2018 NFL Draft: Cornerbacks
This is a terrific cornerback class that could see 6 guys come off the board on day 1. If you’re in the market for a big press corner or an athletic guy who can play inside and out this class has someone for you. The complexities of the pro game will be a challenging adjustment for all these prospects which, as always, will prove the importance of good coaching and player development.
Denzel Ward-CB-Ohio State-5’10”-191-Top 10-96
Faareeak athlete clocking a 4.32 in the 40 and leaping 39 inches! He is so smooth out there you could substitute him for Marshon Lattimore and not notice the difference. Ward is a bit undersized but he makes up for that with mirroring ability, closing speed, and aggressiveness. He’s a willing tackler but his size will be an issue in that area. Denzel gets his hands on the receiver, flips his head around, finds the ball, and makes a play on it. All the traits you look for in a number one corner. He’ll likely see time on the outside and in the slot. That flexibility makes him valuable to follow a number one receiver. I think bigger physical receivers will have an advantage, but Ward is competitive, supremely athletic, and his leaping ability will allow him to make plays on the ball. It’s easy to see the Lattimore comparison but Ward’s stature drops him just a hair below. Although he belongs in the top half of the first round as a potential eraser on the backend.
Jaire Alexander-CB-Louisville-5’10”-196-1st-95
Outstanding athlete that lit up the combine with a 4.38 second 40, 6.71 in the 3 cone, and a sub 4 second 20 yard shuttle. Those numbers might not mean a whole lot, but it proves he has top end speed to go with elite quickness and change of direction ability. Put on the film and that’s exactly what you see. Very similar to Denzel Ward in terms of athleticism and how he closes on the ball. The biggest hole in his game appears to be the complete lack of physicality. He has enough size and length to not be a doormat so he’ll have to improve his tenacity because right now he’s a liability against the run. Alexander is scheme diverse but shows the ability to play press man. Return ability is a plus. He was limited to only 7 games in 2017, but had a very good sophomore year in 2016 that included 5 interceptions. He’s my guy at cornerback this year. I just think he can be like glue to a receiver and then make plays on the ball. If he was as physical as Ward and healthy in 2017 Jaire is a top 15 pick. Someone will be happy with him in the 20s. Reminds me of a faster Malcolm Butler with less toughness.
Carlton Davis-CB-Auburn-6’1”-206-1st-94
Been watching Carlton since he got on the field as a true freshman. He’s impressed every year against the best college football has to offer. Undoubtedly this kid is the best press man corner in the draft. He didn’t do much else in college and shouldn’t be asked to change in the pros. I get that this role limits him to certain schemes, but it’s one of the two most valuable roles any defender can play. There aren’t many prospects with his size (33” arms) and ability which is why I’ve been saying for years he’ll be a top 15 pick. He’s not my favorite prospect because of the limitations and penalties but length and strength of his press cannot be denied.A 4.53 in the 40 isn’t great and his hips are a bit tight, but that’s why he’s jamming guys at the line. Davis compares to Aqib Talib, although Talib has a very high compete level. Bottomline is he’s a first round talent, and I think someone will grab him sooner than expected.
Isaiah Oliver-CB-Colorado-6’1”-190-1st-91
A solid rangy cornerback prospect with 33.5” arms to effectively jam receivers at the line. Sticky hands that will make life hellish for opposing receivers. Played press and off coverage, but performs best by utilizing his length in press coverage. His ball skills are average, although he tallied 3 INT’s and 26 pass break-ups over the last two seasons. Oliver only participated in the 40 in Indianapolis, but at 4.50 he has enough speed for a 1st round press corner. Needs to tackle better as he looks hesitant on the field. This kid is a boom or bust prospect in the Ras I Dowling, Jalen Collins, Xavier Rhodes lineage. He blocked 9 punts as a high school senior and competed in decathlons on the side so you know he’s an athlete. Coming out as a true junior he’s very raw, and reminiscent of another Buffalo, Jimmy Smith. Oliver needs a lot of coaching, but if he accepts it and improves he has the ability to be a true number 1 cornerback.
Mike Hughes-CB-UCF-5’10”-189-1st/2nd-87
This kid had a turbulent few years in college. He played for UNC as a freshman in 2015 in a reserve role before being accused in a sexual assault case that never led to charges due to lack of evidence. In the aftermath he decided to transfer to a community college before winding up at UCF for one undefeated season in 2017. Hughes evidently has been upfront with teams about the allegation, but this type of accusation lingers with a person and could seriously affect his draft stock. Now, as a football player, Hughes is a second round prospect. He doesn’t have plus size, but plays more physical than most corners at the top of this draft albeit as an ankle biter in the tackling department. UCF played a good mixture of both man and zone where Mike performed well in both, though man looks like his strength. His quicks and hips are the best part of his coverage game exemplified by 6.7 second 3 cone drill. Top speed leaves you wanting more at 4.53 in the 40, although I think he played a bit faster. Has return ability too. I see some Joe Haden in his game, but he’ll be challenged by bigger receivers.
Josh Jackson-CB-Iowa-6’1”-192-1st-80
The former wide receiver played two seasons in a reserve role before bursting onto the national scene in 2017 leading the nation with 8 picks and 27 passes defended. With his size and length (31.5” arms) Jackson is capable as a press man player, but he did play a good amount of zone and off coverage for the Hawkeyes. Carlton Davis is better suited for the press man role, but Jackson has more versatility and much better takeaway ability. Josh only ran a 4.56 in the 40 but added a 6.86 second showing in the 3 cone drill. The 38” vertical shows up on the field as he can make plays on the ball in the air. The fact of the matter is, Josh is still learning to play cornerback. He has trouble reading route combinations and can get lost in zone coverage. I don’t see him being physical at the line of scrimmage, opting to give free releases and bump on the stem of the route. That tells me he’s not there yet. Now he has the tools to become a very good cornerback with his size and ball skills, but he’s far too much of a project to belong in the 1st round for me. Jackson needs to get off blocks, make tackles, be more physical, and improve his diagnostics. Those concerns make him a third round player but his uncoachable skills make him a reasonable 2nd round pick