2015 NFL Draft: Cornerback
In today’s NFL we see lots of resources sunk into top notch corners particularly with man coverage ability. For this reason my values for CBs may seem a bit bloated, especially when you consider the bust potential. The fact remains that top cover corners are essential for an upper echelon defense.
Kevin Johnson-CB-Wake Forest-6’0”-188-1st-97
Probably my favorite player in the draft. He looks super thin but plays with reckless abandon. He shows incredible effort in pursuit and fearlessness when tackling. Doesn’t have elite top end speed (4.52 40) but he makes up for that with short area explosiveness and aggressiveness. He hopped 41.5” and backed that up with ridiculous times of 3.89 seconds and 6.79 seconds in the 20 yard shuttle and 3 cone drill respectively. Plays mostly off coverage and is explosive and fluid getting out of his back pedal. Gave up a fair amount of out routes which I think is a product of the 7 yard cushions and fear of over the top routes. When he plays press man he has good follow technique. I think he’s scheme diverse. Three year starter that will be ready to play soon. Reminds me of Joe Haden who also ran in the 4.5’s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuhuPq2Wr3Q
Trae Waynes*-CB-Michigan St.-6’0”-186-Top 15-96
Consensus number 1 corner in this draft. Absolute wheels at 4.31. I was surprised to see how physical he is against the run, kid likes to hit and attack quick screens. Keeps good position on deep routes, will have to cut out some downfield hand checks at the next level. He did have a rough game against Baylor on New Years Day. Excellent program at MSU so he’s gonna come out well coached and you can already see his recognition ability against slants. Better prospect than former teammate Darqueze Dennard because he’s a more explosive athlete (38” vert). Not quite a can’t miss prospect but definitely belongs in the top half of round 1. Reminds me of Dre Kirkpatrick with more speed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcPpr_vUIDY
Ronald Darby*-CB-Florida St.-5’11”-193-1st/2nd-93
His measurables are terrific. Solid build and good length including 31.5” arms. His biggest asset is his explosiveness which can be seen on the limited film available. Ran the 40 in a blazing 4.38 seconds and tacked on a 41.5” vertical just for good measure. At FSU they called him Mr. Invisible because he made people disappear. Pretty good quality in a cornerback. Polished cornerback that draws comparisons to Jonathan Joseph and Dee Milliner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_6e2kRrXIw
Jalen Collins*-CB-LSU-6’1”-203-1st-92
Real good size and speed (4.48 40) combo for a physical corner. 32” arms is going to make him an effective press man but he also shows zone coverage ability. Looks stiff at times but had a great 3 cone drill. He’s young and only had 10 starts in college so he’s gonna be a bit of a project. Reminds me of Jimmy Smith the Ravens corner. Coming outta college Jimmy was more accomplished on the field but also in the criminal justice system, so it’s probably a wash. Jalen played well against Amari Cooper, but he also gave up this vicious TD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOhn3nHTBYk
Byron Jones*-CB-Uconn-6’1”-199-Day 2-86
Started college career as safety then transitioned to corner the last 2 years. 44.5” vert, 32” arms, 10” hands, 6.78 3 cone and 3.94 in the 20. Freak. Shoulder injury limited him to 7 games in 2014. He has ridiculous physical gifts. Not sure if he’s best suited as a corner or safety. Unsure of hip fluidity and speed to keep up with receivers. Maybe a zone corner but I think he might make the biggest impact as a scheme diverse safety. Don’t expect much more than special teams from him as a rookie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0UeHxglMJ4
Marcus Peters*-CB-Washington-6’0”-197-1st/2nd-80
Peters was kicked off team last fall for incidents with coaching staff. He’s coming out as a redshirt junior and also a father. He considers Marshawn Lynch a mentor and I don’t know what to make of that. As a 2nd team all PAC 10 he put up 8 picks over the last two years. Pretty solid measurables including: 4.53 40, 37.5” vert, 4.08 in the 20, 17 reps, and 31.5” arms. Played zone and man, good zone instincts, and he’s a willing tackler. Peters makes too many mistakes on the field from gambling, and over extending himself. Although he does have some instincts and terrific size for an NFL press or zone corner. His play isn’t great but his measurables make him a 2nd round talent. His character pushes him to the third. Janoris Jenkins was a 1st round talent that got pushed to the 2nd for character concerns. I think a round drop for Peters should put him in the 3rd.