The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 cornerbacks in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
Allowed a mind-boggling 3.3 yards per target last season, per Pro Football Focus. At his best sagging off in coverage and using his instincts to drive on the ball (14 pass break-ups). Feisty tackler close to line of scrimmage.
Takes some chances (four interceptions) because of his recovery speed (4.38-second 40-yard dash). Well-suited physically to play press coverage and could run blitz with commitment to tackling. Former track star still developing finer points of technique.
Namesake son of former Pro Bowl linebacker possesses enough of his father’s physicality to reroute receivers. Long-striding speed to cover deep (only one catch of 15-plus yards allowed). Curiously only one career interception because he mostly knocks down passes.
Stock rising after a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and 42-inch vertical leap at the combine. Ideal for press coverage, but seems to lose track of the ball — a formula for penalties — when running downfield with his head turned. Willing tackler and special-teamer.
Set FBS record with six (of his 14 career) interceptions returned for touchdowns, including three last season. High-points jump balls. Fits zone or man schemes, but could struggle against physical receivers until his lanky frame fills out.
Good news: 20 passes defended, including four interceptions, over last two seasons. Bad news: 10 penalties in 2022, per Pro Football Focus. Not easily fooled by complex route combinations. Not a big help against the run.
A 4.26-second 40-yard dash will cover up a lot of warts in scouting. Easy movements when forced to flip hips and run with shifty receivers on restart or a double move. Misses tackles, which is a concern in slot.
Stock slipped last season as he was targeted frequently in two playoff games. Elite speed as seen on pick-6 to clinch 2021 national title. Jars the football loose even when boxed out. Could have to switch to free safety for a man coverage defense, a scout told ESPN.
Potential steal. Short slot corners supposedly need to run faster than a 4.51-second 40-yard dash. But the tape is good — and not just his six interceptions last season. Will be a coach’s favorite because of study habits.
Size is better used in run support than press man coverage. Zone scheme fit who could make move to safety. Made 32 career starts for Iowa and Kansas State. Forced two takeaways in Big 12 title game.
Tyrique Stevenson, Miami, 6-0, 198 pounds
Senior Bowl standout showed an ability to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage. Doesn’t panic when he falls a step behind because he can rip a ball out of the breadbasket.
Eli Ricks, Alabama, 6-2, 188 pounds
Freshman All-American at LSU in 2020 who missed 10 games over the next two seasons due to injury and struggled to find snaps at Alabama. Swagger outweighs production. Good ball skills, but too reliant on natural talent.
Nic Jones, Ball State, 6-0, 189 pounds
Developmental project who only has played cornerback for six years, including high school, and started just six college games before last season. Good fit for press man coverage, but victim of double moves.