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NFL Draft debate: Cornerback

As the NFL Draft nears, there will be more debates about which player should be chosen first at a specific position. Cornerback is the next position National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell and Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst Adam Gorney debate.

RELATED: Wide receiver | Defensive tackle | Defensive end | Linebacker

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FARRELL: ARTIE BURNS, MIAMI

Artie Burns (left)
Artie Burns (left)

Why Burns is No. 1: This was a tough call because a very deep draft at cornerback led to more questions than answers when watching the film. And Burns isn’t exactly the most consistent corner in the world, especially as a tackler, but I like a few things about him better than some of the bigger names.

He’s much taller and longer than Vernon Hargreaves, he’s more natural in his hips and more fluid on the outside than Jalen Ramsey and has less question marks than guys like Kendall Fuller (injury), Eli Apple (still question playing speed) and others. Burns is an elite athlete in short bursts as one of the best 60-meter hurdlers in college, his ball skills are off the charts, he has long arms and a tall, rangy frame he can fill out. I love his confidence and cockiness. I think one of the corners not named Ramsey or Hargreaves, both likely top 10 picks, will end up having a bigger impact in college and Burns has that ceiling.

Call me crazy but I am not sold on Hargreaves and still think Fuller is the best instinctual cornerback in the draft without his injury question mark, but I also love Burns.

Farrell’s NFL comparison: Desmond Trufant, Atlanta Falcons

Farrell’s Top 5 at CB:

1. Artie Burns, Miami

2. Jalen Ramsey, Florida State

3. Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech

4. Eli Apple, Ohio State

5. Vernon Hargreaves, Florida

GORNEY: VERNON HARGREAVES III, FLORIDA

Vernon Hargreaves III
Vernon Hargreaves III (Getty Images)

Why Hargreaves is No. 1: I will admit that Hargreaves’ listed height of 5-foot-10 at the combine will be a concern going into the NFL, but I’m not overly worried about it. There is too much to like.

First, he’s incredibly explosive (as shown by his excellent vertical leap and broad jump numbers) and he’s super quick-twitch, where he can break on the ball to make a play. He has tremendous body control, he can turn and run with receivers and he will high point the football better than most taller receivers because of his explosiveness. Of course I would take Ramsey first, but he’s a safety in the NFL and we’re talking about pure corners here.

Hargreaves would be a steal outside the top 10 in the draft. Not only is he the son of a coach so he knows the game well, he has the athleticism and technique to back it up (although I will admit I wish he was at least 6-foot).

Gorney’s NFL comparison: Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns

Gorney's Top 5 at CB:

1. Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida

2. Mackensie Alexander, Clemson

3. Eli Apple, Ohio State

4. William Jackson III, Houston

5. Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech

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