This is the year of the cornerback, not only star-studded but with incredible depth too. Here we have the top 10 rankings for the 2018 NFL Draft.
1) Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
Although Fitzpatrick was listed as a safety at Alabama, I believe his future will be best suited at the CB spot and because he says it’s the position he is most comfortable in. Either way, his versatility is welcomed and can play in either spot an be dominant enough to be #1 in either position in this draft. Good feet with the ability to transition backward and forward smoothly around the field. Gets to top speed quickly. He is very smart and is ballhawk when quarterbacks throw his way. Fitzpatrick is extremely well rounded, he is solid in run support and can cover outside, in the nickel and over the top. He is a good tackler in the open field and can be a dangerous blitzer.
2) Josh Jackson, Iowa
Jackson had a very productive year in 2017, amassing 8 (leads all NCAA!) interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 18 passes defended and a forced fumble. The all-American is a true ballhawk at the position and has the size scouts covet at the position and has very long arms. He is an instinctive player who is always aware of where the ball is at any moment. He doesn’t allow many touchdowns thrown his way. There are questions being raised about his top speed and tackling, the combine will provide answers for the speed part.
3) Denzel Ward, Ohio State
Ward is a freak athlete who is expected to light it up at the Combine. He is very patient from press showing no panic or hurry in initial movements. He backpedals and mirrors opponents for a long time without opening hips. Outstanding footwork and can recover thanks to his superior speed. The Ohio State product can read the quarterbacks eyes perfectly and tracks the ball well. Ward allowed just over 32 percent completions over last two years. He is not the most physical corner and his frame might be a concern when matching against tall receivers. Power backs go through him in run support. He could start right away in the slot in nickel and dime packages and eventually play outside. His stats aren’t amazing, 15 passes defended and 2 interceptions in 2017, but his tape is really good.
4) Isaiah Oliver, Colorado
Oliver’s stats won’t blow you away, with 2 interceptions and 12 passes defended, but he has elite size and speed with long arms and soft hands that fit the way cornerbacks should look in today’s NFL. His footwork needs work and he is overall a very raw prospect, but he has the potential to be a quality lockdown corner. He just isn’t going to contribute much year 1.
5) Carlton Davis, Auburn
Davis has outstanding size and length and plays at his best in press man situations. He is very disruptive, and he is an aggressive tackler. Davis has had some struggles mirroring routes in space. He was called for a lot of pass interferences, in the NFL it’s not a 15-yard penalty anymore, so it needs to stop. There is a question about his hands, because he looked to bat the pass in most situations, instead of going for the pick. His stats aren’t eye-popping but quarterbacks avoided him altogether most times, 1 interception, 10 passes defended, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.
6) Mike Hughes, UCF
7) Jaire Alexander, Louisville
8) Tarvarus McFadden, FSU
9) Donte Jackson, LSU
10) Quenton Meeks, Stanford
Honorable Mention:JC Jackson, Maryland
If you want more rankings about the 2018 NFL Draft: https://www.couchriderreport.net/2018-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings-scouting-reports-top-prospects/
Eric Kirschenbaum is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.