Blake's Big Board: Ranking the Top 10 Cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft

Cincinnati has the 28th overall pick and seven total selections in this year's draft.

Author:
Parker Blake
Publish date:
Apr 21, 2023 8:28 AM EDT

In this story:

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals could address the cornerback position early in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Which guys crack the top 10 of our rankings?

Check out the complete list below. For more of our pre-draft position rankings, go here.

1. Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) celebrates a win against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports — Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Witherspoon is a competitive, patient, player who has already shown a high level of processing ability throughout his collegiate career. He needs to add some size in the NFL, but his aggressive approach helps him battle with bigger opponents.

His best fit would be in a man heavy system, but he reads plays well and maximizes his average recovery speed with above average anticipation. Witherspoon has learned how to make up for his weaknesses and will be a day 1 starter for whoever takes him in the draft.

2. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

Gonzalez is a rangy man-to-man corner. He has impressive press ability and the speed to keep up with deeper routes. It'd be nice to see him work on his jam at the line and work on his discipline in space. Though Gonzalez is on the leaner side of the scale, he's not afraid to throw himself at ball carries and does a great job of protecting himself through contact. He's a first round talent and has the ability to become an elite corner in the NFL.

3. Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

Porter Jr. has NFL offensive tackle arm length and showcases it by effectively jamming and rerouting receivers. However, if he doesn't become more discipline, he will quickly fall out of the favor of his new home at the next level.

Besides being an easy target for referees, he seemed a bit off balance more often than you'd like to see. Porter Jr. is an excited boom or bust corner that will flash in the league if he's able to maximize his ceiling in the right scheme.

4. Deonte Banks, Maryland

Nov 5, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) reacts following a play during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports — Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Banks is a strong, physical, press corner. He is able to read receivers well which allows him to better track the ball and he's not afraid to drive down in run support. His physical play style can lead to a few extra penalties throughout the season, but developing a little more discipline early in his career will allow him to flourish as a scheme versatile player.

5. Cam Smith, South Carolina

Smith is a lean, explosive corner that has the confidence and athleticism to play man-to-man coverage on the outside at the NFL level. He does have a hard time letting go of receivers and is penalized more often than you'd like. His quick processing and natural burst allow him to attack early. His physicality translates well to the run game as well, even though he's an inconsistent tackler.

Smith is a streaky player that plays with a lot of swagger. He has the traits that NFL coaches look for and is not only positionally, but schematically versatile. If he's able to clean up his game a bit, he should easily become a quality starter.

6. Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State

Forbes is coming into the Draft with the entire country worried about his size. Sitting around 6-1, 170 pounds, it should be no surprise that teams are concerned about his play strength and ability to compete with physical NFL talent.

However, when you turn on the tape, you see a player that played at a high level in the SEC and didn't hesitate to break on plays. Forbes is a confident player who can even be a bit overaggressive at times. He has shown above average instincts and impressive explosiveness when firing downhill to make plays. If you look past the thin frame, you'll see one of the top cornerbacks in this class.

7. DJ Turner, Michigan

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back DJ Turner (5) against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports — Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Turner showcased his elite speed by running the fastest 40-yard dash (4.26) at the combine and doubled down with the top 20-yard split (2.32). His above average anticipation and physical tendencies make up for his below average arm length and smaller frame.

Turner should look to improve his play strength sooner rather than later, but his developed processing and overall competitive nature should allow him to be a solid slot or CB2 at the next level.

8. Clark Phillips III, Utah

Phillips III lacks NFL size, but shows a significant amount of potential as a slot corner. He has impressive quickness against short routes and is sticky in man coverage, even against shiftier route runners. His average speed is bookended by above average burst and closing speed. While Clark's ball skills aren't worse than the other players in this class, he could be a starter early in his career as a slot player.

9. Kelee Ringo, Georgia

Ringo is an athletic and muscular athlete that should pop out to most defensive minds in the NFL. On film, he has sub-average technique and is an inconsistent player.

Though he needs to become a much more disciplined player in order to succeed at the next level, his athletic fluidity and impressive catching ability are only a couple points that show his high level of potential. Ringo will have to battle for reps early in his career, but if he's able to develop better technique, his athleticism should land him a starting job in the league during his rookie contract.

10. Tyrique Stevenson, Miami (Florida)

Stevenson is another rangy, man-press, corner that is twitchy and explosive. He has impressive recovery speed which helps offset his stiff hips in transition. It's not rare for him to get beat off the line of scrimmage, but he's often able to catch up and make plays on the ball.

His above average play strength shows in his ability to redirect receivers, but his aggression can lead to poor technique and decision making when he becomes a tackler. Stevenson is a solid outside corner option and should go into his rookie camp with potential to be a starter.

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