Like the wide receiver class, this is a ridiculously deep class at cornerback. When compiling my NFL Draft cornerback rankings I could have easily gone 15-deep here with guys that could compete for a starting job as rookies.
Instead, just like my wideout rankings, I’ll give you my choices for 10-6 before going on to the Top Five.
10.) Tredavious White, LSU, 9.) Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado, 8.) Gareon Conley, Ohio State, 7. Kevin King, Washington 6.) Teez Tabor, Florida…
5. Cordrea Tankersly, Clemson (6-1, 199)
2016: 52 tackles, six for a loss, 11 passes defended, four interceptions
It’s no secret why this Clemson team was able to compete with Alabama in the College Football playoff. They were nearly as loaded as the Tide and Tankersly was the shutdown corner that made the pass-rushing defense work. Tankersly has terrific anticipation and ball skills and his technique consistently keeps him in the wide receiver’s hip pocket. He has long arms for his body and knows how to use them, making plays, especially behind a receiver, that are usually called pass interference with players that aren’t able to stretch out their hands like Mr. Fantastic.
Ideal situation: Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs
4. Fabian Moreau, UCLA (6-0, 206)
2016: 31 tackles, eight passes defended, one forced fumble, two inteceptions
Moreau has outstanding instincts and is never afraid to break on the ball. What I really love about his tape is he never gives up on a pick. If he gets a hand on a ball, he twists and contorts his body as he’s falling to try to haul it in. He’s excellent in the press and disrupting a receiver off the line, keeping his arms working and planting himself on a receiver’s hip on the route.
Ideal situation: Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens
3. Adoree’ Jackson, USC (5-10, 186)
Stats: 55 tackles, 11 passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, five interceptions, 26 kick returns for 767 yards and two touchdowns, 20 punt returns for 315 yards and two touchdowns
Jackson is such a freak athlete that USC used him in every conceivable way. Why he isn’t higher on some boards is beyond me. He reminds me of Patrick Peterson and no one in the NCAA was more dangerous with the ball in his hands. It’s why USC played him on offense so much when he was a freshman and sophomore. In fact, as a sophomore Jackson had 864 combined offensive yards rushing and receiving and scored four touchdowns. And that was while starting all 14 games at corner too. Some team is about to win the lottery when they grab Jackson in the second or third rounds.
Ideal situation: Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles
2. Marlon Humphrey, Alabama (6-0, 197)
2016: 36 tackles, five passes defended, one forced fumble, two interception, one defensive touchdown
Humphrey is an outstanding cover corner, with a nose for the ball. What sets him apart is the physical nature he plays the position. Humphrey delivers a shot when he tackles a guy. He’s an old-school corner, not afraid to blast the shit out of a receiver. He’s consistently lined up against some of the best wideouts in the NCAA and a lot of them have been in practice against his own team over the last two seasons.
Ideal situation: New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans
1. Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State (6-0, 193)
2016: 41 tackles, nine passes defended, four interceptions, one defensive touchdown
Lattimore is the total package at corner. He’s a blanket draped on a receiver in coverage and plays the ball like a wide receiver. He’s disciplined, he’s fast and there won’t be many NFL wideouts that can run by him. What makes Lattimore special is what he can do when the play is away from him. He can shed blocks, get after running backs and chase guys down from any angle. Mike Williams could not block him in their CFB semifinal game and Lattimore caught Williams from behind on a quick slant when Williams wasn’t even his guy.
Ideal situation: Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills
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