2023 Cornerbacks

Top 100QBRB – WRTEOTIOL – EDGEDLLBCBS

Grade Scale for Ceiling/Floor: High-End Starter: 80+ | Avg. Starter: 60-79 | Backup/Situational Starter: 40-59 | Roster Filler: 20-39 | Camp Invite: 0-19 |
NFL Readiness: Graded on 0-5 scale
Grade calculation: Average of Ceiling(x3) and Floor + NFL readiness
RAS: Relative Athletic Score
RkPlayerPosSchoolHtWtArmFortyVertRASCeilingFloorReadyGradeScouting Report
CB1Christian GonzalezCB Oregon6'1"19732"4.3841.5"9.969855390.3Spent his first two seasons at Colorado and emerged as a dominant force as a true sophomore in 2021. Transferred to Oregon for his junior year and elevated his game to another level. Special blend of length and athleticism sets an elite ceiling. Better defending downfield due to his speed and size than he is at reacting to the shorter routes in front of him. Can play in any scheme but looks too passive or hesitant in zone coverage 一 needs to become more confident reading the QB and WR and trying to disrupt the catch. Not always interested in participating in run defense. Ceiling is truly special, but expect some inconsistent play early in his career as opponents will quickly learn how they can attack him and he’ll need to adjust.
CB2Cam SmithCB South Carolina6'1"18031.625"4.4338"9.579150484.8Two-year starter who emerged as a dominant force in 2021, but took a slight step backwards in 2022. Mostly replicated his junior year production, but committed twice as many penalties (10) as the rest of his career combined. Elite ball-hawk skills aided by both his football IQ and explosive athletic traits. Scheme-versatile player with plenty of experience in man coverage, but really excels in off-man when he can read the quarterback and attack the ball. Speed is above average, but not elite, and he’ll need some help over the type in man coverage against certain receivers. Should be considered an immediate starter and has the traits to play in any scheme, which should boost his stock as any team could have interest.
CB3Emmanuel ForbesCB Mississippi State6'1"16632.25"4.3537.5"9.329245383.3Three-year starter who made an immediate impact as a freshman and showed steady development and elevated his performance to a high level in 2022. Elite blend of length and speed, but slender build is an obvious red flag. Aggressive in his effort to play the ball and it has paid off with 14 career interceptions. Despite size, has some experience in press-man coverage and has fared well. Probably best suited in a zone-heavy scheme, with a coaching staff who encourages his aggressive style. Willing to play the run, but obviously has his share of missed tackles given his size.
CB4Devon WitherspoonCB Illinois5'11"18131.25"------87573.583.0Three-year starter and saw significant action all four seasons. Was a liability early in his career but showed improvement in 2021 when Bret Bielma took over and installed a man-heavy coverage scheme. Flourished in 2022, as did the rest of the Illinois secondary. Lacks ideal build and length and appears to lack long speed as well 一 not an ideal combination. Learned how to locate and play the ball last year, something absent from his game early in career. Given the talent around him and the benefit of a great defensive coaching staff, it’s fair wonder if he was at least partially a product of his environment at Illinois. Almost no one relies on man coverage in the NFL, so can he transition back into a zone scheme and maintain the level of production he displayed during his final year at Illinois? Should be viewed as an experienced, intelligent corner who should bring a baseline level of production but may lack traits to replicate his senior year dominance against NFL competition.
CB5Joey Porter Jr.CB Penn State6'2"19334"4.4635"9.639242382.5Extremely physical corner who can play in any scheme, but is a perfect fit in press-man. Was a liability in the Penn State secondary in 2021, regularly getting burned and committing penalties (10 total penalties). Career took a 180 in 2022, as he emerged as a top-tier corner. Found a way to turn his physical style into an asset, while cutting down on the penalties. Length allows him to be disruptive and he’s learning to locate the ball more consistently 一 though he still inconsistent in that area, with stretches of elite production and some with none. Physical style carries over to his run support. While struggling in 2021, he played an out-of-control, panicked style and that could easily happen to him again as a rookie 一 he’ll need help from a strong coaching staff to guide him through that stage and get the game to slow down for him again. Son of NFL legend Joey Porter.
CB6Kelee RingoCB Georgia6'2"20731.25"4.3633.5"9.6190441.580.0Two-year starter and will be a 21-year-old rookie. Raw prospect with tons of upside based on athletic traits. Identified as the weak link in a talented Georgia secondary and was picked on often with a range of results 一 career was a rollercoaster with high peaks and moments where looked lost. Gets baited into a lot of false steps 一 regularly recovers due to natural quickness and speed, but it will be more of an issue at next level. Plays a little out of control and can be overly physical. Interviews will be key for him in draft process 一 biggest question is: can he learn to anticipate? If teams trust his intelligence, attitude and work ethic, he’ll be drafted high based on special traits. If there are concerns that he’ll continue to be a reactionary player at the next level, he’ll get pushed down boards.
CB7Darius RushCB South Carolina6'2"19833.375"4.3635"9.738550278.3Ascending talent at cornerback, who played quarterback (and cornerback) in high school but was recruited as a wide receiver. Highly intelligent athlete who was well regarded within the program. Transitioned to cornerback in 2020, and started in 2021 and 2022. Ideal blend of length and athleticism. Wins with his on-ball production ability, especially when defending downfield. Plenty of experience in man coverage and will be an ideal fit on the outside in press-man scheme, but does have scheme versatility.
CB8Deonte BanksCB Maryland6'0"19731.375"4.3542"9.9985413.577.5Starter in parts of four seasons, playing almost exclusively on the outside. Elite athletic traits but lacks ideal length, and it shows up in his lack of production on the ball. Plenty of experience in a variety of coverage schemes. Did not garner much respect 一 opponents targeted him once every 6.5 snaps in coverage, per Sports Info Solutions, among the highest rates in this class. Tends to get grabby when feels he’s beat and draws too many penalties. Athleticism and lack of length makes him a candidate to shift to the slot in NFL. Missed most of 2021 season with a shoulder injury.
CB9Tyrique StevensonCB Miami FL6'0"19832.375"4.4538.5"8.648344477.3Former four-star recruit who spent two years at Georgia before transferring to Miami and blossoming. Average length and athleticism and probably lacks the quickness to play in the slot. Wins with technique and is rarely caught out of position. Has experience in press-man and is strong enough for that role, provided he’s supported over the top. Has a knack for playing the ball. Tough to project an elite ceiling for him given his modest physical attributes, but he’s become a polished corner with a scheme-versatile skill set.
CB10Tre'Vius TomlinsonCB TCU5'8"17829"4.4139"--7850475.0Three-year starter who played almost exclusively on the outside, but may need to shift to the slot in NFL. Nephew of LaDainian Tomlinson. Size is an obvious red flag, but he did everything necessary to overcome it in college. Elite on-ball production for his size. Penalties are a concern 一 14 in 2022 including four in the CFP. Dramatically cut down on his missed tackles in 2022 一 and even saw some reps in the box late in the season. He’s a little smaller than Budda Baker, but there are a lot of similar traits and that comparison should alleviate some concerns, essentially using Baker as a proof-of-concept that Tomlinson could have some versatility throughout the secondary. Ball skills and short-area quickness make him an ideal slot corner, but he likely has versatility throughout the secondary which sets a higher floor.
CB11Cory Trice Jr.CB Purdue------------7850374.0Tall, long outside corner with strong on-ball production. Starter for most of the last four seasons, but missed the majority of 2021 with a torn ACL. Played in a zone-heavy defense at Purdue, and might need to stay in that type of scheme to cover up his modest speed/acceleration. Probably can’t shift into the slot against smaller slot receivers, but could be an ideal matchup with tight ends and big slots. Smart about his physical play, knows when to use his size/strength without drawing flags. Exceptional tackling for a corner, which bodes well for giving him corner/safety versatility. Starter potential on the outside, with a high floor due to expected position versatility and special teams value, though he’s probably not a great fit for a man-heavy coverage scheme.
CB12Kyu Blu KellyCB Stanford6'0"19132"4.5236"9.387550573.8Four-year starter in a man-heavy scheme. Intelligent, patient corner who is rarely caught out of position. Does a nice job finding a playing the ball in zone coverage 一 PBU numbers don’t stand out, but that’s to be expected of anyone playing man coverage at high rates. Lack of recovery speed probably means he’ll need to transition into a zone coverage scheme (which is almost every NFL team). Clearly has some limitations, but if he fits your scheme, he’s ready to produce immediately. Son of longtime Bucs cornerback Brian Kelly, a starter on their 2002 championship team.
CB13Jakorian BennettCB Maryland5'11"18831.875"4.3040.5"9.587845473.8
CB14DJ TurnerCB Michigan5'11"17830.75"4.2638.5"--82421.573.5Starter for 1.5 years at outside cornerback. Opponents went after him consistently 一 saw more targets than any Big Ten corner over last two seasons and was frequently challenged downfield 一 and he regularly responded. Still working on fine tuning his footwork and can be baited into false steps, but has the speed to recover. Struggles to find the ball. Just doesn’t look confident trying to read the quarterback and the receiver in zone coverage. Limited length is also a factor in lack of production on the ball. Quick-twitch athleticism makes him a candidate to shift inside against smaller slot receivers. Offers almost nothing against the run 一 timid and lacks strength of have much upside. Should be treated as a developmental prospect who has the traits to excel at a high level, but you’ll have to hide his shortcomings with the scheme.
CB15Clark Phillips IIICB Utah5'9"18429.125"4.5133"5.027048367.5Three-year starter who elevated his game in 2022. Saw more action in the slot in 2022 which suits his skill set better. Small with mediocre testing numbers may force some teams to view him as slot-only 一 but his poor tackling ability will be an issue for some teams as a slot corner. Even during improved 2022 season, tends to struggle defending downfield 一 lacks ideal long speed and needs to be protected over the top. Strong ball skills, especially considering his size. Fits best in the slot in a zone-heavy scheme.
CB16Julius BrentsCB Kansas State6'3"19834"4.5341.5"9.827237265.3Two-year starter at Kansas State after three years as a reserve at Iowa. Length is his best asset 一 made some plays on the ball in 2022, but it had previously been a weakness of his game. Played in a zone-heavy scheme at KSU. Struggled in reps in man coverage, and has a tendency to play panicked and get burned deep 一 also committed two of his three pass interference penalties last season in man. Missed most of 2019 with a knee injury. Impressive testing numbers, coupled with the length some teams covet, will make him an attractive project for zone-heavy teams.
CB17Mekhi BlackmonCB USC5'11"17831"4.4736"6.577230364.5Spent six years in college (one JUCO, four at Colorado and one at USC). One of the lone bright spots on a pitiful USC defense in 2022. Constantly injured during his time at Colorado including a significant shoulder injury in 2019 一 finally stayed healthy in 2022 at USC. More fast than quick and it really shows in his game 一 better defending downfield when he can turn and run with the receiver, and excels at playing the ball in those situations. Lacks ideal short-area quickness, which limits his ability to disrupt at the catch point on shorter routes. Skill set may dictate him strictly playing on the outside, and ideally matching up with bigger receivers who will attract more downfield targets. Probably fits best in press-man scheme.
CB18Rejzohn WrightCB Oregon State6'2"19332.5"------7140164.3Two-year starter as an outside corner. Played at “Last Chance U” and is the brother of Cowboys 2021 draft pick. Nahshon Wright. Turns 23 years old in September. Injured hip early in week at Senior Bowl, then did not work out at combine or pro day 一 speed is a bit of question, so not having testing numbers has definitely hurt his stock. Wins with a physical style of play and has a knack for locating and playing the ball. Relies too much winning with physical play, which will require some time to relearn for the NFL game. Aggressive style of play has led to penalties (6 in 2022). Really disappointing tackling production, considering his size and physical coverage style. Should be treated as a developmental prospect who fits best in press-man scheme, but does have scheme versatility. Teams valuing length and on-ball production will view him favorably.
CB19Riley MossCB Iowa6'1"19330"4.4539"9.896448363.0Experienced outside corner with terrific ball skills. Three-year starter but saw significant action over all five seasons at Iowa. Great ball skills but medicare on-ball production 一 turned a high percentage of opportunities into interceptions, but wasn’t disrupting the catch point as often as you’d like. More fast than quick and has issues sticking with double moves. Played on special teams coverage units early in his career and should contribute there if he’s not in a starting role. Fits best as an outside corner in zone coverage and has starter potential there.
CB20Cameron MitchellCB Northwestern5'11"19131.375"4.4735"8.236048461.0Two-year starter who essentially took over for Greg Newsome. Often a liability in coverage in 2021 but made huge strides in 2022. Virtually no on-ball production as a junior, and started to find ways to disrupt the catch point during his senior year. Capable in run defender, especially for a smaller corner. Played in an extremely zone-heavy defense and likely needs to to stay in that scheme due to modest size and average athletic traits. Played on the outside, but has traits for slot versatility. Doesn’t appear to have a ton of untapped potential, so he may be near his ceiling already.
CB21Terell SmithCB Minnesota6'0"20432.875"4.4134"8.4860373.557.8Well built outside corner with ideal length. Started as a true freshman in 2019 but was banged up the next two years and relegated to a reserve role, then started final two seasons. Turns 24 in July. Played in an extremely zone-heavy scheme, yet produced poor on-ball production 一 a red flag given the increased opportunities in zone, and his length. Decent long speed to stick with receivers downfield, but lacks short-area quickness which is a factor in his inability to read/react and play the ball. Struggles to handle quicker receivers and probably can’t shift to the slot for this reason. Willing to step up against the run with decent wrap-up ability. Projects as a possible low-end starter, but lacks ideal traits for the slots which limits his value in terms of providing depth.
CB22Garrett WilliamsCB Syracuse5'10"19231"------0.0
CB23Kei'Trel ClarkCB Louisville5'10"18129.625"4.4234.5"7.160.0
CB24Jaylon JonesCB#N/A6'2"20030.75"4.5738"8.510.0
CB25Arquan BushCB Cincinnati------------0.0
CB26Darrell Luter Jr.CB South Alabama6'0"18932.375"4.4640.5"7.830.0
CB27Eli RicksCB Alabama6'2"18832.375"------0.0
CB28Mekhi GarnerCB LSU6'2"21232.25"4.5538"9.620.0
CB29Alex AustinCB Oregon State6'1"19531.875"4.5533"6.560.0
CB30Carrington ValentineCB Kentucky6'0"19332.25"--39"--0.0
CB31Nic JonesCB#N/A6'0"18932.375"4.5134.5"6.160.0
CB32Starling Thomas VCB UAB------------0.0