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The 2023 NFL Draft is fast approaching and the cornerback class is loaded. @TheRealForno has his top 12 cornerbacks in this class
The 2023 NFL draft is approaching and there is one thing that’s clear.
This cornerback class is insanely deep.
In my initial study, I have written up full scouting reports on 12 cornerbacks and they all received grades of at least 79.0. That is a high third-round grade and 10 of those 12 got second-round grades.
Here is how I have the class currently graded before the NFL combine and athletic testing.
The Seahawks address their need on the edge first, then move to add a few offensive weapons.
Only one team has more total draft capital than the Seattle Seahawks this year. That sets Seattle up to take advantage of the strengths of this year’s rookie class – especially in the early rounds, where they hold five of the first 83 overall selections.
In a new three-round mock from Luke Easterling at Draft Wire, the Seahawks address their need on the edge first, then move to add a few offensive weapons as well as some quality depth for their secondary. Here’s who they came out with using their five picks.
Defense is the theme for the Vikings early in mock drafts. On Wednesday, the Athletic suggested two players they could draft on day one
Throughout the early portion of the NFL season, many mock drafts have had the Minnesota Vikings taking cornerback with their first selection in the NFL Draft. When the Vikings announced Monday that they had hired Brian Flores to be their defensive coordinator, it meant that cornerback was likely going to be a continued theme this offseason.
Diante Lee of the Athletic continued that trend when he released his mock draft on Wednesday, with the Vikings selecting Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III.
“Clark Phillips III is a bit on the smaller side in comparison to the other top corners in this class, but Minnesota must improve its coverage defenders. Also, Phillips is a competitive guy and doesn’t back off because of physical disadvantages. He’s a fluid mover, makes plays at the catch point and tackles well for his weight. Minnesota also might consider a player such as Baylor DT Siaki Ika here”
Phillips is a smaller cornerback but would instantly bring the physicality needed in a Brian Flores defense. Lee also suggested in his mock that the Vikings could look to go defensive tackle with their first pick. Either way, defense continues to be the theme for mock drafts and likely will stay that way until free agency arrives.
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Cornerback continues to be a priority and they get a versatile one in Phillips III
Cornerback fatigue could very likely get real as the offseason goes on. It is widely considered the top need for the Minnesota Vikings and the mock drafts reflect that. Through the first four weeks of 2023, the Vikings have been mocked 73 total players with 34 of them being cornerbacks.
That trend continued with Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire’s latest mock draft. He has the Vikings selecting Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III. Here is what I said about Phillips III in his scouting report.
“Despite being a smaller cornerback, Phillips III has no issue getting physical with receivers. His real forte is his quickness and recognition skills. Phillips III has very quick feet and fluid hips to stay with the receiver. Phillips III makes it hard for receivers to stack him with his quickness and good long speed.
When he recognizes what is going on in front of him, Phillips III has incredible click-and-close ability.
He attacks the ball aggressively and it shows with his 21 passes defended and nine interceptions.
One thing that will be attractive to teams is Phillips III’s versatility. Utah played him all over and played well every where.”
Adding him to a room with Cameron Dantzler, Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans would give them the flexibility to allow them to play their best players.
The Vikings need cornerback help this offseason and SB Nation helps them fill that need in their latest 2023 Mock Draft.
When the Minnesota Vikings take a look at their roster this offseason, there is clearly a need for a cornerback. In the latest mock draft from SB Nation’s Mark Schofield, he has the Vikings fulfilling this need by taking Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III.
“The Minnesota Vikings need to address the defensive side of the ball in this draft.
Despite a number of investments in the secondary in recent years, including Andrew Booth Jr. in the second round a year ago, cornerback remains a concern in Minnesota. Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III gives this secondary a big boost. Phillips has fantastic change-of-direction skills, and can play sticky man coverage, but also can function well in zone coverage designs. His interception against Oregon is a prime example of his zone-coverage skills, as he starts in the slot, but jumps underneath a hitch route on the outside and takes it the other way.
His feel for the game, particularly when in man coverage, is another strength. His interception against Arizona State – where he starts in off-man and reads a stop route to perfection – is a great example of his technique and awareness.”
The Vikings would greatly benefit from taking a corner in what is a very loaded cornerback class. Should they be able to nab Phillips, it’ll add potential and youth to a bare cornerback room.
A versatile player at cornerback could be the smart pick for the Vikings
Cornerback is going to be a fascinating position to watch in round one of the NFL draft. The amount of talent at the position this year is astounding and their is something for everyone. In his latest mock draft for Touchdown Wire, Doug Farrar sent the Minnesota Vikings Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III.
I released my scouting report on Phillips III on Friday and came away really impressed. While he’s a smaller cornerback, the versatility that Phillips III has to play everywhere on the back end will be a draw for teams, especially early on. The Vikings could play him in the slot with Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans on the outside.
The size could very well be a drawback. Physical receivers could give him real issues as there were times where Phillips III got thrown around too often for my liking. It won’t hinder him from being a good cornerback, but it could prevent him from being a great one.
The Utah cornerback is versatile and quick. Is he worthy of a first-round pick?
Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2023 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at wide receiver, running back, cornerback and both interior and edge pass rusher.
The Vikings are slated to have four picks before compensatory selections are awarded and they need to make the most out of them.
In our first Vikings’ mock draft of the season, they go cornerback with their first pick
The Minnesota Vikings are in quite a position this offseason. After trying to run it back with some tweaks in 2022, they won 13 games, but couldn’t get over the hump once the wild-card round came about.
That leaves this off-season. What do the Vikings choose to do? Do they tear it down or try to run it back with a lighter shell than they did last season?
Each Wednesday until the NFL draft kicks off in late April, we will be doing a Vikings mock draft exploring different potential scenarios. This one has the Vikings addressing cornerback in the first round.
The second 2023 NFL mock draft roundup includes a few new names
Mock draft season is upon us and that means our mock draft roundup is back!
What we do every week is track the mainstream outlets mock drafts and aggregate how many times a player gets selected. Last season, we tallied up 173 mock drafts and only 10 of them were on offense. This season could end up being much of the same.
We will track them and try to determine trends and patterns, along with giving my own analysis on how they could fit with the Minnesota Vikings
Our first mock draft roundup of the season has the Vikings selecting 12 different players
Mock draft season is upon us and that means our mock draft roundup is back!
What we do every week is track the mainstream outlets mock drafts and aggregate how many times a player gets selected. Last season, we tallied up 173 mock drafts and only 10 of them were on offense. This season could end up being much of the same.
We will track them and try to determine trends and patterns, along with giving my own analysis on how they could fit with the Minnesota Vikings
