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A total of 17 personnel men were asked to rank the top cornerbacks on a 1-2-3-4-5 basis; sixteen ranked the safeties. Scoring was 5 points for a first-place vote, 4 for a second and so forth.
Terrion Arnold led the corners with seven firsts and 66 points. Following, in order, were Quinyon Mitchell (63, three), Nate Wiggins (47, two), Cooper DeJean (31, four), Kool-Aid McKinstry (29, one), Max Melton (six), Kamari Lassiter (five), Ennis Rakestraw (five), Cam Hart (one), Andru Phillips (one) and Mike Sainristil (one).
At safety, it was a chaotic situation, with seven players gaining a first-place vote and 15 players receiving a vote.
Tyler Nubin led with two firsts and 41 points. Following, in order, were Javon Bullard (35, two), Calen Bullock (34, three), Kamren Kinchens (29, two), Cooper DeJean (28, five), Cole Bishop (27), Jaden Hicks (21, one), Tykee Smith (six), Kitan Oladapo (five, one), Malik Mustapha (four), Mike Sainristil (three), Jaylon Carlies (two), Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (two), Sione Vaki (two) and Josh Proctor (one).
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CORNERBACKS
1. TERRION ARNOLD, Alabama (5-11 ½, 188, 4.51, 1): Redshirted in 2021 and made 21 starts in 2022-’23. “He’s my favorite corner,” said one scout. “He can play safety, nickel, outside corner. Really instinctive, really good at the catch point. He has played against first-round draft picks and played well against them.” Third-year sophomore didn’t run a good 40. “I wish he would have run faster but I think he’s the best pure corner,” said a second scout, adding that Arnold wasn’t close to being as good of a prospect that Sauce Gardner was in 2022. ”He was never out of control. He always got back in phase with guys. His coverage, his tackling, his ball skills … and he’s got feet and hips that are so good. He was an easy one for me. I think he’s great.” Finished with 108 tackles (7 ½ for loss), six picks and 26 passes defensed. “Arnold tries to do too much,” a third scout said. “He doesn’t play within himself. It got him in trouble at Alabama and I think it will get him in trouble in the league until he can get comfortable and settle down. He’s got a lot of talent, but it’s going to take somebody to really work with this kid. He is eminently coachable. It’s going to be a little bit of a work in progress.” A fourth scout described him as a “little immature.” Added a fifth scout: “Really, he’s just learning how to play the position. I don’t think there’s a downside. He checks so many boxes that don’t include his natural athleticism. He’s got leader written all over him. He was a safety at some point so he is (physical).” From Tallahassee, Fla.
2. QUINYON MITCHELL, Toledo (6-0, 198, 4.30, 1): Didn’t play at Toledo in 2019 because of academics before starting 40 of 46 games for the Rockets from 2020-’23. “He’s got speed,” one scout said. “Oakland Raider kind of corner. He is what he is.” On Oct, 8, 2022, he intercepted four passes at Northern Illinois, returning two for touchdowns. “It was a Deion Sanders-type performance,” a second scout said. “I didn’t want to be that high on the guy because of the people he was playing against but he might be the best. If he played at Alabama I’d probably give him a top-10 pick.” Made an impressive practice showing at the Senior Bowl. “When you go back to (2022) and watch him play against Ohio State (a 77-21 loss) he looks much more ordinary than when he was playing Senior Bowl receivers and at Toledo this past year,” said a third scout. “He wasn’t playing against NFL guys. Even at the Senior Bowl there were only a couple that were pretty good. You’re going on traits. He has outstanding movement for his size. He tested extremely well. If someone has a great nickel and is taking an outside corner, I can easily see this guy going before Arnold.” His 20 reps on the bench press led the position. “I was really impressed with him,” said a fourth scout. “Then at the combine it looked like he had never caught a ball in his life. He looked very awkward in his approach to catching the ball.” Finished with 122 tackles (6 ½ for loss), six picks and 52 passes defensed. “He’s got size, speed, quickness, strength,” said a fifth scout. “Only thing that worries you is just the level of guys he was going against consistently. Once he gets used to dealing with other (NFL) guys he’ll be able to do it … He’s willing (to tackle). I don’t know if he was saving himself in certain situations or it was that ‘I’m getting ready to go pro’ deal. Some games you could see him really selling out and other games you could kind of see him going, ‘Maybe next week.’” From Williston, Fla.
3. NATE WIGGINS, Clemson (6-1 ½, 182, 4.29, 1): Fastest corner on the board. “At the top of the stem of the route will be a major issue for him,” said one scout. “That doesn’t translate very well. The guys that lack play strength at that position, if you’re mirroring (Philadelphia’s) A.J. Brown and he snaps off a route and you don’t have play strength, it’s just too hard. He’s a good college player, and obviously teams will draft corners. He’ll go higher than he should. I don’t have conviction on him.” Weighed just 173 at the combine before adding nine pounds for pro day. “I didn’t think he was very physical,” a second scout said. “He’s quick and things like that but he plays small. Boy, he is skinny. He’s got good feet and hips. Can change direction, plays with his eyes, has ball react.” Third-year junior, two-year starter. “Better in press,” said a third scout. “When he presses and uses his size and length he can really run with guys and jam. Off the ball, he’s not a silky movement guy so play to his strengths (press). He needs to turn up his focus. He is competitive. Little bit of panic with his back to the ball but his ball skills are good. Talented guy with a little bit more to give. When he needs to do it (tackle) he’s strong and can, but this is one of those selective dudes.” A fourth scout said maturity showed help his weight and strength. “These guys grow when they get into another environment,” he said. “They’re going to start maturing and then you get heavier.” Finished with 56 tackles (three for loss), three picks and 27 passes defensed. “He improved as the season went along,” a fifth scout said. “There’s upside there. He’s the total package. It’s just a matter if he can match up the mental and the physical for the pro game. He needs some more meat but his quickness, change of direction and speed is good. He’ll be able to match up with pretty much anybody.” From Atlanta. “He’s going to go in the first,” said a sixth scout. “But you know better than anybody, Clemson DBs, there have been some busts now.”
4. COOPER DeJEAN, Iowa (6-0 ½, 202, 4.45, 1): Third-year junior. “He can do a lot of different things,” one scout said. “I like him where he played at Iowa (cornerback). He can do that. Nickel would be a good spot for him. I think there will be teams that have him at safety. Versatility is one of his biggest assets.” His third season ended with a fractured fibula in November. He worked out and tested April 8 in Iowa City, combining the 40 with a 38 ½-inch vertical jump. “That (4.45) was good given what he was coming off of,” a second scout said. “The guy can run. He only trained for a week. He was a sprint champion in the state of Iowa in high school.” Seldom played in 2021 before starting two seasons, primarily on the left outside. “We thought he could do everything,” said a third scout. “I don’t worry about that (playing in Iowa’s zone system) at all. The athlete this guy is, you watch him play basketball …. He’s not bloodthirsty but he’s solid as a tackler in space. Plays well within his speed. He’s a really good natural athlete.” Finished with 120 tackles (five for loss), seven picks and 20 passes defensed. His hands (9 5/8) were the largest of the top 10 corners. “They have the best defensive coordinator (Phil Parker) in college football,” said a fourth scout. “All they do is play zone coverage. He is not going to play outside corner. He’s going to play safety or nickel, but you can’t put him in the safety pile (because) he’s never played safety. He may be more like Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who played everywhere and turned into a really good safety and a really good nickel even though he can’t stay in the same building for more than one year because he absolutely won’t shut up.” A fifth scout doubted DeJean had “the hips for corner. He’ll struggle against some of the really good route runners.” Added a sixth scout: “You need guys that can play man coverage in the NFL and I’m not sure he’s that guy. The skill set is there. The things you’ve never seen worry you. I think he’ll probably be a better safety. The reason why is you don’t see the burst of a corner and they played zone all the time. He was a linebacker in high school. He’s an enigma in some ways.” From Odebolt, Iowa.
5. KOOL-AID McKINSTRY, Alabama (5-11 ½, 196, 4.52, 1-2): Third-year junior. “I know a lot of people are down on him,” one scout said. “He had a little bit of a down year. He had a little bit of an ‘I’m just getting through this’ kind of year. Kind of like Marvin (Harrison). But you get a big, long corner like those guys that succeed in our league. He can run. He’s got good movement. He’s a little leggy and stiff but he makes up for it with his ability to get up and press guys and mirror routes. He’s a Bama DB, which translates very well to the NFL.” Nicknamed “Kool-Aid” at a very young age. “You see this guy, he’s at Alabama, he’s got a unique name, we better make him a guy,” said a second scout. “We kind of thought he was the most overrated player in the draft. First of all, he’s fat — for a corner. His effort’s real up and down. More smooth than sudden. Really instinctive … that’s kind of his best tool in the kit. Best in press. I didn’t see a great speed guy, and the effort and tackling was inconsistent. Didn’t make a ton of plays on the ball.” Started 33 of 42 games, finishing with 92 tackles (five for loss), two picks and 25 passes defensed. “His weaknesses are warding off blocks in run support and play strength,” a third scout said. “No, no, he’s not timid. Doesn’t have much strength. Everything else he’s got. He’s a very good coverage corner. He’ll have a focus loss and give up a play, but he can be sticky on sudden or abrupt change (of direction) by the receiver.” Average workout at pro day. “I guess he’ll be taken in the first,” a fourth scout said. “I don’t see any distinguishing athletic ability. Good athlete, not great. But really a non-factor (against the run). He doesn’t even float in run support. He just absolutely refused to do anything in run support. I question this guy’s NFL temperament.” From Birmingham, Ala.
6. MAX MELTON, Rutgers (5-11, 185, 4.38, 1-2): Four-year starter. “He’s kind of what you’d expect out of a Rutgers guy,” one scout said. “He’s tough, athletic, competes hard. It’s just a matter where you take him. He’s going to play well, and for a long time. Their top guys always show up. They’re like flies. You can keep swatting at them but here they come.” His 11-4 broad jump led the position. “He was a surprise,” said a second scout. “Really talented athlete. He can really run. Held his own against Marvin (Harrison). Can press and run with guys. Real good in zone coverage. Doesn’t play strong in run (support); at 193 he should be better than he is. There’s a play against Ohio State where he chased that running back (TreVeyon Henderson) down from across the field. It was, like, ‘Whoa.’” Finished with 114 tackles (nine for loss), eight picks and 30 passes defensed. Also blocked four punts. “Little bit better tester than player,” a third scout said. “He’s not ready to be a starter. You’d like him to be your third corner. His problem is controlling his speed. He can get out of control a lot. He’s really inconsistent in coverage. He is tough as f--kin’ nails. His problem is, he’s not big. Kind of a small-frame, small-waisted guy. He will miss some tackles but he’s not afraid. Has an infectious personality. Great locker-room guy. Loves ball. Great family. You get this kid with the right coach, you’d really have something.” From Mays Landing, N.J.
Terrion Arnold led the corners with seven firsts and 66 points. Following, in order, were Quinyon Mitchell (63, three), Nate Wiggins (47, two), Cooper DeJean (31, four), Kool-Aid McKinstry (29, one), Max Melton (six), Kamari Lassiter (five), Ennis Rakestraw (five), Cam Hart (one), Andru Phillips (one) and Mike Sainristil (one).
At safety, it was a chaotic situation, with seven players gaining a first-place vote and 15 players receiving a vote.
Tyler Nubin led with two firsts and 41 points. Following, in order, were Javon Bullard (35, two), Calen Bullock (34, three), Kamren Kinchens (29, two), Cooper DeJean (28, five), Cole Bishop (27), Jaden Hicks (21, one), Tykee Smith (six), Kitan Oladapo (five, one), Malik Mustapha (four), Mike Sainristil (three), Jaylon Carlies (two), Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (two), Sione Vaki (two) and Josh Proctor (one).
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CORNERBACKS
1. TERRION ARNOLD, Alabama (5-11 ½, 188, 4.51, 1): Redshirted in 2021 and made 21 starts in 2022-’23. “He’s my favorite corner,” said one scout. “He can play safety, nickel, outside corner. Really instinctive, really good at the catch point. He has played against first-round draft picks and played well against them.” Third-year sophomore didn’t run a good 40. “I wish he would have run faster but I think he’s the best pure corner,” said a second scout, adding that Arnold wasn’t close to being as good of a prospect that Sauce Gardner was in 2022. ”He was never out of control. He always got back in phase with guys. His coverage, his tackling, his ball skills … and he’s got feet and hips that are so good. He was an easy one for me. I think he’s great.” Finished with 108 tackles (7 ½ for loss), six picks and 26 passes defensed. “Arnold tries to do too much,” a third scout said. “He doesn’t play within himself. It got him in trouble at Alabama and I think it will get him in trouble in the league until he can get comfortable and settle down. He’s got a lot of talent, but it’s going to take somebody to really work with this kid. He is eminently coachable. It’s going to be a little bit of a work in progress.” A fourth scout described him as a “little immature.” Added a fifth scout: “Really, he’s just learning how to play the position. I don’t think there’s a downside. He checks so many boxes that don’t include his natural athleticism. He’s got leader written all over him. He was a safety at some point so he is (physical).” From Tallahassee, Fla.
2. QUINYON MITCHELL, Toledo (6-0, 198, 4.30, 1): Didn’t play at Toledo in 2019 because of academics before starting 40 of 46 games for the Rockets from 2020-’23. “He’s got speed,” one scout said. “Oakland Raider kind of corner. He is what he is.” On Oct, 8, 2022, he intercepted four passes at Northern Illinois, returning two for touchdowns. “It was a Deion Sanders-type performance,” a second scout said. “I didn’t want to be that high on the guy because of the people he was playing against but he might be the best. If he played at Alabama I’d probably give him a top-10 pick.” Made an impressive practice showing at the Senior Bowl. “When you go back to (2022) and watch him play against Ohio State (a 77-21 loss) he looks much more ordinary than when he was playing Senior Bowl receivers and at Toledo this past year,” said a third scout. “He wasn’t playing against NFL guys. Even at the Senior Bowl there were only a couple that were pretty good. You’re going on traits. He has outstanding movement for his size. He tested extremely well. If someone has a great nickel and is taking an outside corner, I can easily see this guy going before Arnold.” His 20 reps on the bench press led the position. “I was really impressed with him,” said a fourth scout. “Then at the combine it looked like he had never caught a ball in his life. He looked very awkward in his approach to catching the ball.” Finished with 122 tackles (6 ½ for loss), six picks and 52 passes defensed. “He’s got size, speed, quickness, strength,” said a fifth scout. “Only thing that worries you is just the level of guys he was going against consistently. Once he gets used to dealing with other (NFL) guys he’ll be able to do it … He’s willing (to tackle). I don’t know if he was saving himself in certain situations or it was that ‘I’m getting ready to go pro’ deal. Some games you could see him really selling out and other games you could kind of see him going, ‘Maybe next week.’” From Williston, Fla.
3. NATE WIGGINS, Clemson (6-1 ½, 182, 4.29, 1): Fastest corner on the board. “At the top of the stem of the route will be a major issue for him,” said one scout. “That doesn’t translate very well. The guys that lack play strength at that position, if you’re mirroring (Philadelphia’s) A.J. Brown and he snaps off a route and you don’t have play strength, it’s just too hard. He’s a good college player, and obviously teams will draft corners. He’ll go higher than he should. I don’t have conviction on him.” Weighed just 173 at the combine before adding nine pounds for pro day. “I didn’t think he was very physical,” a second scout said. “He’s quick and things like that but he plays small. Boy, he is skinny. He’s got good feet and hips. Can change direction, plays with his eyes, has ball react.” Third-year junior, two-year starter. “Better in press,” said a third scout. “When he presses and uses his size and length he can really run with guys and jam. Off the ball, he’s not a silky movement guy so play to his strengths (press). He needs to turn up his focus. He is competitive. Little bit of panic with his back to the ball but his ball skills are good. Talented guy with a little bit more to give. When he needs to do it (tackle) he’s strong and can, but this is one of those selective dudes.” A fourth scout said maturity showed help his weight and strength. “These guys grow when they get into another environment,” he said. “They’re going to start maturing and then you get heavier.” Finished with 56 tackles (three for loss), three picks and 27 passes defensed. “He improved as the season went along,” a fifth scout said. “There’s upside there. He’s the total package. It’s just a matter if he can match up the mental and the physical for the pro game. He needs some more meat but his quickness, change of direction and speed is good. He’ll be able to match up with pretty much anybody.” From Atlanta. “He’s going to go in the first,” said a sixth scout. “But you know better than anybody, Clemson DBs, there have been some busts now.”
4. COOPER DeJEAN, Iowa (6-0 ½, 202, 4.45, 1): Third-year junior. “He can do a lot of different things,” one scout said. “I like him where he played at Iowa (cornerback). He can do that. Nickel would be a good spot for him. I think there will be teams that have him at safety. Versatility is one of his biggest assets.” His third season ended with a fractured fibula in November. He worked out and tested April 8 in Iowa City, combining the 40 with a 38 ½-inch vertical jump. “That (4.45) was good given what he was coming off of,” a second scout said. “The guy can run. He only trained for a week. He was a sprint champion in the state of Iowa in high school.” Seldom played in 2021 before starting two seasons, primarily on the left outside. “We thought he could do everything,” said a third scout. “I don’t worry about that (playing in Iowa’s zone system) at all. The athlete this guy is, you watch him play basketball …. He’s not bloodthirsty but he’s solid as a tackler in space. Plays well within his speed. He’s a really good natural athlete.” Finished with 120 tackles (five for loss), seven picks and 20 passes defensed. His hands (9 5/8) were the largest of the top 10 corners. “They have the best defensive coordinator (Phil Parker) in college football,” said a fourth scout. “All they do is play zone coverage. He is not going to play outside corner. He’s going to play safety or nickel, but you can’t put him in the safety pile (because) he’s never played safety. He may be more like Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who played everywhere and turned into a really good safety and a really good nickel even though he can’t stay in the same building for more than one year because he absolutely won’t shut up.” A fifth scout doubted DeJean had “the hips for corner. He’ll struggle against some of the really good route runners.” Added a sixth scout: “You need guys that can play man coverage in the NFL and I’m not sure he’s that guy. The skill set is there. The things you’ve never seen worry you. I think he’ll probably be a better safety. The reason why is you don’t see the burst of a corner and they played zone all the time. He was a linebacker in high school. He’s an enigma in some ways.” From Odebolt, Iowa.
5. KOOL-AID McKINSTRY, Alabama (5-11 ½, 196, 4.52, 1-2): Third-year junior. “I know a lot of people are down on him,” one scout said. “He had a little bit of a down year. He had a little bit of an ‘I’m just getting through this’ kind of year. Kind of like Marvin (Harrison). But you get a big, long corner like those guys that succeed in our league. He can run. He’s got good movement. He’s a little leggy and stiff but he makes up for it with his ability to get up and press guys and mirror routes. He’s a Bama DB, which translates very well to the NFL.” Nicknamed “Kool-Aid” at a very young age. “You see this guy, he’s at Alabama, he’s got a unique name, we better make him a guy,” said a second scout. “We kind of thought he was the most overrated player in the draft. First of all, he’s fat — for a corner. His effort’s real up and down. More smooth than sudden. Really instinctive … that’s kind of his best tool in the kit. Best in press. I didn’t see a great speed guy, and the effort and tackling was inconsistent. Didn’t make a ton of plays on the ball.” Started 33 of 42 games, finishing with 92 tackles (five for loss), two picks and 25 passes defensed. “His weaknesses are warding off blocks in run support and play strength,” a third scout said. “No, no, he’s not timid. Doesn’t have much strength. Everything else he’s got. He’s a very good coverage corner. He’ll have a focus loss and give up a play, but he can be sticky on sudden or abrupt change (of direction) by the receiver.” Average workout at pro day. “I guess he’ll be taken in the first,” a fourth scout said. “I don’t see any distinguishing athletic ability. Good athlete, not great. But really a non-factor (against the run). He doesn’t even float in run support. He just absolutely refused to do anything in run support. I question this guy’s NFL temperament.” From Birmingham, Ala.
6. MAX MELTON, Rutgers (5-11, 185, 4.38, 1-2): Four-year starter. “He’s kind of what you’d expect out of a Rutgers guy,” one scout said. “He’s tough, athletic, competes hard. It’s just a matter where you take him. He’s going to play well, and for a long time. Their top guys always show up. They’re like flies. You can keep swatting at them but here they come.” His 11-4 broad jump led the position. “He was a surprise,” said a second scout. “Really talented athlete. He can really run. Held his own against Marvin (Harrison). Can press and run with guys. Real good in zone coverage. Doesn’t play strong in run (support); at 193 he should be better than he is. There’s a play against Ohio State where he chased that running back (TreVeyon Henderson) down from across the field. It was, like, ‘Whoa.’” Finished with 114 tackles (nine for loss), eight picks and 30 passes defensed. Also blocked four punts. “Little bit better tester than player,” a third scout said. “He’s not ready to be a starter. You’d like him to be your third corner. His problem is controlling his speed. He can get out of control a lot. He’s really inconsistent in coverage. He is tough as f--kin’ nails. His problem is, he’s not big. Kind of a small-frame, small-waisted guy. He will miss some tackles but he’s not afraid. Has an infectious personality. Great locker-room guy. Loves ball. Great family. You get this kid with the right coach, you’d really have something.” From Mays Landing, N.J.