A true lockdown corner, capable of covering elite receivers without help from a safety, changes everything for a defense. That’s why the top four players here received first-round grades; the fifth could easily hear his name called on Thursday night depending on how the draft unfolds.
This class of corners appears to have one sure-thing star, but several others have a chance to reach that ceiling. NFL defensive coordinators are increasingly relying on nickel and dime packages, and covet versatile players who can deftly switch between man and zone coverages or step inside to cover the slot. Deception is everything in the NFL, and that requires having smart corners who can adapt on the fly.
Here’s a look at the best of this year’s class.
1. Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State
Okudah is in a class of his own. He’s the best corner prospect I’ve watched since Jalen Ramsey. In fact, that’s my comp for the Ohio State star. He’s got everything teams look for in a No. 1 corner: Size, speed, agility, instincts and the mentality all great corners have. On top of the coverage ability, Okudah isn’t afraid to make a tackle. Having a lockdown guy like this on the roster makes game-planning so much easier.
Grade: Early 1st Round
2. Kristian Fulton, LSU
It’s not going to be hard for NFL teams to project how Fulton will fare in a pro defense. LSU took a pro-style approach to coverage during Fulton’s career, routinely asking him to play press-man coverage with no safety help over the top. And he did it against the nation’s best receivers. As good as Fulton is in man coverage, he might be better in zone. That versatility should get him drafted early on Day 1.
Grade: Early 1st Round
3. C.J. Henderson, Florida
There has been speculation that Henderson has leapfrogged Okudah on some teams’ draft boards, but it’s hard to justify that based on his 2019 film. He took a step back after a phenomenal 2018 season. Henderson’s movement skills were still there, but lapses in concentration got him beat downfield on several occasions. My biggest concern with the Florida star? He’s not a physical corner and could get beat up by true No. 1 receivers. He might be a top-end No. 2 two rather than a centerpiece for a defensive secondary.
Grade: Late 1st Round
4. Jeff Gladney, TCU
Gladney is a play-maker. Does that mentality get him into trouble sometimes? Sure, but the positive plays outweigh the negatives. In TCU’s defense, he was asked to play in a variety of coverages. He played press man, he played zone from deeper alignments and he made plays no matter what he was asked to do. Gladney’s risk-taking might scare some teams off, but there’s no doubt he’ll be a useful NFL player, if not a star.
Grade: Late 1st Round
5. Jaylon Johnson, Utah
Johnson is an ideal No. 2 corner for an NFL defense. He’s a physical dude who understands how offenses want to attack. He may not have the agility to stick with the top receivers in one-on-one coverage, but if you have a lockdown guy on the other side of him, Johnson is going to make a lot of plays. The only question is whether Johnson’s physicality will translate to the next level because he is a bit undersized.
Grade: Mid 2nd Round
Five more prospects to keep an eye on…
6. Trevon Diggs, Alabama
7. Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State
8. Bryce Hall, Virginia
9. Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech
10. A.J. Terrell, Clemson