2021 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS - CORNERBACK
Click on the names of the prospects below to see their draft profiles:
Height: 6’1”. Weight: 203lbs
PRO’S: Highly experienced cornerback with forty games at the highest college level under his belt. Ideal length for the modern corner, which he uses to great effect in disrupting a receivers route timing off press coverage. Excellently coached at Alabama and it shows - refined technique shows a natural aptitude for the position. Excellent lower body control with good footwork that allows him to mirror and react effectively. Excellent timing at the point of catch to disrupt the pass. A perfect blend of physicality and athleticism allows him to be proficient against any type of receiver in any coverage. Shows tremendous processing speed which helps him close on the football. Excellent feel for where the ball is in the air. Has also shown some reps as a slot corner.
CON’S: Whilst overall athleticism is very good, long speed is questionable - Surtain’s biggest struggles come when in man coverage against speed receivers running ‘go’/’9’ routes; he wasn’t there at the catch point to contest the reception. Sometimes you want to see more aggression from him in and around the line of scrimmage - he has the measurables to intimidate but maybe not the mindset. Having said that, he incurs his fair share of penalties and sometimes unnecessarily makes early contact with the receiver.
SIMON CARROLL: “For me, Patrick Surtain is the most complete cornerback in this class. Sure, Farley may have more upside and is extremely talented in his own right, but Surtain has shown to be dominant in every aspect of the position. His dedication to perfecting his game has not gone unnoticed - even in run defense he offers more than you would expect. His father was an eleven year pro and Junior brings the same level of professionalism. An immediate lockdown starter in any scheme, but would likely flourish in a press-heavy scheme where he can be put on an island against the opponent’s most dangerous weapon.”
NFL COMPARISON: DARRELLE REVIS
PROJECTION: 1ST ROUND PICK
Height: 6’2”. Weight: 197lbs
PRO’S: Has the perfect blend of size and athleticism for the modern day NFL cornerback. Physical, sticky corner who likes to jolt receivers at the line of scrimmage in press coverage. Matches opponents stride for stride throughout their route and is a hassle from the first play to the last. Quick backpedal and into position in zone coverage, and able to break on the route with the best of them. Excellent ball skills - used to play receiver before switching to corner after his freshman year. 6 interceptions and 19 passes defended in just 23 starts at the position. Elite speed and will compete with the fastest receivers at the next level. Smart understanding of field position and traps receivers against the sideline.
CON’S: Still raw at the position - only 23 games as a cornerback and opted out of 2020. Footwork surprisingly clumsy for a former receiver, but should be cleaned up with more experience and persistent coaching. Needs to trust his instincts a little more, instead relying on his speed and aggression at the catch point to catch up to plays and stop them. Suscpetible to penalties and isn’t afraid to grab jersey when he loses track of the football.
SIMON CARROLL: “Farley is an elite cornerback prospect with the ability to start as a rookie and no end to his potential as he gets more of a feel for the nuances of the position. What concerns there are all stem from a lack of starts, and once he cleans up the little things his ball skills will ensure he’s a fan favourite and a multiple pro bowler. The physicality and short-area quickness makes him an ideal prospect in a press coverage scheme where he can be a nuisance throughout the receiver’s route.”
NFL COMPARISON: JIMMY SMITH
PROJECTION: 1ST ROUND PICK
Height: 6’1”. Weight: 205lbs
PRO’S: Intimidating nuisance of a cornerback who is in his opponent’s personal space from the first play to the last. Fights for every play with little respite for the receiver, and is vocal in his disdain for the man lining up opposite him. Ideal length to play outside corner and is not shy in using it when pressing at the line of scrimmage. Brings physicality to the position, has heavy hands on contact early in the route, and has the dogged mentality (and experience) to also offer slot corner ability. Competitive throughout the route and shows excellent positioning and body dominance to disrupt and squeeze the receiver’s direction.
CON’S: Not fluid; a little stiff hipped and aggressive cuts or changes of direction can catch his lower half out. Top straight line speed isn’t elite either, although stickiness and persistence allow him to overcome this with a level of confidence. His penchant to get grabby when he takes false steps means he will get called for holding a lot more in the NFL than he did at college. Disappointing lack of aggression in run defense duties considering the bravado he plays the pass with. Tackling can be sometimes errant and delivered with a little less pop than his physical profile suggests it should.
SIMON CARROLL: “Jaycee Horn may be a notch below Surtain and Farley’s level, but that doesn’t stop him from being a starting NFL cornerback worthy of a first round pick. The growth he showed as a Junior in Columbia makes you confident he will get better with more experience, and he has the mental makeup to survive at the next level. As far as a man-cover cornerback, he has all the traits you could ask for, and should particularly appeal to teams with an aggressive mindset in their secondary.”
NFL COMPARISON: BRENT GRIMES
PROJECTION: 1ST ROUND PICK
Height: 5’10”. Weight: 191lbs
PRO’S: Instinctive cornerback with excellent anticipation and trusts what he sees pre-snap. Showcases excellent versatility to his game; played inside and outside corner for Washington with snaps as a safety thrown in for good measure. Impressive read and react skills; breaks on the ball with immediacy and shows good aggression to challenge at the catch point. Loves runing downhill on anything thrown short. Has developed fundamentals including footwork, hand usage and timing. Solid, sure tackler. Playmaker with ball skills - exploded as a junior with 12 passes defended, four interceptions and three forced fumbles.
CON’S: For all his versatility, was used predominantly as a slot corner at Washington. Undersized and lack of length makes press coverage tricky, although aggression and box safety mentality go some way to remedying this. Again, despite effort and willingness his lack of size and power make him less effective than other prospects against the run. For a smaller cornerback the elite athleticism you hope for isn’t quite there; he’s not slow or sluggish but there isn’t quite the quick twitch, and his hips in transition get stiff on occasion.
SIMON CARROLL: “Calling a cornerback a ‘slot corner’ ten years ago was disparaging, but in today’s aerial NFL where offenses have a minimum of three receivers on the field seemingly every down it’s a position that sees as many snaps as any. And as far as they go, nobody has performed the role as well as Elijah Molden has the last few years. His elite ball skills and anticipation more than make up for his lack of prototypical size; he’ll be an early day two pick who will thrive in a zone coverage scheme, with co-ordinators taking advantage of his versatility to move him around and create matchup advantages.”
NFL COMPARISON: NICKELL ROBEY-COLEMAN
PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK
Height: 6’1”. Weight: 185lbs
PRO’S: Playmaking cornerback with excellent ball skills and the athletic attributes to match. Flashes lockdown potential; yards allowed per snap in 2020 was elite and had five games where he allowed fewer than 10 receiving yards (per PFF). Elite long speed and will match receivers stride for stride across every inch of turf. Shows good tendencies down the field, squeezing the receiver towards the sideline and shrinking the catch zone, before bringing his own hands into the equation. Timing at the catch point is elite, and he recorded four interceptions in 2020, taking two back to the house. Plays tougher than his size suggests and has thrived in snaps as a slot/nickel corner.
CON’S: Undersized with a lack of play strength. Lower half has a lack of anchor and jamming at the line of scrimmage is limited in it’s effectiveness. Upper body power also a concern, although persistence and timing make up for any competitive disadvantage in positioning and hand fighting at the catch point. Can get caught out on breaks in routes and will get grabby if deceived. Outside of final year in Athens there is little big play moments on tape that catch your eye.
SIMON CARROLL: “The growth of Eric Stokes from his 2019 tape to 2020 is clear, and as promising as that is there will be those that wonder if his final year at Georgia was an outlier rather than the standard of things to come. He answered questions about his speed at a recent pro day, although again the validity of numbers from such events this year will always have doubt cast upon them. I’m much more interested in his shutdown abilities rather than the interceptions - the way he dominated the best SEC receivers last year is certainly no fluke. If he lands in a zone coverage-heavy scheme in the NFL I can see him thriving.”
NFL COMPARISON: JAMES BRADBERRY
PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK
Height: 6’1”. Weight: 190lbs
PRO’S: Highly fluid outside corner with all the prototypical speed and burst to start in the NFL. Ultra smooth mirroring receivers; graceful backpedal that flows effortlessly into pursuit with zero loss of speed through transition. Light on his feet and monitors routes with excellent anticipation for breaks, making him extremely difficult to garner separation against. Keeps one eye in the backfield to appreciate when the ball is in the air. Equally as comfortable in zone coverage where he takes good angles to the football and monitors his responsibilities very well. Plays with excellent pad level, particularly for his height.
CON’S: Injury prone? Missed game time in each year at Northwestern, with groin and ankle issues both listed. This has limited him to just 17 regular season starts for the Wildcats. Rather lean for a slightly taller corner and despite healthy levels of aggression could be stronger in tackles and getting off receiver blocks against the run. Speed doesn’t quite match with fluidity and straight up foot races will be a problem. Lack of big plays on tape with just one interception in his college career.
SIMON CARROLL: “Greg Newsome’s lack of experience and injury history make him an unknown commodity heading into the NFL Draft, and as a result there is a ceiling to how early he will come off the board. Look at his actual tape though, and there’s a cornerback who has the tools to be a starter at the next level. His short area athleticism gives him inside-outside versatility, and there’s an air of confidence that he has his opponent in his pocket throughout the route. He projects well in any scheme and will hear his name called early on day two.”
NFL COMPARISON: TROY HILL
PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK
Height: 6’2”. Weight: 185lbs
PRO’S: Blessed with elite measurables. Long, rangy corner with the body type the modern NFL craves. Arms are so long no pass seems out of reach, and he’s not afraid to use his full extension to delay receivers into routes in press coverage. Jaw dropping quickness and speed for a man his size; nimble feet when mirroring in man and oily hips that give him a seamless transition into pursuit. Excellent click and close burst to the ball. Elite long speed; matched the fastest receivers stride for stride - and with those arms, one step behind is no separation at all. Locates the ball well at the point of catch. Added value in situational blitz packages.
CON’S: Very lean with a lack of power to his game. Campbell struggles to hold his line when covering down the sideline, and can get boxed out in body to body contested catches. Similar strength issues show up when trying to get off receiver blocks and help out against the run, or hold the block and funnel the ball carrier inside. For someone with such good length and a feel for the football there are too many squandered interception opportunities - just one pick in 31 games.. Anticipation a tick slow in off man coverage and relies heavily on his length and speed to close gaps.
SIMON CARROLL: It’s just not reasonable to have the athletic profile that Campbell does when he stands at 6’2” and has arms like vines. As part of a very good secondary at Georgia it is telling that quarterbacks rarely targeted him, instead choosing alternative options where passing windows seemed more open. Campbell needs to elevate his understanding of offensive concepts in order to take the next step, and perhaps see if he can improve his functional play strength to iron out the holes in his game. But the building blocks are there, and NFL scouts will be convinced they can make him a starting caliber corner at the next level.”
NFL COMPARISON: JUSTIN COLEMAN
PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK
Height: 6’2”. Weight: 212lbs
PRO’S: Big corner with elite strength and size for an NFL cornerback. Excels in press coverage despite relatively low use in the role, using his length and hand strength to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and break up their route timing with the quarterback. Dominates sideline space with his lower body strength and positioning, staying on line and squeezing the receiver out. Length means he’s never out of a play and seemingly contests every catch. Violent tackler and misses very few. Remarkable athletic profile for his size; impressive fluidity with loose hips in tranisition and a quick change of direction speed.
CON’S: Short on instincts, particularly in zone coverage. Doesn’t seem to trust his ability to cover in the short passing lanes, and likes to sit very deep in his zone as a result. Takes some time for him to diagnose what is happening, and as a result his speed to close on the football has a sluggish start. Seems much more comfortable playing with his back to the ball mirroring his opponent than letting it unfold in front of him. Has the physical components to be the alpha dog but rarely plays with intimidation. Career interrupted with different nagging injuries. Takeaway production doesn’t match ball skills he demonstrates at the catch point.
SIMON CARROLL: “Evaluating Ifeatu Melifonwu is all about projection and what he can be at the next level, rather than what he has been at Syracuse. Despite playing more zone at college his size, length and instincts scream press man corner. Better yet, you feel that once he appreciates his god-given measurables he can employ them more consistently and aggressively. I think his range may be a bit wider than other prospects, but I’d be shocked if he’s still on the board once day two is done and dusted.”
NFL COMPARISON: AHKELLO WITHERSPOON
PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK
Height: 6’2”. Weight: 198lbs
PRO’S: Physical corner with elite size and strength for the position. Excellent length that he utilises in many facets of the game; re-directs the receiver off the line of scrimmage, disrupts the catch point, and rips at the football when tackling. Plays with amped up aggression and likes to affect his opponent from the off. Much like his teammate Ifeatu Melifonwu, Williams has excellent athleticism for his size. Extremely fluid whilst mirroring, and attention to footwork aids him in transition. Comfortable in space and has impressive click and close speed in zone coverage.
CON’S: Some mental lapses evident on tape. Losing track of the football is an obvious one, negating his ability to attack the catch point. Reckless in the tackle; PFF credits him with a 21% missed tackle rate. Underwhelming stat lines whilst at Syracuse. Significant drop-off in performance when moved to the slot as a sophomore/junior - athleticism didn’t see him dominate as you would expect in such a role. Disappointing area discipline in zone coverage across the middle. Want to see a touch more instinct for what’s coming; Williams relies on his speed and physicality to catch up plays rather than shut them down early.
SIMON CARROLL: “Most cornerbacks showing the type of athletic profile and nasty streak Williams brings would have thrived in nickel duties, but a lack of natural instincts caused a regression in his game. WIlliams is much more suited to an outside corner role, primarily one that mostly employs man coverage concepts, but he’s also much better holding a zone when he has a sideline to work with. If he finds a home that plays to his strengths I think he’s got a serious shot to outplay his draft position and has borderline pro bowl ability.”
NFL COMPARISON: JAYLON JOHNSON
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Height: 6’0”. Weight: 190lbs
PRO’S: Sticky, slot corner who excels matching up with nimble receivers between the hash marks and matching them stride for stride. Quick feet help him mirror well in man coverage, shortening the separation at break points on the route. Turns each rep into a battle, not afraid to get scrappy when close to the line of scrimmage and will work hard with his hands and positioning to get the leverage on each route. Pleasing ability to diagnose run, break off his coverage duties and come downfield to the football. Enjoys putting a little extra mustard on his hits and likes to impose himself and make the middle ‘his turf’.
CON’S: A lot less confident in zone coverage. Usually holding the shallow middle third in a cover 3, Robinson doesn’t have the natural feel for dangers entering his area of remit. Gets caught flat footed when he sees more than one potential destination for the football. Has shown a propensity to be moved by the quarterback’s eyes, and identifying misdirection is a work in progress. Excitement to lay the wood whilst tackling has led to a number of broken or missed tackles, although things did get better in that regard in 2020. Average physical and athletic attributes don’t help enhance his game in any particular regard.
SIMON CARROLL: “Measurables wise, Robinson comes across as an ordinary cornerback and it’s easy to see why he’s predominantly been given slot duties at UCF. Having said that, he is highly effective in man coverage and has found his true calling as a pest in the middle of the field. His game definitely developed in 2020, and after transferring from Alabama you can understand the delay in his progression. But the mental lapses will concern scouts. His effort is good and some team will bank on the upside; he’s a mid round slot-corner prospect who probably sneaks into the back of day two.”
NFL COMPARISON: JANORIS JENKINS
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Height: 5’10”. Weight: 184lbs
PRO’S: Stocky, powerful wide receiver with stout lower body and can hold his own regardless of his small stature. Plays with physicality and urgency, and enjoys sitting deep in zone coverage before charging downhill to the football. Plays with total body control which helps his fluidity over short spaces and allows him to mirror receivers effectively throughout the route. Pass catchers simply cannot throw him off the scent, and he’s always there to disrupt the pass. Gives up minimal yardage and rarely gives up a big play - if the ball is caught, the receiver goes down in an instant.
CON’S: Size is a concern - he’s got a lack of height and length to play outside corner in the NFL, and some scouts will consider him a slot only prospect - a position he can operate in but one less ideal for his style of play. Had a better final year in Tallahassee with regards to making plays, but ‘game changing’ stats were thin on the ground in his college career. Is very ‘handsy’ and will likely receive a lot of attention from the zebras at the next level. Uninterested in run defense duties, showing only marginal effort in trying to get off blocks to the football.
SIMON CARROLL: “His lack of height and length means Asante Samuel is going to find his range wildly different on each NFL team’s board ; some will rule him out completely, others consider him slot only. But those who believe he has shown the aptitude to survive outside will have him much higher. He brings a similar doggedness to the position as his father did in a glorious eleven year pro career, but you do feel he’s got an uphill battle to establish himself at the next level. He could go anywhere to anyone, and is a true wildcard in this cornerback class.”
NFL COMPARISON: JASON VERRETT
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Height: 6’1”. Weight: 191lbs
PRO’S: Excellent size and length for the position. Physically dominant with an aggressive swagger to his game, and likes to impose himself mentally on his opponent. Revels at the line of scrimmage where he can get his hands on receivers. Also shows impressive proficiency when playing in deep zone coverage; when he can see a play develop in front of him he can allow his striker instincts to take over, come downhill and make a play. Thumping tackler and loves rolling up his sleeves in run support too. Ball hawk with playmaking instincts; had four interceptions for the Wildcats last season, returning one for a score.
CON’S: Extremely raw. Just fifteen games at the college level, spread across two seasons at both LSU and Kentucky. As such he has a lot of work to do on his game. Instincts in man coverage nowhere near as developed as those in zone; if he can’t disrupt from the line of scrimmage it’s an uphill battle. Understanding the offenses intentions is a work in progress - there are flashes where it just clicks and he brings the heat, but they’re far from consistent. Emotional player who can fall into bad days quite easily. Ill-discipline pops up on his tape in the form of personal fouls, and was suspended for team rules violations at LSU.
SIMON CARROLL: “Joseph is a very exciting talent that will come off the board a lot earlier than his production warrants, because the upside is huge. Despite the lack of game time and need for development the flashes of natural feel for a defensive back give you confidence it will come with more experience. He’s a playmaker with size that can be effective in and around the LOS but more so in coverage, and Kentucky toyed with him as a safety to take advantage of the tools he brings. He’s a guy who can go toe to toe with the bigger receivers, and provided he can keep his composure has the chance to make a big impact in the NFL.”
NFL COMPARISON: LONNIE JOHNSON
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Height: 6’2”. Weight: 185lbs
PRO’S: Long, lean corner that brings the desired measurables to the position. Demonstrates good physicality throughout his game, particularly at the top of routes and at the catch point. Something of a shutdown corner at UCF - had 8 pass breakups and two picks in 13 games, and allowed a sum total of just 274 yards (approx 21 yds per game) when thrown his way. Thrives in press man coverage where he can use his physicality and aggression to disturb his opponent from the outset. Enjoys breaking away from coverage and descending on a running back. Body type and demeanour to be something of a special teams asset.
CON’S: An extremely small body of work to analyse - Gowan had one game at Miami (OH) before transferring to UCF, where he played in eleven contests opposite Aaron Robinson. Gowan also chose to opt out of the 20202 season to look after his family after his partner gave birth to a premature baby. Not as fluid as some of the other corners in this class; hips can look a little stiff in transition, and off-man coverage doesn’t suit him anywhere near what press does. Instincts are good but pre-snap play diagnosis is still in development.
SIMON CARROLL: “Sleeper alert! Aaron Robinson might be getting all the attention at UCF but it would be foolish to ignore the quality that Gowan brought on the other side of the field. Gowan has overcome his fair share of adversity in his life - his family battling homelessness for many years - and his strong mentality is evident on the tape. He brings controlled aggression at the point of contact and there isn’t a clean reception to be had against him. A touch of stiffness meanS you want him lining up in press or cover-3 zone where flipping his hips isn’t needed, and more route recognition will come with experience. Some rawness but not many prospects have the shutdown numbers and the upside that Gowan does.”
NFL COMPARISON: TRUMAINE JOHNSON
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Height: 6’1”. Weight: 194lbs
PRO’S: Hard hitting, urgent corner with desired size, length and physicality. Experience playing all over the secondary at Ohio State, starting out as a slot corner before transitioning to the outside later on, but also having some reps at safety. Thrives playing zone in the middle of the field, where he can see the play in front of him, come down and deliver a bruising tackle. Uber athletic whose click and close speed is terrifying. Fluidity and change of direction is impressive making him valuable as a slot corner or on short to intermediate passes. Shows excellent timing and little fear to meet the receiver at the catch point and blow up the play.
CON’S: Move outside to perimeter corner, for all his efforts, has failed. Biggest issues arise in man coverage where his football instincts do not match those where he can see the field and football. Strong athletic profile seems to go out of the window when mirroring receivers, giving up separation on breaks and at the top of routes. Lower half isn’t quite in sync; backpedal is ungainly and feet get tied up in transition. Deep speed to keep up down the sideline is in question, and he routinely got beat by the better receivers at college.
SIMON CARROLL: “As far as competitors go, nobody works harder on the field than Shaun Wade. He gave his all to making the transition to an outside corner, and whilst the results weren’t quite what he or The Buckeyes were hoping it’s hard to tell if it’s just a lack of instincts for the role or the disjointed season delaying his development Either way, his home is in the middle of the field, preferably as far away from the line of scrimmage as possible so he can come down to meet the football. A move to safety has been mooted, and you can understand why, but slot corner is as important as any position in today’s NFL and Wade excels at it.”
NFL COMPARISON: DESMOND KING
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’3”. Weight: 200lbs
PRO’S: Blessed with rare length and size for the position. Effective disruptor at the line of scrimmage; receivers have an immediate problem getting into thor routes. A fighter who likes to make it a physical contest on every play. Huge arms and strong torso give him confidence he’s going to consistently win at the catch point. Has better than expected fluidity with graceful transition from backpedal to pursuit, and composed demeanour keeps him in plays. Effective disengaging from blocks and participating in run defense. Stood out with an impressive Senior Bowl performance.
CON’S: Whilst fluidity is surprising for his size, you wouldn’t describe him as athletic. He gives receivers an extra bit of room in zone and off man to account for his lack of speed, and doesn’t close on the football in a hurry. Needs to work on his fundamentals; footwork in particular needs cleaning up. Wasted steps at the line of scrimmage mean delayed acceleration, and he gives up separation at the top of routes. Very limited experience with just 18 starts at college at both Michigan and Minnesota. Tends to lose discipline when battling to get back in plays, and there’ll be an increase in penalties at the next level.
SIMON CARROLL: “ St-Juste is far from a polished product. A limited number of games under his belt in two different systems has meant he’s leaned heavily on his measurables to compete in the Big 10. WHilst this isn’t necessarily cutting a well-rounded prospect, it does give scouts some tools to work with that other corners in this class don’t have, and quite frankly never will have. St-Juste is a project; he’ll hope to find a team that utilises a lot of press man coverage that plays to his size and length and has the patience to let him develop his understanding of the game. He may provide special teams upside through this period.”
NFL COMPARISON: MICHAEL DAVIS
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’0”. Weight: 180lbs
PRO’S: Feisty! Brown plays with an edge and throws himself around the field like he weighs twenty pounds heavier. Not afraid of contact and applies himself against the run with maximum effort. Strong tackler with good leg drive to minimise yardage loss. Excellent short area quickness and athleticism; breaks on the ball fast and has elite playmaking skills with seven picks in 21 games in East Lansing. Impressive vertical jump and will high point for the football. Excellent football smarts; plays with route anticipation, isn’t easily fooled with misdirection, and just has a knack of being in the right place at the right time to make a play.
CON’S: Competitive edge can get the better of him, and struggles to keep cool when receivers clap back. Once his head has gone he finds it extremely difficult to find his composure again and be an effective asset for his team. Kamikaze tackling technique looks susceptible to injuries down the line. Deep speed is nowhere near as good as his short area quickness, and there’s too much tape of him being left behind on go routes. Man coverage inhibited by poor footwork, with too many wasted steps giving his opponent breathing room early in the route. Small body of work with just 12 starts at Michigan State.
SIMON CARROLL: “When it comes to the third day of the NFL Draft there is no such thing as a sure thing. You’re looking for prospects who flash all the traits but for one reason or another haven’t put it all together. At cornerback, Shakur Brown could be that guy. 2020 saw his production explode as he finally nailed down a starting job. He did a better job of playing with discipline and emotional control and it paid dividends. A unique blend of quickness, smarts and physicality, I think he’s ideally suited to a nickel corner role at the next level. He might not be a day one starter, but the ceiling is high and he’s trending upwards fast.”
NFL COMPARISON: JOSH NORMAN
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND
Height: 6’1”. Weight: 190lbs
PRO’S: Playmaker. Eight interceptions and one forced fumble and 24 pass breakups in just 22 games at Stanford. Excels at the catch point, throwing up his long arms and disrupting the receiver. Impressive body positioning downfield; has a feel for where he needs to be, and is rarely altered course by his opponents presence. Makes life difficult for receivers to find breathing room down the sideline. Excellent instincts when it comes to hand timing ,and shows elite pre-snap recognition for what the offense is throwing his way. Has the size and physicality to compete at the line of scrimmage, and is keen to get involved against the run.
CON’S: Wildly inconsistent. Boom or bust potential on every play; as likely to give up a touchdown as he is record an interception. Reckless tackling form, with 25 missed or broken in his college career. Plays tall with a lack of looseness in his hips, reducing fluidity in transition and when mirroring routes. Sluggish reaction to misdirection or double moves and often caught trying to close separation. Sat out the 2020 season when he had a lot to prove as a senior, and surprisingly didn’t consider accepting the extra year of eligibility.
SIMON CARROLL: “Casual observers of college football who consider Paulson Adebo a household name will wonder why most draft sites will not consider him an early round prospect. The answer is simple; he’s just not trustworthy in coverage. For every highlight reel interception there are two whiffed tackles or botched coverages, and he’s just as likely (if not more likely) to lose you a game as he is to win you one. The positive? It’s relatively early days in his progression, and if he can tone down the mistakes and find some kind of consistency then he will provide excellent value as a day three pick.”
NFL COMPARISON: GREEDY WILLIAMS
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Height: 5’11”. Weight:194lbs
PRO’S: Ball playing corner with a nose for a big play. Fluidity is the key to his game; graceful mover across the turf and flows with a composure to the football. Loose hips and his change from backpedal to pursuit is seamless. Particularly impressed with his footwork when backpedalling to a deep zone - gets there quickly and efficiently, and able to dig his heels into the ground and spring when the ball is thrown. Gets to the catch point quickly, and when he’s there he’s only got eyes for the football. Production (and performance) exploded in his final year in Lubbock with four picks, three of which came in his final four games. Shows good football smarts and communication skills, and is well respected by his teammates as a leader of the secondary.
CON’S: Plays light despite reasonable mass on his frame. Not a physical cornerback, and has some issues tackling. Lack of leg drive as he heads into contact sees a lot of dragging down rather than knocking over. Mind always set in pass mode, and he’s a hair slow to transition into run defense. With a lack of stoutness this delay can get himself locked up by a blocking receiver who he finds difficult to disengage from. Very little in the way of role differentiation at Texas Tech - he excels as an outside zone corner but has limited experience in man (particularly press) or off-man, although was kicked inside to the slot on obvious passing downs.
SIMON CARROLL: “Elegance isn’t always an adjective you can use when describing how someone plays the game of football, but McPhearson makes it seem the most natural thing in the world to bail out to a deep zone, identify the threat, flow to the catch point and make a play. Observant and intelligent, little fools him and he’s a valuable asset to his coaches on the field. He played some slot for the Red Raiders but I think a lack of aggression and play strength makes him more suited as an outside cover corner. He’s by no means got everything you wish for, but he’ll fit certain schemes very well. He left Penn State looking for more game time, and something clicked for him as a senior that suggests upside as a day three pick.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’3”. Weight: 205lbs
PRO’S: Big. Elite size and length that he has learned to utilise to good effect. Simply refuses a receiver free release in press coverage; delaying them into their routes with multiple hand jabs around the line of scrimmage. Arms like vines that wrap up anyone with the football in his expansive postcode. Exellent contributor against the run, where he sheds the attention of receivers with ease before converging on the ball carrier. Operates a deep zone effectively and is confident breaking on anything thrown underneath. Impressive playmaking skills with seven interceptions in just 22 starts at South Carolina.
CON’S: Limited athleticism as you would expect for his size. Transition is clunky to say the least; hips are stiff and a lack of knee bend make it difficult for him to mirror his opponent. Man coverage is problematic from start to finish unless it begins in press where he can stymie the receiver early. Very little in the way of creativity - if it’s not scripted out for him and to his strengths then he’s a liability. Lack of intensity or intimidation to his game, which is disappointing for his size. Susceptible to flags with ill-disciplined hands the minute a play is getting away from him.
SIMON CARROLL: “Mukuamu is a rather unique cornerback with intriguing physical attributes but little in the way of the athleticism required to operate a conventional cornerback role at the next level. South Carolina moved him around the secondary to try and accentuate his strengths, but his true ability will be up against big bodied receivers or tight ends where he can go toe to toe at the line of scrimmage and also provide bonus takeaway ability with the ball in the air. It’s a limited portfolio to offer, and his draft ceiling will be capped as a result, but there is something there for creative playcallers and master schemers to work with.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Height: 5’11”. Weight: 190lbs
PRO’S: Cerebral, instinctive cornerback with a natural feel for the position. Only played cornerback since arriving at Tennessee and looks like he’s been doing it since kindergarten. Excellent pre-snap recognition of what’s coming his way, and you can see his body leaning the way the ball is going to go. Shows good discipline and maturity too, ignoring misdirection and keeping focus of his zone responsibilities despite any games going on elsewhere. Has plus athleticism that, when coupled with his anticipation, means he’s able to get to the football on time to make the play. Stepped up in key moments to make game changing plays.
CON’S: Much more comfortable in zone coverage where he can see things unfold like a game of chess. Bring him down tight to the line of scrimmage and make him press and he’s not got the same level of confidence or feel. Hand jabs ineffective and lacking pop, and is easily navigated by receivers. Wasted steps see him playing catchup early in the route, and the best route runners keep him off their tail easily from then on. The longer he plays with his back to the ball the more antsy he gets; contact timing on deep passes is out of sync and he will see his fair share of flags in the NFL. Some technique issues to clean up - tackling form, pad level, footwork.
SIMON CARROLL: “Thompson is one of my sleepers in this year’s NFL Draft. Considering he played predominantly as a running back in high school, his instincts for his new position are very impressive. His issues in man coverage, particularly at the line of scrimmage, look mostly down to poor fundamentals, something which can be cleaned up with experience and good coaching. The rest is well within his wheelhouse and if he puts it altogether I think he can start inside or outside in the NFL. His rawness is such that it means the timeframe may be a little longer than you’d hope for, but the upside is off the charts.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND
Height: 6’0”. Weight: 189lbs
PRO’S: Plays extremely tough. Competes - and usually wins - at the line of scrimmage, jolting receivers off kilter and staying a step ahead in transition. Excellent body control and field awareness, squeezing the catch point towards the sideline as they go downfield. Brings similar aggression when helping in run defense, and has the frame to add more muscle mass - Ambry suffered from Colitis in 2019 and lost significant weight, and still can get some back on. Mentality never shrank though, and has no issues sticking his head in against bigger ball carriers. Good football smarts and shows confidence identifying dangers to his zone in coverage.
CON’S: Average short-area athleticism, although long-speed is good. Click and close speed underwhelming - needs to see it quicker and kick into gear with more immediacy. Hips a touch stiff and you can see it when transitioning from half phase to pursuit. Slender profile sees him bullied by bigger receivers despite his dedication to an aggressive and physical style of play. This can lead to him incurring holding penalties when he struggles to match up. Small body of work with only one season as a starter, and opted out of 2020 when scouts would have felt he needed to show growth with more tape. Development is an unknown.
SIMON CARROLL: “There’s a lot to like about Thomas when watching his tape; he’s a savvy footballer who knows his duties, isn’t deceived too often and brings a healthy - maybe too healthy for the NFL - dose of physicality to the position. He’s slightly undersized but competes every snap nonetheless, and I think he’s probably better suited on the outside rather than being pigeon holed as a nickel corner. He’s behind the curve in some aspects and it’s difficult to project how long it will take him to get up to speed. The team that takes him should be press-heavy and not be in a need to start him right away, but as a day three pick you can’t argue with the upside.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’0”. Weight: 193lbs
PRO’S: Well honed prospect with excellent size and length, and an athletic profile that is more than sufficient for the NFL. Arms are his biggest weapon and he knows how to use them; revels in man coverage, particularly when he gets to jam at the line of scrimmage. Excellent body control whilst mirroring the receiver, and excellent feel for break points on routes and where the ball is in the air. Extremely composed play demeanour throughout the rep; Williams does what is required with little fuss or grandeur. Secure and trustworthy mentality, very deliberate with his tackling and isn’t one to let the team down with silly mistakes.
CON’S: An older rookie than most, Rodarius is actually older than his famous brother Greedy Williams and will turn 25 on the first NFL Sunday of the year. Despite long arms and ball playing ability has just one pick to his name in 45 games for Oklahoma State. Lacks the swagger and intensity of a traditional alpha corner, and fails to leave a mark in his tackling, although he opens up a little more against the run when the consequences of a missed tackle aren’t as grave as they are on an island. Sometimes so worried about giving up a big play that he gives away free yards on plays that are in front of him.
SIMON CARROLL: “Despite both being cornerbacks, Rodarius and Greedy WIlliams couldn’t be any different in how they play the position. Williams made a career out of big plays with a high-risk, high reward strategy. Rodarius is a completely different cat; His tape doesn’t really jump off screen as he refuses to take any chances in order to minimise game changing mistakes. Whilst this might not be as exciting, it offers something else that NFL scouts find sexy; reliability. Williams has a huge amount of experience at the position and performs admirably in all facets of the game. He grew every year in Stillwater and not many bloomed in a tough 2020 like he did. His stock is only so low because of his age. Will he win you a game? Probably not. But he certainly won’t lose you one.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’4”. Weight: 188lbs
PRO’S: Rare measurements at the cornerback position, Wright is lean and long and will cause issues with his arms all day. Competitive in press, Wright plays with extension that receivers can just not get free of. Built like a receiver, he demonstrates excellent ball skills at the catch point, recording five interceptions in just fifteen games for The Beavs. Has a natural feel for zone coverage and shows good timing when breaking on the ball. Sometimes too set on watching the quarterback but it allows him to be ready when the ball leaves his hand. Stupid athleticism for his size and is a true height-weight-speed prospect.
CON’S: Raw. Started at JuCo and only had two years in Corvallis, his final year as a junior severely scaled back due to the pandemic. Technique needs a lot of polish; he gets quite lackadaisical with his hand placement at the line of scrimmage, assuming his length will take care of business. Fotowork, on occasion, is all over the place - it’s like he hasn’t been coached that efficient steps will make his life a lot easier. Tackling form is wild, again thinking his arms are all that is needed to corral the ball carrier. Naturally struggles to keep his pads low when tackling, and it also inhibits his ability to get off blocks.
SIMON CARROLL: “I’m not overly fond of the word ‘toolsy’, but in Nahshon Wright’s case i;ll make an exception - he brings everything from a physical and athletic standpoint that you need to be a success at the position. He’s got a lot of aspects of his game that need cleaning up but the instincts are there - just turn on the 2020 Oregon tape and watch him peel off his own man to undercut the route for the interception. Flashes like that scream upside with consistency and dedication. Receivers are not going to enjoy going up against Wright when he’s in the mood - he just has to make sure he’s in the mood every Sunday.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’0”. Weight: 175lbs
PRO’S: Ultra-athletic cornerback who would have blown up the combine had it been holding workouts. Changes direction with almost impossible immediacy, and matches routes for fun. Back pedal is graceful and efficient, and ultra smooth in transition. An absolute nightmare to compete with at the catch point; long limbs that attack the football and nobody can match his vertical leap. Attentive eyes and quick burst to attack the football downfield when in zone, and is proficient in all coverages on the outside. Competitor who raises his game against big names, and has had success against all shapes and sizes of receiver.
CON’S: Lightweight with a lack of muscle mass on his frame. This has undoubtedly led to durability issues; Griffin had to have an operation to correct both shoulders following the 2018 season, and suffered spinal disc issues throughout 2019 which resulted in back spasms. It also causes issues holding ground and squeezing the throwing lane against the sideline; Griffin tends to rely solely on his ball playing skills to get by. Attention he offers receivers at the line of scrimmage in press coverage garner little in the way of route delay or deviance. A little boom or bust factor to his play style, and isn’t averse to making the wrong decision.
SIMON CARROLL: “Did you know that Olaijah is the son of Warren G? Despite just one interception at USC, it feels like Griffin is a big play waiting to happen. A jitterbug cornerback who has the finesse and athleticism to be around the ball at all times, he desperately needs to get stronger to not only make sure he can stay on the field, but also compete at the next level where everything will be bigger and tougher. I’m not sure he can add more mass and core strength, but if he is a much more feasible starting outside corner on Sundays.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’0”. Weight: 189lbs
PRO’S: Twitchy, tuned-in cornerback with dancing feet and one eye on the football at all times. Excellent short area quickness, with the ability to key and go instantly. Has shown playmaking skills on the outside with six interceptions in his three years at the position. Active hands that work for positioning throughout the route, and shows an ability to locate the ball at the catch point and deny the reception. Brings excellent aggression to the position - enjoys banging in the run game, refuses to be bullied down the sideline and at the catch point, and has the ability to get to the quarterback when sent on the blitz. Competed well at The Senior Bowl.
CON’S: Long speed is a concern for the outside, and he may get pegged as a nickel corner because of it. Stays on top of routes in the short to middle of the field, but when the legs open distinctive separation can consistently be seen. Length is short of NFL standards and it shows up more so when trying to press at the line of scrimmage than it does fighting for the ball in the air. Can be goaded into biting on misdirection, and is so excited to make a big play he can leave himself exposed to whiffed tackles or blown coverages.
SIMON CARROLL: “Darren Hall will be a ‘sleeper’ for a lot of draftniks this year and it’s not hard to see why: He’s got excellent smarts and anticipation, is shifty and sticky on short to intermediate routes, and brings pleasing physicality when it’s time to deliver a hit. He transitioned from safety to cornerback after one year in San Diego, and whilst it paid dividends for him I think his best role will be as an inside corner in the NFL, where his deep speed won’t be tested and his lateral movement can shine. He looks to head into the league as a bottom of the roster prospect with the ability to work his way into rotation duties.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Height: 5’11”. Weight: 193lbs
PRO’S: Sticky. Loves to leech onto a receiver and give him zero room to maneuver. Smart cornerback who thrives in man coverage and understands the tells that his opponent gives him and quickly processes that information into movement. This allows him to stay one step ahead and mirror effectively throughout the route. Comfortable diagnosing and avoiding WR blocks. Physical tackler; has a good sturdy frame with a low center of gravity and ploughs into ball carriers with good, secure tackling form. A competitor - brings nothing less than 100% effort to each snap and enjoys the verbal battle as much as the physical one.
CON’S: Not quite got the baseline NFL measurables; lack of length has been overcome with aggressiveness at the line of scrimmage and catch point. This sometimes becomes undisciplined, particularly when he’s struggling to match up on a rep, and he resorts to grabbing. Athleticism is acceptable for the most part, but change of direction and click and close speed aren’t naturally sharp - his eyes give him a split second advantage but if he isn’t able to diagnose he can give separation at breaks or at the top of routes. Decided to opt out in 2020 before reversing his decision, but only played three games last season.
SIMON CARROLL: “Manny Rugamba has left a big impression in two destinations at the college level. Widely regarded as the reason Iowa beat Michigan as a freshman in 2016, he moved on to Miami (OH) and was MVP for the Redhawks in the MAC championship game in 2019. It’s been a bit of a disjointed career and the COVID affected 2020 season may have lost him the opportunity to show even more growth, but Rugamba has an excellent feel for the game and the physical and athletic profile to carve out a role in the NFL. I think he’s at backup level right now with the ability to get more playing time with experience.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’0”. Weight: 192lbs
PRO’S: Lean, muscular frame. Put on some serious good weight his final year in Norman and the difference on tape is identifiable. Predominantly played on the outside in zone coverage and showed plus athleticism at the role; comfortable in space with a quick change of direction and able to cover his area in a timely manner. Excellent footwork aids his coverage. Has a competitive edge that he brings to the catch point, particularly coming downhill to meet the football. Has had significant experience both on the outside and as a slot corner at Oklahoma, and was just as proficient in both roles - he even had some snaps at safety.
CON’S: Norwood still needs to add more muscle mass to his frame if he wants to compete in the NFL, and i’m not sure his frame can hold much more than it already is doing. He was medically redshirted and missed the entire 2019 season with a serious non-contact knee injury he incurred in fall training camp, and despite the nice bounceback in 2020 will have to be cleared by medical departments. His lack of length shows up when competing at the catch point for the football, and in what few reps he took in press coverage there wasn’t much proof he can jam receivers and delay them into their routes.
SIMON CARROLL: “In August 2019 a knee injury nearly ended Tre Norwood’s college career, yet he came back one year later and had by far his best season in a crimson and cream jersey. Five of his six career interceptions came in 2020, one of which he took back for a score. If draft grades were based on dedication and overcoming adversity Norwood would be a day one pick. His size limitations are a concern despite how well he’s done to get bigger, but as a feisty and shifty defender with good footwork I think there’s definitely a job out there for him as a potential cover three zone corner who can moonlight elsewhere in a pinch.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 5’10”. Weight: 189lbs
PRO’S: Athletically gifted. So fast across the field, and is confident he’s going to be at the catch point regardless of the distance. Ultra smooth movement with little speed lost in transition or when he flips his hips. Nimble footwork make him difficult to shake in close quarters, and receivers simply can’t accelerate away from him on deep or go routes. Click and close speed, as you would expect, is instantaneous. Makes a point to attack the football on every play and there feels like untapped playmaking skills in him - had four of his six interceptions in his final year in Baton Rouge, showing the growth.
CON’S: Instincts are a work in progress. Vincent isn’t adept at pre-play diagnosis, or understanding route concepts, or figuring out where down blocks are coming from. He’s simply gotten by by reacting to what he sees and using his speed to close the gaps. He’s a lot more comfortable in deep zone coverage where he knows what’s going on; man coverage down the sideline is not natural for him. Coverage in general is wayward and the space he affords receivers will be punished a lot more in the NFL than it did at college. Distinct lack of length is another inhibitor at the catch point. Opted out of 2020.
SIMON CARROLL: “Kary Vincent would have had Al Davis all hot under the collar. Lightning in a pair of cleats, there’s not many faster prospects in this draft class, and he can reach parts of the field that his peers cannot. That being said, football is yet to come naturally to him and there is a monumental learning curve ahead before he is ready for NFL action. He saw some time at free safety and that ultimately might be where his position will be; he’s comfortable in space and can hair towards the football at breakneck speed. He’s without doubt a project, but as the former Raiders owner once said, ‘you can’t teach speed’.
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’2”. Weight: 210lbs
PRO’S: Big dude. Lined up mostly as the nickel corner for Georgia, and brought some physicality to the role. Unafraid to take on blocks, and even maintain them whilst he figures out where the ball is going. Eyes always in the backfield and processing. Remains disciplined on extended plays to his opponent and maintains a close eye on them. On rare press reps showed he could delay the receiver into their routes. Intriguing run defender who likes to shoot gaps to the ball carrier and fights to the football. Definite blitz potential. Some moments of pleasing athleticism for his size, with a swift backpedal and quick transition. Gave little window to be beaten deep in man coverage. Looks for blocks after interceptions to help his team.
CON’S: Plays way too soft in off-man coverage, likely to mask a lack of burst and long speed - maybe he’s afraid of getting beat deep? Long strider whose acceleration speed is slow and ungainly. Struggled in zone coverage - frequently looked confused as to his responsibilities, and flat footed when more than one danger in his area. Poor communication passing off from shallow to deep zone and frequently saw safeties turn round after big plays with their hands held out at him. Issues keeping clean and away from clutter against stacked receivers or scraping. Somewhat passive attitude and seemed happy when a play went away from him.
SIMON CARROLL: “Built more like a linebacker than a cornerback, it’s easy to see why Webb was primarily used inside at Georgia. Coming nowhere near to the athletic profile of his teammates Stokes and Campbell, his game was more about containment and keeping the play in front of him. His awareness and discipline in man coverage far exceeded those in zone, and this one-dimensional portfolio of work he brings to the NFL limit his options and thus his draft stock. There are some good reps against Kyle Pitts where he isn’t bullied at the line of scrimmage, and perhaps a move to box safety with blitz upside could be on the cards.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’2”. Weight: 191lbs
PRO’S: Ideal height and length for an outside NFL corner. Highly intelligent prospect who demonstrates good knowledge of the offense he faces, what they’re about to send his way, and how best to mitigate the attack. Excels in zone coverage, where he marries his football smarts with deceptive athleticism to have complete control of his area. Excellent lateral speed and covers ground quickly and gracefully. Effortless in transition, and has fair burst closing onto the football. Uses good technique in press coverage to employ his extension at the line of scrimmage. Showed out at the Senior Bowl with some impressive practice sessions.
CON’S: Distinct lack of violence to his game. Quick to the point of contact but seems to gear down on impact. Form tackler and rarely lets one away, but fails to impose himself on receivers and they have a relatively comfortable if not productive day against him. Not as comfortable in nickel/slot duties; when the game becomes more scrappy and less finesse, Taylor isn’t as effective. Very little big play ability - 29 games and zero interceptions or forced fumbles whilst at Washington.
SIMON CARROLL: “As technically and mentally proficient as Taylor is, you just want a bit more fire and passion from him before you consider him anywhere close to making an impact on Sundays. He has good height and crazy length yet doesn’t seem to have the alpha dog tenacity to use them to their full capabilities. They say you can’t teach size or instincts, and he has that - but can you light a fire under someone? It feels a waste because he is such an accomplished technician as a cover corner. The numbers mean he’ll get drafted, and I really hope I’m wrong, but i’m not overly convinced he’ll be remembered beyond his rookie contract.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’0”. Weight: 183lbs
PRO’S: Extremely quick cornerback who will match up against the fastest receivers. Sticks to the hip of the receiver in man coverage and keeps the separation tight. Impressive vertical leap and will compete for the football. Demonstrates good hand timing at the catch point, throwing them in there to disturb his opponents mitts as the ball arrives. Shows good quickness and nous to come down from his own responsibility and meet a different receiver, limiting the yardage gained. Steady cornerback and competed against some of the best in the SEC without seeing a dropoff in production.
CON’S: Late to the party; academic ineligibility saw him head to JuCo and he only had two years with The Bulldogs. Stuck behind Eric Stokes and Tyson Campbell on the depth chart and has a lack of tape to be scrutinised. Some of the instinctual aspects of the position are in development; play diagnosis is a touch slow, body positioning and turning to locate the football is inconsistent. sometimes loses his way on deeper routes and hands start getting nervous when he’s playing with his back to the ball. Forced zero turnovers in his 17 games in Athens. Physicality he brings doesn’t match his size.
SIMON CARROLL: “It’s difficult to know whether Daniels’ limited offering as a cornerback at Georgia is because he’s maxed out his talents or because he hasn’t quite got the experience. I find it very telling he struggled to steal snaps off his teammates; the effort and attitude is there but the understanding on the field isn’t at the same level. I think there’s still room to get better in that regard, as he sees more opportunities on the outside to improve his route recognition and appreciate zone responsibilities. I think you can also line him up in the slot and he has the chance of carving out a backup career in the NFL.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 5’11”. Weight: 202lbs
PRO’S: Instinctive, reliable cornerback who operated in numerous roles for the Ducks in his four years in Eugene. Likes to bring physicality, particularly at the line of scrimmage; utilises his low body strength to remain staunch in press coverage and delay a receivers release. Loves to hit - tackling is his calling card, with 158 in his college career. And he rarely misses either, with less than a 6% missed tackle ratio at Oregon. Experience shines on tape - fully aware of the role he is playing on any particular snap, and those of his teammates too. Excellent communicator; if he sees something he spreads the word.
CON’S: Athletically limited. Man coverage a tough ask for him as he struggled to keep up with receivers throughout their routes. Significant separation at the top of go routes. Isn’t shifty, and gets left flat footed by nimble receivers across the middle. Plays the ball on the ground much better than in the air, and was susceptible to giving up the big play - particularly jump balls. Picked on in the red zone by offenses and gave up his fair share of touchdowns. Physical edge diminished at the catch point and isn’t known for his ball skills.
SIMON CARROLL: “Deommodore Lenoir looks like a safety more than a cornerback, so there’s no surprise it’s been mooted he may make the switch in the NFL. he thrives coming down towards the football where he can see it and take out the ball carrier. An absolute tackling machine, he would probably find the transition to a box safety relatively smooth. But as a cornerback - certainly one on the outside - his limitations will be harshly exposed at the next level. An incredible college career and healthy stats columns should see him drafted, but seeing him challenge the depth chart for game time is something I don’t foresee.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’1”. Weight: 175lbs
PRO’S: Quick twitch, highly reactive cornerback whose short-area athletic profile is bordering on elite. Lightning mental processing switches into movement in a flash out of his stance, almost giving him a head start. Fluid mover in shallow zones and can turn and move on a dime. Excellent click and close speed to the football. Impressive vertical leap that coupled with good size and length make him a big threat at the catch point. Exploded onto the scene at Duke in 2017 where he racked up six interceptions and fifteen pass breakups in just thirteen games on the way to all-ACC honours.
CON’S: Career cruelly blighted by injury. After making his mark in 2017, Gilbert has played just four games since. 2018 was ended after just two games with a hip injury that was much more serious than first anticipated. Surgery in September that year ruled him out for the entirety of 2019. When he returned in 2020 it had been almost two years since he had last played. Two games into his senior year he required more surgery to remove a loose bone fragment in his foot, thus ending his college career. Looked a shell of his former self in 2020, and questions about how fluid his hips are and his long speed post surgery will be asked.
SIMON CARROLL: “The excitement in Durham, NC surrounding Mark Gilbert in 2017 was palpable; the nephew of former 1st round pick Sean Gilbert and cousin of future hall of famer Darrelle Revis had just taken the college football world by storm with an outstanding season despite Duke’s mediocre campaign. Since then he has had just 222 snaps on a football field. Projecting how Gilbert will look in the NFL is near impossible; he was predictably rusty this season and there will be concerns he never reaches the heights he achieved as a sophomore. But seven tackles in the game against Notre Dame and an interception against Boston College gives me hope we haven’t seen the last of him. Some team banking on the upside will pick him late on day three to avoid a UDFA bidding war, and I for one hope he beats the odds.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK.
Height: 6’0”. Weight: 175lbs
PRO’S: Aggressive demeanour and likes to compete at the catch point. Sticky; literally gives the receiver no room to breathe. Long arms which he’s happy to use to invade the space of the receiver as the ball arrives. Not much evidence as a press corner but was happy to extend and get physical towards the line of scrimmage. Impressive short area fluidity and lateral movement is sufficient to keep him in the vicinity of the action. Shows good football smarts and looks like a seasoned football player, which he is - thirty five games at Ball State with significant game time as a freshman.
CON’S: Struggles to keep up on deep routes when it’s time to stretch his legs in pursuit. Undersized with a very lean torso, little in the way of centre of gravity and can be bullied off his track by modest sized receivers. ot sure there’s room for much more muscle mass without compromising the quickness to his game. Glimpses of recklessness in his tackling as he tries to compensate for the lack of weight behind his hits. Lack of positional versatility and experience, projecting solely as a perimeter corner in the NFL.
SIMON CARROLL: “An impressive leader of the Cardinals’ defense for four seasons, Phillips has developed his game nicely every year in Muncie. My concern is it’s hard to see any upside; there looks to be little left in the way of growth opportunity. There’s a feeling he’s ‘maxed out’ his production versus his ability, and is likely only viewed as a bottom of the roster calibre prospect. His attitude will fare well on special teams, where he’ll need to stand out to elongate his career as much as possible.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 5’10”. Weight: 188lbs
PRO’S: Attack-minded corner who shows urgency closing on the football and laying a big hit on the receiver. Ultra-physical and gives everything he’s got when it’s time for contact., in whatever form that may be. When he tackles you, you know about it. Turns things scruffy in press coverage at the line of scrimmage. And will fight all day to deny the reception at the catch point. Relishes run defense, takes good angles scraping to the football and seems to find the football between down blocks. Controls his aggression in man coverage, waiting for the receiver to tip their hand before keying on the break at the top of the route. Playmaking skills developed in his final season, quadrupling his career interception total.
CON’S: Slightly undersized as an outside corner and nowhere near as big as he thinks he is. Brown’s fearlessness could see a cap placed on his career longevity; helmet worryingly drops into contact and it’s almost as if he feels the need to prove himself on every hit. Lack of desired length means he has to make up for it with tenacity, and that might yield less favourable results at the next level. Already a touch grabby, this could escalate as the level of competition increases. Very little experience in nickel duties at Oklahoma, which his measurables and game project him to be pegged in the NFL.
SIMON CARROLL: “This cornerback class is so deep i’m still finding potential starter traits in late day three projections. Tre Brown has a lot of work to do to get to that stage, but he has most of the key elements to being a slot corner at the next level. He’s barely lined up there and teams will be taking something of a punt on him because his size and length exclude outside duties, essentially limiting him to the final rounds of the draft. But you can’t help but be intrigued by the effort, smarts and improved ball skills he brings to every snap. Someone will roll the dice and see if he can scrap his way to a roster spot through training camp.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 5’10”. Weight: 174lbs
*Note - only one tape of game film available (Florida 2019)
PRO’S: Ultra-competitive outside corner. Began his college career as a receiver at JuCo before switching to corner and finding his true calling. Honoured his commitment to Kentucky and joined a year later, and made an immediate impact in Lexington alongside fellow prospect Kelvin Joseph. Fearless tackler; throws himself into contact and plays like he’s a 200lb linebacker. A ball of energy on the field, with active feet and 100% motor from first play to the last. Quick to move off his man as soon as the ball goes elsewhere. Eager to help out in run duties, and will make a point of disposing blocks with an attitude. Has an aptitude for playing the ball with 9 pass breakups in his first year as a Wildcat.
CON’S: Reckless. So many whiffed tackles in just one game watched. Usually involved him careening towards the line of scrimmage and diving at the ball carrier looking for a brutal hit. Struggled with zone concepts and Kentucky used him much more in man coverage as a result; Echols felt much more at home nearer to the action where he could think zero in on the football and not worry about open field tackles or other dangers coming his way. Ball skills didn’t translate into takeaways, with just one interception in 24 games at Kentucky.
SIMON CARROLL: “A true competitor, Brandin Echols was intimidated by nobody in the SEC - and he had some big names pass his way. Some games Echols absolutely dominated in, including a ten tackle and forced fumble contest with Mississippi State in 2019 and a team leading seven tackles versus Alabama last year. He’s wildly inconsistent and his desperation to make the big play has come back to bite him, and there wasn’t much in the way of growth or improvement in discipline as a senior. I think he has the positional versatility to line up pretty much anywhere in the secondary, but it’s going to be a steep learning curve before he sees snaps on defense in the NFL. Carving out a role on special teams where his tenacity can be an asset will help buy him time to develop as a DB.”
NFL PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’0”. Weight: 198lbs
PRO’S: Big corner with good range and impressive upper body strength to compete at the catch point. Has the power and tenacity to fight through hands whilst high pointing the football. Brings good force when tackling and has a nice tendency to meet the receiver just as he’s catching it in shorter zones, dislodging the football. Embraces run duties and will come down from zone without hesitation. Able to control receiver blocks comfortably and squeeze running lanes, forcing the ball carrier inside. Highly experienced as a four year starter and has 42 games under his belt.
CON’S: Slow. Not too bad in man coverage early in the route, but once the receiver opens his legs he finds it very difficult to stay in contention. Doesn’t possess the legs to get to the catch point from a deep zone alignment. Flat footed, and nimble receivers can turn him inside out with double moves at the line of scrimmage. Knows how to play the ball but hasn’t figured out how to take it; perhaps a lack of confidence in his own catching abilities and instead swats away balls that are there for the taking. Seems to have bouts of concentration loss and neglects his duties when biting on misdirection.
SIMON CARROLL: “A leader of the secondary and a permanent fixture on the Berkeley football field for the Golden Bears, Bynum is well respected by his coaches and peers. Whilst he is not wanting in effort or dedication his movement and focus on the field are evident on tape and will be heavily exploited at the next level. He’s a definite outside corner with little positional versatility, yet the speed just isn’t there to match up against elite receivers. I think his body of work means he’ll be drafted somewhere on day three, but his ceiling as an NFL cornerback is limited to backup with the aggression necessary to muck in on special teams”.
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 5’11”. Weight: 197lbs
PRO’S: Densely cut body with plenty of play strength. Physical throughout the route and knows how to subtly work a receiver away from a football. Immovable off his line and phases out his opponent on sideline routes. Brings the same physical composure in run support, brushing off blocks and forcing the ball carrier inside. Not shy to take on bigger guys to set the edge. Has a linebacker feel to him when playing shallow zone coverage, and has urgency to the football when it develops in front of him. Big contributor in Eugene since a freshman and has consistently racked up the stats columns, including 8 interceptions.
CON’S: Athleticism in general is subpar, but fluidity is the big worry. Off-man coverage is a significant problem for Graham. Ungainly in his backpedal and i’ve seen him fall straight over when fast receivers drive at his front hip. Stiff hips when switching from shadow to pursuit, and was kept away from such a role at Oregon as opponents learned to stack him and easily create separation. Far less comfortable with his back to the ball and underdeveloped instincts make him too eager or grabby at the catch point. Opted out of 2020.
SIMON CARROLL: “Oregon played to Graham’s strengths during his time as a Duck and masked his deficiencies rather well, keeping him in zone coverage as much as possible and letting him have a panoramic view of the play. His lack of flexibility and change of direction speed, playing on the outside or in man across the middle, will be exposed in the NFL. I think a position change to hybrid or box safety where he can come downhill and use his physical attributes would be a much better employment of his skillset.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 5’9”. Weight: 197lbs
PRO’S: Quick. Excellent agility in tight quarters and short areas with the ability to change direction with little loss of speed. Excellent navigator in traffic; can avoid blocks and pick plays well and make sure he stays in contention on a play. Natural footwork helps keep separation to a minimum. No concern about long speed; will match receivers stride for stride down the field. Brings good physicality to the position and uses good power at the point of contact. Excellent special teams production; has more than 2,000 total return yards and 9 scores to his name.
CON’S: Short in stature with a lack of length make pass coverage troublesome, particularly on the outside against bigger receivers. He struggles to jam at the line of scrimmage, and whilst he can keep up in pursuit he’s routinely boxed out at the catch point. Arms not strong enough to fight through his opponents and disrupt the reception. Doesn’t dictate terms in pass coverage, merely follows and hopes his speed will allow him to break on the ball. Playmaking ability as a returner not matched as a cornerback with zero interceptions in his last two years in Boise.
SIMON CARROLL: “I find it notable that Avery lists himself as a punt returner first and cornerback second on his Twitter page, because that’s exactly where his value to an NFL franchise lies. Electric speed and a low centre of gravity make him a home run threat every time he has the ball in his hands. On defense, his short arms confines him to a role inside as a nickel corner, for which he has shown some aptitude. He could stick around as a CB4/5 on a roster for a team that appreciates what he brings to their special teams unit.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 5’10”. Weight: 173lbs
PRO’S: Active, insistent cornerback who doesn’t back down against bigger receivers and makes life hard for his opponent all game. Likes to feel the receiver at the line of scrimmage, inhibit his release and have him in his pocket throughout the route. Brings an intensity to contact and isn’t subdued if beaten early in a contest. Scruffy at the catch point and has good timing to get his hands in the way in any way he can. Embraces run defense; sprints down from coverage and has a good feel for which hole the ball is coming through. Turned a corner production-wise in his Junior year.
CON’S: Has a ‘boom or bust’ edge to him, and isn’t afraid to take big risks. Unfortunately, there are too many examples of the risk not paying off. Likes to hold the hand of his receiver through the route, and is not confident playing in space with zonal responsibility. Uncomfortable with multiple dangers entering and leaving his zone and seems to think one-dimensionally; he’ll pick a target, and if it’s the wrong one so be it. Undersized and his play style will leave him exposed to injury. Lack of quick burst or quick mental processing might deter scouts from projecting him to the slot.
SIMON CARROLL: “Burns looks like he has a lot of fun playing football and it’s kind of infectious when you study his tape. He’s had to fight hard in a secondary bereft of talent around him and it’s given him this almost ‘streetwise’ rawness, although he’s definitely added some polish in his final two years at Tucson. Physically and athletically limited, he’ll find it hard to stick in the NFL, but if he finds his way to a training camp his tooth and nail mentality might strike a chord with the right coaching staff.”
PROJECTION: UDFA
Height: 6’1”. Weight: 200lbs
PRO’S: Verified ball hawk. Taylor showed out in 2019 for the Illinois State Redbirds, imposing himself aerially in coverage with five interceptions and 25 passes defended. He took these skills with him to a higher level of football, and despite a position change showcased the same abilities at Virginia Tech with two more takeaways in nine games in Blacksburg. Quick processor when the ball is in the air in front of him, and shows sufficient burst to the football, allowing him to undercut routes or take the ball away at the catch point. Sticky in man coverage, and whilst not especially fast shows good anticipation of route breaks to help keep him competitive.
CON’S: Blatant disdain for some of the physical work. Reluctant to break off coverage against the run and join the party, and tackling form is unconventional as he gears down before contact. flashes of quickness quickly disappear when he’s in pursuit or lining up to take on a ball carrier, and he’s easily shaken with too many flimsy arm tackles casually broken. Didn’t look comfortable with the step up in competition when he went to Virginia Tech, and The Hokies shifted him to Free Safety where he appeared predictably unsure.
SIMON CARROLL: “The idea of a transfer to a D1 school for your senior season to improve your draft stock is a well trodden path for NFL hopefuls, with mixed success. For Taylor you can’t help but feel it was a disaster. Experimenting with him at free safety will have done him no favours, yet ultimately The Hokies may have it right - it looks to be the best position to maximise his ball playing skills and mask his mental deficiencies. Most alarming - and why I think he will go undrafted - is his total lack of aggression and willingness to be physical. You can’t line up anywhere on a field without that, no matter how many game changing plays you make.”
PROJECTION: UDFA
SIMON CARROLL
HEAD OF CFB/NFL DRAFT CONTENT
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN SCOUTING DRAFT PROSPECTS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. HE FULLY MIGRATED TO THE TOUCHDOWN AS HEAD OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND NFL DRAFT CONTENT IN JULY 2019. ALL THE RANKINGS ABOVE ARE HIS OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF ALL THE WRITERS AT THE TOUCHDOWN. FOR DISCUSSION OF ANY OF THE DRAFT PROSPECTS ABOVE, HIT HIM UP ON TWITTER @NFLDRAFTSI.