The Patriots need corner help. JC Jackson's departure was clearly felt. The 2022 secondary may have been one shutdown corner away from being elite. So what names are out there? Who's being mocked to the Patriots. That's what we're going to look at.
1) Christian Gonzalez, Oregon, 6'2" 200 pounds
Brentley Weissman said, "Overall, Gonzalez offers prototypical physical attributes with his size, length, and athleticism and he pairs his elite traits with outstanding instincts and refined technique. He has the potential to be a lockdown corner at the next level and could develop into a Pro Bowl player early in his career."
Tyler Forness said, "Overall, Gonzalez is arguably the best cover corner in this class. He is beyond smooth along with having top-tier size and athleticism."
2) Joey Porter Jr, Penn State, 6'2" 192 pounds
Kyle Crabbs said, "Expectations for Porter Jr. are going to be rooted firmly in where he lands from a system perspective. Press-man teams will get the most value out of him but I see a world where he’s impactful in deep third coverage as a Cover-3-heavy zone corner as well. In either outcome, this is a day-one starter for an NFL defense."
Corey Giddings said, "Porter is the best cornerback in this draft class. He may not be as polished as some of the other top cornerbacks in previous classes, but with his length and physicality, he's comparable."
3) Kelee Ringo, Georgia, 6'2" 205 pounds
Damian Parson said, "Overall, the CB1 hype for Ringo has lost legitimate steam after the 2022 season. That said, he is at worst a second-round pick. I project him to be a fit for a heavy Cover 3 defense. He can operate with match concepts and be a matchup-specific CB in man coverage. If he can begin to get his head around quicker, I can see his pass break-ups and ball production improving. Ringo looks to be a day-one starter that can protect deep thirds and funnel routes underneath and to the strength of the coverage. Only a two-year starter, he can improve the technical aspects of his game."
Brian Lamb said, "Currently, if he officially declares for the 2023 NFL Draft, I have Georgia CB Kelee Ringo slated as the top defensive back in this class. As highlighted above, he’s one of, if not the best, athletes in this class. His ability to remain with receivers downfield is something that coaches and evaluators want to see from players on Sunday."
4) Cam Smith, South Carolina, 6'0" 190 pounds
Joe Marino said, "Smith has the makings of a quality starting cornerback in the NFL and it’s not unreasonable to think he can start early in his career."
Josh Edwards said, "Smith has good speed and average top-end speed. He has some experience playing inside and outside for the Gamecocks. Physical downfield, the South Carolina native does a good job contesting at the catch point but can be too handsy downfield. He does a good job of tracking the ball through the air but only has average recovery speed. His ball production has been among the best in the nation."
5) Devon Witherspoon, Illinois, 6'0" 180 pounds
Kyle Crabbs said, "Witherspoon should have little issue appealing to NFL teams with his play style, physical skills, and versatility. The question will be whether or not teams grant him the chance to play outside or if they feel his frame limits him to only be effective in the slot. I believe he has a chance to be a winning player on the perimeter and therefore would offer him the opportunity to play there first. With more refinement, he could thrive in a man-heavy system and be an impact starter."
Derrick Bell said, "When you factor in his experience in man coverage and the amount of times he gets his hands on the football, Witherspoon could become a really attractive option with one of their first picks in April's NFL Draft."
6) Clark Phillips III, Utah, 5'10" 185 pounds
Joe Marino said, Phillips III may not check all the boxes in terms of size but he’s a damn good football player that provides every other desirable trait at a high level to be an impact starter in the NFL."
Corey Giddings said, "Overall, Clark is an outstanding cover corner who shows versatility at both the outside corner and slot positions. His ball-hawking tendencies make him an elite player and one that will be coveted at the next level. His size may be a question to play out wide, but his movement skills are more than capable of playing from the slot. He can be a Day 1 or early Day 2 selection."
7) DJ Turner, Michigan, 6'0" 180 pounds
Damian Parson said, "one of the better cover corners in the 2023 draft class. Turner’s blend of athleticism, competitiveness, instincts, and coverage flexibility gives him a high floor and ceiling heading into the NFL. Turner looks his best in tight man-to-man coverage. This is where his quiet footwork and smooth transitions are an advantage. Teams that need a young cornerback that can step into the CB2 spot as a rookie will be happy with Turner. "
Jimmy Williams said, "Average man-corner with good AA and instincts. Undersized for the position and struggles at the top of routes although is able to recover due to elite speed."
8) Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford, 6'1" 190 pounds
Damian Parson said, "Overall, Blu Kelly projects as an outside/field cornerback. I do believe there is upside to move into the slot if the matchup warrants it. He is a press-man-style corner that excels getting his hands on the receiver and staying hip to hip. There is upside to develop or become a CB1 for a defense. There is potential for him to become a shadow cornerback, following a wide receiver across formations. The physical tools/traits and coverage abilties garner day one or two consideration for the draft. "
James Fragoza said, "Nevertheless, NFL teams know what they are getting with Kelly, and that’s a damn fine corner who you can rely on in the secondary. He may not have first-round-caliber tools, but his overall profile is that of a high second or third-round pick. And with proper seasoning, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kelly start early in his career."
9) Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State, 6'0" 180 pounds
Damian Parson said, "Forbes projects as a true perimeter and outside cornerback. I do not envision him sliding into the slot at the next level. Forbes’ ball skills and return ability is an unteachable combination. He has the most pick-sixes in FBS and SEC history. Toning down on aggressiveness and being more disciplined can benefit his NFL future. The development or furthering of his technical process will be important to his ceiling. I believe he can become a CB2 for a defense."
EJ Holt said, "Emmanuel Forbes is a true ballhawk CB with great ball skills and anticipation. Forbes translates well to these modern defenses featuring 2 high safeties and employing a variety of Cover 2, 4 and 6. He does have ability in man coverage, but is truly at his best in zone coverage reading the QB and route concept. Further development in an NFL strength and conditioning program will help with his play strength."
10) Garrett Williams, Syracuse, 6'0" 190 pounds
Joe Marino said, "With Williams recovering from an ACL injury, it will be a layer to the evaluation for his next team to be mindful of and his athlete profile will be incomplete. He’s likely to start his rookie season on the PUP list. That said, Williams has the makeup of a starter with the ceiling of an impact starter in a defense that plays to his strengths."
Ian Cummings said, "His athleticism, combined with his terse physicality, can be an asset on the boundary. Even though he lacks elite size, he can be a tenacious, productive cover man."
11) Tre'vius hodges-tomlison, TCU,5'9" 177 pounds
Tyler Haskins said, "Hodges-Tomlinson’s athletic ability gives him the opportunity to contribute to an NFL defense right away. With the evolution of the passing game and speed offenses possess nowadays, he could find himself in a viable position to be a quality starter early in his career."
Ian Cummings said, "Simply put, Hodges-Tomlinson is a gnat in coverage. He’s not as big as most receivers, but he’s always buzzing around, right in your face, and doesn’t care how annoying he might be. With his sticky coverage ability, playmaking skills, and unyielding attitude in both phases, Hodges-Tomlinson can be a potentially elite slot defender, especially in zone and off-man alignments."
12) Eli Ricks, Alabama, 6'2" 190 pounds
Keith Sanchez said, "Ricks’ needed improvement as a player comes from his athletic profile. It appears that Ricks may struggle with receivers who have an explosive profile and have vertical speed to win over the top. Receivers who have short-area quickness and are explosive can put Ricks in challenging situations when he has to turn and flip his hips quickly to react or to turn and run vertically with receivers."
EJ Holt said, "Eli Ricks is a player that wins with length, ball skills, and physicality. Will be able to play CB at a high level with further development with his footwork. He looks best in zone or off man coverage where he can keep the action in front of him. Also would be best passing off coverage assignments instead of being on an island."
13) Riley Moss, Iowa, 6'1" 195 pounds
Joe Marino said, "Moss has the makeup of a player that can provide valuable depth and strong special teams contributions. In the right situation, I wouldn’t rule out him making an impact on defense given his football intelligence, ball skills, and physicality."
John Vogel said, "Riley Moss has proven to be one of the top cornerbacks in the Big Ten over the past few years. He is an incredible athlete who is good in both man and zone coverage. He is light on his feet which allows him to quickly change directions and explode toward the ball. Moss is also good at reading the play that is developing in front of him as well as reading the QB’s eyes. After reading the QB’s eyes, he can jump the route and make a play on the ball. Moss has good grip strength that allows him to hold onto the ball in congested areas and through contact. In order for Moss to be successful in the NFL, he needs to improve his ability in soft coverage. He plays the receiver under him too often allowing the receiver to make an easy catch."
14) Mekhi Garner, LSU, 6'2" 215 Pounds
EJ Holt said, "Mekhi Garner is a tall, long CB with strong PBU ability. He runs well enough to carry routes vertically, and has the size to be a factor against the run. Further development with footwork and lateral movements will greatly improve his game."
Draft Bible said, "He is a big, physical cornerback and has a very aggressive play style. Definitely better in man coverage than he is in zone coverage."
15) Quavian White, Georgia State, 5'8" 185 pounds
Oliver Hodgkinson said, "Not many players can boast the same résumé as Quavian White, a cornerback who has produced year on year since starting as a freshman in 2018. He’s snagged an interception in each season while breaking up at least two passes in all four seasons. His ability to play sticky in coverage will be alluring."
16) Brian Branch, Alabama, 6'0" 195 pounds
Keith Sanchez said, "Overall, Branch is a versatile defensive back prospect who has the ability to make plus-level plays at every alignment. But teams who draft him are also getting a player who plays with intensity and a passion for the game that can help him become an influential team leader."
Owning Jones said, "The biggest factor in Branch’s draft outlook will be based on how teams view him and what each team believe his best position to be. Branch is scheme diverse though and being able to move him about, disguising his looks will be extremely beneficial to defences."
17) Tykee Smith, Georgia, 5'10" 200 pounds
Draft Bible said, "Overall, a good all-around football player who fits the mold of what teams look for from versatility in their secondary players who can produce at multiple levels of a defense."
Draft Network said, "Tykee Smith plays a rough and physical brand of football. His toolbelt is equipped with a diverse set of tools. He’s alignment-versatile and plays split, single-high, and in the nickel in run support. He’s a reliable man option versus tight ends."
18) DJ Strigus, Missouri Western, 6'2" 200 pounds
2022 ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM
D2 FOOTBALL ELITE 100 FIRST TEAM
CLIFF HARRIS AWARD NOMINEE
19) Darrious Gaines, Western Colorado, 6'2" 200 pounds
Productive three phases player. Due to competition level, might start out as a practice squad member.
20) Montrea Braswell, Missouri State, 5'11" 185 pounds
Stan Becton said, "Montrae Braswell is a dynamic athlete on the outside of Missouri State's defense. Braswell grabbed four interceptions in 2021, earning All-American honors from multiple outlets in the secondary."
21) Cory Truce, Purdue, 6'3" 215 pounds
Ian Cummings said, "Nevertheless, in that realm, Trice can be a quality rotational cornerback early on in his career with above-average starting upside as he continues to refine his craft. It’s also possible he could transition to a hybrid safety role, considering he has the size, fluidity, route recognition skills, and pre-existing experience."
Draft Network said, "He is best in off-man coverage where he flashes an ability to click and close on underneath routes while also flashing the ability to carry vertically. Trice understands how to use his length to press receivers to the sideline, limiting the amount of space between the receiver and the quarterback. He flashes very good eyes and instincts in zone coverage and has excellent ball skills."
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