2018 NFL Draft Prospects: Cornerbacks

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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The top 2018 Cornerback prospects available for the 2018 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2019 prospect. ** – denotes 2020 prospect.

This page was last updated April 25, 2018. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. Denzel Ward*, CB, Ohio State
   Height: 5-10. Weight: 183. Arm: 31.25. Hand: 8.75.
   40 Time: 4.32.
   Projected Round (2018): Top-20 Pick.
   4/25/18: Some sources love Ward and have him as the top cornerback as well as being one of the best defensive prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft. Other teams feel Ward is too undersized and prefer other corners. Overall, Ward is the top cornerback for the 2018 NFL Draft and is likely to go in the top half of the first round. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Ward ran very fast, showing the quickness to run with speed receivers. However, Ward’s height and weight hurt him with some teams.
   
   Ward totaled 37 tackles with 15 passes broken up and two interceptions in 2017. For the NFL, Ward has good speed, athleticism, ball skills, and quick feet to run the route to prevent separation. He looks like a future starter and could have No. 1-corner potential. While he is shorter than ideal, Ward is very good at blanketing receivers and keeping them from getting open.
   
   In the 2017 season opener against Indiana, Ward notched an interception, four tackles and five passes broken up. He also was beaten for a touchdown and some other receptions by big Indiana receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr. Ward had problems with Cobbs’ size, but was good at preventing separation. After that game, Ward was very good and consistent throughout the season at locking down receivers and keeping them from getting open. He put on a clinic in the Big Ten Championship game with an excellent performance.
   
   9/1/17: There has been some hype about Ward, who is set to replace Marshon Lattimore/Gareon Conley this season. Ward totaled 23 tackles with nice passes broken up in 2016. While he has gotten a lot of hype suggesting he’s as good as his former teammates, he’s significantly smaller than them, so he will need to show that size is something he overcomes while taking over a starting spot for the Buckeyes.





2. Jaire Alexander*, CB, Louisville
   Height: 5-10. Weight: 196. Arm: 31.13. Hand: 9.5.
   40 Time: 4.38.
   Projected Round (2018): 1.
   4/25/18: During the leadup to the 2018 NFL Draft, Alexander has continued to rise, and he could be the second cornerback to go off the board. Alexander had maybe the best combine performance of any prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft. After his thoroughly impressive workout, he is projected to be a first-round pick.
   
   At the NFL Scouting Combine, Alexander was one of the most impressive cornerbacks. He ran a fast 40 but was even better in the field work, showing excellent footwork, loose hips, and the agility to glide effortlessly around the field. He had the look of a first-rounder. However, his combine medical exam will be of critical importance to determining how high Alexander is selected.
   
   Alexander missed four games because of a knee injury early in 2017, and then dealt with a broken hand that caused him to miss two more games. When on the field, Alexander played well with 19 tackles, four passes broken up and an interception. He is a good cover corner who would be a first-round pick if it weren’t for the durability concerns. Alexander is a fast and athletic corner who can run the route and prevent separation. Because of the injury red flag, sources from multiple teams think that Alexander will slip to Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft and won’t sneak into the first round. If he stays healthy, Alexander could end up being a second-day steal.
   
   9/1/17: Alexander was very good for Louisville in 2016, racking up 39 tackles with nine passes broken up and five interceptions. He also was a dangerous punt returner. There is a lot of upside for Alexander to develop.



3. Joshua Jackson*, CB, Iowa
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 196. Arm: 32.75. Hand: 9.75.
   40 Time: 4.56.
   Projected Round (2018): 1.
   4/25/18: Jackson had an underwhelming combine performance. His 40 time was solid, but he did not look as fast and fluid in the field work as other cornerbacks. Some teams have other corners rated higher than Jackson, but a lot of that is based on their schemes.
   
   In speaking with a director of college scouting, they had Jackson as the highest-graded cornerback for the 2018 NFL Draft. It is easy to understand why Jackson is held in such high esteem as he had tremendous ball production in 2017 with eight interceptions and 18 passes broken up to go along with 48 tackles. Evaluators like Jackson’s size to go along with his speed and athleticism. On top of his skill set and being a ballhawk, Jackson is an intelligent and disciplined defender. He has a good size for the NFL with length and athleticism.



4. Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
   Height: 5-10. Weight: 189. Arm: 30.88. Hand: 8.75.
   40 Time: 4.53.
   Projected Round (2018): 1-2.
   4/25/18: Hughes ran a bit slower than expected at the combine, but more important than that was his performance in team interviews as he comes with some off-the-field concerns. Some team sources love Hughes and have him as their top-rated cornerback. Others have him lower.
   
   Hughes started out his collegiate career at North Carolina before transferring to Central Florida. Hughes impressed some evaluators with his coverage skills, and he was a big part of the Knights putting together an undefeated 2017 season, including the conference championship and a bowl victory. Hughes totaled four interceptions, 11 passes broken up, a forced fumble and 49 tackles in 2017. He also was a dangerous kick returner, with two scores, and punt returner, including a punt-return touchdown.
   
   Hughes is a natural cover corner with speed, quick feet, and agility. He is very fluid and does a good job of running the route with receivers to prevent them from gaining separation. He keeps receivers from coming open and is quick to recover if they get a step. Hughes has nice hips to turn to run downfield with speed receivers. He also is a willing tackler.
   
   Hughes has dangerous ball skills. He is very talented at slapping passes away and times his contact well while being a threat to pick off the pass. Hughes has good hands and is a dangerous threat to make interceptions. When he gets the ball in his hands, Hughes knows what to do with it as he is dangerous to rip off big returns. His speed and elusiveness in the open field is very impressive. That is also what makes him a dynamic special teams returner. Hughes is very fast, has good vision, and follows his blocks well. Once in the open field, he hits the afterburners and defenders can’t catch him from behind.
   
   There are some areas that Hughes can improve upon for the pros. Sources say that he can give up some balls from not finishing, but that is something that he could improve on in the NFL with more coaching and experience.
   
   For the next level, Hughes has the ability to be an outside corner as well as a nickelback. He could provide a serious impact on special teams as a returner, but his NFL team could pick certain spots and limit how many times they use him on returns to protect him from injury. As a top-three corner, his team might be afraid of using him very much on special teams.
   
   





5. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 201. Arm: 33.5. Hand: 9.75.
   40 Time: 4.50.
   Projected Round (2018): 1-2.
   4/25/18: Oliver had a strong combine performance with a good 40 time and an impressive showing in the field work. He has size, length, and movement skills, but he didn’t always play up to his skill set. He also needs a lot of work to play off-man coverage and zone as he was a press-man corner for Colorado. Oliver is used to playing on an island in man coverage.
   
   Oliver totaled 13 passes broken up, two interceptions and 25 tackles in 2017. In speaking to some team sources, they thought Oliver could be a solid second-day pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, but some second-rounders will go late in the first round and Oliver could be in that mix.



6. Donte Jackson*, CB, LSU
   Height: 5-10. Weight: 178. Arm: 29.5. Hand: 8.75.
   40 Time: 4.32.
   Projected Round (2018): 1-2.
   4/25/18: Jackson ran one of the fastest 40 times at the combine and illustrated his ability to run with the NFL’s deep-threat receivers. With his elite speed and agility, Jackson is able to run the route to prevent separation and make up ground with his superb recovery speed.
   
   Kevin Toliver II was the more-hyped LSU cornerback entering the 2017 season, but Jackson was the better player over the year, with some sources believing that Jackson will be a first-round pick. Jackson doesn’t have ideal size, but he is extremely fast, however, so he will be a good corner to line up against speed receivers. He is athletic to run the route and prevent separation, but he is a gambler, so he could stand to play with more discipline for the pros. Scouts tell me that Jackson is talented, but has a ton of discipline issues to work on, and that might include some hard lessons versus pro receivers. Some sources have compared Jackson to Janoris Jenkins.
   
   Jackson recorded 49 tackles with 10 passes broken up and an interception in 2017. As a sophomore, he totaled 39 tackles with eight breakups and two interceptions. Jackson notched an interception, 26 tackles and two breakups in his freshman year.



7. Carlton Davis*, CB, Auburn
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 206. Arm: 32.75. Hand: 8.5.
   40 Time: 4.53.
   Projected Round (2018): 1-2.
   4/25/18: Davis ran well at the combine with a solid 40 time for a big cornerback. However, he has limitations in movement skills and deep-speed receivers could give him problems in the NFL. Some teams think Davis will go late in the first round, while others think he will go early in Round 2.
   
   In 2017, Davis totaled 36 tackles, 11 passes broken up and one interception. He is a good corner with size, speed and length. The junior can battle big wideouts as he is a physical defender who really competes. Davis can also have issues with coverage downfield and deep speed, like many big corners. Some sources believe Davis could end up being a first-round pick, but others aren’t as high on him.
   
   9/1/17: Davis was a very impressive freshman cornerback in 2015 as he totaled 56 tackles with three interceptions and eight passes broken up. As a sophomore, Davis had a solid season with 46 tackles and 10 breakups.
   
   Davis shows nice technique to jam receivers and use his length to cover them. He has the potential to rise.







8. Nick Nelson*, CB, Wisconsin
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 200. Arm: 30.75. Hand: 9.25.
   40 Time: 4.52.
   Projected Round (2018): 2-3.
   4/25/18: Nelson tore a meniscus during a pre-draft workout, but after recovering from surgery, he is expected to be ready for the preseason. At the combine, Nelson had a decent performance with a respectable showing in the field work and in the 40-yard dash. He also put together a strong 2017 season for the Badgers, breaking up 21 passes with 34 tackles. Nelson made zero interceptions, however, and not turning some of those breakups into turnovers bothers some evaluators. The NFL Draft Advisory gave Nelson a second-round estimation in his report.
   
   Nelson started out his collegiate career at Hawaii, where he had 53 tackles with 15 breakups as a sophomore in 2015. He started as a freshman for the Rainbow Warriors, notching 36 tackles and six breakups.



9. Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 183. Arm: 30.25. Hand: 8.5.
   40 Time: 4.36.
   Projected Round (2018): 2-3.
   4/25/18: Averett recorded 48 tackles, eight passes broken up and an interception in 2017. He totaled 48 tackles with eight passes broken up, zero interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2016. For the NFL, Averett needs to work on playing the ball and improving his ball skills. He also needs to gain weight and get stronger.
   
   One team source thought Averett might end up going in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, but sources from five different teams said they have Averett as a second-day-caliber player. A lot of team sources see problems with Averett. They think that he is not a play-maker on the ball and is not a finisher. He is intelligent and was more consistent within the scheme, which earned him playing time over the more physically gifted Tony Brown, but sources from each team said they didn’t like how Averett played the ball. One general manager said that weight is an issue with Averett. At the Senior Bowl, he checked in at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds. Another general manager said that Averett being a narrow-framed guy who doesn’t play the ball well is a concerning combination for the NFL. Thus, this GM said that the highest they could see Averett going was the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, although the third round is a definite possibility.



10. Duke Dawson, CB, Florida
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 197. Arm: 31.5. Hand: 9.
    40 Time: 4.46.
    Projected Round (2018): 2-4.
    4/25/18: For the NFL, Dawson is a slot corner. He is good when plays are in front of him, plus has instincts and a good concept of route combinations. Dawson transitions well and owns above-average speed to carry verticals. However, he is tight and struggles to open his hips. Sources have told me they graded Dawson as a third- or fourth-rounder.
    
    Dawson can be a feast-or-famine defender in that he makes some big plays and gives up some plays. Dawson totaled 34 tackles with nine passes broken up and four interceptions on the year. He put together an impressive tape going against Texas A&M wide receiver Christian Kirk, running with Kirk and preventing separation.
    
    At the combine, Dawson helped himself with nice speed in the 40-yard dash. He was also decent in the field work, but showed some of the tightness that teams are concerned about.
    
    9/1/17: Dawson played well overall as the Gators’ slot corner in 2016, but was picked on by Tennessee and some other opponents. He had 24 tackles, seven passes broken up, one interception and one forced fumble on the year. Dawson flashed as a reserve corner for Florida in 2015. With Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson moving on to the NFL, Dawson will be a starter for the Gators, but for the NFL, he projects to being limited to the slot because of his size.



11. M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 198. Arm: 31.5. Hand: 9.38.
    40 Time: 4.54.
    Projected Round (2018): 3-4.
    4/25/18: Some team sources see Stewart going as high as the third round as a slot cornerback. Other teams have told me that Stewart graded out as a fourth- or fifth-rounder. They say he is a nickelback type for the NFL. He has some limitations and is not a very good athlete, but they are impressed with his production and ability to get his hands on a lot of passes. In 2017, Stewart totaled 45 tackles with 12 breakups, but zero interceptions. He recorded 66 tackles with 11 breakups in 2016. Stewart notched 14 breakups with four interceptions as a sophomore.



12. D.J. Reed, CB, Kansas State
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 188. Arm: 31.63. Hand: 10.
    40 Time: 4.51.
    Projected Round (2018): 3-4.
    4/25/18: Some team sources have said they know some teams that are targeting Reed as a mid-round pick. He is an undersized corner, but one who has the speed and coverage skills to prevent separation. Reed totaled 47 tackles with nine passes broken up and four interceptions in 2017. He also was a star on special teams, averaging 14.9 yards per punt return with a touchdown and 34 yards per kick return with a touchdown. For the NFL, Reed projects as a nickel corner who also could be a team’s feature returner on special teams. In 2016, he recorded 75 tackles with 16 passes broken up and three interceptions.





13. Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 182. Arm: 30.25. Hand: 8.25.
    40 Time: 4.32.
    Projected Round (2018): 3-4.
    4/25/18: Team sources say they think that Nickerson could easily be a third- or fourth-rounder. In 2017, Nickerson totaled 55 tackles with eight breakups and six interceptions. He showed nice ball skills in other season, including nine breakups with four picks as a junior and six interceptions with six breakups in 2014. He needs to gain weight and get stronger for taking on NFL receivers, but Nickerson has some speed, which he illustrated that at the combine with an electric 40 time. In the field drills, Nickerson looked fast and fluid. He fits as a slot-cornerback competitor.



14. Avonte Maddox, CB, Pittsburgh
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 184. Arm: 29.5. Hand: 8.75.
    40 Time: 4.39.
    Projected Round (2018): 3-4.
    4/25/18: Sources say they think that Maddox is likely to be a third- or fourth-round pick. Maddox had some good moments at the East-West Shrine to help himself. For the NFL, Maddox will have to compete as a nickel or slot cornerback. As a senior, he totaled 27 tackles with 11 breakups, two sacks and four sacks. He had 49 tackles as a junior, 75 as a sophomore and 32 as a freshman. Maddox also had a total of 23 passes broken up and six interceptions over those three seasons.



15. J.C. Jackson*, CB, Maryland
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 201. Arm: 31.5. Hand: 8.13.
    40 Time: 4.46.
    Projected Round (2018): 3-4.
    4/25/18: Jackson had a mixed NFL Scouting Combine. Maryland listed Jackson at 6-foot-1, so it was disappointing to teams when he checked in much shorter. In the 40-yard dash, Jackson turned a solid time. His team interviews were critical considering his off-the-field issues.
    
    While he comes with serious off-the-field concerns, sources have raved about the talent and skill set with Jackson. He has excellent athleticism to go along with speed and good size. In 2017, Jackson totaled 40 tackles with seven passes broken up and three interceptions. He totaled 40 tackles with six breakups and a pick in 2016.
    
    Team sources from multiple teams have really liked what they’ve seen from Jackson’s film. They say that staff at Maryland speak well of him as a person and that he didn’t have problems there. Evaluators are grading Jackson for Day 2 because of the off-the-field concerns, plus they say that he has some eye-discipline issues and free lances too much. Jackson is a superb athlete who could be a steal as a second- or third-rounder, if he can stay out of trouble.
    
    Jackson was kicked out of the Florida Gators program in 2015 following an armed robbery – for which he was ultimately acquitted. There was also another incident in late 2014 during which Jackson was shot at – with a bullet grazing his eye lid – and a companion of his was shot in the face. The off-the-field issues are going to be vetted heavily, but Jackson has the physical talent to be an early-round pick for the NFL.



16. Christian Campbell, CB, Penn State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 192. Arm: 32.5. Hand: 8.63.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
    Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
    4/25/18: Campbell has excellent size to defend big receivers in the NFL. The senior turned in a solid 2017 season, notching 45 tackles with 12 passes broken up and one interception. As a junior, he totaled 31 tackles with six breakups and an interception. Campbell had a decent week at the Senior Bowl. Sources say that Campbell is a workout warrior and was expected to run really fast in pre-draft workouts, but he doesn’t play up to that speed.



17. Tarvarus McFadden*, CB, Florida State
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 198. Arm: 32.5. Hand: 10.38.
    40 Time: 4.67.
    Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
    4/25/18: McFadden is at his best in press-man and zone coverages rather than off-man coverage. He can struggle with deep speed down the sideline and doesn’t always play the ball well. He has eye-discipline issues and struggles with the ball over his head. Sources from multiple teams thought McFadden should return to school and improve before going pro, but McFadden decided to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. Team evaluators say McFadden is receiving second-day grades because of his skill set, but not his tape. His draft stock was hurt by him running an extremely slow 40 time at the combine and looking tight in the field work. Some think he may have to move to safety at the next level.
    
    McFadden totaled 30 tackles with 10 passes broken up and zero interceptions in 2017. He had a mixed season, including being beaten on a back-shoulder play for the game-winning touchdown against Miami. McFadden gave up a similar touchdown to Syracuse wide receiver Steve Ishmael.
    
    9/1/17: McFadden was up and down in 2016, but he has a ton of talent to grow into a better player. Sometimes, he looks great, but other times, he seems lost and gives up some big plays. McFadden still tied for the nation’s lead in interceptions with eight last year, but part of that total was teams were picking on him and throwing the ball a lot in his direction. He also recorded 20 tackles and six passes broken up.
    
    McFadden has great size, but he also has some limitations. McFadden should fit best as a press-man corner in a Seahawks-style defense.





18. Tony Brown, CB, Alabama
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 195. Arm: 31.5. Hand: 9.25.
    40 Time: 4.35.
    Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
    4/25/18: Brown recorded 31 tackles, one interception and two passes broken up in 2017. He has a good physical skill set with instincts, but he can be a gambler, which hurt his playing time because the coaching staff lacked trust in him. Brown has big-time skill set to develop in the NFL with excellent size and serious speed. He was excellent at the combine with a fast 40 and a superb showing in the field drills.
    
    9/1/17: Brown could rise as a senior for Alabama. He totaled 32 tackles with two interceptions during the 2016 season. Brown missed some time early last year with off-the-field issues at Alabama and with the NCAA. He has a nice skill set, but he hasn’t played up to it yet.



19. Holton Hill*, CB, Texas
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 196. Arm: 32. Hand: 9.63.
    40 Time: 4.49.
    Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
    4/25/18: Hill was having a quality junior season for the Longhorns with some quality games against the good receivers on Texas’ schedule. However with three games remaining, Hill was suspended by the Longhorns coaching staff. In 2017, he totaled 51 tackles with two interceptions and six passes broken up. Hill ran well in the 40-yard dash at the combine, but he showed tightness in the field drills. He is a big press-man corner who can struggle with speed, and that was given proof with his performance against Maryland’s D.J. Moore in Week 1 of 2017.



20. Dane Cruikshank, CB, Arizona
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 209. Arm: 31. Hand: 8.75.
    40 Time: 4.41.
    Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
    4/25/18: At the combine, Cruikshank helped himself with a fast 40 time and was impressive in the field workouts. Given his combination of size, speed, and senior-year production, he could have put himself into consideration for the second day of the 2018 NFL Draft.
    
    Cruikshank played well for Arizona in 2017, notching 75 tackles with five passes broken up, one forced fumble and three interceptions. He had 60 tackles with seven breakups and two interceptions as a junior.
    
    At the East-West Shrine, the West team did not have a standout group of cornerbacks, but one corner who earned some praise from team scouts was Cruikshank. He has excellent size for the position and also moves pretty well with his athleticism. Cruikshank was steady in coverage to run routes and prevent separation. He does have issues with deep speed, and that could be seen early in practice in St. Petersburg. For the NFL, Cruikshank could be a sleeper corner to match up against big receivers and should be protected from going against smaller speed receivers.



21. Kevin Toliver II*, CB, LSU
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 192. Arm: 30.13. Hand: 9.38.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
    Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
    4/25/18: Sources have told me that Toliver is being hurt by off-the-field issues pushing him down. He recorded 28 tackles with 10 passes broken up and an interception in 2017. In speaking with scouts at multiple teams, Toliver is a bit of a love/hate prospect. Some sources are very down on him as they say he has first-round talent, but that he doesn’t play up it or work to maximize his ability. Toliver gives up too much separation on a consistent basis. They are critical over his lack of instincts as well. Others like him and feel that he was played out of position. They say that he is a press-man corner and that LSU put him in off-man coverage way too much.
    
    Toliver was held out for Week 1, but LSU wouldn’t clarify if it was because of suspension or injury. It sounds like it was more likely to be the former. With how Toliver played in 2017, he is likely to be a second-day pick or a mid-rounder rather than a Round 1 choice.
    
    9/1/17: Toliver impressed as a freshman and sophomore. Considering the amount of talent the Tigers’ secondary has produced, it is a serious statement that he played immediately at LSU. In 2015, Toliver had 35 tackles with five breakups and an interception. As a sophomore, he totaled 21 tackles with one breakup across seven games.
    
    The 6-foot-2, 193-pounder is a big corner who can run. Team sources have said Toliver has a first-round skill set.



22. Kameron Kelly, CB, San Diego State
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 204. Arm: 32.25. Hand: 8.25.
    40 Time: 4.66.
    Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
    4/25/18: Kelly is a big cornerback who had an impressive 2017 season for the Aztecs. He totaled 68 tackles with eight passes broken up, three interceptions and two sacks for the year. In 2016, Kelly impressed with five interceptions, six breakups and 38 tackles. He projects as a potential press-man corner in the NFL, but he also might be moved to safety given his speed limitations.
    
    After his strong senior year, Kelly earned a Senior Bowl invitation. He had a decent week in Alabama, but like many big corners, he has issues with deep speed and fits as a press-man corner for the NFL. At the combine, Kelly had a shockingly slow time in the 40-yard dash while displaying tightness in the field work. That ,again, has some suggesting that he should move to safety in the NFL.



23. Rashaan Gaulden*, CB, Tennessee
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 197. Arm: 30.75. Hand: 9.75.
    40 Time: 4.61.
    Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
    4/25/18: Gaulden was a solid corner for Tennessee over the past two seasons. He totaled 65 tackles with five passes broken up, three forced fumbles and one interception in 2017. As a junior, Gaulden blitzed well and was a physical defender. He had 68 tackles with four passes broken up that season. Gaulden has good size to him, but he ran extremely slow times at the combine.



24. Greg Stroman, CB, Virginia Tech
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 182. Arm: 29.88. Hand: 8.75.
    40 Time: 4.48.
    Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
    4/25/18: Stroman performed well in the early going of the East-West Shrine practices and impressed evaluators. He has some height and length to match up against NFL receivers. He followed that up with a nice combine performance, including a quality 40 time.
    
    Stroman totaled 20 tackles with 11 passes broken up and four interceptions in 2017. He had three interceptions in 2016 and two in 2015. Over those seasons, Stroman made a combined 37 tackles. Getting stronger to tackle is necessary for him.



25. Taron Johnson, CB, Weber State
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 189. Arm: 31. Hand: 9.25.
    40 Time: 4.51.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: In 2017, Johnson notched 43 tackles with eight passes broken up and three interceptions. He totaled 12 breakups each season as a junior and a sophomore. Johnson’s strong play earned him a Senior Bowl invitation, where he did ok. He showed that he could compete with better receivers, but he wasn’t overly impressive. For the NFL, Johnson’s best role might come as a big nickel/slot cornerback.



26. D’Montre Wade, CB, Murray State
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 201. Arm: 32.63. Hand: 9.63.
    40 Time: 4.57.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Wade recorded six interceptions with 33 tackles and seven passes broken up in 2017. He totaled three picks, 15 passes broken up and 50 tackles as a junior. Wade has good size, and his strong play at Murray State earned him an invitation to the Senior Bowl. He was decent, but didn’t overly impress, in Mobile. Wade had a slow time at the combine.



27. Michael Joseph, CB, Dubuque
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 195. Arm: 31.13. Hand: 8.88.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Joseph is the rare Divison III player who earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl. He was up and down in Mobile, which illustrated that he has a skill set and needs development. Joseph has good height, but could use more weight for the NFL. As a senior, he totaled 56 tackles with eight interceptions and eight passes broken up. Joseph made four picks as a junior and three as a sophomore.



28. Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 187. Arm: 32.25. Hand: 8.88.
    40 Time: 4.52.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Yiadom played decently at the Senior Bowl and was coming off an impressive senior year. Yiadom totaled 53 tackle with seven passes broken up and two interceptions during 2017. He had 10 breakups and 26 tackles as a junior. Yiadom has the size to be a press-man corner in the NFL and ran well at the combine.



29. Danny Johnson, CB, Southern
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 182. Arm: 31.38. Hand: 8.63.
    40 Time: 4.44.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: In 2017, Johnson recorded 55 tackles with 12 passes broken up and three interceptions – two of them returned for touchdowns. As a wide receiver, he had three receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown. Johnson will have to compete as a slot corner to make an NFL roster.
    
    9/1/17: Sources identified Johnson as a small-school prospect who impressed them during fall camp. They say Johnson runs the 40 in the 4.35-4.45-second range, which is an extremely fast time. Johsnon isn’t just a fast sprinter as he led the FCS in interceptions last year with seven despite missing three games. That worked out as him recording an interception in every game he played in except for one. Johnson also chipped in 57 tackles with nine passes broken up. Scouts have favorably compared Johnson to other small-school cornerbacks like the Falcons’ Robert Alford and the Jets’ Buster Skrine. Sources also say that Johnson is further along at this stage than both Alford and Skrine were. They think that Johnson is a tough defender and built to be a nickelback in the NFL.



30. Jamarcus King, CB, South Carolina
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 182. Arm: 32.5. Hand: 9.5.
    40 Time: 4.70.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: King is a big corner who was a solid player for South Carolina after starting out his collegiate career in junior college. In 2017, King totaled 41 tackles with 12 passes broken up and two interceptions. He had 56 tackles with nine breakups and three interceptions the year before. King put together a decent week at the Senior Bowl. He ran very slow at the combine and probably has to move to safety.



31. Levi Wallace, CB, Alabama
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 176. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 9.
    40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Wallace was a reliable starter for Alabama in 2017. The former walk-on beat out other highly coveted recruits for a starting job with the Crimson Tide and was a solid defender. In 2017, Wallace totaled 45 tackles with three interceptions and 14 passes broken up. Sources say that Wallace is not fast, and that was given proof at the combine with an extremely slow 40 time for a cornerback. He is a decent athlete with good instincts, but has limited speed and athletic ability to be a cover corner in the NFL. Sources like his long arms.



32. Darius Phillips, CB, Western Michigan
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 188. Arm: 31.5. Hand: 9.38.
    40 Time: 4.54.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: In speaking with scouts, they liked Sam Beal a lot more than Phillips, but Phillips still played well enough to earn invitation to the Senior Bowl. Phillips was unimpressive at the Senior Bowl, but he didn’t have a terrible week. As a senior, Phillips totaled 40 tackles with three interceptions and 10 passes broken up. Given his body type, he fits more as a nickelback.



33. Chandon Sullivan, CB, Georgia State
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 190. Arm: 32.5. Hand 8.
    40 Time: 4.60.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Sullivan earned a Senior Bowl invitation after impressing in the Sun Belt during 2017. He had a decent week in Mobile, but ran very slow times at the combine. Sullivan notched 42 tackles with five passes broken up and one interception for 2017. He totaled six interceptions over the previous three seasons with 13 passes broken up.



34. Jamar Summers, CB/S, Connecticut
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 190.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.56.
    Projected Round (2017): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Summers notched 63 tackles with seven passes broken up, one interception and a forced fumble in 2017. While competing at safety, he didn’t impress at the East-West Shrine. Summers did not participate in the combine.
    
    9/1/17: During 2016, Summers totaled 59 tackles with nine passes broken up and two interceptions while splitting time between cornerback and safety. Summers had a big 2015 season for Connecticut with eight interceptions, three passes broken up and 39 tackles. Given his position flexibility, Summers may end up being a coverage free safety in the NFL who also can play some man coverage on receivers.



35. Andre Chachere, CB, San Jose State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 197. Arm: 31.38. Hand: 9.88.
    40 Time: 4.49.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: In 2017, Chachere recorded 46 tackles with five passes broken up and an interception.
    
    9/1/17: Chachere had four interceptions, 14 passes broken up and 36 tackles as a junior. In 2014, he notched 39 tackles with eight passes broken up and two interceptions.



36. Quenton Meeks*, CB, Stanford
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 195.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: In 2017, Meeks recorded 65 tackles with eight passes broken up and two interceptions. He didn’t play that well over the course of the season, and sources think Meeks should have returned for his senior year to get better.
    
    9/1/17: Meeks has been a solid corner for Stanford the past two seasons. In 2016, he totaled 22 tackles with six breakups and two interceptions. The previous season, he had 34 tackles with four passes defended and three interceptions. Meeks is Stanford’s No. 1 corner and a tough defender.



37. Grant Haley, CB, Penn State
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 190. Arm: 29.75. Hand: 9.13.
    40 Time: 4.44.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: In 2017, Haley totaled 40 tackles with 10 passes broken up and two interceptions. He had 39 tackles with four breakups as a junior, and seven breakups with two interceptions as a sophomore. Haley put together some good moments at the East-West Shrine practices and ran fast at the combine. He will have to compete as a nickel or slot corner in the NFL.



38. Jalen Davis, CB, Utah State
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 190. Arm: 29.75. Hand: 9.13.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Davis played well for the Aggies in 2017 with 33 tackles, 15 passes broken up and five interceptions. Three of those picks were returned for touchdowns. Davis played a lot at Utah State over his career, previously totaling one interception, three picks and two interceptions. Davis might fit as a nickel corner in the NFL.



39. Dee Delaney, CB, Miami
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 200. Arm: 30.5. Hand: 9.75.
    40 Time: 4.46.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Delaney started out his collegiate career at the Citadel before transferring to Miami. In 2017, he totaled 39 tackles with one pass broken up and one interception. At the Citadel, Delaney played well with six interceptions, eight breakups and 35 tackles in his final season. He had five interceptions as a sophomore.



40. Kamrin Moore, CB, Boston College
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 203. Arm: 31.38. Hand: 9.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Moore had a quality 2017 in which he totaled 50 tackles with nine passes broken up, although he had zero interceptions. Moore contributed in his junior year with 43 tackles, five passes broken up and two interceptions.



41. Henre’ Toliver, CB, Arkansas
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 188. Arm: 30.88. Hand: 9.
    40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Toliver was a 4-year contributor for the Razorbacks with decent production during the last three seasons. The senior totaled 43 tackles with three interceptions and eight passes broken up in 2017. He had 45 tackles with six breakups and two picks as a junior. Toliver has some size to him, but will have to make a team as a backup and special teams contributor.



42. Trey Johnson, CB, Villanova
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 170.
    40 Time: 4.33.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Every year, there are some breakout stars of the pro-day circuit, and Johnson is one of those guys this year. Johnson ran a super fast 40-yard dash at 4.33 seconds while also impressing in the broad jump and vertical jump. Johnson spoke with the Giants and did tests for the Jaguars, Eagles and Packers. The Steelers, Raiders and Bears have also shown interest in him. As a senior, Johnson had 45 tackles with 13 passes broken up and two interceptions. He is a sleeper who really helped himself with an excellent pro day.





43. Davontae Harris, CB, Illinois State
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 205. Arm: 31.13. Hand: 8.75.
    40 Time: 4.43.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Harris impressed scouting sources early in the 2017 season, but the evaluators said that Harris’ tape late in the year wasn’t as good. He wasn’t overly impressive in St. Petersburg at the East-West Shrine. Harris has enough size, but he struggles with speed downfield. In 2017, Harris totaled 57 tackles with two interceptions, 14 passes broken up, two sacks and 4.5 tackles for a loss. At the combine, Harris ran well and showed some developmental potential.



44. Brandon Facyson, CB, Virginia Tech
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 203. Arm: 32.63. Hand:
    40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: In 2017, Facyson notched 19 tackles with five passes broken up, but didn’t make a single interception. He has good size to be a backup cornerback and special teams contributor.
    
    9/1/17: Facyson totaled 48 tackles with 11 passes broken up and two forced fumbles in 2016. Sources said that Facyson received late-round grades before he decided to return for his senior year. In 2015, he had 31 tackles with 10 passes broken up. Facyson only played in three games in 2014 after struggling with a lingering knee injury suffered in spring practice. He was an impact-making player for the Hokies in 2013. As a freshman, Facyson recorded 27 tackles with five interceptions and eight passes broken up.



45. Rashard Fant, CB, Indiana
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 179. Arm: 30. Hand: 8.88.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Fant will have to compete to be a slot corner in the NFL. As a senior, he had 24 tackles with nine passes broken up and one interception. He totaled three interceptions as a junior with 17 breakups. Fant had 22 breakups with an interception in 2015.



46. Jordan Thomas, CB, Oklahoma
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 187. Arm: 32. Hand: 9.5.
    40 Time: 4.64.
    Projected Round (2018): 7-FA.
    4/25/18: Sources have been really down on Thomas and were unimpressed with his play in 2017. He totaled 27 tackles with two pass broken up and an interception for the year. Thomas struggled against Oklahoma State and allowed separation downfield on a number of plays.
    
    9/1/17: Thomas broke out in 2015 with five interceptions, four passes broken up and 46 tackles on the season. He played pretty well overall in 2016, although he was beaten badly by Ohio State’s Noah Brown. On the year, Thomas had 49 tackles with 17 passes broken up and two interceptions. The 6-foot, 192-pounder has good size and cover skills.



47. Deatrick Nichols, CB, South Florida
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 189.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2018): 7-FA.
    4/25/18: Nichols tallied 56 tackles with 12 passes broken up and three interceptions in 2017.
    
    9/1/17: Nichols would be rated higher if he were bigger. As a junior in 2016, he recorded four interceptions, seven passes broken up and 49 tackles. Nichols had 62 tackles, five breakups and four interceptions as a sophomore.






48. Jaylen Dunlap, CB, Illinois
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 190.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
    Projected Round (2018): FA.
    4/25/18: Dunlap tore up his knee at the NFLPA game, so that will probably send him to the undrafted ranks. Dunlap has a nice combination of size and speed for his NFL team to work with. He wasn’t a star for Illinois, but before his injury, sources labeled him as draftable, noting that he has the skill set to be a better pro than college player. Dunlap has good size and is said to run very fast in the 40. Like most big corners, he has tightness in off-man coverage and is better off playing press-man and getting physical. Dunlap was not invited to participate in the combine.
    
    Dunlap totaled 25 tackles with five passes broken up and an interception in 2017. He had a quality game covering Indiana’s Simmie Cobbs (4-54) with an interception and giving up a touchdown. In 2016, Dunlap totaled 63 tackles with 11 breakups, including turning in a good tape with his matchup against Western Michigan’s Corey Davis.



49. Devron Davis, CB, UTSA
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 200.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
    Projected Round (2018): FA.
    4/25/18: As a senior, Davis had 25 tackles with six breakups and two interceptions. Sources say that Davis is a physical defender, but he has some tightness while lacking athleticism and not being a big cornerback. They have graded Davis as an undrafted free agent.



50. Ranthony Texada, CB, TCU
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 170.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
    Projected Round (2018): FA.
    4/25/18: Texada totaled 33 tackles with 14 passes batted, one forced fumble and an interception in 2017. He was exposed in the bowl game against Stanford. He did not receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.
    
    9/1/17: Texada is an undersized corner for the NFL, but could compete as a slot corner and special teams contributor. In 2016, he had 46 tackles with seven breakups and one interception.



51. J.J. Dallas, CB, La.-Monroe
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 200.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
    Projected Round (2018): FA.
    4/25/18: Dallas only played six games in college, totaling 16 tackles with five passes broken up. He probably will slip through the 2018 NFL Draft and will have to make a team as an undrafted free agent who stars on special teams.

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