Top 10 Cornerbacks in the NFL Draft

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Apr 16, 2010

Top 10 Cornerbacks in the NFL Draft

Joe Haden

A projected early first-round pick, Haden is widely considered the top corner in this year's draft. Haden snatched a team-leading four interceptions in 2009 for the Gators, and his blend of athleticism and playmaking in coverage outweigh his disappointing performance at the NFL Combine.

Kyle Wilson

Despite coming from an unheralded conference, Wilson is expected to come off the board in the first round of the draft because of his elite ballhawking (8 interceptions over the past two seasons) and good strength for the corner position. Wilson makes big plays in big games -- he had two interceptions in Boise's 2008 win over Oregon.

Devin McCourty

Scouts love McCourty's instincts, work ethic, and durability in spite of his slender build and inconsistency against bigger receivers. McCourty's identical twin brother Jason (who also attended Rutgers) was drafted in the sixth round of last year's draft by the Titans, leaving Devin to pick up All-Big East honors on defense and impress on special teams.

Kareem Jackson

Jackson opened eyes with a sub-4.5 40-time at the combine, proving he has the speed to hang with elite NFL receivers. Bama coach Nick Saban begged Jackson to bring his skills back to school, but supreme confidence, quickness, and hands make Jackson a projected late-first or early-second round selection.

Patrick Robinson

Robinson burst on the scene in 2007 with 6 interceptions in only five starts. The Seminole corner has all the elite physical tools to develop into a top defensive back in the pros, but his inconsistent play gives scouts pause. His freakish athleticism has never been questioned, but Robinson has at times failed to make big tackles or gotten beat in key situations.

Perrish Cox

After returning the opening kickoff of his first game as a freshman for a touchdown, Cox ended his college career as one of the most productive corners and return men of the last four years, capping it all off with 4 interceptions in 2009. Cox's speed and ability to produce on special teams make him an attractive pick, but hesitations remain about his maturity and fundamentals.

Alterraun Verner

By all accounts, Verner's technique needs work and he can stand to add bulk to his frame, but there's no question he was highly productive for the Bruins. In his time at UCLA, Verner pulled down 13 interceptions, returning four for scores and adding another TD off a blocked field goal.

Dominique Franks

Franks had 6 interceptions over the past two seasons and generated enough interest from scouts to make the leap to the NFL after his junior campaign. He has the size and natural ability to man up against pro receivers, but teams hope that he can become even more physical and build on his confidence and leadership skills.

Kevin Thomas

Hobbled by injuries throughout his five years at USC, Thomas heads into the draft with little hype but plenty of skills. He has good size for a corner and has an explosive first step to the ball (he ran the 40 in 4.48 seconds). But Thomas has yet to realize his potential, and has been criticized for being fooled too easily on double moves.

Chris Cook

Held back only by off-the-field issues and injuries, Cook is an intriguing prospect because of his unique size (6-foot-2, 212 pounds) and strength (143 career tackles at UVA). His four picks in 2009 proved he has soft, quick hands, and he has been mentioned as a potential candidate to move to safety in the NFL.