2024 NFL Draft: Cornerback Rankings
As we approach the 2024 NFL draft, it’s time to take a closer look at where players rank in their respective positions. One of the most unpredictable positions is cornerback, which might be the most unpredictable position. Jeff Okudah, who was taken third overall in the 2020 draft, has been a major disappointment, but in 2022, the Jets found success in selecting Sauce Gardner as their franchise cornerback with the fourth overall pick. To determine these rankings, we consider the player’s athleticism (measured by their RAS Score) and how well they fit into the modern NFL defense, as well as their performance in college.
10: T.J. Tampa | Iowa State |
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 189 lbs.
RAS: N/A
T.J. Tampa out of Iowa State is a skilled outside corner with great arm length and the ability to jam receivers at the line. His fluidity allows him to transition seamlessly at all levels of the field and make exceptional plays on the ball. He is better suited for zone defense but can still play man at a decent level. Moreover, he is willing to get involved in the run game. Tampa is an instinctive corner who can make game-changing plays at the NFL level. He is a second-round talent who could potentially become a steal in the mid-rounds if he falls even further.
9: Cam Hart | Notre Dame |
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 202 lbs.
RAS: 8.93
Cam Hart has the ideal build and length to be a press corner in the NFL. His physical attributes are unmatched, making him a pure freak of nature for the cornerback position. However, he needs to work on his instincts and his ability to make plays on the ball. Fortunately, these are teachable skills that can be developed with the right coach. Hart’s athleticism is impressive enough for some teams to reach on him based solely on his potential. As a former receiver, he has a high football IQ, and with improved instincts and fluidity, he could become a formidable playmaker.
8: Mike Sainristl | Michigan |
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 182 lbs.
RAS: 8.39
Mike Saunristl is a former receiver who now plays as a slot corner. His style of play reflects his past experience as he has a deep understanding of offensive schemes and is capable of running routes for the receiver at times. Sainristl is a high-energy player who is not afraid to get scrappy and physical with anyone on the field. He plays with great enthusiasm and intensity, making him a valuable asset to any team. He is also an excellent tackler and an effective blitzer, despite his lack of size. Although he may be small, he makes up for it by outworking his opponents and playing as if he’s 6’4″. Teams in need of a slot corner should consider drafting him in the mid-rounds of the draft.
7: Max Melton | Rutgers |
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 187 lbs.
RAS: 9.58
Max Melton has an impressive RAS score which indicates that he is a very natural athlete. At the combine, he excelled in the broad jump and the 40-yard dash. In zone coverage, he is a force to be reckoned with, showing some elite anticipation. Melton is a player who just plays with an incredibly high motor and wants to get involved in every play, including being a willing run defender. If he refines some of his techniques, then his athleticism and instincts could make him a playmaking machine. Melton is one of the most exciting players in this cornerback class. His freaky athleticism is going to help him rise on many draft boards.
6: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. | Missouri |
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 183 lbs
RAS: 7.2
Rakestraw Jr. is best suited to play on the outside in man coverage. At the combine, he didn’t show the athleticism that was expected of him, which was slightly disappointing. However, he compensates for this with his exceptional skills in man coverage. He is an intelligent player who doesn’t have to rely on athleticism to outdo the receiver. Additionally, despite being undersized, he is a great tackler and a willing defender when it comes to stopping the run. His technique is one of the best among cornerbacks in this class, and if his athletic score at the combine was just a fluke, Rakestraw Jr. could be an excellent steal.
5: Cooper DeJean | Iowa |
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 203 lbs.
RAS: N/A
Cooper DeJean is considered to be the top cornerback in his class by many experts, and it’s not hard to see why. He is an exceptional athlete, one of the best overall athletes in his class. His zone defense skills are elite, with a quick backpedal and incredible recovery time. He can play anywhere on the field and always looks comfortable, no matter where he is asked to play. He has a strong frame and muscles, and his length adds to his overall strength. However, DeJean’s biggest weaknesses may be his injury history, average hip fluidity, and balance, which could cause some teams to be hesitant about taking him in the first round. Despite this, many teams are still expected to take a chance on him.
4: Kool-Aid McKinstry | Alabama |
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 199 lbs.
RAS: 7.06
Kool-Aid McKinstry, one of the best names in football, has experienced a decent fall from his initial projected draft position at the beginning of the season. However, he is a smart player who displays elite fluidity and never backs down from contesting a pass. He is versatile in different defensive schemes, showcasing the physicality to play press man and the agility and quick reaction to react in zone coverage. His main weakness is that he is susceptible to being stacked by opposing players when going deep. Nonetheless, McKinstry displays poise and patience when the ball is in the air, giving himself ample time to adjust and make a play on the ball. Despite his recent drop in draft boards, he had a great showing at Alabama’s pro day, which may help him work his way back up the draft boards.
3: Terrion Arnold | Alabama |
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 189 lbs.
RAS: 9.22
Terrion Arnold is quickly gaining recognition as one of the most exceptional cornerbacks in his class. With his explosive athleticism, he has a rare ability to make plays regardless of the defensive scheme. His physicality throughout the entire route is a testament to his excellent conditioning and technique. Arnold’s footwork is top-notch and among the best of his peers at the cornerback position. He has a technical ability that allows him to tightly contest any receiver in press-man coverage. Arnold’s previous experience playing safety is evident in his downfield aggressiveness as he wraps up and hits hard when needed. His high IQ further sets him apart, and it’s no surprise that he is likely to be drafted early. With such a remarkable skill set, he could very well be the first cornerback off the board.
2: Nate Wiggins | Clemson |
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 173 lbs.
RAS: 9.43
Nate Wiggins is a speedy athlete who recently recorded a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He possesses the necessary physical attributes and length to become an exceptional outside cornerback in the NFL. Wiggins displays exceptional skills in both man coverage and cover 3 defense. His lateral transitioning is remarkable, allowing him to swivel and move laterally faster than anyone else in his class. Wiggins has a great instinct and reaction time, enabling him to read the quarterback’s eyes and make a play on the ball. His incredible speed makes it impossible for receivers to outrun him downfield. However, he needs to be more involved in stopping the run since he sometimes appears hesitant. Wiggins may have the most talent in his class, but it remains to be seen if he relies too much on his speed or if he can translate his skills to the NFL level.
1: Quinyon Mitchell | Toledo |
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 195 lbs.
RAS: 9.79
Quinyon Mitchell is an exceptional cornerback prospect who has been performing exceptionally well this offseason. He has the highest RAS score and has demonstrated great field vision, instincts, and ball skills, making him a standout player in his class. He is a high-energy player who is always willing to get involved in tackling. Mitchell is versatile and can play in both man and zone coverage, but he particularly excels in zone coverage. With his elite athleticism and ball skills, Mitchell is an excellent prospect and is the best cornerback prospect in the draft.
Main Photo Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
