2024 NFL Draft Cornerback Rankings
By: Hayden Shapiro
One of the hardest positions to draft is the cornerback. This is because their skills don't always translate to the next level. We have gotten lucky with guys like Sauce Gardner and Pat Surtain II emerging so early as top dogs, but this year’s corner class does not have a clear top guy. In this piece, I rank my top seven ballhawks, with pro comparisons.
Kool-Aid Mckinstry, Alabama
Mckinstry has a nose for the football, his instincts are fantastic. He has advanced skills in reading the QB’s eyes, it is really impressive to watch. He often runs the route with the receiver, which means he shadows his every move. He is a strong, press corner. Wideouts often have trouble getting a solid release because of his press ability sub 5 yards from the line. His ball skills are fantastic. In a less-than-ideal cornerback class, Mckinstry is my CB1.
Comp — James Bradberry, Eagles
Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
Lassiter is so much fun to watch, but that’s not why he lands so high on this list. He plays with his head on a swivel and is not afraid to tackle the ball carrier. He can play the perimeter, but also the slot because of his football IQ and ability to read screens + outside runs. He reminds me a lot of Devon Witherspoon, a corner who plays with some nastiness and goes 110% on every snap. Lassiter has great instincts and ball skills, he may be a little bit of project simply because he came onto the scene late, but his sheer athleticism and smarts make him my CB2.
Comp — Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks
Terrion Arnold, Alabama
Arnold is a ballhawk. He takes very calculated risks in the run and pass game, and I think it fair to say that in the latter half of the season, he even outshined his partner in crime, Kool-Aid Mckinstry. Arnold has extremely long arms and plays with a very high motor. One stat that really stood out to me was that he was outstanding in man coverage, allowing a 52.2 passer rating in man. That’s the best number in the country. One flaw I saw in his game was that he often jumped routes, which led to receivers creating separation. He is a good prospect, but lacks some stuff the top 2 guys on this list have, most notably the ability to read routes/plays before the snap.
Comp — Joey Porter Jr, Steelers
Cooper DeJean, Iowa
I have a really strong feeling that this Hawkeye may end up being the steal of the draft. DeJean’s footwork and football IQ are off the charts. He breaks on the ball better than anyone in this draft. His combination of speed and physicality is something you rarely see in prospects. He is so physical in coverage, but it always seems to come at the right time. Another thing I love about DeJean is his ability to line up anywhere. He can even play in the box, stopping outside runs along with the occasional corner blitz. His tackling skills are impeccable, but what he lacks is ideal ball skills. He lost some jump balls throughout the year and in a league where WR’s are bigger and stronger than ever, this worries me. Overall, a really fun prospect who is going shoot up boards when the combine rolls around.
Comp — Daron Bland, Cowboys
Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Wiggins is a lanky, long armed corner who has unbelievable ball skills. He had 9 PBU’s this year and was on the field for every defensive snap, covering the other team’s number one option. He is not afraid to tackle the ball carrier and plays much bigger than his size. His flaw is the risks he takes, because he takes a lot of them. He is also a one dimensional corner, meaning he is only going to play outside. His press skills are great, given his huge wingspan, but he may need to put on some weight if teams want him to lock down bigger wideouts. His 6’2 frame is really appealing and could definitely climb up my board during the combine, because this guy is going to test out well.
Comp — JC Jackson
Kalen King, Penn St
Kalen King is falling down boards and I have no clue why. This Penn St secondary was unreal this year, and he was the heart of it. King plays with so much confidence. He takes on TE’s and WR’s twice his size but plays more physical than them. He is so much fun to watch. He is a great tackler and, in my opinion, fits best in the slot, or even at FS. King has great skills at high pointing the ball and breaking on the ball at the perfect time. He was burned this year a couple times, but that is the type of player he is, he is going to take risks, but they need to be more calculated. He is pure energy, kind of like a sixth man on a basketball team. He is always dancing around and talking, he really plays with no fear. His slight frame might be a reason why some people don’t have a top round grade on him, but I love him as a prospect. He also has a crazy wingspan, which helps him in press coverage, if he is lined up on the perimeter.
Comp — Kader Kohou, Dolphins
Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
We have seen these smaller schools produce some great DB prospects, and Toledo’s Mitchell is another prime example. Just like another small-school product, L’Jarious Sneed, Mitchell Has unbelievable instincts. He seems to make the right play all the time. Whether that be picking off a curl route or playing the receiver on a go, Mitchell is a very smart player to say the least. He is only 6’0 but plays so much bigger. He is an outside corner because his tackling is not there, but that is coachable because of his instincts. He is a fun prospect who scouts are going to like simply because he does not let the man he is marking catch the ball, his break and press skills break the scale. He is worthy of a second or third round pick in my opinion, for sure.
Comp — Deommodore Lenoir, 49ers
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