2024 NFL Draft: Top 10 Cornerbacks

This cornerback class may not have any Sauce Gardner or Derek Stingley Jr. caliber prospects, but it is incredibly deep. There are at least six cornerback prospects consistently mocked in the first round, and many more who could go early on day two. Because of this, the tiers are rather large and seen quite differently by many among the draft community.

Before getting into the top ten cornerbacks, I want to bring to light one notable exclusion. Cooper DeJean is not in these rankings because I have him listed as a safety. He may end up playing outside cornerback in the NFL, but he seems to be more of a chess piece who can play any defensive back position on the field.

All ten of these cornerbacks will likely see the outside, but some may end up being moved into the slot. Either way, I fully expect all of these names to be called before the end of day two come draft day. Below are three strengths and three weaknesses for each of the top ten corners in this year's draft class.

Top 10 Cornerback Prospect Strengths and Weaknesses

1. Ga'Quincy "Kool-Aid" McKinstry - Alabama

Film Grade: Early-Mid First

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 195lbs

Overview:

Kool-Aid may end up being a top ten pick. He is such a lock down press man corner that he did not see half as many targets come his way as he saw last season. He can play in any scheme and completely shut down his side of the field. If it weren't for middling top-end speed, he would be considered a unanimous blue chip talent.

Strengths:

1. Hips - His pivots, depth, and fluidity are all elite.

2. Tight Press - He can line up as close to the line of scrimmage as he wants and will always be able to stay with his man. His footwork and effortless movement skills make him sticky against most outside receivers throughout their entire route tree.

3. Build - His length and movement skills are tailor-made for the position.

Weaknesses:

1. Inside Deep Routes - He covers the deep boundary really well, but if a speedster gets the inside track, then McKinstry could allow a big play.

2. Gauging Speed - He is occasionally caught off guard by his opponent's speed. He will be practically jogging with his man, then need recovery speed because the receiver hit the jets. He needs to improve his every down play speed from an effort and anticipation standpoint.

3. Ball Hawking - Two career interceptions, with none coming in 2023.

2. Quinyon Mitchell - Toledo

Film Grade: Mid First

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 195lbs

Overview:

The small school stud is rising through draft boards, but he is difficult to assess against the level of competition he has faced. He is rarely asked to play press, and likely hasn't received the same caliber coaching as most of these other prospects. That said, he may have the most crisp hip flips and transitions in the entire class. He not only has the single highest PFF grade (91.6) of all 862 cornerbacks this season, but he had the highest PFF grade (92.5) of all 917 cornerbacks in the 2022 season as well. He has dominated the competition allowing only 53 receptions on 131 targets with 27 PBUs over the last two years. With absurd metrics, lighting fast feet, and excellent instincts, Mitchell may easily end up being the best cornerback in this class when all is said and done.

Strengths:

1. Hip Rotation - Genuinely has the most rapid hip flip in the class. The quickness in which he can redirect his entire body is beyond impressive.

2. Reading the Quarterback - He reacts incredibly quickly to the quarterback's movements. He has reps where he begins closing underneath before the ball is fully out of the quarterback's hand.

3. Catch Point - With excellent spring and long arms, Mitchell is feisty and naturally impressive at the catch point.

Weaknesses:

1. Open Field Footwork - He is occasionally inefficient on his pivots in the open field. He also has some awkward movements that are not necessarily negative, but are worth monitoring as he enters the NFL.

2. Run Defense - While he is a solid tackler overall, he is not quick to come downhill in run defense.

3. Press Experience - He is not asked to press too often, and the competition he is facing is already subpar. Anyone in his situation may have difficulty transitioning to playing press man coverage against NFL wide receivers.

3. Kamari Lassiter - Georgia

Film Grade: Mid-Late First

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 180lbs

Overview:

Lassiter was my number two corner for the longest time. He is the best cover three corner in class, and is serviceable in other schemes as well. He may not have the physical appeal as some of these other top prospects, but he can close and lock down receivers underneath as well as anyone from off coverage. He is a high floor prospect with great positioning and a translatable game to the next level.

Strengths:

1. Cover-3 - He is a versatile prospect who can play effectively in any type of coverage, but will thrive in Cover-3. His spacing, open field movements, and timing may just make him the single best Cover-3 player in this draft.

2. Keeping Low - Staying low in the open field allows him to quickly accelerate in any direction and rarely get caught out of position.

3. Pivots - His pivots are smooth and quick with great hip angles and footwork regardless of the direction he is going or was previously.

Weaknesses:

1. Ball Hawking - Despite playing wide receiver in high school and having talent evaluators write about his ability to high point the football, he does not actively seek the ball while in coverage. Low PBU and interception numbers over his college career.

2. Size - While not egregiously undersized, he could afford to gain a bit of mass for durability purposes.

3. Recovery Speed - There are some questions surrounding his recovery speed in theory, although it rarely shows up as an issue on tape.

4. Terrion Arnold - Alabama

Film Grade: Late First

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 196lbs

Overview:

Despite only being a redshirt sophomore, the former five star recruit truly had a breakout season. Arnold is a lockdown press man corner with great ball skills and refined footwork. Cornerbacks with much more experience than he has often do not play with his nuanced understanding of press coverage. That said, he is not the perfect prospect and has a lot to learn off the line. He allowed more receptions this year than his teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry saw targets in nearly equal snap counts, with Kool-Aid actually seeing more coverage snaps on the season. Arnold allows too much underneath from off coverage, and could still afford to work on his zone positioning. Even so, the 20-year-old stud has first round talent and the potential to be molded into a superstar at the next level.

Strengths:

1. Press Footwork - His press footwork is impressive and consistent each and every game. His mirroring is among the best in class.

2. Single-Step Pivots - His pivots and open field movement skills in general are highly refined and efficient.

3. Recovery Speed - He just does not get beat deep from any coverage type.

Weaknesses:

1. Cushion - He often allows too much space underneath in off and zone coverage.

2. Comeback Routes - His stickiness underneath on quick timing and comeback routes could use some work. He allows too many first downs along the sideline.

3. Zone Positioning - Zone positioning is actually a strength on most reps. He is just more inconsistent in zone than he is in man coverage, likely stemming from some inexperience as a redshirt sophomore.

5. Denzel Burke - Ohio State

Film Grade: Late First

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 190lbs

Overview:

The physicality that Burke utilizes to his advantage is impressive, but borderline concerning. While only drawing two penalties on the year, his physical nature may lead to more calls against him in the NFL. His open field movements are crisp, but almost appear clunky at times. Much like Quinyon Mitchell, he does not appear to be the most fluid player, but his footwork and explosiveness speak for themselves. He is clearly strong for his size, aggressive, matches up well against larger opponents, and I think that his skill set will translate well to the NFL.

Strengths:

1. Physicality - He not only jams effectively at the line, but maintains contact often through the duration of entire routes.

2. Click and Close - Burke closes in with a single acceleration step from off-coverage very quickly without much delay on his first step.

3. Staying Low at the Line - He rarely pops up early, and uses his low hips to stay with receivers following false moves and throughout shorter routes.

Weaknesses:

1. Top End Speed - Burke struggle deep against burners from off coverage.

2. Handsy - He maintains contact throughout routes, but may be a bit grabby for the NFL. This could arise more often when in recovery mode.

3. Clunky Movements - This isn't necessarily a knock against his ability, but his movements are not the smoothest. They are still effective and efficient, but he does not have the same smooth style of moving as prospects such as Kool-Aid McKinstry.

6. Nate Wiggins - Clemson

Film Grade: Early Second

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 185lbs

Overview:

Wiggins is typically ranked as the number one or two cornerback in this class, which is very understandable. He has great tools, movement skills for his size, and decent ball skills. He only allowed 18 receptions on 41 targets this year, with 9 of those receptions coming in the final two games. While he has everything he needs to be great at the next level, his stickiness downfield scares me. He allows separation over the top far too often, and it does not get exploited nearly as much in college as it will in the NFL. While I think that he will be drafted in the first round, and deservedly so, I do think that people often overlook this particular weakness if they do not dive as deep into his film.

Strengths:

1. Length - Ideal height for the position with long arms that he uses well at the catch point.

2. Foot Speed - Very quick feet for his size.

3. Underneath Press - His press coverage ability on underneath routes is tremendous. He has the type of stickiness expected from sub-6' nickel corners.

Weaknesses:

1. Full Pivots from Backpedal - His hips are often high when he pivots to run with his man. This leads to him slowing down slightly, and some better deeper threats have been able to gain a step because of it.

2. Mirroring Hopstep - He will occasionally hopstep on lateral breaks, making him susceptible to false and double moves.

3. Contested Catch Positioning - He is great at breaking up passes on the fly, but lacks the functional strength to reliably gain positioning on bigger receivers in true contested catch situations despite his size.

7. Caelen Carson - Wake Forest

Film Grade: Early-Mid Second

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 195lbs

Overview:

Carson is a tone setter whose aggression occasionally may get the best of him. He wants his opponent to know who's boss, and he isn't afraid of a little extracurricular activity. Carson is a raw prospect with unbelievably quick feet, but he is a bit more focused on shutting down his man than looking for the ball. With high-end movement skills and potential with aggression to spare, coaches are going to fall in love with him come draft time despite most consensus lists leaving him outside of the top ten at the position.

Strengths:

1. Aggression - Extremely aggressive player who can occasionally go overboard. He flies downhill and loves contact. Carson is a great run defender who can play both inside and out.

2. Foot Speed - His foot speed and pivots are elite. His footwork can be cleaned up a bit, but he has high-end potential.

3. Stickiness - He can lock down his man at any level of the field. His click and close from off coverage is superb, and his ability to stick with his man throughout any route is uncanny.

Weaknesses:

1. Hips Raise on Contact - He pops up occasionally upon making contact, allowing receivers to gain an instant step on proceeding breaks if Carson is too aggressive.

2. Ball Hawking - He prefers to look to break up a pass at the catch point by watching his man as opposed to seeking the ball in the air. He posted zero interceptions over the last two seasons. That said, he does read screens quite well from off coverage.

3. Zone Coverage - Not only does he lack anticipation, but he occasionally makes incorrect reads. Carson may just need coaching, but he is currently more of a man corner who could end up moving more into the slot. He has the open field movement skills to become elite, but has a lot to learn.

8. Kalen King - Penn State

Film Grade: Mid Second

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 191lbs

Overview:

After an incredible 2022 season, King had a rather disappointing year. People love pointing to the Ohio State game where he did not have his best showing against Marvin Harrison Jr., but I think that his season is being a bit overblown. Judging exclusively from this year's tape, King is easily a second round prospect. He is physical, scheme versatile, and is naturally smooth in the open field. I think that his floor is as a nickel corner who understands the run game and can make an impact in any type of coverage. I also think that he could become a good outside corner in the right scheme. While not the top 10-20 pick he was billed to be after last year, he is a great prospect who may still end up being drafted on day one.

Strengths:

1. Physicality in the Run Game - King gets after it against the run. He comes downhill hard and isn't afraid to collide with bigger running backs.

2. Scheme Versatile - He can play inside and outside in any type of coverage.

3. Lateral Acceleration - Has excellent innate lateral acceleration and overall fluidity when he keeps his hips low.

Weaknesses:

1. Maintaining Contact on Acute Pivots - His hips are fluid enough to execute just about everything needed from press coverage, but he does not always stay with his receiver when pivoting.

2. Shallow Routes from Soft Coverage - He allows too much space underneath, even when there is no threat over the top. This leads to teams converting and moving the chains far too easily.

3. Double Moves - Receivers lose him too reliably on double moves.

9. Josh Newton - TCU

Film Grade: Mid-Late Second

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 190lbs

Overview:

This grade has been absolutely all over the place. It started as a late first after the SMU game before moving to a late third after Baylor. Upon rewatching a lot of his tape, his grade fell somewhere in between those two extremes. Newton is a strong player in both press man and zone coverage, and could also make an immediate impact in off man schemes. The fifth year corner has ample experience at the position, and it shows up on tape. He may not be the fastest player downfield, but Newton is smart, physical, and is a high-floor prospect regardless of scheme.

Strengths:

1. Spacing in Press - His spacing at the line of scrimmage allows him to be a rather reliable press man corner, especially when his opponent is working the boundary.

2. Zone Positioning - He is excellent in zone, but is also a scheme-versatile prospect who can play well in just about any system as an outside corner.

3. Ball Skills - Very physical corner who is disruptive at the catch point and gets his head around for the ball despite only having six PBUs on the season.

Weaknesses:

1. Recovery Speed - If he loses a step behind his opponent, then the receiver can usually pull away.

2. Off-Man Pivots - He is often a bit late to pivot and accelerate, and has too many lazy reps in the open field regarding his footwork. Speed and double moves occasionally beat him deep despite having many reps demonstrating that he is capable of excellent open field footwork.

3. Deep Coverage - He is relatively sticky close to the line of scrimmage, but his ability to stay with his man diminishes the farther they get downfield.

10. TJ Tampa - Iowa State

Film Grade: Early Third

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 200lbs

Overview:

TJ Tampa is going to blow up the combine. A big reason he squeezed into the top ten is because of his raw potential at the position. If he does not show athletic superiority to many of the others on this list, then his grade may drop rather significantly. Much like Kelee Ringo out of Georgia last season, his press footwork and off coverage positioning are often suboptimal. Tampa is a project with high-end NFL potential, but is a risky prospect to select early on in the draft.

Strengths:

1. Click and Close - Footwork, initial burst, and closing speed are all impressive.

2. Redzone - The physical bigger-bodied corner can disrupt receivers at the line as well as at the catch point.

3. Athleticism - It is clear that he is absolutely going to light up the combine. His linear speed and explosiveness are outstanding.

Weaknesses:

1. Press Footwork - His footwork in press coverage is choppy and causes him to lose more reps than he should.

2. Flat-Footed - This is correctable because he actually has quick feet and good movement skills, but his tendency of remaining static and flat-footed in the open field must be addressed.

3. Double Moves - He gets turned around too easily by double moves.