FanPost

2015 NFL Draft: Cornerbacks

I have to admit that the toughest position for me to figure out is defensive back and especially corners. The "numbers" are very important at the corner position. Not only do they need great technique but running fast and jumping high matter a lot at corner. Some guys have the 4.4 forties and all that and can't cover their grandmother, and some guys that show great cover skills in college, just can't keep up with the speed of the NFL.

Cornerback is the toughest position to play in the league.A friend once told me that a good corner "has to keep up with a receiver that runs a 4.4 and he has to do it running backward" and he can't even breath on the guy or its a penalty.

Cornerbacks:

  1. Trae Waynes- 6 foot tall and 186 pounds, runs a 4.31 forty and went to college at Michigan State. Waynes is a shut down corner, that can run with speedy receivers and big enough to play tall ones. He sticks to his man like glue and he is solid tackler. Easy top of the first round pick.
  2. Kevin Johnson- 6 foot and 188 runs a 4.52 and went to Wake Forest. He gave up 24 completions in 12 games in the tough SEC. He has rare coverage ability, but may need some work in the weight room. Needs work playing the run, but could be a solid nickel corner right away.
  3. Jalen Collins- 6'1" 203 pounds runs a 4.48 forty from LSU. Has a lot of talent and is the consensus number 2 corner available. He stays with his man but they catch the ball when he can't find it. Leotis McKelvin anyone. Could turn out to be a real good player, but needs coaching.
  4. Ronald Darby- 5'11" and 193 pounds runs a 4.38 forty from Florida State. This kid can't catch the ball, you can see why he is defensive back and not a receiver. BUT it is hard to find anyone get open on him, he is the best nickel corner in this draft and will contribute from day 1.
  5. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu- 5'9" and 192 pounds ran a 4.4 forty (before injury) and went to Oregon. This kid was easily the number one corner in this draft before he tore his ACL in practice for his bowl game. He has great video is a real solid tackler. He reminds me a lot of Antoine Winfield and he will slip because of his injury. You may have to wait for him to play, but if he comes back healthy the patience will be rewarded.
  6. Byron Jones- 6'1" and 200 pounds runs a 4.36 forty and can jump over tall buildings in a single bound. His long jump at the combine would have been a world record. He has a 44.5 vertical and his athletic talent is off the charts. So why rate him 6th? He seems to have a hard time staying with his man for the whole play, and doesn't have good reaction the the ball. I think he would be best at FS in the NFL and not corner, but that's just me.

Boom or Bust: Craig Mager from Texas State. He is 5 foot 11 and 192 pounds and runs a 4.44 forty. He was impressive at the East-West Shrine game. He is solid in coverage and has good ball skills. He is good hitter and can cover man to man. He could play nickle right away and returns punts. Could be a real steal in the 5th round.

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.