NFL Draft: Top 10 cornerbacks in 2017 class
Cornerback is arguably the deepest position of the 2017 NFL Draft class, and more than a few teams desperately need help there, but I expect only a handful of corners to go in the first round because of the expected value in Rounds 2 and 3.
Even with such value on the board, Ohio State teammates Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley and LSU’s Tre’Davious White are among the corners NFL teams might regret allowing to slip past Round 1.
NFL DRAFT: Top 50 prospects | Mock Draft
NFL Draft: Top 10 CB prospects in 2017 class
10. Desmond King, Iowa
King's play in the secondary (he was first-team All-Big Ten his final two seasons with the Hawkeyes) overshadows his return ability. He averaged 26 yards on 56 career kick returns. He also showed potential as a punt returner at the next level by averaging 11.2 yards on 45 career returns.
King's biggest attribute is above-average ball skills comparable to those of a wide receiver. He combines soft hands and body control when adjusting to throws in his direction. That can make up for his lack of overall ability to stick with quicker receivers. His long and closing speed aren't ideal but he can react quickly enough to get a hand on the ball on almost every pass. King shows the characteristics of a ball-hawking free safety. With his willingness to tackle in the open field and above-average instincts and quarterback vision, King has the skills to be a potential all-star safety.
9. Sidney Jones, Washington
Jones' extremely lean frame (6-0, 186) doesn't keep him from being a physical presser at the line of scrimmage, because he is always the first to initiate contact. Jones quickly fires his hands to gain any advantage possible. He then shows a nice backpedal, then uses fluid hips to make a smooth transition and quickly turn and battle downfield. Jones has impressive ball skills and is disruptive enough to prevent any receiver from making easy catches. His demeanor matches his style of his play, but he will be bullied by bulkier, more physical receivers. He can mirror receivers off the line and read routes, and jump them when needed.
MORE: Top 10 LBs in draft class
8. Kevin King, Washington
King is an intriguing prospect. He understands all the positions in the defensive backfield after starting at cornerback and safety for the Huskies. With someone so versatile, you would expect range would be a strength. He also has a long, yet lean, frame. The concerns are his closing speed, even with a strong 40 time, and his ability to reverse field and track down the ball and/or the receiver. He is an average athlete for the position; his change-of-direction skills are not ideal, based on an inability to plant his foot and explode. Health might also be a concern: His senior season was the only one at Washington that he did not miss a game.
7. Gareon Conley, Ohio State
Conley's versatility allowed the Ohio State defense to be amoeba-like in its coverages. His physical nature and long arms make him a viable press cornerback. He showed he can shut down routes before they have a chance to begin. That said, Conley can get lost near the route break. His recovery speed is solid and he is explosive enough to make up ground, but his footwork can get sloppy throughout the route stem and at the break. As a result, Conley will give up a step or two and need to use his athleticism to recover. Sometimes he succeeds, but Conley consistently gets worked on sharp-breaking routes.
Conley also could be better in run support. His approach to the ballcarrier and tackling technique are uninspiring. He'll need to play more in control in the NFL. Conley should be able to step in and be a serviceable No. 2 corner right away.
MORE: Conley releases statement regarding rape allegations
6. Adoree Jackson, USC
Jackson is an ascending player whose rare versatility slowed his development as a defensive back. He regularly played on offense, defense and special teams for the Trojans. He lined up across opponents' best wide receivers outside and in the slot, and he even saw time at safety. His success in the NFL will be highly dependent on whether he picks up the mental and technical aspects of playing cornerback. He'll need to become more savvy in coverage and improve his anticipation of routes and plays. His explosiveness will take over naturally if he's in position to make plays on the ball.
At 5-10, 186, he has some physical limitations. He's best suited for nickel or cover 2 looks. He also will add an instant spark to a team's return game and offensive sub packages. In fact, his special teams/utility grade is significantly higher than his grade as a corner.
5. Quincy Wilson, Florida
Wilson stands out because of his size, length and ability to make plays on the ball, but he lacks elite long speed. If he gets turned around, he loses separation because of poor footwork and a tendency to lunge. Wilson struggles against great route runners, and he has particular trouble covering the comeback route. Press coverage could be where Wilson is at his best. He's good at jamming receivers at the line and getting them off their routes. He can even take them out of the play entirely by forcing them out of bounds.
His football instincts make up for his lack of technique on the outside. He positions himself well and really understands zone concepts. He's willing to come up and tackle in run support, but he struggles to finish tackles. He doesn't wrap up; instead, he uses his shoulders or tries to arm-tackle strong backs. He could eventually move to safety, where his instincts, ball skills and willingness to tackle will serve him well.
SN's BIG BOARD: Top 100 prospects in 2017 NFL Draft
4. Jalen Tabor, Florida
"Teez" has NFL size (6-0, 199) and athleticism to go with his quickness, but his ability to turn and run to play the deep ball is questionable. If he can ease concerns about his speed (he ran a 4.7 at the Combine), he could play in any scheme. At Florida, he played primarily off-coverage and only occasionally played press. Being in off-coverage meant he was consistently 10 to 12 yards off the ball; that will not cut it at the next level. He will have to maximize his quickness and shore up his technique so he doesn’t have to rely on baiting quarterbacks.
Tabor has lapses in judgment and field awareness, but for the most part he will mirror and shadow receivers. A rare ball hawk on the outside, Tabor is a cover corner who should produce right away guarding the slot or outside receivers. In fact, he has Pro Bowl potential.
3. Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
Humphrey, the son of former Alabama running back Bobby Humphrey, wins with exceptional athleticism and disciplined eyes. His forte is reacting to the ball in zone coverage. He has good short-area acceleration and is physical at the line. His jamming ability allows him to turn and run with any receiver. He can get careless with his footwork, though; that will result in him getting turned around and occasionally getting beaten deep.
As a young player (he will be 21 going into his rookie year), there is time for him to develop technique and proper footwork. His size (6-0, 197), athletic ability, physical nature and ability in run support give him All-Pro potential. More immediately, they make him a candidate to be a first-round pick just like his dad.
IYER's MOCK DRAFT: Playing the percentages
2. Tre’Davious White, LSU
Teams that put a premium on height at cornerback will not consider White in the early rounds, even though he has the length (32 1/2-inch arms) to make up for his 5-11 height. After starting for four years at cornerback at an SEC powerhouse, he may have the most developed and trustworthy instincts of any corner in this year's draft class. He certainly has the best instincts as a draft prospect since Jason Verrett.
White's confident hand-fighting technique and footwork allow him to thrive against multiple types of receivers, If he was a bit taller and/or longer, he could be a special cover 3 cornerback. His body control and finishing ability as a pass catcher should allow him to still make interceptions in the NFL.
1. Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
Lattimore was limited to 20 games in college because of major hamstring issues, but in those games he showed fluidity and ease of athleticism, coupled with advanced cover ability. That combination makes him a special prospect in an otherwise strong cornerback class. He smoothly keeps his upper and lower halves in unison; he adjusts his upper half as he embraces and cushions contact and remains coordinated throughout contact.
Lattimore boasts high-level timing, anticipation and mental preparation. He baits and is patient in his buildup and rarely is overaggressive on his vertical read steps. When he's in press coverage, he doesn't need to make contact to run in stride with the man he's covering.
While his technique still needs refinement and his injury concerns may linger, Lattimore has Darrelle Revis-type upside.