Tag: cornerbacks

Bengals go different direction early in new three-round mock draft

A new name for the Bengals in a fresh mock draft.

The Cincinnati Bengals went a different route in a new mock draft.

This one comes from Draft Wire and Curt Popejoy and with the 28th pick, the Bengals selected CB Cam Smith from South Carolina, strengthening the secondary with the status of Eli Apple and Tre Flowers still up in the air.

Smith is 6’1”, 180 pounds and used his speed and athleticism to bring in six interceptions in his time as a Gamecock.

After the signing of Sidney Jones, the Bengals have had meetings with a lot of different cornerbacks, but none are likely to be taken early in the draft, so this would be a surprising route for Cincinnati to take on April 27.

In the second round, Popejoy had the Bengals taking TE Luke Musgrave from Oregon State, and then safety Jordan Battle from Alabama in the third.

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Saints re-sign special teams standout Isaac Yiadom, giving more depth to DB room

The Saints re-signed special teams standout Isaac Yiadom, keeping an experienced defensive back in an already stout secondary:

Here’s a smart move: The New Orleans Saints re-signed defensive back Isaac Yiadom per Thursday’s update to the daily NFL transactions wire, keeping another experienced defensive back in their secondary. But Yiadom was also one of their special teams standouts during the back half of the 2022 season. He made some plays as a gunner on the punt team opposite J.T. Gray and also ran with the kick coverage and return units, as well as the field goal blocking squad.

It’s worth bringing him in for a longer look. Yiadom turned 27 last month and has logged nearly a thousand snaps on special teams in his NFL career among stops with New Orleans, the Houston Texans, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos (who drafted him out of Boston College in the third round in 2018). He’s also put 1,500 defensive snaps on tape over the years, largely as a cornerback playing out wide.

He’s in a cornerback depth chart featuring Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor and Bradley Roby, plus Vincent Gray and Troy Pride Jr. (both returning from the practice squad last year). Yiadom is the latest well-seasoned defensive back the Saints have signed in free agency, along with former Raiders first-round safety Jonathan Abram, position-versatile defender Lonnie Johnson Jr., as well as slot corner Ugo Amadi. That’s been a point of emphasis for Dennis Allen’s team this offseason.

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Jets offseason primer: Cornerback

Let’s be honest, the Jets don’t have to do much at the cornerback position. But is there a draft prospect late you like?

If there’s one position that has almost no worry heading into the offseason, it’s the cornerback position. Let’s take a quick look at the position group heading into free agency and how much work the Jets really have to do in the offseason.

Raiders free agent fits at cornerback

Raiders free agent fits at cornerback

Few positions are more of a need this offseason for the Raiders than cornerback. With Rock Ya-Sin headed for free agency, they have just Nate Hobbs remaining as a proven talent. And with Hobbs’s best work coming in the slot, that means the Raiders will be looking for starters at both outside cornerback spots.

You’d have to think one of those spots will be filled with a free agent addition.

So, here are a few who could fill the need for them.

CB isn’t huge need but depth and talent will tempt Packers in 2023 draft

The cornerback class looks talented, deep and athletic, and it may tempt the Packers even though the team looks mostly set at the position.

On paper, cornerback is far from a must-address position for the Green Bay Packers. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst could be tempted in the early rounds of the draft by what is a deep cornerback class that tested very well at the NFL Scouting Combine.

On Daniel Jeremiah’s latest big board, he had seven cornerbacks in his top 50, the most behind only the edge rusher position. Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire also had seven cornerbacks in his top 50.

At the combine, this cornerback group as a whole had a very impressive showing. Out of 25 cornerbacks who posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS), 17 scored above an 8.0, including 12 recording at least 9.0. Deonte Banks and Christian Gonzalez had near-perfect scores of 9.99 and 9.96, respectively. This is significant to the Packers because since Gutekunst has taken over as GM, 30 of his 42 draft picks have scored 8.0 or higher on the RAS scale. At cornerback, specifically, four of his five cornerback selections have scored above 9.22.

When it comes to specific combine drills that the Packers take note of at the cornerback position, there really isn’t a strong connection, wrote Daire Carragher of Packer Report. Each of those four cornerbacks to post a RAS above 9.22 posted elite numbers across the board, except each had one combine test where they scored just okay, and what events those were varied by each prospect.

With Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes, the need at cornerback is far from massive. But at some point this offseason, the depth will have to be added to with Benjie Franklin, Kiondre Thomas, Tyrell Ford, and Shemar Jean-Charles, all of whom have relatively no NFL experience on defense, the only current options on the roster behind Alexander, Douglas, and Stokes.

The need at the cornerback position is also heightened if the Packers do decide to move Douglas to safety. This is something that Gutekunst mentioned last week with reporters and seems like a more realistic option, given that the draft class as a whole at the safety position is considered a bit thin and also underwhelmed at the combine.

It’s also not as if Gutekunst has shied away from selecting positions early on in the draft that may not be considered a top need. Recent examples include picking Rashan Gary after signing the Smiths in free agency or taking Jordan Love and then AJ Dillon while Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, and Jamaal Williams were on the roster. Or even taking linebacker Quay Walker in Round 1 after signing De’Vondre Campbell–a position that for a number of years Green Bay didn’t put much draft or free agency capital into.

Ultimately, the cornerback position checks a lot of boxes for the Packers. Although not to the same extent as others, it can be justified as a position that should be added to. It’s also a premier position that the Packers are willing to invest in, and when on the clock in the early rounds, Gutekunst is likely going to have several options available, many of which tested very well.

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Chargers 2022 season in review: Assessing the play of Los Angeles’ cornerbacks

After J.C. Jackson went down, Michael Davis stepped up and had an outstanding season in 2022.

In the modern pass-first NFL, solid play from cornerbacks is a must, and the Chargers have found some skillful players at the position in recent years. Asante Samuel Jr. was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. And with the addition of J.C. Jackson via free agency last offseason, pundits expected big things from the Chargers’ secondary in 2022.

Signed on a five-year, $82.5 million deal, Jackson’s season ended after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon back on Oct. 24 against the Seahawks. Before getting hurt, Jackson left much to be desired as he was working his way back from off-season ankle surgery and struggled to get acclimated with the coverage concepts in Brandon Staley’s defense. He finished his shortened season with 15 tackles and two passes defended in five games.

In Jackson’s place, Michael Davis was thrust back into the starting role on the outside and looked like a rejuvenated player after having a down season in 2021, locking wide receivers down and getting his hands on the ball. In 12 games started, Davis had a career-high 15 passes defended. So what went from being pegged as a potential cap casualty this offseason turned into a possible contract extension for Davis.

While their modest ball production left something to be desired, Samuel’s three-interception game against the Jaguars in the playoffs was a legendary display of dominance that won’t soon be forgotten. Despite this excellent showing, he managed just two interceptions in the regular season and made 48 solo tackles, tying for first place in the category among Los Angeles’ cornerbacks.

Bryce Callahan, who was also signed to a one-year deal last offseason, led Los Angeles in interceptions, coming down with three on the year to add to his 47 combined tackles. Callahan proved to be a major contributor to the defense, starting 11 games in 15 appearances to help lift the Chargers’ secondary to dominant performances.

Among others who saw snaps for the team at cornerback in 2022 was Ja’Sir Taylor. The Chargers drafted Taylor as a core special teams player, which he proved to be. However, Taylor ended up seeing some playing time on the defensive side of the ball toward the back end of the season.

Taylor had some lapses in coverage, especially when he had to play as an outside corner. But his standout performance came in the big primetime win over the Dolphins, where he locked down Jaylen Waddle. Additionally, he came on strong as a tackler in open space and a blitzer. With Callahan set to be a free agent in March, that could lead to a more prominent role for Taylor in his second season.

Kemon Hall and Deane Leonard should be considered developmental depth and core special teamers for the next season.

Don’t be surprised if the Chargers invest in the cornerback position throughout the coming offseason, but expect the dollar amount of any moves to be relatively minimal. With their three starting spots locked down by Davis, Samuel and Jackson, anyone they might add would be competing for looks in dime packages and other defensive-back-heavy sets on passing downs.

Ravens’ 2022 season-in-review: Cornerbacks

We analyze the play of the Ravens’ cornerbacks in 2022

Though it’s very arguable that they were led by their linebacker corps in 2022, the Baltimore Ravens defense was bolstered by solid play in their secondary all season. When it came to their cornerback room it was a bit of a mixed bag with players such as Marlon Humphrey playing phenomenal football while Marcus Peters struggled in an up-and-down year.

In terms of raw production, Baltimore’s cornerbacks weren’t particularly impressive on the stat sheet. Humphrey and Peters accounted for just four combined interceptions on the year, which paled in comparison to the efforts of even the Ravens’ linebackers, who managed to come down with six between five players.

Safety Marcus Williams also went toe-to-toe with the cornerback group, equalling their season total by himself as he patrolled the back end of the Ravens’ secondary.

However, Baltimore’s cornerbacks proved to be a force to reckon with when they were tackling ballcarriers, forcing three fumbles and recovering four total on the season.

The unit also led the team in passes defensed, with Humphrey and Peters combining for 13 total over the course of the year while also being helped by second-year pro Brandon Stephens who had seven, which tied for second place on the team. Others at the position who recorded passes defensed were Pepe Williams, Daryl Worley, and Jalyn Armour-Davis who managed five between them.

Outside of their core group, the Ravens didn’t see much production from the lower tiers of the depth chart at the cornerback position. Veteran Kyle Fuller saw his season cut short in Week 1, while Kevon Seymour was in-and-out of the lineup.

As Peters will enter next season at 30 years old, it may not be the worst time for Baltimore to consider investing in another stud cornerback in the offseason. The stats paint a picture of a team that relied on two cornerbacks for the bulk of their production at the position in 2022 and in the new age pass-first NFL, that might not be a recipe for success moving forward.

If they can find a player in the draft or free agency that they think could produce but wouldn’t necessitate that they use a high pick or fork over too much guaranteed money, expect the Ravens to possibly explore their options at the position.

Report: Saints sign former Panthers CB Troy Pride Jr. to reserve/future deal

Report: Saints sign former Panthers fourth round draft pick Troy Pride Jr. to reserve/future deal, adding more depth to the secondary

This is interesting: the New Orleans Saints signed former Carolina Panthers cornerback Troy Pride Jr. to a reserve/future contract, per the Score’s Jordan Schultz. Pride was a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft who dealt with a series of injuries early in his career, but now he’s back in football and looking to compete for a job over the summer.

Good for him. The Saints have taken flyers on players in similar circumstances recently like safety Justin Evans, who ended up on the field in some critical situations for them in 2022. If Pride’s body can hold up, he has the physical tools to be an asset in black and gold. He timed the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds flat at 5-foot-11 1/2 and 193 pounds, but we’ll see whether he’s retained that athleticism after a serious knee injury ended his Panthers career.

New Orleans enters the 2023 offseason running deep in the secondary. Marshon Lattimore, Bradley Roby, Alontae Taylor, and Paulson Adebo are all returning at cornerback, as is practice squad corner Vincent Gray, with free agents like Chris Harris Jr. and Isaac Yiadom hoping to be re-signed. Competition for that fifth spot on the depth chart will be something to watch.

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Cornerbacks coach Dino Vasso on Commanders offense: ‘This might be the best trio of receivers that we’ve played’

Vasso made it clear that the #Commanders’ crew of offensive talent will be a massive challenge against his #Texans cornerbacks

The Houston Texans will face an uphill battle in Week 11 against a Washington Commanders team that is coming off a victory over the last remaining team in the NFL to be undefeated in 2022. Washington is likely to be a heavy favorite in the matchup, and given their crew of talent on the offensive side of the ball, could run up the score on Houston’s inconsistent defense.

Texans’ cornerbacks coach Dino Vasso spoke to reporters on Thursday about the challenge his unit will face against the Commanders, and made it clear that he has serious respect for Washington’s passing game. When asked about quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s connection with star wide-out Terry McLaurin, Vasso told the media that his chemistry plays a factor regardless of who he targets on a given play.

“This might be the best trio of receivers that we’ve played,” He explained. “17, Terry [McLaurin], elite speed, game changing speed. Can win at all three levels. Obviously, strong after the catch. Just a great player in this league. I know they say in the analytic community that wins isn’t a quarterback stat, but this guy [Taylor Heinicke] has won games at of late. He’s playing at a high level. The guys have rallied around him.

“Then you look at the other receivers, Curtis Samuel, kind of a position-less player, will line everywhere on the field, good run after catch, just good combination of elusiveness and power with the ball in his hands. And then the rookie, [Jahan] Dotson, he’s missed some time but he’s back now. Just a refined, polished route runner. When you cut on the tape, doesn’t really look like a rookie, so they’ve got a good group.”

Rookie cornerback Derek Stingley’s absence from Thursday’s practice will certainly play a factor in this game, a detail that Vasso conveniently left out in his statement. Against such a potent offensive attack, the Texans will need to step up in a big way to limit the Commanders to a minimal number of points so that Houston’s offense doesn’t need to play catchup against their equally formidable defense.

Ranking AFC West cornerback trios

Who has the best cornerback trio in the AFC West?

We are about two weeks from the start of the 2022 season. So, as we wind down the preseason, we also wind down our Ranking the AFC West series.

We move into the secondary now, starting with the cornerback trios. There was a time when the focus would be on the outside cornerbacks, but in today’s NFL a nickel cornerback to cover the slot is just as important.

This is how I see the AFC West stacking up at cornerback.

1. Chargers — Asante Samuel Jr, J.C. Jackson, Bryce Callahan

Finding a solid group of cornerbacks has been the top priority for the Chargers the past couple offseasons. Last year they made Asante Samuel Jr their pick at 47 overall in the second round and this offseason they made the splash of free agency, signing former Patriots star JC Jackson to a monster deal.

Jackson has led the NFL in interceptions over the past two seasons (17) and has an impressive 25 picks and 53 pass breakups in just four NFL seasons, despite not starting every game until last season. It’s become very clear, the more snaps he plays, the more plays he makes.

Samuel had two interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 12 games as a rookie and, as is often the case, he is expected to take a step up in his second NFL season. While Callahan comes over from Denver.

2. Broncos — Patrick Surtain II, Ronald Darby, K’waun Williams

The 9th overall pick in last year’s draft had four interceptions in his first NFL season along with 14 pass breakups. Surtain came in as a rookie and took control of an already solid defensive unit as arguably the division’s best cornerback.

Though Darby had no interceptions, he led the division with 16 pass breakups. The Broncos will replace the departed Bryce Callahan with former longtime 49ers cornerback K’waun Williams who put up 52 tackles last season.

3. Chiefs — L’Jarius Sneed, Rashad Fenton, Trent McDuffie

Sneed had the second most tackles in the league (76) among cornerbacks while playing both inside and outside for the Chiefs last season. He also has five interceptions and 15 pass breakups in just 24 games over his first two NFL seasons.

No AFC West cornerback had a higher PFF grade than Rashad Fenton’s 82. He had no interceptions, but allowed just 33 catches and batted down seven passes. Trent McDuffie was the Chiefs’ top pick in this year’s draft at 21 overall out of Washington.

4. Rock Ya-Sin, Anthony Averett, Nate Hobbs

After a standout rookie season, Hobbs is easily the top cornerback on this Raiders roster. With the uncertainty surrounding one of the outside cornerback spots, they moved Hobbs from his usual slot duties to see how he held up on the outside. So, it’s possible we see more of him moving around and perhaps being the number two cornerback regardless of where he lines up.

In an attempt to replace the departed Casey Hayward, the Raiders acquired Rock Ya-Sin in trade with the Colts. The former second round pick has started eight games in each of the past two seasons in Indianapolis, but the Raiders clearly think he’s ready to be a full time starter.

Averett won the job over incumbent Trayvon Mullen who was traded to Arizona. The former fourth round pick spent his first four seasons in Baltimore. He put up three interceptions and 11 pass breakups last season which was his first as a full time starter.