Here is a snapshot of our top CB's to look out for in the upcoming NFL Draft.
1.Jeff Okudah - Ohio State
After a strong combine Okudah is undoubtedly the most gifted defensive back in this draft. He has a knack for finding and being around the football at all times and does an outstanding job with one on one matchups. At this year's combine, he ran a 4.48 40 yard dash, 41 inch vertical jump, and a 135 inch broad jump which only helped him solidify his case for being the best corner in the draft. Coaches question his technique at the top of routes, but Okudah's film puts most of those questions to rest and clearly shows that he's a well polished football player who is out to prove his doubters wrong. Look to see Okudah as a solid day one NFL starter coming out of a University that knows a thing or two about producing defensive backs. I would be very surprised to see a talent like Okudah fall out of the top 5.
2. C.J. Henderson - Florida
Henderson does not possess the same football IQ as Okudah and tends to make mental mistakes here and there. However, his athletic ability is one of the most impressive in this draft. With a blazing 4.39, Henderson can make a big play at any given moment in the game and jump routes with ease. If he can minimize mental mistakes on the field, he could become a true lockdown corner in the NFL. Henderson will most likely be off the board by the middle of the first round. Actually, most mock drafts have him getting selected in between picks 12 and 16, which seems realistic.
3. Kristian Fulton - LSU
The senior from LSU shows everything you want to see in a cornerback. He shows athletic ability, good size, good technique when making a play on the receiver, and solid ball skills. The major question of his game is his ability to stick with receivers on more complex routes and longer routes alongside spotty tackling in the open field. Fulton also got into trouble with the NCAA when he used someone else's urine for a PED test back in 2017 and was suspended for the entire season. This event will most likely hurt his draft stock so he might not get selected as high as Okudah and Henderson, but that does not mean he does not show great ability on the field. Fulton will most likely be off the board by the end of the first round.
4. A.J. Terrell - Clemson
Besides his weakness in the run game and tackling technique, Terrell might be the most balanced cornerback in his class. He plays solid man to man coverage, he has above-average closing speed and ability to find the football. He always watches the quarterback's eyes when playing a zone, but can get lost in coverage sometimes because of that. He will most likely land anywhere from a very late first round pick to an early second round selection.
5. Trevon Diggs- Alabama
Maybe we will finally get to see two siblings lining up against each other as WR and CB in the NFL. Trevon Diggs will enter the league with his brother, Stefon Diggs, who is also the newest member of the Buffalo Bills. Trevon, like his brother, shows impressive size, speed, and ability to make plays on the football. As a former receiver, Trevon Diggs can read other receivers' routes easier and has the ability to create turnovers. He has plenty of strengths but those strengths are matched by weaknesses as well. He tends to get burnt on double moves and when recovering he tends to grab at jerseys and that leads to penalties, especially at the next level. I predict you will see Diggs get picked somewhere in the mid second round.
Comments