NFL draft: Rating the cornerbacks

In the 12th of a series previewing the April 22-24 NFL draft, Chicago Tribune reporter Dan Pompei things value will be found in late rounds

April 20, 2010|By Dan Pompei | On the NFL

12th in a series exploring the April 22-24 NFL draft.

This cornerback class is very deep, which is very unusual. About 11 corners have third-round grades. That could mean teams drafting corners in the fourth and fifth rounds will get exceptional values.

1. Joe Haden, Florida, 5-11, 193: He looked like a top 15 pick until he ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. He recovered with a 4.43 at Florida's pro day, and his play speed seems good enough. But he now is seen as something less than an elite athlete and he might not be drafted quite as high as the original projection. Haden has pretty good cover skills — he is aware in zone and has quickness to stay with receivers in man. He can play the ball in the air. He is a willing tackler. Haden was a high school quarterback and was very productive at corner for Florida. He is not a tall corner. His best spot might be on a Cover Two team.

2. Kyle Wilson, Boise State, 5-10, 194: His stock has been on the rise since he performed well at the Senior Bowl. He also has proven he has speed and athleticism. He shows the body control, smooth hips and quick feet it takes to press and cover man to man. Wilson seems to be at his best in the clutch. He needs some technique work, and can improve on playing the deep ball. He isn't a killer against the run, but he is not afraid to tackle and is very competitive. Wilson also can contribute as a return man. He is a little smaller than ideal.

3. Kareem Jackson, Alabama, 5-10, 196: He's a good zone corner with ball skills and awareness. Jackson isn't huge, but he is strong, tough and physical. He covers aggressively. He is fundamentally sound and has a feel for the game. A junior who left college early, he helped himself with his workouts.

4. Devin McCourty, Rutgers, 5-11, 193: In addition to being arguably the best special teams player in the draft, McCourty also has the athleticism, toughness and instincts to be a fine cornerback, especially in a zone scheme. He can fly, as evidenced by his 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine. McCourty uses that speed to cover kicks and return them on special teams. He also is an very efficient kick blocker. While he has not been a true shutdown corner, the sum of his package is pretty impressive. His twin brother Jason was a sixth-round pick of the Titans last season.

5. Patrick Robinson, Florida State, 5-11. 190: He has as much cover skill as any corner in the draft, but his instincts are off and he subsequently is an inconsistent performer who makes big plays but also gets beat for big plays. His feet are exceptionally quick, and he is an outstanding athlete. He can play bump and run. Robinson is not much of a hitter, and is not a great finisher. He does not play confidently. He can be a very good special teams player.

6. Dominique Franks, Oklahoma, 5-11, 194: He has a nice combination of athleticism, ball skills and size. Franks is a fluid cover man with pretty good speed. He is at his best with the ball in front of him, which makes him an ideal candidate for zone. He doesn't always cover the deep ball ideally. He is not a very physical player. Franks also is a pretty good punt returner.

7. Kevin Thomas, Southern Cal, 6-0, 192: This is a long, lean cover man with nice hips and feet. Thomas has the body control, speed and athleticism to press and turn and run with a wide receiver. He can go get the football in the air. He is just OK in run support. Thomas has had problems staying healthy so durability is a concern.

8. Jerome Murphy, South Florida, 6-0, 196: He has the height, arm length and jumping ability (38-inch vertical at the combine) to match up with bigger receivers. Murphy also has speed and cover skills. He is an aggressive player who is not afraid to throw his body around. He sometimes makes mental mistakes, especially on downfield throws.

9. Joshua Moore, Kansas State, 5-11, 188: Moore is a very good athlete with the foot quickness and change of direction ability to cover man to man. He is quicker than fast, but fast enough. He is not a very physical tackler and could improve his strength.

10. Myron Lewis, Vanderbilt, 6-1, 203: This big, long-armed cornerback would fit in perfectly in a bump and run scheme. Lewis has good athleticism and speed for his size. He has a knack for coming up with big plays at opportune times. He is a solid run defender and good tackler, and some teams are projecting him to safety.

11. Chris Cook, Virginia, 6-2, 212: He is the most gifted cornerback in this class. Physically, he is similar to former Raven Chris McAlister. Cook has size and speed and is an explosive player. He can press or play off. Cook struggled with injuries and academics at Virginia. He also has potential as a safety.