Cornerbacks
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Cornerbacks
1. Malcom Jenkins – Ohio State
Height: 6′0″ | Weight: 204 | 40 Time: 4.54 | Vertical: NA | Projected: Top-20
Upside: Ohio State teaches solid tackling and Jenkins is no exception. He is an excellent open field tackler and he understands his assignments on every play. He’s much faster than his timed speed would show.
Downside: His “combine” speed is a big question mark for some teams but his solid tackling is what they should focus on. He will take chances in coverage and get burned by smaller quicker receivers.
Bottom Line: Once again, Jenkins is a solid tackler who reminds me a LOT of Marlin Jackson. What Jenkins lacks in top end speed, he more than makes up for in toughness and tackling ability. A really solid prospect who has a ton of upside.
2. Vonte Davis – Illinois
Height: 5′11″ | Weight: 203 | 40 Time: 4.49 | Vetical: 36.0 | Projected: Top-20
Upside: This guy is a freakish athlete just like his older brother, 49ers’ TE Vernon Davis. Vontae likes contact a lot more than his brother and he possesses great size for a corner. He will support the run like a champ and has tremendous change of direction skills.
Downside: Has been known to be a prima donna and his maturity is a huge question mark. Does not understand the game at a high level and too often relies on his athletic ability to make the difference.
Bottom Line: Other than Sean Smith, this kid is the most special defensive back in this draft but his passion for the game is what nobody understands and that may well include himself. Davis needs to grow up, buy into his coaching, and become the great player that he has the potential to be. IF is the only question here.
3. Alphonso Smith – Wake Forest
Height: 5′9″ | Weight: 193 | 40 Time: 4.51 | Vertical: 34.0 | Projected: 1st Round
Upside: Gamer. Rises to challenges and lives in the moment. Smith is a quick-twitch athlete who can break on the ball before the receiver can react. Plays with a swagger and is terrific pestering his man all the way down the field.
Downside: More quick than fast. Loud-mouth that talks MUCH smack. Smith lacks ideal height, bulk, and strength. He won’t be effective jamming wide receivers at the line of scrimmage.
Bottom Line: Smith plays with a chip on hi shoulder and will bring immediate value as a nickel corner but will likely be drafted by a team that needs more. His lack of height is preventing him from being a top-15 pick but he will survive in this league as long as he keeps his head on straight.
4. Darius Butler – Connecticut
Height: 5′10″ | Weight: 183 | 40 Time: 4.46 | Vertical: 43.0 | Projected: 1st Round
Upside: Butler is a burner and has NFL bloodlines. Former NFL Safety Gene Atkins is his uncle and Willis McGahee is his cousin. Team Captain that takes the game seriously.
Downside: Is thin as a rail and not a solid tackler. Kenny Britt took him to school and Butler will likely struggle with size.
Bottom Line: Butler needs to find a way to put on weight like his cousin because he has plenty of speed and great instincts. He will require some time but his upside is off the charts.
5. DJ Moore – Vanderbilt
Height: 5′9″ | Weight: 192 | 40 Time: 4.56 | Vertical: 39.5 | Projected: 3rd Round
Upside: A natural athlete that understands angles and will get to the ball fast. A good kick returner and has great short area quickness.
Downside: Really lacking in the height department. Ran a slow forty for his size and will be knocked for it. Will struggle to jam larger receivers.
Bottom Line: Won’t start right away but has the potential to contribute in the slot right now. Long term potential to be a quality #2 corner.
6. Kevin Barnes – Maryland
Height: 6′0″ | Weight: 187 | 40 Time: 4.52 | Vertical: 38.5 | Projected: 3rd Round
Upside: A devastating hitter. Good ball skills and understands zones. Nice straight line speed and good height.
Downside: Durability is a concern as he missed the end of last season with a shoulder injury. Is a little too thin and needs to add some bulk.
Bottom Line: Barnes’ willingness to play physical and make the “wow” hit is what gets all the scouts excited. His anticipation and instincts are what makes him a top-10 corner.
7. Victor Harris – Virginia Tech
Height: 5′11″ | Weight: 187 | 40 Time: 4.68 | Vertical: 33.5 | Projected: 3rd Round
Upside: A big little man who makes impact plays. A violent hitter that possesses great closing speed.
Downside: Ran a pedestrian 40 at the combine but made up for it at his pro day. Will struggle sticking with faster receivers and does not have good recovery speed. Might not be ready for the fast pace of the pro game.
Bottom Line: Harris is going to be a controversial pick because he offers very little value to a 3-4 team that puts a premium on man coverage but “Macho” will be a target in the mid rounds for a cover-2 defense looking for solid tacklers willing to buy into a system.
8. Sharrod Martin – Troy
Height: 6′1″ | Weight: 198 | 40 Time: 4.52 | Vertical: 36.0 | Projected: 3rd Round
Upside: A good tackler who offers a ton of versatility. Solid tackler with good size. Possesses great closing speed and takes nice angles into his tackles.
Downside: Is not a physical player and doesn’t have great strength. Durability is a big concern here, as Martin has had surgeries on both shoulders. Will need a lot of coaching since his best position will be at cornerback.
Bottom Line: This college safety should transition very well into the cornerback position because of his size, speed, and tackling ability. He could develop into a very good starter with the right coaching.
9. Jairus Byrd – Oregon
Height: 5′10″ | Weight: 183 | 40 Time: NA | Vertical: NA | Projected: 4th Round
Upside: Has a good understanding for the game and is a solid athlete. Three-year starter, good career production, and he has return ability. Has NFL pedigree, as his father Gill was a Pro Bowl defensive back for the Chargers
Downside: Shorter than ideal and lacks the top end speed needed to recover if beaten. Does not hit with authority and can shy away from contact.
Bottom Line: Versatility and pedigree will enhance his value more than anything else. Byrd will bring extra value as a returner but will have the biggest impact in a cover-2 scheme that could take advantage of his athletic quickness and short area burst.
10. Mike Mickens – Cincinnati
Height: 5′11″ | Weight: 186 | 40 Time: 4.57 | Vertical: 35.5 | Projected: 4th Round
Upside: Quick twitch athlete that can break on the ball while it’s in the air. Solid ball skills and excellent competitiveness.
Downside: Put on 10+ lbs for the combine but he needs to add more muscle to his lean frame. Has lapses in coverage and has been caught gambling too much. Not a reliable tackler.
Bottom Line: Mickens is a spark plug at times and he has good height. He was a four year starter and plays with a mean streak. His best fit is going to be in a cover-2 or zone heavy defensive system.
