Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Cornerbacks

The Lions Wire staff has identified which cornerbacks Detroit Lions fans should be watching at the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine on-field workouts begin Thursday, February 27th in Indianapolis but the cornerbacks won’t take the field until the final day of on-field drills — Sunday, March 1st.

This is the latest in a series of articles leading up to this year’s NFL Combine, where the Lions Wire team has identified players they will be tracking in order to determine potential fits within the organization.

If you missed the previous articles in this series, be sure to check out our quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, interior defensive linemen, EDGE rushers, and linebackers previews.

Cornerback traits to evaluate

There are several on-field drills that emphasize a player’s abilities and the main areas Lions’ scouts will likely be focusing for the secondary are:

  • Balance through the hips, watch when they’re asked to flip sides
  • Backpedal, quick feet
  • Fluid speed/acceleration when they change direction
  • Tracking with their eyes
  • Natural hands catching

Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State

Suggested by: Erik Schlitt

If Chase Young (EDGE, Ohio State) is off the board and the Lions stay at pick No. 3, all the signs point to the Lions making a decision between Derrick Brown (DT, Auburn) and Jeffrey Okudah (CB, Ohio State).

Comfortable in press-man coverage, Okudah (est, 6-1, 200) is blessed with elite traits — burst, speed, strength, length — and the confidence required to be one of the best cornerbacks, not just on his team, but the entire NFL.

With Darius Slay’s future in Detroit in question and an immediate need for a starting corner, Okudah would fill a much-needed role this season, while also giving the team security for the future.

Trevon Diggs, Alabama

Suggested by: Bryce Rossler and Sonja Greenfield

The younger brother of Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Trevon is just as athletic as his brother and he uses his experience, size (est. 6-2, 202), and near-elite technique to achieve success in Alabama’s press-man scheme. After Okudah, this top-end corner class will feature another eight to 10 prospects capable of being selected in the first two rounds, and with the multitude of different schemes and player preferences, if Diggs is sitting there at pick No. 35, he should get heavy consideration from the Lions.

Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State

Suggested by: Scott Bischoff

Another tall, long corner (est. 6-2, 183) who could hear his name called at the top of Round 2, Dantzler is flying under the radar nationally but fits the mold for what the Lions look for in a corner. With fluid hips and the speed to stay in a receiver’s hip pocket all over the field, Dantzler could start as a CB2 in year one with the upside to develop. He needs to gain weight, which in turn should help him with his tackling, but most of his flaws are fixable with coaching and an NFL weight program.

Jeff Gladney, TCU

Suggested by: Jeff Risdon and Derek Okrie

Gladney will be higher than Dantzler — and maybe Diggs — on some teams boards but he’s a full four inches shorter than both those prospects which will lose him some checkmarks on his evaluation sheet for the Lions. Gladney has terrific technique, noticeable quickness in mirrored coverage, great anticipatory instincts, and a physical nature that will appeal to most teams if they are comfortable with his size (est. 5-10, 183).

Bryce Hall, Virginia

Suggested by: Matt Urben and Ty Finch

Another corner expected to check-in at 6-2 at the Combine, Hall is comfortable in press and zone schemes, with his best attribute being his ability to use his foot quickness to close on the ball. Long speed will be a key measurement for Hall at the Combine, as his transitions can be delayed, forcing him into trail positions.

Stanford Samuels, Florida State

Suggested by: Zack Moran

Samuels — another 6-2 corner that fits the Lions’ physical preferences — is comfortable in press-man due to his physical nature, athleticism, and speed. Despite his physicality, he needs to improve his run support before a team like the Lions would consider letting him see the field. If the Lions are looking for another Day 3 corner with upside they can mold in the same manner they did with Amani Oruwariye, Samuels will be on their radar.

Lamar Jackson, Nebraska

Suggested by: Max Gerber

The Lions got a long look at Jackson during North practices at the Senior Bowl. He is big — yep, another 6-2 corner — long, physical, excels in press coverage, and has active hands which lead to pass breakups and turnovers. Jackson’s ceiling is as a CB2, as he appears to be limited as an athlete who can play vertically but lacks horizontal elements to his game at this time.

Lavert Hill, Michigan

Suggested by: Scott Warheit

A Detroit native, Hill (est, 5-11, 181) has drawn the comparison to former Wolverine and current Dallas Cowboys corner Jourdan Lewis since his first days on campus. He has started the last three seasons after taking over for Lewis, relying heavily on his quickness and ability to impact the run game. Those traits make him a natural slot option for most teams but he has the skill set to also contribute on the outside in specific situations, much like the Lions Justin Coleman.