2021 NFL Draft Prospects: Pauline’s updated big board, player rankings. With Chris Harris Jr. coming over from the Broncos and Casey Hayward holding it down at the other cornerback spot, King should be in for a breakout year. This season, Dunbar will team with Shaquill Griffin in Seattle, giving the Seahawks one of the top cornerback tandems in football. So, without further ado, let’s look at the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Nonetheless, Farley owns an exceptional closing burst downfield and easily disrupts passes with his 6-foot-2 and roughly 200-pound frame. There were times where he proved to be one of the top cornerbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Cornerbacks can be anywhere on the defensive side of the line of scrimmageat the start of play, although their proximity, formations, and strategies are outlined by the coaching st… Cornerback depth could be addressed when free agency begins. Cornerback is one of the most sought-after defensive positions due to the explosion of the passing game over the past decade. Who sits atop the throne? The Washington Football Team has entered free agency with plenty of needs. A first-round pick back in 2011, Kerrigan has played in 156 career games for Washington and is the franchise's all-time sack leader with 95.5. Aaron Robinson - UCF: Primarily a slot player but at just shy of six-feet - he could transition … His biggest knock is simply a lack of playing time and tape. Mostly serving as a depth piece and core special teams member early in his career, Hill went on to start a combined 16 games over the past two seasons, including nine last season. and test your own drafting acumen. An impressive performance at South Carolina’s Pro Day and Farley’s medical status only bolstered Horn’s draft stock. Georgia Football: Cornerbacks post-spring recap A lot of folks wondered why Ringo lined up as a member of the second team during G-Day. Despite a productive three-year run with the Atlanta Falcons, Poole’s one-year, $3.5 million free-agent deal with the New York Jets last offseason was met with little fanfare. Taiwan Mullen, Indiana: The Florida native is a versatile corner, who excels against the run … Football Team The first major move that Ron Rivera made after taking over as the head coach of the Washington Football Team was when he traded disgruntled cornerback Quinton Dunbar to the Seattle Seahawks in March in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Patrick Surtain II (2) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. 20)./. The former Bulldog also needs to work on keeping his head on a swivel to locate the pass. Today’s focus is cornerbacks. Though he possesses average size for the position, Hill is an extremely fluid, instinctual defender with exceptional click-and-close ability. As high as his ceiling may be, however, time will tell if the signing was a wise allocation of resources. In fact, aside from safety Jamal Adams, Poole was the Jets’ most consistent defensive back on the roster. Using this board as our guide, here are the top nine cornerbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft. Typically, this surgery comes with a quick recovery. 9) Eric Stokes, Georgia Kicking off our list of top cornerbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft class is Georgia’s Eric Stokes. The reason is simple. Maybe Carolina, maybe Denver. The de facto No. Copyright © 2019-2021. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports, Top cornerbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft | 6-9, Top-9 cornerbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft | 1-5. Disclaimer: The list below is my opinion, based on the information I’ve gathered from the 2019 season. While I was certainly captivated by the bravado they carry, I was more so fascinated by their ability to handle individual battles, often on an island, against some of the best athletes in the world week in and week out. Primarily the Chargers’ nickel cornerback, King offers the versatility to line up anywhere on the back end. The savvy veteran has proved to be remarkably durable over the past two seasons, missing just one game, and has accounted for 29 passes defended and seven interceptions during that span. Ronald Darby (Washington Football Team) A second-round pick from Florida State by the Buffalo Bills in 2015, defensive back Ronald Darby's NFL career got off to a promising start. UW courtesy photo. Washington Football Team CB Ronald Darby. Devey, Jordan. The issue with his draft profile is he must play on a team that deploys press-man coverage at a high rate. Now healthy, I expect the physical perimeter defender to return to his All-Pro ways in 2020. Put plainly, this procedure removes pieces of herniated discs to relieve pressure and pain on the spine. Who are the top cornerback prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft per the Pro Football Network consensus rankings? The 5-foot-9, 179-pound defensive back not only made the Colts’ final roster — he went on to start five games as a rookie. Melifonwu’s tools are enticing, but he is a raw prospect, landing at No. Continue to visit Pro Football Network for NFL news and in-depth analysis. Continue to visit, for NFL news and in-depth analysis. Thus, slot cornerbacks at the Senior Bowl can start to raise their ceiling with a strong week. Elijah Molden certainly has the opportunity to do that this week. PFN Chief Draft analysts and NFL Insider Tony Pauline said on the April 21 episode of Draft Insiders, “My No. Following a transfer from LSU, Joseph instantly made his presence felt with the Wildcats. However, the issue is not how fast the recovery is, rather, it is how long his back will maintain before needing an additional operation. Fuller joins a group of cornerbacks that largely consists of carryovers from last year, as five of the eight corners on the roster played defensive snaps for Washington in 2019. The Washington Football Team announced Friday that it signed cornerback Darryl Roberts, a 2015 seventh-round pick by the New England Patriots who played last season with the Detroit Lions. The Chargers have an immensely talented secondary (more on that later), and one of the unit’s key components is Desmond King. The team signed Kendall Fuller in free agency and expect him to be an elite match-up piece. Troy Hill, Los Angeles Rams. That size and speed combination is deadly and why many draft pundits were so high on him. The 2020 college football season featured a ton of talented cornerback play across every single conference. Still just 28 years old, Bouye has the physical tools to resurface among the upper echelon at his position under defensive-minded head coach Vic Fangio. Want to do your own mock draft? However, he does not play to his size and or in an aggressive manner. Four talented cornerbacks have already been listed, but who are the top five in the class? While not nearly as proficient as a man defender, Bradberry is a terrific zone cornerback and should thrive in defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s system. Moore has become a mainstay in the Indianapolis secondary, establishing himself as one of the premier nickel cornerbacks in the game. The Giants signed James Bradberry to a lucrative three-year, $45 million free-agent contract with hopes of slowing NFC East aerial attacks. With new coaches and the addition of Chase Young, that should happen, but if it doesn’t, the secondary could be the weak link. The Washington Football Team has entered free agency with plenty of needs. Either way, Samuel Jr. will likely be selected at least two rounds higher than his father before him — a fourth-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2003. Dickerson, Matt. There is not a single game on his tape where he is burnt for a deep score or on the ground after a route. He has the ball skills to make opposing QBs hesitate before throwing in his direction. All Rights Reserved. Hint: five are from the SEC. The younger brother of former UConn star and Raiders safety, Obi, Ifeatu Melifonwu has freakish physical ability standing at nearly 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds. The rules of American professional football and American college football do not mandate starting position, movement, or coverage zones for any member of the defense. Nevertheless, quality cornerbacks do not grow on trees, so Stokes should be drafted on Day 2, barring any unforeseen pre-draft injuries or mishaps. Desir, Pierre. Griffin offers an All-Pro upside in 2020. Even with free agency in full swing, there are plenty of quality cornerbacks still available. Campbell possesses all the physical tools you want on the position, but that lack of production is worrisome. Asante Samuel Jr.‘s compact stature — 5-foot-10 and just over 180 pounds — will have many believing he is a slot-only prospect. Washington Football Team Roster: the official source of all current Washington Football Team players and team information The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Cornerback William Jackson III signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Washington Football Team in free agency. Pro Football Network, LLC. Ringo, who missed last year with a shoulder injury, and The draft analysts at Pro Football Network came together to create their Top 300 Consensus Board. I doubt he gets past Dallas if he is still there.”, Keep Reading! Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves III (2013-2015) When I cite statistics for cornerbacks, ball … There were also times where he looked like a Day 3 pick at best. There are no "illegal defense" formations. 3 cornerbacks Chicago Bears could still sign. Pro Football Network, LLC. As the athletes at the wide receiver position continue to evolve, so do the players tasked with slowing them down. Dive into PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator and test your own drafting acumen. After spending time with the Bengals and Patriots as a rookie, Troy Hill, an undrafted cornerback from Oregon, eventually caught on with the Rams. On the other hand, in a defense that takes full advantage of his skill set, Horn has the potential to be the top corner in the class. A team slowly on the rise, the Carolina Panthers have a depth chart sprinkled with young talent ready to take the next step in... Former NFL and college scout Matt Williamson details the top 25 wide receivers heading into the 2021 NFL season. Want more prospect news? Here are the positions that have been covered so far: Next up are the cornerbacks. Son of an 11-year NFL veteran and Miami Dolphins’ legend of the same name, Surtain II is the most consistent prospect from the cornerback position. A three-year starter, Samuel improved each season at Florida State despite the program struggling to stay relevant in the ACC. At Georgia’s Pro Day, Stokes registered a blazing 4.25 40-yard dash as well as a 128-inch broad jump and 38.5-inch vertical jump. At second in our top cornerback rankings for 2021, Jaycee Horn boasts the prototypical size and athletic ability to succeed at the next level. He is handsy with receivers which he got away with at Georgia, but he won’t in the NFL. The “wow” plays are there, just not in abundance. CJ Coldon (No. Bouye had his moments with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but never quite lived up to the sizeable free-agent contract he commanded three years ago. Cornerback depth could be addressed when free agency begins. Surtain consistently stays in phase with receivers and makes plays on the ball with ease. However, Kerrigan is a free agent. In the end, all it takes is one team to pull the trigger, and there will be plenty targeting Joseph in the 2021 NFL Draft. Plenty of observers expect the Washington Football Team’s defense to improve significantly this season. Cornerback is one of the most sought-after defensive positions due to the explosion of the passing game over the past decade. The lengthy defender began his career as an undrafted free agent, before working his way to the top of the cornerback ranks. There are no "illegal defense" formations. With the NFL Draft completed, Redskins.com is breaking down the team's roster as it prepares for the 2020 campaign. In the 2021 NFL Draft, five cornerbacks were drafted in … The Washington Football Team is likely taking a detailed look at each position this offseason and deciding how free agency can fill some gaps or add quality depth. Yet, he generated just 1 interception and 11 pass breakups across three seasons in Athens. Fabian Moreau , who is entering his fourth season, is the clear standout among that group. Farley underwent a microdiscectomy, the second of his career. Slot cornerbacks always deserve a heavy dose of love with the way the league is moving. Cornerbacks can be anywhere on the defensive side of the line of scrimmageat the start of play, although their proximity, formations, and strategies are outlined by the coaching st… Due to a shortened Big Ten season, Newsome played in just four games. With more subpackage football, slot cornerbacks are proving their worth and becoming more coveted. Greg Newsome II has been a late riser in the pre-draft process. 5 in our cornerback rankings. The cornerback’s chief responsibility is to defend against the offense's pass. In addition to his versatility, King possesses plus ball skills, an astute football IQ, and a strong coverage acumen. The Redskins will head to training camp with veteran Josh Norman leading a group that will likely rely on its younger players to step into key roles this fall. 6. Seattle Seahawks. Washington 2020 Training Camp Preview: Cornerbacks. Kicking off our list of top cornerbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft class is Georgia’s Eric Stokes. Memphis. Derek Cox was a great athlete and leader for the Tribe football team, one of just 12 players in program history be elected as a team captain twice in his four years. LARAMIE -- Craig Bohl and the Wyoming football team are starting spring football a tad late this season. The rules of American professional football and American college football do not mandate starting position, movement, or coverage zones for any member of the defense. Still, his size and length allow him to smother receivers in man coverage and at the catch point. When Kenny Moore entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Division II’s Valdosta State three seasons ago, to say the odds were stacked against him would be an understatement. Here are some of the top players. 1 corner crown belongs to Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II. An aggressive, physical defender, Griffin was thrust into the starting lineup as a rookie and has become the centerpiece of a Seattle secondary looking to piece together the modern-day version of the Legion of Boom. Howard, who turns 27 in July, will be part of a new-look Dolphins defense that added Byron Jones, Noah Igbinoghene, Raekwon Davis, and others as part of their offseason revamp. Subsequently, NFL teams must carry three to four solid CBs if they wish to survive any given season. Kelvin Joseph is one of the few corners to hold his own against the juggernaut that was Alabama last season. Wyoming Football – Breaking Down the ‘Boys: Cornerbacks. Who sits atop the throne? The younger Samuel can line up in the slot to begin his career, but I wholeheartedly believe he has the tenacity and skill set to stick on the boundary. 1 defensive player is Surtain. I think Surtain is the first defensive player selected. Outside of his size, there are few holes in his game. While he showed flashes, he ultimately wasn’t consistent enough and was traded to the cornerback-needy Denver Broncos for a fourth-round pick. Apparently, it’s 2017 all over again for … A Look at LSU Football's 2021 Offseason Depth Chart: Cornerbacks Tigers return a starting duo that rivals the best in the country but have work to do behind them Author: Despite having the NFL-caliber tools, Stokes does not come without faults. Copyright © 2019-2021. All Rights Reserved. For the most part the Chicago Bears roster is going to be set heading into training camp. to stay in the loop on all things college football and the NFL Draft landscape. 21) celebrates a first-quarter interception against Boise State last fall with fellow corner Azizi Hearn (No. Ryan Kerrigan is a Washington Football Team icon. Buffalo Bills. All 32 NFL teams should covet his skill set, but where Farley ultimately falls in the draft is up in the air. He earned third-team All-CAA honors as a cornerback in 2007, improving to second-team honors as a senior in 2008, and was also an outstanding punt returner. Poole is a versatile, hard-nosed defender, lauded for his intelligence and ability to diagnose plays. Knee injuries have plagued Xavien Howard over the past two seasons, so some may forget just how dominant he was when at the top of his game. Ron Rivera and his staff signed two cornerbacks last March, Kendall Fuller and Ronald Darby, and both ended up being instrumental to Washington's defense in 2020. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter (@PFN365) to stay in the loop on all things college football and the NFL Draft landscape. I could have easily gone with his teammate Steven Nelson here, but there is something to be said for Joe Haden’s continued high level of play at 31 years old. Quinton Dunbar, who has quietly been playing at a high level for multiple seasons now, often gets overlooked when highlighting the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Washington Football Team Free Agency Evaluation – Cornerbacks - Page 2. A very smart young man, in fact," Rivera told the Panthers' team site last July.. Lindenwood. Rutgers. Evaluating how coaches and players speak about the position, it feels as if there is a quiet excitement for the Washington Football Team cornerbacks in the 2020 season. A team slowly on the rise, the Carolina Panthers have a depth chart sprinkled with young talent ready to take the next step in... Former NFL and college scout Matt Williamson details the top 25 wide receivers heading into the 2021 NFL season. Campbell recorded an uninspiring 34-inch vertical and 7.15 three-cone. His 2020 film is impressive, even excluding a dominant outing against Justin Fields and Ohio State. Subsequently, NFL teams must carry three to four solid CBs if they wish to survive any given season. Shaquill Griffin’s steady improvement over the past three seasons culminated with Pro Bowl honors in 2019. However, he was inconsistent last year and comes with just one year of starting experience. Not only does he possess excellent playmaking ability — as evidenced by his 4 interceptions in nine games last season — but Stokes has the physical traits to thrive a the next level. This list below features many familiar names that have remained among the elite for the better part of the past decade, but it also includes a plethora of the immensely talented new wave of cover men poised to make strides in 2020. Kendall Fuller, Washington Football Team — 79.5. Furthermore, those same physical tools were not present at his pro day. "He's a very smart football player. Before a back surgery highlighted medical concerns earlier this offseason, Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley was in the running for CB1 in the class. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter (. ) The chief responsibility of the cornerback is to defend against the forward pass. After missing the first two games of the season due to injury, Fuller -- who was Washington's most expensive free-agent signing overall after inking a $40 million deal -- began the 2020 season … The Michigan football team's 2021 coaching staff slowly piecing together, and the Wolverines' latest reported addition is indeed a splashy one. He’ll get his chances to make plays in 2020, lining up opposite Jalen Ramsey for a full season. Despite the question marks he comes with, Campbell is a source of untapped potential that teams may target on late Day 2 or early Day 3. He has some of the best footwork in the class and can flourish in both man and zone coverages. For one reason or another, I’ve always been drawn to the cornerback position. The three-cone is the real cause for concern, as anything above 7 seconds for a corner highlights change of direction issues. While Gang Green endured a turbulent 2019, Poole was one of the team’s top performers week in and week out. His instincts in zone coverage are lacking, and he struggles to make the open field tackle. Following the October trade that sent Jalen Ramsey to the Rams, however, Bouye had a chance to assume the role of a top cornerback. 4. According to Pro Football Focus rankings, Derek Stingley and Elias Ricks return not only as the top duo in college football but two of the top-five cornerbacks … He re-signed with the Jets in the early stages of free agency, keeping him in East Rutherford for at least another season. LSU's Derek Stingley Jr. tops the list of the 10 best cornerbacks returning to college football in 2021. With training camp set to begin on July 25, Redskins.com is previewing the current state of the Redskins' roster, continuing with the team's cornerbacks. After spending time with the Bengals and Patriots as a rookie, … The second-ranked corner coming out of high school, Tyson Campbell, intended to form a deadly duo with Stokes in Georgia’s secondary.