NFL Draft – CB Rankings
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18.) Dontae Johnson, North Carolina St (6’2, 200): Tall, versatile defensive back who played safety, corner, and even linebacker in college. Johnson has the size that teams are looking for right now, and helped his cause with a better than expected 4.45 40-time at the combine. Johnson has good range in coverage and is also strong against the run. If he stays at corner it will have to be in a zone coverage scheme, but is probably a better fit at safety. Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
19.) Louchiez Purifoy, Florida (6’0, 190): Purifoy has the athleticism to be great, but doesn’t make as many plays as he should with his skill set. He plays very physical and with so much swagger it’s like he’s already thinks he’s great even though he’s not there yet. He only had 2 interceptions in 3 years, so clearly ball skills aren’t a strength. One of the most overrated players in the draft. Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
20.) Travis Carrie. Ohio (6’0, 206): A big, physical corner who is strong against the run, has good ball skills, great hands, and surprising straight line speed (4.47). Carrie isn’t quick enough to be isolated in man coverage against quality NFL receivers, but he’s a great fit for zone coverage schemes. Draft projection: 5th-7th round
21.) Terrance Mitchell, Oregon (5’11, 192): Mitchell was a play-maker for the Ducks, but was inconsistent in coverage, dropped a lot of potential INTs, and doesn’t have great speed. He projects as a 3rd or 4th corner but with teams running more four receivers sets lately, defenses need as many decent corners as they can get. Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
22.) Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma (6’0, 186): Colvin is a day 2 talent who will drop due to an ACL tear during Senior Bowl week. Colvin is doubtful to be ready in time for the 2014 season, but assuming full recovery, he has #1 corner potential. Colvin has the speed, athleticism, and aggressive nature of a shut-down CB and this pick could pay off handsomely if a team is willing to be patient and stash Colvin till 2015. Draft projection: 5th-7th round
23.) Deion Belue, Alabama (5’11, 182): Good all-around skill set. A little shorter than ideal and doesn’t have great hands, but shows very good footwork and is consistently in good position to make a play on the ball. Belue should be a solid back-up corner in 2014 with starter potential down the road. Draft projection: 4th-5th round
24.) Nevin Lawson, Utah St (5’9, 190): Scrappy corner who has had a good off-season. Lawson was the best corner at the Shrine Bowl which earned him an invite to the Senior Bowl where he practiced well all week and then topped it off with a 4.46 40 at the combine. Despite his small size, Lawson is tough against the run and good in coverage as a slot corner. On talent alone he’d be a mid-round pick, but his lack of size could drop him a round or two lower than his talent warrants. Draft projection: 5th-7th round