2015 Draft: Cornerback Rankings

Oh we aren’t done yet. We have been breaking down the 2015 NFL draft class rankings for over a week now and we are now ready to give you the ranking of my favorite position: the cornerbacks.

Disclaimer as usual I am not Mel Kiper or Todd McShay nor do I pretend to be them. I simply go with my own gut and instinct when ranking these players. Usually I do a good job, but as always I get stuff wrong as well.

Rankings below with my thoughts in italics:

1. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
What can I say about Ifo that I haven’t already. I am one of the few people that are still extremely high on him because I see a Pro Bowl corner without question. He throws his body around in the run game like a much bigger player would. Recognizes the ball and recovers better than anyone else in his class. Dare I compare him to Champ Bailey?

2. Marcus Peters, Washington
You can read more on Peters here, but I do think he will be a very good NFL corner. He’s a bigger corner who isn’t afraid to mix it up. He looks somewhat hesitant at times to put his body at risk and make hard tackles but I think that’s more due to his off the field disagreements with the coaching staff. I also believe this coaching staff was equally to blame in handling their disagreements with Peters his last season. Ultimately he will be a solid pick in the 20-42 range.

3. P.J. Williams, Florida State
Tons of potential. Textbook tackler which will go a long way on the next level. Plays with his hands down-field a bit too much. Doubtful that will fly in the NFL.

4. Jalen Collins, LSU
Honestly not sure if he should have declared. There is a lot to like about the 6’2 corner but he may fit better as a corner in a zone defense or converting to safety altogether. Will have to prove he can play man against NFL #2’s with legitimate track speed (think Terrance Williams.) I think his entire draft stock between 2nd round or worse will come down to his 40 time.

5. Trae Waynes, Michigan State
Another bigger corner (6-1+) with a questionable 40 time. I edge Collins as he has gradually continue to improve over the past two years. Waynes is very physical and uses his size to frustrate receivers. Goes up and attacks the ball at it’s highest point.

The Rest:

6. Ronald Darby, Florida State
7. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
8. Doran Grant, Ohio State
9. Alex Carter, Stanford
10. Quandre Diggs, Texas