2019 NFL Draft Preview: Cornerbacks

The Dolphins will enter the 2018 NFL season with a respectable CB group. I think Xavier Howard got better as the season went on last year and could be poised for a big season. Assuming he’s healthy, Tony Lippett is a bigger CB with tremendous upside. Bobby McCain was recently given a new contract and in my opinion played very well as a slot corner last year.

Throw in where Fitzpatrick will play, the Dolphins are really pretty good at CB but, I believe I’ve said this before, you can never have too many CBs and DEs. I like the young prospect Armstrong we drafted and we do have some young guys that need to develop, but depth is always needed and CB should not be ignored.

This potential draft class has a lot of different flavors in it; and to dive into it there is no better place to start than at the college that has produced some stud NFL CBs the last couple years....Ohio St.

Damon Arnette, Ohio St. (Jr)

Arnette has been my favorite CB to scout so far this year. I think he’s extremely quick, uses his hands well, great in man coverage and has good speed. I love his aggressiveness; he’s extremely tough and is a violent hitter. He looks for the big hit, throws his body around with no hesitation; its fun to watch. Right now, he’s my top guy and could be a high draft pick next year.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

DeAndre Baker, Georgia (Sr)

Baker is another one of my top CBs for next year’s draft. He is a tough, physical corner that is good in coverage and in helping out in the ground game. I think he’s got all the tools you need to be a successful CB in the NFL. I have some concerns on his overall speed but with a good season this year he could be one of the top CBs in this draft.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Andraez ‘Greedy’ Williams, LSU (RS Soph)

Greedy Williams gets a lot of attention in this draft class and rightfully so. He’s a huge CB that is a phenomenal athlete. He moves well and uses his hands effectively. He’s also very young though and I think he still has a lot of growing and learning to do. I think he needs to play a little more disciplined, work on his footwork and learn to use his elite body size more to his advantage. Williams has NFL talent, and could declare if he has a big season; but if you asked me right now, I’d say he won’t be in this draft class.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Lavert Hill, Michigan (Jr)

Hill is a guy who doesn't get a ton of attention but is a really solid football player. He’s tough, good tackler, not afraid to hit, good hand use and pretty good in coverage. I think he’s got fluid hips and his change of direction speed is impressive. He isn’t flashy but he’s a fighter. I think his footwork needs improvement, (mainly stop getting caught flat-footed) but I like Hill.....with a big year he could declare for this draft.

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Julian Blackmon, Utah (Jr)

I only have watched 2 games on Blackmon but he’s quickly becoming one of my favorite prospects. He’s a good corner with ball hawking skills. I think he flies to the ball and plays smart. Now, like I said I need to do a lot more film breakdown on him but I like what I am seeing on Blackmon.

Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Blace Brown, Troy (Sr)

Blace Brown is another guy I have only watched 2 games on. So, on my limited breakdown of him, I think he’s quick, has a great reaction/ change of direction speed, does not hesitate to hit and has pretty fluid hips. He does a good job of keeping his eyes on the QB and making a play on the ball. I definitely need to do more film breakdown on him but I see a lot of potential in Brown.

Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

Trayvon Mullen, Clemson (Jr)

Mullen is a good size guy that has great potential. He breaks on the ball well, has a good back peddle and has fluid hips. I think he plays with good awareness and recognizes play well. However, he is a not a physical guy in coverage or in the ground game. I hate his tackling. I think that needs to improve drastically. I also think he needs improve on the details of his game (footwork, hand use, ect.).

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Juan Thornhill, Virginia (Sr)

Thornhill is a physical guy that isn’t afraid to help out in the ground game. He uses his hands well and has a great break on the ball. I think he is more of a CB/S type guy though. I have concerns on his overall speed and the tightness in his hips. I’ve seen him get beat deep too many times for my liking. He’s got potential but I’d like to see him play more under control this year.

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Other CBs to watch.....

Amani Oruwariye, Penn St. (Sr)
Ken Webster, Ole Miss (Sr)
Julian Love, Notre Dame (Jr)
Montre Hartage, Northwestern (Sr)
Blessuan Austin, Rutgers (Sr)
Kris Boyd, Texas (Sr)
Jordan Miller, Washington (Sr)
Iman Marshall, USC (Sr)
Jamel Dean, Auburn (Jr)
Alijah Holder, Stanford (Sr)
Trevon Diggs, Alabama (RS Soph)
Mook Reynolds, Virginia Tech (Sr)
Nik Needham, UTEP (Sr)