A lot can change between now and the 2016 NFL Draft but the scouting process is a long one and when it comes to evaluating talent the top minds in the game are always looking ahead. With NFL offenses relying so heavily on the passing game, the need for top-level cornerbacks is higher than ever. This is one of the deepest areas on the field in terms of the 2016 NFL Draft, so let’s take a look at the top four cornerback prospects that all of the scouts are drooling over right now:
Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
Junior
Anybody that has watched Ramsey plays understands he has the potential to be special as he has everything that NFL scouts want at the position including size, speed and smarts. A five-star recruit that was an All-American as a freshman on Florida State’s national championship team, Ramsey has been moved all over the field this year in an effort to maximize his potential and improve his versatility which will pay off at the next level.
The 6’1’’, 204-pound junior is a track star that can make up for mistakes with his elite closing speed and while his instincts could still be better he is a complete enough package to consider him the top cornerback prospect looking ahead to the 2016 NFL Draft right now.
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Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida Gators
Junior
There has been some debate about whether or not Hargreaves should be the top cornerback pick in next year’s NFL Draft because while he has the speed, skill set and technique to be a high first round pick, he lacks the size that NFL scouts look for at the position. Hargreaves is 5’11’’, 199 pounds but what he lacks in height he makes up for with excellent instincts and the ability to make plays on the football. Hargreaves proclaimed that he was the top cornerback in the country entering the season and he has had a productive year at Florida so far. He should be one of the first cornerbacks off the board next season.
Tre’Davious White, LSU Tigers
Junior
Another undersized cornerback that has developed a strong reputation as a potential first round pick, White has showcased his versatility and coverage ability while helping LSU to a great start this season. White is also a bit undersized at 5’11 and 191 pounds but he has started for the Tigers since his true freshman season and he has also served as the team’s primary punt returner where his speed and elusiveness have been on full display. A five-star recruit as the nation’s No. 2 ranked cornerback prospect out of high school, White hasn’t disappointed at the college level. Everyone knows how successful LSU defensive players are at the pro level (see: Tyrann Mathieu), so expect White to be a hot commodity. A strong junior year should translate into him becoming a first round pick.
Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech Hokies
Junior
Fuller could have had a case for the top cornerback in this year’s class if it wasn’t for a right knee injury that will keep him out for the remainder of his junior year. Fuller has almost everything that NFL scouts want to see from a quarterback with excellent speed, technique and the ability to come up and make tackles in run support and while he isn’t the tallest cornerback at 6’0’’, he knows how to use his frame to make plays on balls in the air. The pedigree is there with older brother Kyle Fuller a cornerback for the Chicago Bears and NFL teams do like the lineage.
While he will miss the rest of the year a strong sophomore campaign, he’ll be in conversation as a potential first round pick if he can heal quickly and show what he’s go during individual workouts. Fuller will have to decide at the end of the year whether or not to return to Virginia Tech for his senior year or enter the NFL Draft but if he’s healthy enough for the workouts, expect him to bolt and be a first-day pick.
