tynimiller
Cheesehead
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- May 2, 2012
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It's been broken down time and time again that cornerback is a massive position of need. Right now players with experience this last season that are here next season for sure are:
Jaire Alexander - who may very well not even be here next season.
Carrington Valentine - Has had growth moments, struggle moments, but all and all if we had a CLEAR CB1 I worry far less about Carrington being opposite than I likely should.
Keisean Nixon - I'm not a fan depending on him being a starter anywhere, outside, inside...doesn't matter.
No one else has experience but of course PS type signees we just have are Isaiah Dunn, Kamal Hadden, Kaleb Hayes and Kalen King.
So clearly Corneback is a position of need...now the concensus seems to be and I agree (although I'm not a Hunter fan) that you have to be in the top 12 to have a shot at:
Travis Hunter CB/WR Colorado or Will Johnson CB Michigan
After that is where the battle for who is the third corner seems very split across the board. I've been analyzing these CBs about as deep already as I usually do clear through April, I've began calling on scouting friends of mine and trying to get a feel for what the league seems to think. There is a lot of testing, interviews and such to happen but the primary guys on most next up and potential first rounders are:
Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame - seems the most concensus to be #3, had he not been injured early in this season and unable to play for ND at all even into the CFP does hurt some recognition but most folks I spoke to agree with me, he's an elite outside CB and they fully expect he plays as such at the next level if all meds check out which it seems they should.
Shavon Revel CB East Carolina - I wanted to see him play another season so bad. This dude is just special from a physical traits side of things... 6'3' 193lbs and just a flat physical nasty player who loves to tackle and will absolutely lower the boom if needed. His length, hips, and explosiveness keep him in stride with many of the even swiftest WRs...the only flags on him of course are medicals checking out that he's fully back and healthy but then moving with his back to the QB and timing. While his high pointing abilities are insane, and his hands are solid...his timing sometimes is hit or miss.
Jahdae Barron CB Texas - This dude who just wrecked offenses for two years straight primarily out of the slot was moved out wide this 2023 season and just continued to do what he does, illustrating that he is not just a slot corner. This diversity in where he can line up for him isn't as hypothetical as some others as he's proven it now. A passer rating against him of only 33.1 with no TDs and 5 INTs is special and his zone coverage grade per PFF is over 91 at 91.8. He isn't quite the six foot threshold GB seems to like but at 5'11' his arm length seems adaquate and his 200 lb frame illustrates why he can hit like he does and not suffer healthy issues along the way.
Now those are the consistently brought up three names after the top shelf two...but there are some others that I think with a strong spring and testing we could hear their names sneak into the backside of the first...or be there day 2 for GB...
Trey Amos CB Ole Miss - Some already are claiming he's a first rounder, others say third. Me personally he has a 2nd round + grade. The plus is something I tack onto prospects that I see traits that push them above their otherwise grade given...so I lean more on those that are strong on him. He's 6'1' 190lbs and has been on a college football journey...three years he played at UL (Ragin Cajuns) and by year two there he was becoming the CB no one attacked (77.2 and 71.5 grade overall in 21' & 22' seasons) and then he went to Alabama and while he didn't see the amount of snaps he'd hoped (he did see 340) and was one of the best rated DBs on their team. Ole Miss provided him a chance to continue going up against the best (SEC) and be a team's true CB1. What he did was incredible posting a 85.6 PFF overall defensive grade a 75+ grade in both man and zone coverage while being a staunch run defense supporter too. Trey elevated his career chances multiple times and achieved success at each chance...he's not going to flinch if asked to be CB1 in the NFL either IMO.
Maxwell Hairston CB Kentucky - I had Maxwell on first rounder watch before the season started and I'm not sure I ever really moved him off or on...a lot of that is because I just cannot come to grips on him exactly for me. PHysically he is leaner but checks everything at 6'1' 185lbs. Twitchy explosive type athlete that has great instincts and football IQ...his leaner frame and his lack of technique in press man (his hand technique especially) needs a ton of help. But line him off and tell him to be a football player and he is typically lights out as a defender. He like Az next are also one of the younger CBs in this draft, so while his grading actually sunk some compared to last year, he still didn't allow a TD, has 6 INTs over two years and has played well against high level characters. Do I think I'd understand taking him Day1...I'm leaning to no, but he is a name you'll hear and one you shouldn't fear to be called just know there is some growth at least IMO needed for sure and isn't quite the end of first round type for me.
Azareye'h Thomas CB FSU - This is the guy outside of Porter I'm the lowest on when watching the film, but will admit - he is just that good of an athlete that it almost looks blah at times? Possibly...this dude is a massive check the boxes though 6'2' 198lbs and less than 21 years old still....which is massive these days with redshirt years and covid years....but Az has been rock steady for FSU over the last few years, doesn't allow a lot of receptions to occur and when they do they're almost always wrapped up on the spot. He is a physical press man style CB which is another reason I think GB could really fall in love with him, as we see perhaps Hefley run some more man concepts even on zone calls if he gets the right guys in. The sad fact is folks, he was on a TERRIBLE team and yet despite that he looked very good....that is a challenge not a ton of folks can accomplish. Keep Az's name handy because he is very GB - ish.
Zy Alexander CB LSU - So I'm a little strong on Zy compared to many in my scouting circles...folks this dog has fight. Playing three years first at Southeastern Louisianna due to be unrated out of high school - he dominated everything he saw there so much so LSU couldn't ignore it and grabbed him through portal. Week 8 against Army of the 2023 tragedy struck...he tore his ACL. He didn't blink, and this past season by week 2 Zy Alexander was to many THE LSU defender everyone feared. He put up a 53.2 passer rating when targeting him, an 82.9 overall PFF rating and more importantly he told the NFL I'm not down, I'm still that guy and I'm ready. 6'2' 194lbs he's the prototypical GB type frame and while he isn't a lightning runner, he is quick, hips in coverage just roll in a proactive response to the WR and he can and will be a playmaker if given the chance. I'm very high on Zy...while I have a second round grade on him, if there is a rush of CBs and you hear Gute bring Zy Day1 - there is a lot to like about the pick. Want to watch some special film...watch Zy shut down Ole Miss and their awesome WR this past year....insane.
Darien Porter CB Iowa State - listed in many places as 6'4' 200lbs this red shirt senior presents a massive mismatch physically given his stature and the fact that he is a converted WR 2022. After having some nagging health issues keeping him out of some contests in 2023, 2024 season finally saw him able to lay a season of work out there and he did well quite epic, but still struggled to stay out on the field. BUT when he was out there QB's passer ratings when targeted was a ludacris 4.7 - yes just a 4.7 rating. He chipped in 3 INTs on those targets. Speaking of which teams only targeted him 17 times...that is just crazy. I personally have a third round + grade on him but could absolutely understand and see him get nabbed well before my grading. I just wish he had a season of 500 plus snaps at the position to show...but sometimes bad luck happens and that hesitation could keep you from a dynamite player too...
Let's talk about the next cluster of guys...I won't make such long notes for time sake:
Mello Dotson CB Kansas - 6'1' 190lb guy, excellent hands (9 INTs in 2 years), does well in man or zone and has over 2100 snaps in last three years outside. I have him as a second round grade
Dorian Strong CB Virginia Tech - Dorian is 6'1' 185lbs and put up a second straight solid year on the outside for VT, experienced both in zone and man concepts and is an excellent tackler for a CB. I have him as a third round +
Quincy Riley CB Louisville - I had him before season as Day1 watch, never reached that, but this 6 foot 193lb corner is exceptional in some things but not bad in anything across the board. I have him as a 3rd round grade+...8 Ints across three years, tons of snaps outside.
Denzel Burke CB Ohio State - He never became that true lock down CB, anything before the 3rd I'd be made, 4th on I'd be happy
Davison Igbinosun CB Ohio State - Massively gifted CB, but is quick to grab and led in penalties amongst DBs...I wouldn't consider till fourth or fifth...and likely not even then.
Cobee Bryant CB Kansas - Cobee is a guy I love, more than most. Bryant did fail against the dynamite WR duo at Iowa State in their match up, but I like a lot of Bryant and think
Few other guys I'm finalizing my feelings on you might hear folks bring up:
Jacob Parrish CB Kansas State
Nohl Williams CB California
Tommie Hill CB Nebraska *I do like Tommie and had him as a top 75 guy heading into the year
Jaylin Smith CB USC
Jabar Muhammad CB Oregon *only sub 5'11' guy i'd consider as of now...
Shamari Simmons CB Arizona State - slot guy I like late...
Jaire Alexander - who may very well not even be here next season.
Carrington Valentine - Has had growth moments, struggle moments, but all and all if we had a CLEAR CB1 I worry far less about Carrington being opposite than I likely should.
Keisean Nixon - I'm not a fan depending on him being a starter anywhere, outside, inside...doesn't matter.
No one else has experience but of course PS type signees we just have are Isaiah Dunn, Kamal Hadden, Kaleb Hayes and Kalen King.
So clearly Corneback is a position of need...now the concensus seems to be and I agree (although I'm not a Hunter fan) that you have to be in the top 12 to have a shot at:
Travis Hunter CB/WR Colorado or Will Johnson CB Michigan
After that is where the battle for who is the third corner seems very split across the board. I've been analyzing these CBs about as deep already as I usually do clear through April, I've began calling on scouting friends of mine and trying to get a feel for what the league seems to think. There is a lot of testing, interviews and such to happen but the primary guys on most next up and potential first rounders are:
Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame - seems the most concensus to be #3, had he not been injured early in this season and unable to play for ND at all even into the CFP does hurt some recognition but most folks I spoke to agree with me, he's an elite outside CB and they fully expect he plays as such at the next level if all meds check out which it seems they should.
Shavon Revel CB East Carolina - I wanted to see him play another season so bad. This dude is just special from a physical traits side of things... 6'3' 193lbs and just a flat physical nasty player who loves to tackle and will absolutely lower the boom if needed. His length, hips, and explosiveness keep him in stride with many of the even swiftest WRs...the only flags on him of course are medicals checking out that he's fully back and healthy but then moving with his back to the QB and timing. While his high pointing abilities are insane, and his hands are solid...his timing sometimes is hit or miss.
Jahdae Barron CB Texas - This dude who just wrecked offenses for two years straight primarily out of the slot was moved out wide this 2023 season and just continued to do what he does, illustrating that he is not just a slot corner. This diversity in where he can line up for him isn't as hypothetical as some others as he's proven it now. A passer rating against him of only 33.1 with no TDs and 5 INTs is special and his zone coverage grade per PFF is over 91 at 91.8. He isn't quite the six foot threshold GB seems to like but at 5'11' his arm length seems adaquate and his 200 lb frame illustrates why he can hit like he does and not suffer healthy issues along the way.
Now those are the consistently brought up three names after the top shelf two...but there are some others that I think with a strong spring and testing we could hear their names sneak into the backside of the first...or be there day 2 for GB...
Trey Amos CB Ole Miss - Some already are claiming he's a first rounder, others say third. Me personally he has a 2nd round + grade. The plus is something I tack onto prospects that I see traits that push them above their otherwise grade given...so I lean more on those that are strong on him. He's 6'1' 190lbs and has been on a college football journey...three years he played at UL (Ragin Cajuns) and by year two there he was becoming the CB no one attacked (77.2 and 71.5 grade overall in 21' & 22' seasons) and then he went to Alabama and while he didn't see the amount of snaps he'd hoped (he did see 340) and was one of the best rated DBs on their team. Ole Miss provided him a chance to continue going up against the best (SEC) and be a team's true CB1. What he did was incredible posting a 85.6 PFF overall defensive grade a 75+ grade in both man and zone coverage while being a staunch run defense supporter too. Trey elevated his career chances multiple times and achieved success at each chance...he's not going to flinch if asked to be CB1 in the NFL either IMO.
Maxwell Hairston CB Kentucky - I had Maxwell on first rounder watch before the season started and I'm not sure I ever really moved him off or on...a lot of that is because I just cannot come to grips on him exactly for me. PHysically he is leaner but checks everything at 6'1' 185lbs. Twitchy explosive type athlete that has great instincts and football IQ...his leaner frame and his lack of technique in press man (his hand technique especially) needs a ton of help. But line him off and tell him to be a football player and he is typically lights out as a defender. He like Az next are also one of the younger CBs in this draft, so while his grading actually sunk some compared to last year, he still didn't allow a TD, has 6 INTs over two years and has played well against high level characters. Do I think I'd understand taking him Day1...I'm leaning to no, but he is a name you'll hear and one you shouldn't fear to be called just know there is some growth at least IMO needed for sure and isn't quite the end of first round type for me.
Azareye'h Thomas CB FSU - This is the guy outside of Porter I'm the lowest on when watching the film, but will admit - he is just that good of an athlete that it almost looks blah at times? Possibly...this dude is a massive check the boxes though 6'2' 198lbs and less than 21 years old still....which is massive these days with redshirt years and covid years....but Az has been rock steady for FSU over the last few years, doesn't allow a lot of receptions to occur and when they do they're almost always wrapped up on the spot. He is a physical press man style CB which is another reason I think GB could really fall in love with him, as we see perhaps Hefley run some more man concepts even on zone calls if he gets the right guys in. The sad fact is folks, he was on a TERRIBLE team and yet despite that he looked very good....that is a challenge not a ton of folks can accomplish. Keep Az's name handy because he is very GB - ish.
Zy Alexander CB LSU - So I'm a little strong on Zy compared to many in my scouting circles...folks this dog has fight. Playing three years first at Southeastern Louisianna due to be unrated out of high school - he dominated everything he saw there so much so LSU couldn't ignore it and grabbed him through portal. Week 8 against Army of the 2023 tragedy struck...he tore his ACL. He didn't blink, and this past season by week 2 Zy Alexander was to many THE LSU defender everyone feared. He put up a 53.2 passer rating when targeting him, an 82.9 overall PFF rating and more importantly he told the NFL I'm not down, I'm still that guy and I'm ready. 6'2' 194lbs he's the prototypical GB type frame and while he isn't a lightning runner, he is quick, hips in coverage just roll in a proactive response to the WR and he can and will be a playmaker if given the chance. I'm very high on Zy...while I have a second round grade on him, if there is a rush of CBs and you hear Gute bring Zy Day1 - there is a lot to like about the pick. Want to watch some special film...watch Zy shut down Ole Miss and their awesome WR this past year....insane.
Darien Porter CB Iowa State - listed in many places as 6'4' 200lbs this red shirt senior presents a massive mismatch physically given his stature and the fact that he is a converted WR 2022. After having some nagging health issues keeping him out of some contests in 2023, 2024 season finally saw him able to lay a season of work out there and he did well quite epic, but still struggled to stay out on the field. BUT when he was out there QB's passer ratings when targeted was a ludacris 4.7 - yes just a 4.7 rating. He chipped in 3 INTs on those targets. Speaking of which teams only targeted him 17 times...that is just crazy. I personally have a third round + grade on him but could absolutely understand and see him get nabbed well before my grading. I just wish he had a season of 500 plus snaps at the position to show...but sometimes bad luck happens and that hesitation could keep you from a dynamite player too...
Let's talk about the next cluster of guys...I won't make such long notes for time sake:
Mello Dotson CB Kansas - 6'1' 190lb guy, excellent hands (9 INTs in 2 years), does well in man or zone and has over 2100 snaps in last three years outside. I have him as a second round grade
Dorian Strong CB Virginia Tech - Dorian is 6'1' 185lbs and put up a second straight solid year on the outside for VT, experienced both in zone and man concepts and is an excellent tackler for a CB. I have him as a third round +
Quincy Riley CB Louisville - I had him before season as Day1 watch, never reached that, but this 6 foot 193lb corner is exceptional in some things but not bad in anything across the board. I have him as a 3rd round grade+...8 Ints across three years, tons of snaps outside.
Denzel Burke CB Ohio State - He never became that true lock down CB, anything before the 3rd I'd be made, 4th on I'd be happy
Davison Igbinosun CB Ohio State - Massively gifted CB, but is quick to grab and led in penalties amongst DBs...I wouldn't consider till fourth or fifth...and likely not even then.
Cobee Bryant CB Kansas - Cobee is a guy I love, more than most. Bryant did fail against the dynamite WR duo at Iowa State in their match up, but I like a lot of Bryant and think
Few other guys I'm finalizing my feelings on you might hear folks bring up:
Jacob Parrish CB Kansas State
Nohl Williams CB California
Tommie Hill CB Nebraska *I do like Tommie and had him as a top 75 guy heading into the year
Jaylin Smith CB USC
Jabar Muhammad CB Oregon *only sub 5'11' guy i'd consider as of now...
Shamari Simmons CB Arizona State - slot guy I like late...
