at field cornerback and boundary cornerback for LSU in 2015. He could be a solid boundary cornerback as he had 30 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 44 total tackles, and 7 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. White needs double digit deflections in 2016 if he wants to be a first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Tre'Davious White can play man coverage and zone coverage effectively. White knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
White has the speed and coverage to cover effectively. He's not physical enough to have an impact in press coverage and also looked very obsolete when trying to stop the run on tape against Alabama. White got constantly pushed on the ground by Alabama's fullbacks and tight ends. He has to play much better against Alabama in Death Valley during his senior year at LSU if he wants to be a first round pick.
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Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
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Projected Round 1st Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 181 lb Cameron Sutton dominated in 2014 as a field cornerback. When Justin Coleman left, Sutton moved to the nickel and struggled in 2015. Sutton should be a field cornerback again in 2016.
Cameron Sutton fumbled a punt return in the first quarter. After that he bounced back with 2 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, 4 total tackles, 1 deflection from a pass breakup on the final play of the game, 1 interception, and 1 tackle for a loss which kept Appalachian State from winning in regulation.
Cameron Sutton dominated on tape against Virginia Tech receiver Isaiah Ford. Sutton got injured against Ohio. It is not a season ending injury and with Sutton's injury progressing he will return later in the season. I still think Sutton is a fringe first round prospect when watching his tape.
Sutton returned for Tennessee against Kentucky. Sutton dominated on tape against Kentucky and Missouri. Tennessee has lined Sutton up at field cornerback, boundary cornerback, or nickel cornerback. Sutton has done a much better job stopping the run at this point and should be a first round pick.
Before 2016
Cameron Sutton began his freshman career as a boundary cornerback in 2013. In that role he had 34 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles, 39 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 interceptions.
The following season, Sutton became a #1 field cornerback. Sutton had 31 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 37 total tackles, 13 deflections from pass breakups, and 3 interceptions.
Cameron Sutton had 27 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle, 28 total tackles, and 6 deflections from pass breakups in 2015 when moving to nickel cornerback. Sutton has the ability to play field cornerback, boundary cornerback, or nickel cornerback.
Cameron Sutton saw a huge drop off in deflections in 2015. Despite that, he still looks like the best press coverage cornerback on tape at times.
Cameron Sutton can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. Sutton knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
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Projected Round 2nd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 191 lb Cordrea Tankersley was a boundary cornerback next to Mackensie Alexander in 2015. Mackensie Alexander, T.J. Green, and Jayron Kearse are all gone meaning that Tankersley will be the new leader of Clemson's secondary.
Cordrea Tankersley did an awesome job against Auburn. Tankersley had 2 tackles for a loss and 1 deflection for a pass breakup in Clemson's win over Auburn.
Tankersley had 3 deflections for pass breakups against Troy. Lamar Jackson threw away from Tankersley when Louisville faced Clemson's defense. Tankersley has 6 deflections on the season with his deflections coming against Auburn, Troy, Louisville, and North Carolina State.
Tankersley dominated on tape against both Florida State and Wake Forest. Tankerlsey has 9 deflections from pass breakups. Tankersley got called for pass interference against Pittsburgh and can unleash dirty hits which is his only concern.
Tankersley can play against the run well. I've seen Tankersley in the first round of a lot of mocks. The more I watch Tankersley's tape, the more I can buy into the notion of Tankersley being a first round pick despite giving him a third round grade at the beginning of the year.
Right now I have Tankersley as my top second round cornerback prospect. If he finishes the year on a strong note for Clemson, I will move Tankersley into my first round.
Before 2016
Cordrea Tankersley was a boundary cornerback next to Mackensie Alexander who had 9 deflections from pass breakups as well as 5 interceptions as a junior in 2015. He is expected to be a field cornerback in 2016 and did line up at field cornerback when Mackensie Alexander played boundary cornerback.
Cordrea Tankersley can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. Tankersley knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
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Projected Round 2nd Round
2016 Season Recap The 5-11 185 lb Adoree Jackson is USC's #1 field cornerback. Jackson also plays boundary cornerback too.
Adoree Jackson did a great job in coverage against Calvin Ridley. Jackson showcased the man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage that you want to see from a first round cornerback. Jackson has the speed and hands that NFL teams rave about.
Jackson didn't do as well against Utah State, but he's impressed on tape against Stanford, had 2 deflections against Utah, did well against Arizona State, before locking down Colorado, and Arizona's wide receivers on tape.
Adoree Jackson has addressed and corrected his concerns with coverage. My biggest question with Adoree Jackson is does he have the football IQ to recognize cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes. This isn't a knock on Jackson. It's just something I'd like to see Jackson show me at some point in the draft process.
Adoree Jackson missed 4 tackles against Washington wide receiver John Ross. Jackson also gave up a touchdown to Ross. Jackson had 2 interceptions against Washington's other receiver along with a blocked field goal.
Before 2016
Adoree Jackson does not have first round coverage, but I love his speed and hands on tape. Jackson can be used as a cornerback and a return specialist here. Jackson had 1,453 total yards on offense, defense, and special teams in 2016.
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Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
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Projected Round 2nd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 195 lb Gareon Conley is Ohio State's field cornerback. He played that role last year and created opportunities for top 10 pick Eli Apple. The junior redshirt cornerback could declare with a strong junior season.
Gareon Conley had 1 deflection for Ohio State against Bowling Green. Conley is showing more leadership on this defense though and that's a good thing after Ohio State lost 3 starters on their secondary.
Conley has 6 deflections so far in 2016. His only games without a deflection came against Tulsa and Indiana. Conley's 2 interceptions on the season came against Tulsa and Wisconsin.
Gareon Conley struggled agaisnt Northwestern receiver Austin Carr. Carr has done enough to jump JuJu Smith-Schuster for second round consideration and Conley dominated at field cornerback, boundary cornerback, and nickel cornerback against Michigan State. Conley had the game-winning interception against Michigan State.
Conley can play man coverage and zone coverage effectively. Conley pressed against Michigan. Conley gave up two third downs to a Michigan receiver, but he also had 1 deflection from a pass breakup. Conley was still more consistent in coverage than teammate Marshaun Lattimore a sophomore redshirt at cornerback.
Before 2016
Gareon Conley had 33 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 49 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 interceptions in 2015. Eli Apple, Von Bell, and Tyvis Powell complimented Conley at Ohio State last season. With those three defensive backs in the NFL, Conley becomes the leader of Ohio State's secondary.
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Ezra Robinson, CB, Tennessee State
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 180 lb Ezra Robinson enters his senior season as a great cornerback that can domiate in man and press coverage. Robinson struggled in zone though.
Robinson dominated in 2016 with 11 deflections from pass breakups and 5 interceptions. Robinson got an invite to the 2017 Senior Bowl which is why he is moving up to my third round until I see what he can do against superior competition in Mobile. If Robinson fails to impress in Mobile, I will move him back down since this draft is loaded with cornerbacks.
Robinson dominated against Arkansas Pine Bluff, but was inconsistent against Jackson State. Robinson had some moments against Vanderbilt in 2016.
Before 2016
Ezra Robinson transferred from Michigan State to Tennessee State. Robinson can play man and press coverage. Robinson struggles with zone coverage though as well as the run which limits him to cover 0, cover 1, and cover 2 schemes.
Robinson had 7 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. Robinson can jump in the air though and is effective in the red zone in coverage.
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Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 190 lb Brendan Langley is Lamar's #1 field cornerback. There are as many as five FCS cornerbacks that could get drafted in 2017, and Lamar cornerback Brendan Langley is the best of those FCS cornerbacks.
Langley had a deflection in his 2016 opener. Langley also had 5 total tackles in that game and showed why he's the top FCS cornerback.
Langley corrected his issue with dropping passes in 2015. Langley had 6 interceptions and 7 deflections in 2016 and one of the reasons he is so successful is because he is mainly focusing on playing defense.
Brendan Langley can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage. Does Langley have the football IQ to understand cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4. Langley had an interception against Houston when playing the FBS opponent in Houston.
Before 2016
Brendan Langley transferred from Georgia to Lamar in 2015. Langley played both wide receiver and cornerback at Lamar. Langley drops a lot of passes on offense though and would be better as a defensive back getting deflections rather than a wide receiver that catches passes. Langley had 11 deflections from pass breakups in 2015 in his first season at Lamar and if he can match that, he could shoot up draft boards.
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Jeremy Cutrer, CB, Middle Tennessee State
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-2 170 lb Jeremy Cutrer did not become a starting cornerback on Middle Tennessee State until 2015. Cutrer had 13 deflections from pass breakups in 2015 and needs to show NFL scouts he's not a one-year wonder.
Jeremy Cutrer has 6 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. Half of those deflections came against Northern Alabama. The other three deflections came against Louisiana Tech, North Texas, and Missouri. Cutrer had his worse game in 2016 against Vanderbilt.
Cutrer now has 10 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. Cutrer still runs fast on tape, but now he's harnessed how fast is fast enough and how fast is too fast. Mastering that can make a huge difference in how he performs in the NFL.
Before 2016
Jeremy Cutrer showed the versatility to play field cornerback, boundary cornerback, strong safety, or free safety in 2015. Cutrer has great speed and hands. He stands out with that speed if you watch his tape against Alabama.
Cutrer has great man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage on tape. Cutrer has the football IQ to play cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 schemes. Cutrer is amazing in the red zone.
Cutrer's biggest problem on tape is that sometimes he runs too fast to the point where he misses tackles. Cutrer can become a day 2 pick if he corrects that flaw on tape in 2016.
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Brad Watson, CB, Wake Forest
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 190 lb Brad Watson can be used as a field or a boundary cornerback. He gave Jameis Winston problems in 2014 and Deshaun Watson problems in both of his seasons as Clemson's starter. Watson enters 2016 as one of the top cornerbacks in the nation.
Brad Watson had 4 solo tackles, 3 assisted tackles, and 7 total tackles. Watson was third on Wake Forest in tackles during their 7-3 win over Tulane. Tulane's quarterback threw away from #25, Brad Watson at all times.
Watson did a good job with a deflection against Indiana. Watson really impressed me on tape against Florida State. Watson showed the versatility to play field cornerback, boundary cornerback, strong safety, or free safety. Watson also gave up a touchdown to the 6-5 225 lb Auden Taint. Watson did a good job covering him, but had trouble containing him due to only being 6-0 190 lbs. Watson has the football IQ to be a starting NFL corner on tape, but he may struggle against bigger receivers in the red zone. Watson also got knocked down on a running play against Dalvin Cook so Watson may struggle against the run.
Watson added 10 lbs of muscle during Wake Forest's bye week. Watson dominated against James Quick when Wake Forest played Louisville. Lamar Jackson was held to 10 points in the first three quarters and had to play keep away from Brad Watson.
Brad Watson did an awesome job blanketing Artivis Scott. Watson wasn't as consistent against Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams who made Watson miss two tackles with his speed on tape. Watson did have some plays where he covered Williams effectively, and probably gave Williams the most problems on tape among any cornerback I've watched facing Williams. Williams still got the better of Watson on running plays, showing off his blocking pushing Watson backwards on tape.
I like Watson in coverage. Watson has problems against the run though and bigger receivers will abuse Watson on tape in running situations if those receivers can block.
Before 2016
Brad Watson had 47 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 72 total tackles, 16 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 interceptions in 2015. Watson is a guy that can shoot up draft boards if he matches his 2015 numbers in 2016.
Brad Watson can play man coverage, zone coverage, or press coverage effectively. Watson knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
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Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 195 lb Chidobe Awuzie can play field cornerback, boundary cornerback, strong safety, or free safety with his versatility. Awuzie is the top NFL draft prospect for Colorado in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Chidobe Awuzie began the season on a very high note against Colorado State. Awuzie had 8 solo tackles, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, 1 interception, and 1 tackle for a loss against Colorado State. Awuzie kept Jehu Chesson to 0 receptions for 0 receiving yards. Awuzie did well against USC even though he was not on JuJu Smith-Schuster who dominated in that game.
Awuzie had a season best 2 deflections for pass breakups in a 10-5 win VS Stanford showcasing the same man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage that Sidney Jones showed on tape. Awuzie already matched his 7 deflections from pass breakups from 2015 so far in 2016.
Awuzie has stepped up without Ken Crawley. Awuzie looks like a cornerback that can play cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 on tape.
Awuzie contained JuJu Smith-Schuster. Awuzie had his worst game of the season against Washington State getting burned in coverage on plays. Awuzie had the same problem against Utah. Awuzie still has way too much talent to fall out of the third round and would be a steal on day 3 if he fell to the fourth round. Awuzie's size and speed are the two things keeping him from being a first round cornerback despite being incredibly versatile on tape.
Before 2016
Chidobe Awuzie had 78 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 90 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, and 7 deflections from pass breakups.
Chidobe Awuzie played with Kevin Crawley last year. Now he has to anchor Colorado's secondary while improving his coverage. This guy has the size of a cornerback and the skills of a linebacker which lead me to believe he's going to be a nickel corner that blitzes and plays very aggressive in the NFL.
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Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 5-10 170 lb Jourdan Lewis is undersized. He makes plays though and has moments that really stand out on tape.
Lewis missed the first three games of the season. Lewis added 16 lbs of muscle in the offseason to improve to 5-10 186 lbs. Lewis improved in zone coverage in 2016 after dominating in man and press coverage while struggling in zone in 2015. Lewis had a deflection in every game he started except the game against Illinois this past weekend. Lewis made an excellent one-handed interception against Wisconsin on tape.
Jourdan Lewis now has 10 deflections in 2016. I think he's done enough on tape to be drafted in the first three rounds despite being undersized.
Before 2016
Jourdan Lewis is undersized, but he had 20 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. Lewis lined up at field cornerback, boundary cornerback, nickel cornerback, dime cornerback, and quarter cornerback.
Lewis can play man and press well. He struggles in zone. That will limit him to cover 0, cover 1, and cover 2 schemes. If Lewis has to line up in the nickel due to his size, teams will have to use him as a man coverage corner in the slot.
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Jordan Thomas, CB, Oklahoma
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 190 lb Jordan Thomas is Oklahoma's #1 field cornerback. Thomas needs a huge junior year to get scouts attention.
Jordan Thomas has 11 deflections from pass breakups in 2016 after taking over for Zack Sanchez at field cornerback. He had 0 deflections against both Houston and Texas Tech playing like a borderline day 2 pick on tape against Greg Ward Jr. and Patrick Mahomes.
Jordan Thomas now has 15 deflections. He struggled against the run at West Virginia and got beat deep on some throws that West Virginia's receiver dropped in the red zone. Thomas is still a third round pick, but he's on the brink of falling to the fourth round.
Before 2016
Jordan Thomas had 4 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. Thomas is going to over to field cornerback with Zack Sanchez now in the NFL.
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Damontae Kazee, CB, San Diego State
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 5-11 190 lb Damontae Kazee nearly declared for the 2016 NFL Draft. Kazee wisely returned to school though for his senior season.
Damontae Kazee had 3 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle, and 4 total tackles in San Diego State's season opener. He needs to do more in week 2 if he wants to impress NFL scouts.
Damontae Kazee had 3 deflections from pass breakups against California. Kazee did give up a passing play in zone coverage. He seems more like a hard hitting man coverage corner. Kazee did not cover Chad Hansen when watching the tape. Kazee looks like a third to fourth round pick at best when watching his tape against California.
Before 2016
Damontae Kazee had 58 solo tackles, 17 assisted tackles, 75 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, and 8 interceptions in 2015. Kazee also won Mountain West Defensive Player Of The Year in 2015.
Damontae Kazee flies after the ball like a wrecking ball. He's a hard hitter that is as fast as a bullet when it comes to delivering hits. Kazee is great in man and zone coverage, he's not the best press corner and does need to improve his understanding of coverage schemes. Kazee makes up for this with his incredible vision and hard hitting.
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Treston Decoud, CB, Oregon State
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-3 208 lb Treston Decoud is an excellent field cornerback with amazing size. Decoud could shoot up boards if he stays healthy in 2016.
Treston Decoud 11 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, 13 total tackles, 6 deflection from pass breakups, and 2 interceptions so far in 2016. Decoud had strong games against Minnesota, Idaho State, California blanketing Chad Hansen, and Utah. Decoud got picked apart by John Ross.
Decoud did well in man and press coverage against Washington. John Ross picked Decoud apart in zone coverage and made Decoud miss two tackles. Decoud will do well in cover 0, cover 1, and cover 2 schemes, but could struggle in cover 3 and cover 4 schemes.
Before 2016
Treston Decoud had 31 solo tackles, 19 assisted tackles, and 50 total tackles in 2015. Decoud did great against the run and could be a sleeper at cornerback if he can become more consistent in coverage in 2016 after having only 5 deflections in 2015.
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Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia
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Projected Round 3rd Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-2 203 lb cornerback will transition from nickel cornerback to field cornerback in 2016. Rasul Douglas has dominated with 8 interceptions and 7 deflections from pass breakups in 2016.
Before 2016
Rasul Douglas was a JUCO transfer before finally seeing the field as a nickel cornerback in 2015. Douglas will get promoted to field cornerback in 2016 so we will get to see what Douglas can do this upcoming season despite a lack of experience.
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Brandon Facyson, CB, Virginia Tech
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Projected Round 4th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-2 197 lb Brandon Facyson is one of the best cornerbacks in the 2017 NFL Draft. He became Virginia Tech's field cornerback as a sophomore redshirt after Kendall Fuller suffered a season ending injury.
Brandon Facyson had 2 deflections from pass breakups in Virginia Tech's season opener. I'm interested to see if Facyson can duplicate that performance when facing Tennessee at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Facyson has 7 deflections in 2016. His only deflections came against Liberty, Boston College, and Syracuse. Facyson struggled aganst Tennessee. Facyson struggled against East Carolina receiver Zay Jones. Facyson struggled against Ryan Switzer on North Carolina, and Facyson struggled against Miami FL quarterback Brad Kaaya and wide receiver Stacy Coley. Facyson needs to return to school, but if he declares he will be a day 3 pick.
Brandon Facyson hasn't impressed me without Kendall Fuller. Facyson has one chance to redeem himself if he can shut down Mike Williams in the 2016 ACC Championship. Right now Facyson has to beat Virginia in order for Virginia Tech to make the ACC Championship.
Before 2016
Brandon Facyson had 20 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 27 total tackles, and 10 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. Facyson will have to maintain those numbers without Kendall Fuller in 2016.
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Breon Borders, CB, Duke
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Projected Round 4th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 180 lb Breon Borders is Duke's field cornerback. He played that role last year and did well in man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage. Borders was overshadowed by strong safety Jeremy Cash.
Breon Borders had 4 deflections from pass breakups against Northwestern. Borders had 3 more deflections from pass breakups in a win over Notre Dame. Borders did so well in coverage that Kizer threw away from Borders.
Borders has 10 deflections in 2016. Borders had a mixed outing against Virginia Tech with 2 deflections on Isaiah Ford. Borders limited Ford to 4 receptions for 62 receiving yards, but one of those receptions was a 50 yard passing play plus Borders got called for pass interference in that game.
Borders got injured and missed Duke's games against North Carolina and Pittsburgh. Borders has impressed on tape, but has also been inconsistent. The injury Borders suffered kept him from moving into day 2 territory despite having impressive moments on tape at times in 2016.
Before 2016
Breon Borders began his career as a boundary cornerback next to Ross Cockrell in 2013 having 8 deflections from pass breakups in 2013. He didn't do as well with only 6 deflections from pass breakups in 2014. When Cockrell left, Borders had his best season transitioning to field cornerback having 9 deflections from pass breakups.
Borders dominated on tape against North Carolina showing the man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage that you look for in a starting cornerback. Borders has the football IQ to play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 scheme.
Kevin King, CB, Washington
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Projected Round 4th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-3 192 lb Kevin King was a nickel cornerback in 2015. King will move to a boundary cornerback role next to Sidney Jones in 2016.
Kevin King had 5 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, 7 total tackles, and 2 tackles for a loss in 2016. King needs to do more for Washington in week 2 even though he impressed against Rutgers.
Kevin King has 5 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. Kevin King is getting a lot of deflections mainly due to teams throwing away from the cornerback across from him in Sidney Jones.
Kevin King has dominated in coverage in 2016. King has 10 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. King has stepped up at boundary cornerback after being a safety in 2014 and a nickel cornerback in 2015. Kevin King's fantastic tape has earned him a fourth round grade assuming he declares for the 2017 NFL Draft.
Before 2016
Kevin King started 12 games at safety in 2014. King moved over to nickel cornerback in 2015.
Kevin King started eight games in 2015 playing in eleven of the teams thirteen games. King had an interception in each of Washington's first three games.
Kevin King now has the versatility to play nickel cornerback, strong safety, or free safety. He will get his chance to be a boundary cornerback across from Sidney Jones in 2016.
Demetrious Cox, CB, Michigan State
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Projected Round 4th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 200 lb Demetrious Cox took over for Trae Waynes as Michigan State as a field cornerback in 2015. Cox will enter this season as the #1 cornerback on Michigan State's depth chart.
Demetrious Cox had 2 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles, 7 total tackles, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup against Furman. Cox is a player to keep an eye on for Michigan State in 2016.
Demetrious Cox struggled against Notre Dame. He bounced back with at least 1 deflection in three of his last five games. Cox had 4 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles, 14 total tackles, 0.5 tackle for a loss, and 1 deflection for a pass breakup against Wisconsin. Demetrious Cox is a guy I will watch against Michigan this weekend.
Demetrious Cox moved over from field cornerback to free safety. Cox struggled against Northwestern, Michigan, and Ohio State. Cox has lost a step and is not as effective as he was in 2015.
Before 2016
Demetrious Cox played boundary cornerback next to Trae Waynes in 2014. Cox had 48 solo tackles, 31 assisted tackles, 79 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, and 3 interceptions in 2015. Cox will continue to develop as a #1 field cornerback at Michigan State in 2016.
Demetrious Cox specializes in zone coverage. He is best used in cover 3 and cover 4 schemes.
Jamar Summers, CB, Connecticut
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Projected Round 5th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 190 lb Jamar Summers enters his junior season. Summers may declare with a strong junior season in 2016.
Jamar Summers did a great job tackling. He had some problems in coverage against Maine so I think it would be in his best interest to return for his senior season in 2017 since Summers is still a work in progress.
Jamar Summers had 3 deflections from pass breakups as well as 10 total tackles against Syracuse. He also got torched by Amba Etta-Tawo at wide receiver for Syracuse. Summers has talent to break up passes, but he gets torched a lot in coverage as teams like Maine, Navy, Syracuse, Houston, and South Florida all picked apart Summers on tape.
Before 2016
Jamar Summers was a boundary cornerback next to Byron Jones in 2014. Summers had 16 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 22 total tackles, 2 deflections from pass breakups, and 1 interception as a true freshman in 2014.
Jamar Summers became a field cornerback after Byron Jones went to the NFL in 2015. Summers had 26 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 39 total tackles, 3 deflections from pass breakups, and 8 interceptions in 2015.
Jamar Summers can play man coverage and zone coverage effectively. Summers knows the cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 schemes.
Dwayne Thomas, CB, LSU
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Projected Round 5th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 201 lb Dwayne Thomas started five games at boundary cornerback and four games at nickel cornerback. Thomas has the versatility to play field cornerback, boundary cornerback, nickel cornerback, strong safety, or free safety.
Dwayne Thomas had 2 solo tackles against Wisconsin. He struggled at times in LSU's season opener.
Dwayne Thomas is extremely versatile on tape. He's had moments though where he has been inconsistent for LSU in 2016.
Dwayne Thomas is the nickel cornerback for LSU. Thomas has incredible speed of the edge and has been lined up at 4-3 right outsdie linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, and 4-3 left outside linebacker as someone who thrives in blitzing situations that goes straight for the quarterback.
Thomas can be effective on tape in coverage, but he's more of a hybrid player than a cover corner. Thomas had some moments on tape in LSU's loss to Florida.
Before 2016
Dwayne Thomas had durability concerns in his first two seasons at LSU. Thomas had 6 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. Thomas has a lot of potential, but at the same time he needs a lot more experience as well.
Jalen Myrick, CB, Minnesota
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Projected Round 5th Round
2016 Season Recap The 5-10 205 lb Jalen Myrick was a nickel cornerback to Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun in 2015. In 2016, Jalen Myrick will be Minnesota's #1 field cornerback with those two corners in the NFL now.
Jalen Myrick had 5 solo tackles, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, and 1 tackle for a loss in his first game as Minnesota's field cornerback. Myrick did well against Oregon State, but will have more competition moving forward.
Jalen Myrick had 2 of his 4 deflections against Iowa. Myrick will be a huge project for any team in the market for a cornerback.
Jalen Myrick shut down Austin Carr on tape. Carr left the game against Minnesota injured at wide receiver for Northwestern.
Before 2016
Jalen Myrick saw limited action in 2015. He will get more action as a #1 field cornerback in 2016.
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Des Lawrence, CB, North Carolina
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Projected Round 6th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-1 185 lb Des Lawrence enters his senior season at North Carolina. Lawrence really stepped up in 2015 with a breakout junior season.
Des Lawrence got a sack on Georgia. Lawrence did a great job blitzing for North Carolina in a nickel cornerback role.
Des Lawrence had 3 deflections from pass breakups against James Madison. Lawrence struggled in coverage after that, but had 4 deflections in the past three weeks against Virginia Tech, Miami FL, and Virginia. Lawrence looked better in coverage against guys like Virginia Tech wide receiver Isaiah Ford and Miami FL wide receiver Stacy Coley. Lawrence is a late round gem that can move up boards if he continues to play well on tape.
Des Lawrence now has 8 deflections from pass breakups in 2016. Lawrence is a late round pick that has improved from a seventh round pick to a sixth round pick.
Before 2016
Des Lawrence had 43 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 59 total tackles, and 14 deflections from pass breakups in 2015. If he can match those numbers during his senior year his stock will improve and if he can get at least 10 deflections again he should get drafted.
Des Lawrence is awesome in man coverage. Lawrence isn't that good in zone or press which is why he should be limited to cover 0, cover 1, and cover 2 schemes.
Taylor Reynolds, CB, James Madison
Projected Round 6th Round
2016 Season Recap The 6-0 195 lb Taylor Reynolds is the final FCS cornerback that we believe gets drafted. Taylor Reynolds is one of the most durable cornerbacks despite playing in the FCS.
Taylor Reynolds leads James Madison with 8 deflections in 2016. Reynolds is still a project at cornerback despite his success in 2016 in the FCS. Reynolds struggled on tape against Ryan Switzer making him a late round pick at best.
Before 2016
Taylor Reynolds became a full-time starting cornerback in 2014. Reynolds had 43 solo tackles, 28 assisted tackles, 71 total tackles, 4 deflections from pass breakups, and 4 interceptions as a field cornerback in 2014. Reynolds had 30 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 46 total tackles, and 16 deflections from pass breakups in 2015 during his junior redshirt season. Reynolds has a chance to get drafted if he can match those numbers in 2016.
Brandon Wilson, CB, Houston
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Projected Round 7th Round
2016 Season Recap The 5-11 200 lb Brandon Wilson will become Houston's field cornerback in 2016. Wilson was a boundary cornerback on Houston in 2015.
Brandon Wilson had no problem replacing William Jackson III. Wilson had 5 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles, 10 total tackles, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, and a 100 yard field goal return for a touchdown against Oklahoma.
Wilson has been impressive when healthy. Wilson has missed a few games with injuries which makes you wonder if he has durability concerns.
Before 2016
Brandon Wilson was a good complimentary cornerback to William Jackson III in 2015. Wilson had 51 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 58 total tackles, 8 deflections from pass breakups, and 1 interception in 2015. Wilson has to step up as Houston's field cornerback in 2016 with William Jackson III gone.
Any comments or questions....put 'em in print on the bottom. Strong CB class....I think we need 2 cause Tru is gone. Hill can't get 'er done....And Mike Jordan is playing like Jordan's sons.
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