2010 NFL Draft: Cornerback Rankings

The top 2010 cornerback prospects available for the 2010 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * - denotes 2011 prospect.

This page was last updated Jan. 31, 2010.

1. Joe Haden, Florida - Scouting Report
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 190.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.43.
   Projected Round (2010): Top 10 Pick.
   1/4/10: Joe Haden has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Haden will be the first cornerback taken and has a shot at being selected in the top 10.
   
   3/7/09: Replaced Donovan Warren as the top 2011 cornerback prospect. Joe Haden, qualifying for the All-SEC Second Team, broke up an amazing 12 passes. He also had 87 tackles and three interceptions.
   
   8/5/08: Started all but one game as a true freshman. Joe Haden broke up 12 passes and managed 63 tackles.
   
   
2. Donovan Warren, Michigan
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 182.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.40.
   Projected Round (2010): Top 25 Pick.
   1/3/10: Donovan Warren has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Warren is an excellent corner. He made the right move by capitalizing on an incredible junior campaign. He should be the second corner off the board.
   
   3/7/09: Not even Donovan Warren's stock was immune to Rich Rodriguez's blunders. Warren regressed a bit in 2008, but still finished with 52 tackles, 3.5 TFL, four passes broken up and a pick.
   
   8/5/08: Donovan Warren played extremely well as a true freshman in 2007, starting 11 games, and managing 52 tackles and six pass break-ups. He qualified for the Freshman All-America first team.
   
   
   
   
3. Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest - Scouting Report
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 189.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.40.
   Projected Round (2010): 1-2.
   1/27/10: Numerous corners are shining at the Senior Bowl, and one of them is Brandon Ghee, who may have vaulted himself into late first-round consideration. Details available in the 2010 Senior Bowl section.
   
   1/9/10: Brandon Ghee broke up eight passes in 2009. In a matchup against Demaryius Thomas, Ghee completely shut the athletic receiver down.
   
   3/7/09: Though he missed two games with an ankle injury, Brandon Ghee still managed 35 tackles, seven passes broken up and 3.5 TFL.
   
   
4. Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 189.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.46.
   Projected Round (2010): 2.
   1/9/10: A big corner with some speed, Perrish Cox shadowed No. 1 receivers all year. He picked four passes and broke up 15 more. He also did a great job as a return specialist, averaging 10.4 yards on punts (with a touchdown) and 21.0 on kickoffs. One concern however: Cox was suspended for Oklahoma State's winter scrimmage against Ole Miss for undisclosed reasons.
   
   3/7/09: Projected as a zone corner, Perrish Cox notched 32 tackles, eight passes broken up and two picks as a junior. Also, Cox returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.
   
   8/5/08: Perrish Cox was inserted into the starting lineup mid-season, and never looked back, as he was penciled in the final eight games of the season. Cox finished with 42 tackles, two picks, eight pass break-ups and two special-teams touchdowns.
   
   
5. Kyle Wilson, Boise State
   Height: 5-10. Weight: 190.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
   Projected Round (2010): 2.
   1/29/10: Kyle Wilson had a great Senior Bowl week, and may have emerged as the No. 3 corner in the 2010 NFL Draft. Details available in the 2010 Senior Bowl section.
   
   1/27/10: Kyle Wilson has been drawing rave reviews for his Senior Bowl performances. Details available in the 2010 Senior Bowl section.
   
   1/9/10: Broke up only four passes as a senior, but still qualified as an All-America Second Team member. Kyle Wilson helped lead Boise State to a national championship as a corner and a punt returner; Wilson averaged 10.6 yards per punt return.
   
   3/7/09: If you think Kyle Wilson's 10 passes broken up and five picks are impressive, just check out his three punt returns for touchdowns and his average of 14.2.
   
   
6. Devin McCourty, Rutgers
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 186.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
   Projected Round (2010): 2.
   1/27/10: One player who really shined at Senior Bowl Monday practice was Devin McCourty. Details available in the 2010 Senior Bowl section.
   
   1/9/10: A member of the All-Big East First Team, thanks to 80 tackles, 7.5 TFL and 10 passes broken up. McCourty also averaged 25.4 yards on kickoff returns, scoring a touchdown in the process.
   
   3/7/09: Broke up seven passes and notched 57 tackles as a junior. Also blocked a kick, the fourth of his collegiate career.
   
   8/5/08: Will get some consideration as a special-teamer. He blocked three kicks in 2007. Devin McCourty also had seven pass break-ups and two interceptions.
   
   
7. Dominique Franks, Oklahoma
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 190.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.46.
   Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
   1/6/10: Dominique Franks has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Aside from playing well at Oklahoma, Franks has nice size and speed. He'll probably be targeted in Round 2.
   
   
8. Javier Arenas, Alabama
   Height: 5-9. Weight: 195.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
   Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
   1/9/10: A First-Team All-American, Javier Arenas had 70 tackles, 11 TFL, five sacks and five passes broken up. Arenas had just one return touchdown, but still averaged 15.4 on punt returns and 29.0 yards on kickoffs. Even if he doesn't make it as a corner, Arenas still deserves Round 2 consideration because of his return ability.
   
   3/7/09: Working more as a corner for the first time in his collegiate career, Javier Arenas thrived, breaking up seven passes. The All-SEC second-teamer was also a dynamic return specialist; he scored three touchdowns on punt returns and maintained a 23.6 average on kickoffs.
   
   8/5/08: Javier Arenas hasn't seen much action as a corner, starring primarily as a return specialist - and a pretty solid one at that.
   
   
9. Kareem Jackson, Alabama
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 190.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
   Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
   1/16/10: Kareem Jackson has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Jackson will probably be drafted in Round 2, so you have to like this decision.
   
   1/9/10: Kareem Jackson broke up a whopping 13 passes for Alabama as a senior. There are some questions regarding his 40, so that'll be huge for him.
   
   3/7/09: Broke up 10 passes for Alabama's stout defense. Also maaged 44 tackles and a pick.
   
   8/5/08: Another SEC true freshman cornerback to make an impact in 2007. Kareem Jackson started 12 games, and collected 66 tackles, three interceptions and four pass break-ups.
   
   
10. Patrick Robinson, Florida State
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 190.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.43.
    Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
    1/9/10: Patrick Robinson was voted to the All-ACC Second Team this year and notched 11 pass deflections this year, but was burnt in coverage one too many times.
    
    3/7/09: Patrick Robinson had 26 tackles, two TFL and four passes broken up in 2008.
    
    8/5/08: Despite starting just five games, Patrick Robinson picked off six passes and had six pass break-ups. Unfortunately, Robinson was one of the players involved in the infamous Florida State cheating scandal last year.
    
    
    
    
11. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana of Pennsylvania
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 205.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.43.
    Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
    1/9/10: Akwasi Owusu-Ansah's first name aptly means "born on Sunday." AOA averaged 29.7 yards on kickoffs and 12.5 yards on punt returns with five special-teams touchdowns.
    
    
12. Jerome Murphy, South Florida
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 191.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
    Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
    1/9/10: A massive corner, Jerome Murphy qualified for the All-Big East Second Team with 77 tackles and eight passes broken up.
    
    
13. Amari Spievey, Iowa
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 190.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.56.
    Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
    1/12/10: Amari Spievey has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Spievey is a talented corner who had two interceptions in 2009, but has declared into a pretty deep cornerbacking class. He could be lost in the mix as a mid-round prospect depending on how he fares at the Combine.
    
    
    
    
14. Rafael Priest, TCU
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 181.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
    Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
    1/9/10: You know a corner is good when he plays 11 games, has six pass deflections, yet has managed only 18 tackles. Opposing quarterbacks avoid throwing at Rafael Priest, an All-Mountain West first-teamer. Priest missed the national championship because of a foot sprain.
    
    
15. Patrick Stoudamire, Western Illinois
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 195.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.42.
    Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
    1/9/10: Voted as a 1-AA Second-Team All-American, Patrick Stoudamire broke up a whopping 16 passes in 2009. Level of competition is obviously an issue, but Stoudamire will be an early Day 3 sleeper.
    
    3/7/09: Qualifying for the All-MVC First Team, Patrick Stoudamire broke up eight passes in 2008.
    
    8/5/08: A member of the all-first team in his Division 1-AA conference, Patrick Stoudamire recorded 41 tackles, nine pass break-ups and three picks as a sophomore.
    
    
16. Alterraun Verner, UCLA
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 180.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
    Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
    1/9/10: An All-America Third Team member, Alterraun Verner collected 71 tackles, five TFL and five interceptions. He also broke up four passes.
    
    3/7/09: Alterraun Verner had an amazing 18 passes broken up, earning him a spot on the All-Pac 10 Second Team. He also notched 73 tackles, 2.5 TFL and two picks.
    
    8/5/08: Alterraun Verner started 10 games as a sophomore after just one start in 2006. He had 75 tackles, 15 pass break-ups and four picks last year.
    
    
17. Syd'Quan Thompson, California
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 182.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
    Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
    1/9/10: Syd'Quan Thompson's 40 will be huge because he's only 5-9. Slow and small corners tend to fall on Draft Day. Thompson was a First-Team All-Pac 10 member with 10 passes broken up.
    
    3/7/09: Though size is a bit of an issue with Syd'Quan Thompson, the All-Pac 10 first-teamer continued to prove doubters wrong on the field. Thompson had 70 tackles, 14 passes broken up, 7.5 TFL and four interceptions as a junior.
    
    8/5/08: As Cal's No. 1 corner, Syd'Quan Thompson recorded six tackles for loss and broke up 10 passes.
    
    
18. LeRoy Vann, KR/PR, Florida A&M
    Height: 5-8. Weight: 175.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.39.
    Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
    1/9/10: LeRoy Vann doesn't have a position on offense or defense in the pros, but with his five special teams touchdowns in 2009, he now has 11 in the past two years!
    
    3/7/09: I'm not sure how effective LeRoy Vann will be as an NFL corner, but when you have six kickoff/punt returns for touchdowns in a single season, who cares?
    
    
    
19. Brian Jackson, Oklahoma
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 202.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    1/9/10: Brian Jackson made the All-Big XII Second Team, as he shut down Jordan Shipley back in October. Jackson broke up eight passes in 2009. He played corner at Brian Jackson Oklahoma, but could be drafted as a free safety.
    
    3/7/09: Brian Jackson totaled 71 tackles, 11 passes broken up and two picks in 2008. He may have to move to free safety in the NFL.
    
    
20. Devin Ross, Arizona
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 173.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.40.
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    1/9/10: Devin Ross broke up 12 passes and qualified as an All-Pac 10 honorable mention.
    
    3/7/09: Devin Ross stepped up his game with Antoine Cason gone, earning himself a spot on the All-Pac 10 Second Team. Ross managed 50 tackles, 13 passes broken up and three picks.
    
    8/5/08: Struggled a bit after looking very solid as a freshman. Devin Ross will be the team's new No. 1 corner with Antoine Cason off to San Diego.
    
    
21. Walter Thurmond, Oregon
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 185.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    1/9/10: Played only four games this year after suffering a sprained knee. 3/7/09: Despite playing through injuries all year, Walter Thurmond finished with 66 tackles, five picks and eight passes broken up.
    
    8/5/08: Walter Thurmond has started every game as an Oregon Duck. As a sophomore, he registered 103 tackles (eight for loss), five interceptions and 18 pass break-ups.
    
    
22. Trevard Lindley, Kentucky - Scouting Report
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 178.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.46.
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    1/31/10: Mardy Gilyard embarrassed Trevard Lindley in coverage. Lindley's stock has plummeted.
    
    1/28/10: Having a very weak Senior Bowl, and could completely kill his stock with a weak 40 at the Combine. Details available in the 2010 Senior Bowl section.
    
    1/9/10: Trevard Lindley really struggled at the beginning of the season with an ankle injury, but really picked things up at the end of the year when he finally got healthy.
    
    12/13/08: An All-SEC First Team qualifier, Trevard Lindley had 37 tackles, 11 passes broken up, four interceptions and a pick-six. There's a good chance he'll make the first round this April, so it would benefit him to come out early.
    
    2007: Trevard Lindley seems to make all the plays. He was a major contributor in Kentucky's two upset victories over Louisville and Arkansas.
    
    
23. Sherrick McManis, Northwestern
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 190.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    1/9/10: Sherrick McManis played through a few games with a quad injury, but had to miss three others. He was still an All-Big Ten second-teamer with five interceptions and seven passes broken up.
    
    3/7/09: An All-Big Ten honorable mention, Sherrick McManis had 67 tackles, two picks and 11 passes broken up.
    
    8/5/08: A tall corner with a great 40, Sherrick McManis will get noticed at the combine. McManis started for Northwestern as a sophomore and also did a good job as a return specialist.
    
    
24. David Pender, Purdue
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 175.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    1/9/10: David Pender was a member of the All-Big Ten Second Team thanks to 13 passes defended.
    
    
25. Crezdon Butler, Clemson
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 185.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    1/9/10: Crezdon Butler broke up seven passes and was an All-ACC honorable mention in 2009.
    
    3/7/09: Establishing himself as one of the better corners in the nation, Crezdon Butler collected 43 tackles, four picks, five passes broken up and 3.5 TFL. His 40 is also appealing.
    
    8/5/08: Any corner who runs a 4.3 is bound to get noticed at the combine (particularly by Al Davis), but that's not to say Crezdon Butler isn't talented. Butler started every game as a sophomore, and recorded 49 tackles and three picks.
    
    
26. Traye Simmons, Minnesota
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 178.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    1/9/10: An All-Big Ten honorable mention, Traye Simmons broke up eight passes as a senior.
    
    3/7/09: In just his first season in Minnesota, Traye Simmons qualified for the All-Big Ten Second Team, compiling 61 tackles, 14 passes broken up and four picks.
    
    8/5/08: One of the nation's top JUCO transfers this year.
    
    
27. Brandon Brinkley, Houston
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 180.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    1/9/10: Brandon Brinkley was an All-Conference USA second-teamer thanks to 75 tackles and 12 passes broken up.
    
    3/7/09: Brandon Brinkley broke up a whopping 15 passes as a junior. He also had 74 tackles, 5.5 TFL and four interceptions.
    
    
28. Jamar Wall, Texas Tech
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 203.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    1/9/10: Jamar Wall had a whopping 15 passes broken up as a senior, earning himself a spot on the All-Big XII Second Team.
    
    3/7/09: Defense was a problem for Texas Tech in 2008, but don't look at Jamar Wall. Wall, an All-Big XII honorable mention, broke up 11 passes and snagged two interceptions.
    
    8/5/08: Jamar Wall started every game as a sophomore and recorded five interceptions. He was on the All-Big XII Second Team.
    
    
29. Bryan McCann, SMU
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 175.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    1/9/10: An All-Conference USA honorable mention, Bryan McCann broke up 10 passes. He also maintained a 24.2 average on kickoff returns.
    
    3/7/09: Collected 35 tackles, five passes broken up three picks. More impressively, Bryan McCann hasn't missed a start in about 30 games.
    
    8/5/08: Started at a few positions in SMU's secondary. Bryan McCann broke up seven passes and intercepted four balls as a sophomore.
    
    
30. A.J. Jefferson, Fresno State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 190.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/9/10: A poor year for A.J. Jefferson; he averaged just 23.2 yards per kickoff return - down a whole six yards from last year.
    
    3/7/09: Not much of a corner, but A.J. Jefferson had yet another kickoff return for a touchdown as a junior. He averaged a dazzling 29.3 yards per return.
    
    8/5/08: A.J. Jefferson is listed here as a kick returner. He scored two touchdowns on special teams last year, and even maintained the nation's top return average. He also blocked a field goal and returned that for a score.
    
    
31. Stephan Virgil, Virginia Tech
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 189.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/9/10: Missed Virginia Tech's postseason scrimmage against Tennessee because he was ACK-ademically ineligible. In 10 games, Stephan "like a" Virgil broke up only one pass, but recorded six TFL.
    
    3/7/09: Stephan Virgil totaled 43 tackles, six interceptions, four passes broken up and 2.5 TFL. In a single game against Nebraska, Virgil returned a fumble for a touchdown, blocked an extra point and returned it for two points and blocked a punt for a safety.
    
    
32. Walter McFadden, Auburn
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 178.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.43.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/9/10: Walter McFadden broke up 10 passes as an All-SEC honorable mention.
    
    5/22/09: Walter McFadden broke up eight passes for the Tigers in 2008. He also picked off two passes.
    
    
33. Chris Chancellor, Clemson
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 173.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/9/10: An All-ACC honorable mention, Chris Chancellor broke up eight passes as a senior.
    
    3/7/09: Chris Chancellor picked off four passes as a junior. He also had 34 tackles, 2.5 TFL and four passes broken up.
    
    8/5/08: After being a part of the opening lineup four times as a freshman, Chris Chancellor started every game in 2007. He broke up six passes and notched four interceptions.
    
    
34. Chris Hawkins, LSU
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 183.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/9/10: Chris Hawkins broke up seven passes as a senior.
    
    3/7/09: Chris Hawkins broke up nine passes in 2008. He also had 50 tackles and three picks. However, he really struggled in coverage late in the year.
    
    8/5/08: Chris Hawkins has yet to record a start at LSU, but that's understandable, given that he was playing behind Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon last year.
    
    
35. Jordan Pugh, Texas A&M
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 191.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/9/10: With 84 tackles and nine passes broken up, Jordan Pugh was an All-Big XII honorable mention.
    
    3/7/09: A constant force on a young defense, Jordan Pugh had 45 tackles, four TFL and four passes broken up in 2008.
    
    8/5/08: Jordan Pugh started every game as a sophomore. He had 90 tackles and broke up six passes.
    
    
36. Kevin Thomas, USC
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 190.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/9/10: Kevin Thomas was voted as an All-Pac 10 second-teamer. He broke up 11 passes as a senior.
    
    
37. A.J. Wallace, Penn State
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 195.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/9/10: Suspended for two games for not going to class. Hey, A.J., next time pay some freshman to go to class for you.
    
    3/7/09: More playing time actually hurt A.J. Wallace, as he was often exposed. Still, he runs a great 40, so someone will consider him in the later rounds.
    
    8/5/08: A.J. Wallace will have scouts and GMs drooling, as he easily runs a 4.3 with a very nice frame (6-1). He started four games as a sophomore, and recorded 33 tackles and four pass break-ups. He also had a touchdown on a kick return. Wallace will have more playing time with Justin King off to the NFL.
    
    
38. Eddie Calvin, SE Missouri State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 175.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.46.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    3/7/09: A second-year starter in 2008. As a sophomore, Eddie Calvin defended 18 passes and had two interceptions.
    
    
39. Anthony Wiseman, Maryland
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 185.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/9/10: Make that two seasons with 10 passes broken up for Anthony Wiseman.
    
    3/7/09: Anthony Wiseman broke up 10 passes in his first season seeing extensive action.
    
    8/5/08: Anthony Wiseman, a backup corner, will get some draft consideration because of his excellent 40.
    
    
40. Shareece Wright, USC
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 182.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    1/9/10: Didn't play all year except for the team's winter scrimmage because he was academically ineligible. Shocker.
    
    3/7/09: Being charged with resisting an officer. That can't be good for his draft stock.
    
    8/5/08: Shareece Wright was USC's nickel in 2007, so we'll get a chance to see what he's made of now that Terrell Thomas is in the NFL.
    
    
41. Deon Beasley, Texas
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 175.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    3/7/09: Struggled a bit as a junior; had 40 tackles, three TFL and four passes broken up.
    
    8/5/08: Despite starting just one game in 2007, Deon Beasley managed three interceptions and broke up nine passes.
    
    

2010 NFL Free Agents - Feb. 9


2010 NFL Mock Draft - Feb. 9


Matt McGuire's 2010 NFL Mock Draft - Feb. 4


2010 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings - Jan. 31


2010 NBA Mock Draft - Jan. 30


2011 NFL Mock Draft - Jan. 22