By Michael Stewart/@golferbad
This will be part 12 in a series of 13 as we review the cornerback position in the upcoming 2021 NFL draft. Many football analysts have viewed the cornerback class a little thin than previous years. I see an abundance of talent throughout the first three rounds of this draft as it could thin out a bit on Day 3. Let’s take a look at my Top 10 cornerbacks in the 2021 NFL draft.
Patrick Surtain II (Alabama)-6’2/203: Surtain is extremely versatile and can play both man and zone coverage well. Surtain has good size and speed to handle any wide-out and can be used in blitzes packages.
Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech)-6’2/207: Farley is a pure play maker with a rare blend of size, length, quickness and athleticism. Farley excels in man coverage and has a higher ceiling that Partick Surtain in my opinion in the NFL.
Jaycee Horn (South Carolina)-6’0/200: Horn played the slot in 2018 and then on the outside in 2019 and 2020. Horn has good size, length and the physical traits NFL teams will covet. Only drawback to Horn’s game is his below average open field tackle percentage.
Tyson Campbell (Georgia)-6’2/185: Campbell has that pro-style NFL body you want in a CB and he utilizes it well as an elite cover man. Campbell needs to find a little more consistency in his game at the next level.
Eric Stokes Jr. (Georgia)-6’1/185: Stokes has played well in both man and zone coverage despite lacking that elite speed you like to see in a CB. Stokes relies on instincts and anticipation as a playmaker.
Asante Samuel Jr. (Florida State)-5’10/185: Samuel is a bit undersized, but is an excellent in man coverage as he mirrors opposing wide-outs well. Samuel could possible swift over to the slot in the NFL, but has the ability to stay outside.
Infeatu Melifonwu (Syracuse)-6’3/210; Melifonwu’s long ranging frame enables him to blanket his coverage assignment. Melifonwu possesses solid ball hawking skills and is efficient against the run.
Shaun Wade (Ohio State)-6’1/195; Wade has dropped from this list since the start of the season, but maintains top 10 status. Wade could eventually transition to safety in the NFL to keep him away from speedy receivers and maximize his talents.
Greg Newsome II (Northwestern)-6’1/190: Newsome has demonstrated excellent ball skills to go along with his ability to handle man coverage. Newsome plays with a little grit and doesn’t shy away from contact.Aaron Robinson (UCF)-6’1/193: Robinson played the slot mostly at UCF and seems to destine to that position in the NFL. Robinson is a sound tackler and will often times take chances.
The Giants could be looking for a cornerback in the upcoming draft to play alongside James Bradberry at the CB2 position. The question is: when will GM Dave Gettleman address the cornerback position in the draft? Currently; Julius Love, Darney Holmes and Sam Beal will be competing for the CB2 spot so depending how the draft unfolds, I foresee the Giants selecting a corner no early than round 3 as there should be ample talent still available for them when they select in the 3rd round or even early on Day 3.