The NFL Scouting Combine is right around the corner. Here is a pre-combine breakdown of our top five cornerbacks heading into Indianapolis.
MORE PRE-COMBINE POSITION RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR/TE | OL | DT | DE | LB
Recruiting: Ward was offered by Ohio State at summer camp and he committed to the Buckeyes before he left campus. Kentucky, Rutgers, Washington State, Cincinnati and others were involved.
Career stats: In the last two seasons, Ward totaled 60 tackles, two interceptions and 24 pass deflections.
Buzz: Ward is expected to put up impressive numbers at the combine, which could solidify his status as the first cornerback taken off the board.
Farrell’s take: Ward made some big plays this year that have everyone talking and his ability to play the football is impressive. He wasn’t filled out in high school despite having a solid frame and average height to work with. He was better on offense than he was on defense, so you can see where his ball skills come from and despite his lack of size, he was a willing tackler. He’s the next in line at Ohio State to land in the first round and this one is a bit of a surprise.
Recruiting: Jackson committed to Iowa in August before his senior season shortly after a visit with the Hawkeyes. The two-star prospect had Nevada and Colorado State in his top three.
Career stats: This past season, Jackson compiled 48 tackles, eight interceptions and 18 pass deflections, by far his best year out of three at Iowa.
Buzz: Jackson had a phenomenal third season with the Hawkeyes, but can he continue that pace and prove he’s one of the best corners available with a strong showing at the combine?
Farrell’s take: Jackson was a lightly-recruited two-star prospect out of high school and it was unclear whether Iowa would use him on offense or defense. He had good length but was very light and not very strong or physical. He has taken the next step in that department in college. One thing he always had was ball skills which he showcased on offense in high school. He’s among the best in the country out of the defensive backs in that category and those ball skills could put him in round one.
Recruiting: Rated as a four-star athlete, Hughes signed with North Carolina before transferring to UCF. Out of high school, Hughes chose the Tar Heels over NC State and Florida.
Career stats: In one season at UCF, Hughes had 49 tackles, four interceptions and 11 pass deflections.
Buzz: If Hughes performs well in Indianapolis, he can move up draft boards because corners are taken early. Some thought he should have returned to UCF for more seasoning.
Farrell’s take: A four-star at our athlete position out of high school, Hughes could have played offense or defense and special teams. He was regarded by some to be the best pure athlete to come out of North Carolina that recruiting year so his impact, albeit delayed, is not a surprise. He’s instinctual, quick in run support and can be left on an island so watch for him to land in the first or second round.
Recruiting: A former Ohio State commitment, Davis backed off that pledge following a late visit to Auburn and decided to sign with the Tigers.
Career stats: Davis totaled 136 tackles, four interceptions and 28 pass deflections in three seasons at Auburn. He also forced three fumbles.
Buzz: There seem to be mixed reviews on Davis as some have him as a first-round pick and others place him much further down the board.
Farrell’s take: Davis was tall, angular and covered a lot of space as a cornerback out of high school. He had good instincts although his technique was slightly awkward as he was growing into his tall frame. Davis was a guy I could see growing into a free safety or staying at cornerback. He needed to work on his run support, but made up a lot of ground in the passing game by being so long. He dominated the Semper Fi All-American Bowl week and it would have been interesting to see him in one of the two big all-star games. He’s a tall corner scouts like. Davis takes chances and tries to lay the big hit too often but his upside is impressive.
Recruiting: An outstanding receiver and defensive back in high school, Oliver picked Colorado in early December of his senior season. New Mexico was his only other offer.
Career stats: In three seasons at Colorado, Oliver compiled 82 tackles, three interceptions and 25 pass deflections. Twelve of those 25 came this past season.
Buzz: There are also reviews all over the board on Oliver, who has tremendous size, speed and length but has not dominated like maybe he should have at times.
Farrell’s take: Oliver’s ability to get his head around and play the ball has been noticed and his ball skills are excellent. A low three-star out of high school and projected as a safety, he was not heavily recruited at all mainly due to questions about his ability to cover in space and speed. He was thin but had a tall frame and always had solid ball skills, and he has taken that to the next level in college.
