See my other NFL Draft positional analyses here:
Offense: QB/WR/RB/TE/OT/G-C
Defense: CB/S/ILB/OLB/DE/DT
1. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
With 41 tackles and 7 interceptions, Gilbert is a well-rounded corner back. He seems to be a smart back who plays well in zone and man-to-man coverage. Gilbert keeps his head on a swivel in zone coverage and has the speed to keep up with most receivers in man-to-man coverage. He also has an uncanny ability to get his hands up and break up passes. While I wouldn't say Justin Gilbert has above average hands, he has good enough hands to create turnovers when put in the position. Gilbert did not have as successful of a year as his previous season with Oklahoma State but shows plenty of potential to be a number one corner back in the NFL. He also has the ability to return kicks.
Grade: A
2. Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
Kyle Fuller is probably the one of the most aggressive corner backs in this year’s draft class. He has a great football sense and is incredible in run defense. While Kyle Fuller was nursing a shoulder injury for the majority of last season, he played great in his season opener against the highly ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. After his injury, his production dropped, and questions arose about his speed and man coverage ability. Fuller has tons of potential but may be undervalued due to his injury this past season.
Grade: A-
3. Jason Verrett, TCU
At right under 5’ 10”, Jason Verrett is more than likely all over the place on peoples draft boards. With the recent success of Seattle’s tall defensive backs, teams may avoid Verrett early and instead choose to go with someone with a little bit more size. This could come back to haunt those teams as Jason Verrett is a very fundamentally sound corner back in most facets of the pass game and is actually above average against the run despite his size. He has the speed to keep up with most receivers but probably will have trouble with the bigger receivers. Jason Verrett has above average hands and has the ability to make athletic interceptions. Durability may be a question following a torn meniscus at the end of his 2012 season but continued to finish the year.
Grade: A-
4. Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
Dennard is best categorized as a physical corner back. He possesses great football instincts with good enough speed. While NFL corners such as Richard Sherman may hurt some smaller corners stock, Sherman’s recent success may help Darqueze Dennard’s stock increase. Dennard thrives as a press corner, but is somewhat solid in man-to-man and zone coverage. A huge knock on Dennard is durability. As a senior, he hasn't had a 100% healthy season throughout his tenure at Michigan State. Dennard has suffered shoulder, knee, and ankle injuries, as well as a sports hernia and concussion. Despite his durability issues, he is a fundamentally sound corner. He has proved critics wrong by running an above average 40 yard dash.
Grade: B+
5. Marcus Roberson, Florida
Marcus Roberson is a very strong man-to-man corner back. While he did not put up the big stats that some other corners may have, his man coverage skills really stick out. Roberson seems to have slightly above average speed as well. He missed three games this season with a PCL strain but showed the ability to play through the pain. Roberson wasn't completely consistent with down performances against LSU and Georgia, but should still be a solid corner in the NFL.
Grade: B-
6. Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State
Lamarcus Joyner plays bigger than he really is. At just over 5’ 8”, Joyner’s size will still hurt him. He shows above average speed, but sometimes has trouble keeping up with the more agile receivers. Joyner is physical for his size, and could potentially switch to safety. Lamarcus Joyner has not suffered injuries at Florida State and has been said to have a great work ethic. Regardless of size, Joyner shows potential to be a solid defensive back in the NFL.
Grade: B-
