Loaded draft at CB - here's the top-20 (WalterFootball)
Feb 19, 2017 8:58:29 GMT -6
seqq34 likes this
Post by JABF on Feb 19, 2017 8:58:29 GMT -6
This was updated recently by WalterFootball. I thought I'd post it here. It sure looks like a good year for CBs (and safeties) in this draft. Depending upon how the draft plays out, it could be a year to get 2 CBs in this draft. It is loaded this year with talent.
LINK
Marlon Humphrey**, CB, Alabama
Height: 6-1. Weight: 198.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2017): Top-20 Pick.
2/11/17: Humphrey has a superb skill set with the size to match up against big wideouts and enough speed to run with speed receivers. In 2016, he totaled 33 tackles with two tackles for a loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups. Humphrey had an excellent 2016 season opener against USC as he shut down wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, holding him to one catch for nine yards. Humphrey also had an interception returned 18 yards for a touchdown and a tackle for a loss.
However, Humphrey had issues playing the ball this season. He is very good at preventing separation as he can vertically stay with wideouts and run the routes with receivers, but some opponents made catches over him. Against Arkansas, Humphrey gave up a few receptions, including a touchdown. He also had a rough game against Ole Miss as he gave up a few completions downfield, including a score. On those plays, Humphrey was close to the receivers and not allowing separation, but they were making receptions over him and he wasn't doing a good job of playing the ball. That is the one issue that Humphrey needs to fix for the NFL.
9/3/16: In speaking to sources at multiple teams, they really like Humphrey and already view him as a high first-round talent. Teams feel he has a great skill set with size, speed and athleticism. After redshirting in 2014, Humphrey had an excellent debut to help Alabama win the National Championship. He earned a starting job across from Cyrus Jones and Humphrey was the Crimson Tide's top corner. In 2015, Humphrey totaled 45 tackles with three interceptions and eight passes broken up. He could take his game to another level in 2016.
Marshon Lattimore**, CB, Ohio State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 192.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2017): Top-20 Pick.
2/11/17: Lattimore totaled 41 tackles with nine passes broken up and four interceptions in 2016. He had a big game against Tulsa with two interceptions. Lattimore was very good in coverage with size and speed, and he has the skill set of a No. 1 cover corner in the NFL.
Multiple teams think Lattimore could be a top-16 pick. Some team sources have him as the second-rated corner behind only Marlon Humphrey.
9/3/16: Scouting sources have raved about how Lattimore has looked in fall camp for the 2016 season. Lattimore has good size to go with athletic ability. As a backup in 2015 during his redshirt freshman season, Lattimore had three passes broken up and five tackles. Teams believe he's in store for some big seasons now that he's a starter.
Sidney Jones*, CB, Washington
Height: 6-0. Weight: 180.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2017): 1.
2/11/17: Jones recorded 39 tackles with six passes broken up, three interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2016. He played really well for Washington with sound coverage all year. Jones is an excellent cover corner to run with receivers and prevent separation. He has good speed, feet and agility, plus is a gritty player who really challenges receivers. In speaking with team sources, one team liked him and Marlon Humphrey as the best corners in the 2017 NFL Draft. Another source said they had Jones a distant third behind Humphrey and Marshon Lattimore.
9/3/16: Jones had an excellent season in 2015 as he was one of the top cornerbacks in the nation. For the season, he had 10 passes broken up, four interceptions, 45 tackles and three forced fumbles. Jones also showed coverage skills as a freshman with five pass breakups and two picks. He could climb up draft boards with another strong season.
Quincy Wilson*, CB, Florida
Height: 6-1. Weight: 213.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2017): 1.
2/11/17: Wilson played really well in 2016, impressing for Florida with 33 tackles with six passes broken up and three interceptions. He has an excellent skill set with upside. Wilson has speed and athleticism to run with receivers while also having the size and length to match up against big wideouts. Wilson could go in the top 20 of the 2017 NFL Draft.
9/3/16: In 2015, Wilson was Florida's nickel corner and recorded five breakups with two interceptions and 29 tackles there. With Vernon Hargreaves III moving on to the NFL, Wilson is expected to take a starting spot opposite Jalen Tabor. Wilson could be more of a nickel prospect for the NFL.
Adoree' Jackson*, CB, USC
Height: 5-11. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.42.
Projected Round (2017): 1-2.
2/11/17: Jackson put together an electric season for USC with 55 tackles with 11 passes broken up and five interceptions. He also returned two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns in 2016 along with a touchdown reception on offense. Jackson has given the NFL proof that he is a serious cover-corner prospect for the 2017 NFL Draft. He does have problems with defending receptions over him and gave up a few touchdowns on those kinds of plays.
In the season opener, Jackson had an awesome game against Alabama as he shut down star wide receiver Calvin Ridley. He held Ridley to only two receptions for nine yards on the night.
9/3/16: Jackson played on offense and defense in 2015. He had 35 tackles with eight passes broken up and one interception at corner. As a wide receiver, Jackson had 27 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns. The sophomore also returned punts and kicks.
Jackson became a starter in 2014 and was a sensation who also contributed as a wide receiver and returner/coverage defender on special teams. Defensively, the freshman had 49 tackles with 10 passes deflected. He also caught 10 receptions for 138 yards with three touchdowns on offense. On special teams, Jackson returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and averaged 30 yards per kick return. For the NFL, the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder looks more like a cornerback.
Jalen Tabor*, CB, Florida
Height: 6-0. Weight: 191.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2017): 1-2.
2/11/17: In 2016, Tabor notched 33 tackles with four interceptions and six passes broken up. He has good ball skills and the instincts to make some big plays, but he also is a gambler who can struggle with deep speed. For the NFL, his best role could come as a big nickel.
Tabor was suspended for the 2016 season opener over getting in a fight with a teammate. It wasn't his first suspension, and off-the-field concerns could hurt Tabor's draft stock. He could be the best cornerback prospect for the 2017 NFL Draft, but his off-the-field issues could cause other corners to get drafted ahead of him.
9/3/16: Tabor had 40 tackles, 14 passes broken up and four interceptions - two of them being pick-sixes - in 2015. He was a tremendous cover corner on the other side from Vernon Hargreaves. Tabor did hurt his draft stock with a one-game suspension though and followed that up with a suspension to open the 2016 season. The 6-foot, 191-pounder had an excellent freshman season in 2014 and stood out as a dynamic partner for Vernon Hargreaves III. Tabor totaled 31 tackles with an interception and eight passes broken up that year.
There is a lot to like about Tabor for NFL. He is very good at running the route and preventing separation from wide receivers in the short to intermediate part of the field. Tabor has quick feet, length, and is put together well. He uses his quickness and athleticism to stay with wideouts in and out of their breaks. That puts him in good position to drive on the ball, and he breaks on the ball extremely hard. That leads to him knocking away and picking off passes. Tabor also has good hands and times his contact well to cause incompletions rather than draw penalties. He is comfortable when the ball comes his direction, so you don't see him getting caught out of position very much.
Tabor needs to improve his run defense and show a more willing attitude to take on running backs.
Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
Height: 5-11. Weight: 191. Arm: 31.5. Hand: 8.75.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2017): 1-2.
2/11/17: In 2016, White played well and produced some big plays. He recorded 35 tackles with 14 passes broken up and two interceptions on the season. White is a good cover corner to run with receivers and prevent separation. He also is a dangerous returner for the NFL, so he packs a lot of bang for his buck. White, however, does struggle with big receivers. Sources have said his range is from the middle of Round 1 to early in Round 2.
9/3/16: White totaled 44 tackles with seven passes broken up in 2015. He also returned nine punts for a total of 171 yards and one touchdown on 14 attempts. White struggled to defend against big receivers like Mississippi State's De'Runnya Wilson and Ole Miss' Laquon Treadwell. Each one had success at shielding White away for receptions, including touchdowns. He is better at defending speed receivers and route-runners where he can use his quickness and athletic ability to prevent separation. White reportedly received a second-round estimation from the NFL Advisory Board before deciding to return for his senior year.
White has played well in his first two seasons with two picks in each year and solid run support. He recorded 55 tackles as a freshman and 33 stops as a sophomore. White also has shown steady ball skills while batting away seven passes in 2013 and six as a sophomore.
Gareon Conley*, CB, Ohio State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2017): 1-2.
2/11/17: Conley recorded 26 tackles with eight passes broken up and four interceptions in 2016. He played well, and teams think he is a solid corner who could be a first-round pick.
9/3/16: After some early issues, Conley had a solid 2015 season for the Buckeyes and improved as the year progressed. He totaled 49 tackles with two interceptions and five passes broken up for the year. Conley has a good skill set, and it wouldn't be surprising if he took his game to another level in 2016. Sources said that Conley looked good to them while scouting training camp practices.
Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
Height: 6-1. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2017): 1-3.
2/11/17: Tankersley had 47 tackles, four interceptions and 10 passes broken up on the season. He played well in 2016, and teams generally targeted the other Clemson defensive backs.
9/3/16: In 2015, Tankersley was part of a tough cornerback duo for Clemson with Mackensie Alexander. Tankersley showed impressive ball skills with five interceptions and nine passes broken up on the year. He also had 48 tackles. While Tankersley played well, teams did throw at him more than Alexander. Tankersley has the size and coverage skills to be a starting corner on the outside in the NFL. Scouting sources say they view Tankersley as a first-round talent.
Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Height: 5-10. Weight: 188. Arm: 31. Hand: 8.75.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
2/11/17: Lewis missed a couple of games with an injury, but was excellent after returning to the field. He had 25 tackles with 11 passes broken up and two interceptions in 2016. Sources really like Lewis as a slot corner, but his lack of size hurts his draft grade. He had a solid week at the Senior Bowl.
9/3/16: I would have Lewis rated higher, but very few players are able to make it in the NFL weighing as little as Lewis does. He must stronger to take on pro receivers. In 2015, Lewis was a good corner for the Wolverines with a ridiculous 20 passes broken up, two interceptions and 52 tackles. He also averaged 25.2 yards per kick return. As a sophomore, Lewis recorded 39 tackles with two interceptions and six passes broken up.
Desmond King, CB, Iowa
Height: 5-10. Weight: 206. Arm: 29.88. Hand: 9.63.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2017): 2-3.
2/11/17: In 2016, King had 58 tackles with seven passes broken up, three interceptions and one forced fumble, plus some good kick and punt returns. He was sound in coverage, plus teams generally avoided throwing his direction.
King had a solid week at the Senior Bowl, but many believe he should move to safety in the NFL because of a lack of speed. He is an instinctive corner with good ball skills, but running with speed receivers will likely be a weakness for him in the NFL. Thus, some might move him to free safety.
9/3/16: King was one of the breakout players in 2015 as he displayed tremendous ball skills with eight interceptions and 13 passes broken up. He also had 72 tackles to go along with good returns on kicks and punts. King totaled 64 tackles with five breakups and three interceptions in 2014. As a freshman, he had 69 tackles with eight passes batted. King could have been an early round pick if he had declared for the 2016 NFL Draft.
If King is smaller than his listed size, as is often the case, it could relegate him to the role of a slot cornerback in the NFL. He could be a good fit for that role though.
Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
Height: 6-0. Weight: 202
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
2/11/17: Moreau was one of the stars of the East-West Shrine week as he impressed teams with his size, physicality, and coverage skills. Moreau is a tough corner who is capable of running the route to prevent separation. On the season, the senior totaled 31 tackles with two interceptions and 10 passes broken up. Moreau could go on the second day of the 2017 NFL Draft after his strong showing in St. Petersburg.
Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia
Height: 6-2. Weight: 204. Arm: 32.13. Hand: 9.25.
Projected 40 Time: 4.56.
Projected Round (2017): 2-4.
2/11/17: Douglas is a junior college product who didn't play much as a junior. However, he made the most of his senior year as he tied as the nation's leader with eight interceptions. He also recorded 70 tackles and eight passes broken up.
Sources say that Douglas has good size to him for the NFL, and they see him being a big press-man corner with ball skills. He also has early round potential, but sources say that since Douglas is a 1-year wonder there is some risk to him. Douglas had some highlights and lowlights at the Senior Bowl.
Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado
Height: 6-3. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2017): 2-4.
2/11/17: Some team sources really like Witherspoon and have given him second-day grades. Teams like his size and length, but also say that he has speed to run. The senior notched a staggering 22 passes broken up i 2016. He also chipped in one interception with 23 tackles. As a junior, Witherspoon had 36 tackles with three breakups and two interceptions.
Howard Wilson*, CB, Houston
Height: 6-1. Weight: 186.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2017): 2-4.
2/11/17: Wilson was a surprise early entry in the 2017 NFL Draft as he was not expected to skip his final two seasons of college football. The NFL Draft Advisory recommended that Wilson go back to school, too. Wilson probably will be a mid-round pick, but he has a good skill set. In 2016, Wilson had 54 tackles with 10 passes broken up and five interceptions. He could be a sleeper corner who ends up being a nice value pick.
Kevin King, CB, Washington
Height: 6-3. Weight: 192.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2017): 2-4.
2/11/17: King was part of a good tandem of Huskie cornerbacks with Sidney Jones. In 2016, King recorded 44 tackles with 13 passes broken up and two interceptions. The senior has the length and size to match up against big wideouts. He also had quality production as a junior with 39 tackles, five passes broken up and three interceptions. King notched 65 tackles as a sophomore.
Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
Height: 5-11. Weight: 182. Arm: 29.25. Hand: 8.25.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2017): 3-4.
2/11/17: Sutton notched just eight tackles with two for a loss and an interception in 2016, but he only played in three games. His pick, against Appalachian State, was a huge play to help Tennessee avoid an upset. Sutton also muffed a punt in that game. In the third game of the year, Sutton broke a bone in his ankle and didn't play again in 2016.
9/3/16: Sutton is a very physical defender who plays with a chip on his shoulder. He was solid for Tennessee in 2015, and teams generally seemed to avoid throwing his direction. Sutton totaled 28 tackles, one interception and six passes broken up on the year. The junior also returned punts with an average of 18.9 yards per return with two touchdowns.
Sutton was excellent for the Volunteers in 2014, recording 37 tackles with three interceptions, 13 passes broken up and four tackles for a loss. In 2013, he was one of many superb freshman cornerbacks in college football. He quietly played really well for Tennessee, recording 39 tackles, seven passes broken up and two interceptions. Sutton has good size and speed for the position.
Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar
Height: 6-0. Weight: 199. Arm: 31.33. Hand: 9.63.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2017): 3-4.
2/11/17: Langley put together a big senior season for Lamar with 43 tackles, seven passes broken up and six interceptions. He also returned two punts for touchdowns. As a junior, Langley had 21 tackles with 11 passes broken up and one interception.
Langley has good height and length to him. He earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl and was impressive there. He showed good skills to run with receivers and prevent separation.
Dwayne Thomas, CB, LSU
Height: 6-0. Weight: 186.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2017): 3-5.
2/11/17: In 2016, Thomas recorded 42 tackles with seven passes broken up and one interception. He put together a really good game against Alabama with passes broken up and clutch tackles. Thomas is a sleeper corner who could be a nice value pick.
9/3/16: In 2015, Thomas showed some versatility as he lined up in the slot and outside, totaling 34 tackles with six passes broken up. He was coming off a season-ending knee injury in 2014, so he could be better now that he is a year removed from the injury.
Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
Height: 6-0. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2017): 3-5.
2/11/17: On the year, Awuzie notched 65 tackles with 12 passes broken up, one interception and four sacks. He played well at times for the Buffaloes, but got exposed late in the season. Awuzie earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he didn't really impress.
9/3/16: Awuzie was a superb defender for Colorado last year, but went largely unnoticed playing for the Buffaloes. He had 84 tackles with 12 for a loss, four sacks, seven passes broken up and two interceptions on the year.
Marlon Humphrey**, CB, Alabama
Height: 6-1. Weight: 198.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2017): Top-20 Pick.
2/11/17: Humphrey has a superb skill set with the size to match up against big wideouts and enough speed to run with speed receivers. In 2016, he totaled 33 tackles with two tackles for a loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups. Humphrey had an excellent 2016 season opener against USC as he shut down wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, holding him to one catch for nine yards. Humphrey also had an interception returned 18 yards for a touchdown and a tackle for a loss.
However, Humphrey had issues playing the ball this season. He is very good at preventing separation as he can vertically stay with wideouts and run the routes with receivers, but some opponents made catches over him. Against Arkansas, Humphrey gave up a few receptions, including a touchdown. He also had a rough game against Ole Miss as he gave up a few completions downfield, including a score. On those plays, Humphrey was close to the receivers and not allowing separation, but they were making receptions over him and he wasn't doing a good job of playing the ball. That is the one issue that Humphrey needs to fix for the NFL.
9/3/16: In speaking to sources at multiple teams, they really like Humphrey and already view him as a high first-round talent. Teams feel he has a great skill set with size, speed and athleticism. After redshirting in 2014, Humphrey had an excellent debut to help Alabama win the National Championship. He earned a starting job across from Cyrus Jones and Humphrey was the Crimson Tide's top corner. In 2015, Humphrey totaled 45 tackles with three interceptions and eight passes broken up. He could take his game to another level in 2016.
Marshon Lattimore**, CB, Ohio State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 192.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2017): Top-20 Pick.
2/11/17: Lattimore totaled 41 tackles with nine passes broken up and four interceptions in 2016. He had a big game against Tulsa with two interceptions. Lattimore was very good in coverage with size and speed, and he has the skill set of a No. 1 cover corner in the NFL.
Multiple teams think Lattimore could be a top-16 pick. Some team sources have him as the second-rated corner behind only Marlon Humphrey.
9/3/16: Scouting sources have raved about how Lattimore has looked in fall camp for the 2016 season. Lattimore has good size to go with athletic ability. As a backup in 2015 during his redshirt freshman season, Lattimore had three passes broken up and five tackles. Teams believe he's in store for some big seasons now that he's a starter.
Sidney Jones*, CB, Washington
Height: 6-0. Weight: 180.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2017): 1.
2/11/17: Jones recorded 39 tackles with six passes broken up, three interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2016. He played really well for Washington with sound coverage all year. Jones is an excellent cover corner to run with receivers and prevent separation. He has good speed, feet and agility, plus is a gritty player who really challenges receivers. In speaking with team sources, one team liked him and Marlon Humphrey as the best corners in the 2017 NFL Draft. Another source said they had Jones a distant third behind Humphrey and Marshon Lattimore.
9/3/16: Jones had an excellent season in 2015 as he was one of the top cornerbacks in the nation. For the season, he had 10 passes broken up, four interceptions, 45 tackles and three forced fumbles. Jones also showed coverage skills as a freshman with five pass breakups and two picks. He could climb up draft boards with another strong season.
Quincy Wilson*, CB, Florida
Height: 6-1. Weight: 213.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2017): 1.
2/11/17: Wilson played really well in 2016, impressing for Florida with 33 tackles with six passes broken up and three interceptions. He has an excellent skill set with upside. Wilson has speed and athleticism to run with receivers while also having the size and length to match up against big wideouts. Wilson could go in the top 20 of the 2017 NFL Draft.
9/3/16: In 2015, Wilson was Florida's nickel corner and recorded five breakups with two interceptions and 29 tackles there. With Vernon Hargreaves III moving on to the NFL, Wilson is expected to take a starting spot opposite Jalen Tabor. Wilson could be more of a nickel prospect for the NFL.
Adoree' Jackson*, CB, USC
Height: 5-11. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.42.
Projected Round (2017): 1-2.
2/11/17: Jackson put together an electric season for USC with 55 tackles with 11 passes broken up and five interceptions. He also returned two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns in 2016 along with a touchdown reception on offense. Jackson has given the NFL proof that he is a serious cover-corner prospect for the 2017 NFL Draft. He does have problems with defending receptions over him and gave up a few touchdowns on those kinds of plays.
In the season opener, Jackson had an awesome game against Alabama as he shut down star wide receiver Calvin Ridley. He held Ridley to only two receptions for nine yards on the night.
9/3/16: Jackson played on offense and defense in 2015. He had 35 tackles with eight passes broken up and one interception at corner. As a wide receiver, Jackson had 27 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns. The sophomore also returned punts and kicks.
Jackson became a starter in 2014 and was a sensation who also contributed as a wide receiver and returner/coverage defender on special teams. Defensively, the freshman had 49 tackles with 10 passes deflected. He also caught 10 receptions for 138 yards with three touchdowns on offense. On special teams, Jackson returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and averaged 30 yards per kick return. For the NFL, the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder looks more like a cornerback.
Jalen Tabor*, CB, Florida
Height: 6-0. Weight: 191.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2017): 1-2.
2/11/17: In 2016, Tabor notched 33 tackles with four interceptions and six passes broken up. He has good ball skills and the instincts to make some big plays, but he also is a gambler who can struggle with deep speed. For the NFL, his best role could come as a big nickel.
Tabor was suspended for the 2016 season opener over getting in a fight with a teammate. It wasn't his first suspension, and off-the-field concerns could hurt Tabor's draft stock. He could be the best cornerback prospect for the 2017 NFL Draft, but his off-the-field issues could cause other corners to get drafted ahead of him.
9/3/16: Tabor had 40 tackles, 14 passes broken up and four interceptions - two of them being pick-sixes - in 2015. He was a tremendous cover corner on the other side from Vernon Hargreaves. Tabor did hurt his draft stock with a one-game suspension though and followed that up with a suspension to open the 2016 season. The 6-foot, 191-pounder had an excellent freshman season in 2014 and stood out as a dynamic partner for Vernon Hargreaves III. Tabor totaled 31 tackles with an interception and eight passes broken up that year.
There is a lot to like about Tabor for NFL. He is very good at running the route and preventing separation from wide receivers in the short to intermediate part of the field. Tabor has quick feet, length, and is put together well. He uses his quickness and athleticism to stay with wideouts in and out of their breaks. That puts him in good position to drive on the ball, and he breaks on the ball extremely hard. That leads to him knocking away and picking off passes. Tabor also has good hands and times his contact well to cause incompletions rather than draw penalties. He is comfortable when the ball comes his direction, so you don't see him getting caught out of position very much.
Tabor needs to improve his run defense and show a more willing attitude to take on running backs.
Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
Height: 5-11. Weight: 191. Arm: 31.5. Hand: 8.75.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2017): 1-2.
2/11/17: In 2016, White played well and produced some big plays. He recorded 35 tackles with 14 passes broken up and two interceptions on the season. White is a good cover corner to run with receivers and prevent separation. He also is a dangerous returner for the NFL, so he packs a lot of bang for his buck. White, however, does struggle with big receivers. Sources have said his range is from the middle of Round 1 to early in Round 2.
9/3/16: White totaled 44 tackles with seven passes broken up in 2015. He also returned nine punts for a total of 171 yards and one touchdown on 14 attempts. White struggled to defend against big receivers like Mississippi State's De'Runnya Wilson and Ole Miss' Laquon Treadwell. Each one had success at shielding White away for receptions, including touchdowns. He is better at defending speed receivers and route-runners where he can use his quickness and athletic ability to prevent separation. White reportedly received a second-round estimation from the NFL Advisory Board before deciding to return for his senior year.
White has played well in his first two seasons with two picks in each year and solid run support. He recorded 55 tackles as a freshman and 33 stops as a sophomore. White also has shown steady ball skills while batting away seven passes in 2013 and six as a sophomore.
Gareon Conley*, CB, Ohio State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2017): 1-2.
2/11/17: Conley recorded 26 tackles with eight passes broken up and four interceptions in 2016. He played well, and teams think he is a solid corner who could be a first-round pick.
9/3/16: After some early issues, Conley had a solid 2015 season for the Buckeyes and improved as the year progressed. He totaled 49 tackles with two interceptions and five passes broken up for the year. Conley has a good skill set, and it wouldn't be surprising if he took his game to another level in 2016. Sources said that Conley looked good to them while scouting training camp practices.
Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
Height: 6-1. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2017): 1-3.
2/11/17: Tankersley had 47 tackles, four interceptions and 10 passes broken up on the season. He played well in 2016, and teams generally targeted the other Clemson defensive backs.
9/3/16: In 2015, Tankersley was part of a tough cornerback duo for Clemson with Mackensie Alexander. Tankersley showed impressive ball skills with five interceptions and nine passes broken up on the year. He also had 48 tackles. While Tankersley played well, teams did throw at him more than Alexander. Tankersley has the size and coverage skills to be a starting corner on the outside in the NFL. Scouting sources say they view Tankersley as a first-round talent.
Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Height: 5-10. Weight: 188. Arm: 31. Hand: 8.75.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
2/11/17: Lewis missed a couple of games with an injury, but was excellent after returning to the field. He had 25 tackles with 11 passes broken up and two interceptions in 2016. Sources really like Lewis as a slot corner, but his lack of size hurts his draft grade. He had a solid week at the Senior Bowl.
9/3/16: I would have Lewis rated higher, but very few players are able to make it in the NFL weighing as little as Lewis does. He must stronger to take on pro receivers. In 2015, Lewis was a good corner for the Wolverines with a ridiculous 20 passes broken up, two interceptions and 52 tackles. He also averaged 25.2 yards per kick return. As a sophomore, Lewis recorded 39 tackles with two interceptions and six passes broken up.
Desmond King, CB, Iowa
Height: 5-10. Weight: 206. Arm: 29.88. Hand: 9.63.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2017): 2-3.
2/11/17: In 2016, King had 58 tackles with seven passes broken up, three interceptions and one forced fumble, plus some good kick and punt returns. He was sound in coverage, plus teams generally avoided throwing his direction.
King had a solid week at the Senior Bowl, but many believe he should move to safety in the NFL because of a lack of speed. He is an instinctive corner with good ball skills, but running with speed receivers will likely be a weakness for him in the NFL. Thus, some might move him to free safety.
9/3/16: King was one of the breakout players in 2015 as he displayed tremendous ball skills with eight interceptions and 13 passes broken up. He also had 72 tackles to go along with good returns on kicks and punts. King totaled 64 tackles with five breakups and three interceptions in 2014. As a freshman, he had 69 tackles with eight passes batted. King could have been an early round pick if he had declared for the 2016 NFL Draft.
If King is smaller than his listed size, as is often the case, it could relegate him to the role of a slot cornerback in the NFL. He could be a good fit for that role though.
Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
Height: 6-0. Weight: 202
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
2/11/17: Moreau was one of the stars of the East-West Shrine week as he impressed teams with his size, physicality, and coverage skills. Moreau is a tough corner who is capable of running the route to prevent separation. On the season, the senior totaled 31 tackles with two interceptions and 10 passes broken up. Moreau could go on the second day of the 2017 NFL Draft after his strong showing in St. Petersburg.
Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia
Height: 6-2. Weight: 204. Arm: 32.13. Hand: 9.25.
Projected 40 Time: 4.56.
Projected Round (2017): 2-4.
2/11/17: Douglas is a junior college product who didn't play much as a junior. However, he made the most of his senior year as he tied as the nation's leader with eight interceptions. He also recorded 70 tackles and eight passes broken up.
Sources say that Douglas has good size to him for the NFL, and they see him being a big press-man corner with ball skills. He also has early round potential, but sources say that since Douglas is a 1-year wonder there is some risk to him. Douglas had some highlights and lowlights at the Senior Bowl.
Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado
Height: 6-3. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2017): 2-4.
2/11/17: Some team sources really like Witherspoon and have given him second-day grades. Teams like his size and length, but also say that he has speed to run. The senior notched a staggering 22 passes broken up i 2016. He also chipped in one interception with 23 tackles. As a junior, Witherspoon had 36 tackles with three breakups and two interceptions.
Howard Wilson*, CB, Houston
Height: 6-1. Weight: 186.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2017): 2-4.
2/11/17: Wilson was a surprise early entry in the 2017 NFL Draft as he was not expected to skip his final two seasons of college football. The NFL Draft Advisory recommended that Wilson go back to school, too. Wilson probably will be a mid-round pick, but he has a good skill set. In 2016, Wilson had 54 tackles with 10 passes broken up and five interceptions. He could be a sleeper corner who ends up being a nice value pick.
Kevin King, CB, Washington
Height: 6-3. Weight: 192.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2017): 2-4.
2/11/17: King was part of a good tandem of Huskie cornerbacks with Sidney Jones. In 2016, King recorded 44 tackles with 13 passes broken up and two interceptions. The senior has the length and size to match up against big wideouts. He also had quality production as a junior with 39 tackles, five passes broken up and three interceptions. King notched 65 tackles as a sophomore.
Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
Height: 5-11. Weight: 182. Arm: 29.25. Hand: 8.25.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2017): 3-4.
2/11/17: Sutton notched just eight tackles with two for a loss and an interception in 2016, but he only played in three games. His pick, against Appalachian State, was a huge play to help Tennessee avoid an upset. Sutton also muffed a punt in that game. In the third game of the year, Sutton broke a bone in his ankle and didn't play again in 2016.
9/3/16: Sutton is a very physical defender who plays with a chip on his shoulder. He was solid for Tennessee in 2015, and teams generally seemed to avoid throwing his direction. Sutton totaled 28 tackles, one interception and six passes broken up on the year. The junior also returned punts with an average of 18.9 yards per return with two touchdowns.
Sutton was excellent for the Volunteers in 2014, recording 37 tackles with three interceptions, 13 passes broken up and four tackles for a loss. In 2013, he was one of many superb freshman cornerbacks in college football. He quietly played really well for Tennessee, recording 39 tackles, seven passes broken up and two interceptions. Sutton has good size and speed for the position.
Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar
Height: 6-0. Weight: 199. Arm: 31.33. Hand: 9.63.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2017): 3-4.
2/11/17: Langley put together a big senior season for Lamar with 43 tackles, seven passes broken up and six interceptions. He also returned two punts for touchdowns. As a junior, Langley had 21 tackles with 11 passes broken up and one interception.
Langley has good height and length to him. He earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl and was impressive there. He showed good skills to run with receivers and prevent separation.
Dwayne Thomas, CB, LSU
Height: 6-0. Weight: 186.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2017): 3-5.
2/11/17: In 2016, Thomas recorded 42 tackles with seven passes broken up and one interception. He put together a really good game against Alabama with passes broken up and clutch tackles. Thomas is a sleeper corner who could be a nice value pick.
9/3/16: In 2015, Thomas showed some versatility as he lined up in the slot and outside, totaling 34 tackles with six passes broken up. He was coming off a season-ending knee injury in 2014, so he could be better now that he is a year removed from the injury.
Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
Height: 6-0. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2017): 3-5.
2/11/17: On the year, Awuzie notched 65 tackles with 12 passes broken up, one interception and four sacks. He played well at times for the Buffaloes, but got exposed late in the season. Awuzie earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he didn't really impress.
9/3/16: Awuzie was a superb defender for Colorado last year, but went largely unnoticed playing for the Buffaloes. He had 84 tackles with 12 for a loss, four sacks, seven passes broken up and two interceptions on the year.