2015 NFL Draft Prospects: Cornerbacks

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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The top 2015 cornerback prospects available for the 2015 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2016 prospect. ** – denotes 2017 prospect.

This page was last updated April 25, 2015. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. Trae Waynes*, CB, Michigan State
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 186.
   40 Time: 4.31.
   Projected Round (2014): Top-25 Pick.
   4/25/15: In speaking with teams, Waynes is the consensus top-rated corner in the 2015 NFL Draft. He is the only corner getting hard consideration in the top half of the first round. At the Combine, Waynes locked up his standing as the top cornerback in the 2015 NFL Draft when he ran faster than expected and looked good in the field drills. Waynes should be selected in the top 20 of the first round. He is cover corner who is very good at preventing separation. Waynes can run with speed receivers while also having the size to defend big wideouts. It shouldn’t take long for Waynes to earn a starting job and become a solid defender.
   
   Waynes totaled 10 passes broken up, three interceptions, and 50 tackles in 2014. He was reliable in coverage and demonstrated the ability to be a press-man corner. The junior is quick and physical.
   
   Waynes notched four tackles, one interception and one pass broken up against Penn State. Versus Michigan, Waynes had five tackles with a pass broken up. He played well against Wolverines receiver Devin Funchess, although an idiotic official flagged Waynes falsely on one contested pass. He had two interceptions against Nebraska with good coverage. Waynes was called for two pass interference penalties, too, but only one was legitimate.
   
   Waynes had excellent coverage all night against Oregon. On the first drive of the game, Mariota went his direction, but Waynes nailed a receiver to knock a pass away. Waynes had tight coverage throughout the night on receivers running deep downfield. In the second half, Mariota tested Waynes deep, but he was in the hip pocket of the receiver. Waynes got away with some contact, but it was a better non-call.
   
   8/27/14: While Darqueze Dennard received all the headlines in 2013, Waynes also had an excellent season for Michigan State. The sophomore was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick by the coaches and media. He totaled 50 tackles with five deflections and three interceptions. Waynes ended the year on a high note with good games against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship and Stanford in the Rose Bowl.
   
   Waynes has the size and athletic ability to be a press-man corner. He should add strength as he matures. The question for the NFL will be if Waynes has enough speed, although he reportedly has run the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds.
   
   Personal: Son of Ron and Erin Waynes.





2. Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 188.
   40 Time: 4.52.
   Projected Round (2015): 1.
   4/25/15: Sources labelled Johnson as having no weakness in his game but that he just needs to add some weight to his frame. WalterFootball.com knows some teams picking in the top 20 that are giving consideration to Johnson and feel that he is going to be a very good outside corner in the NFL.
   
   At the Combine, Johnson didn’t impress or hurt himself. He recorded 43 tackles with six passes broken up and one interception in 2014. Johnson is a good cover corner who needs to add heft for the NFL.
   
   Johnson is a tall corner who has long arms, quick feet, physicality and speed. He can match up with speed receivers and blanket them in and out of their breaks. He runs the routes with receivers and prevents them from getting separation. Johnson has quick feet and is agile. He can flip his hips open and run with receivers down the field. Johnson also is is tall and physical to take on big receivers. He is an asset in the red zone and able to win the 50-50 throws. He also is a willing run-defender.
   
   Johnson recorded 58 tackles with three interceptions and 12 passes broken up in 2013. He was an honorable mention All-ACC selection. As a sophomore, Johnson had 58 tackles with 15 passes broken up and three interceptions. He was ruled academically ineligible the year before.
   
   Personal: Son of Kevin and Judy Johnson. Majoring in communication.



3. Byron Jones, CB/S, Connecticut
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 196.
   40 Time: 4.35.
   Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
   4/25/15: Jones has been a rising prospect throughout the lead up to the 2015 NFL Draft. It looks like he stands a good shot of going in the first round.
   
   Jones totaled 24 tackles with four passes broken up and two interceptions this year. He had a good productive performance against East Carolina and its potent passing attack with an interception and pass broken up. A shoulder injury ended his season after seven games though. Jones didn’t run the 40 at the Combine, but turned in a tremendous vertical jump of 44.5 inches. At his pro day, he blistered a fast 40 time and continued his tremendous postseason.
   
   8/27/14: Jones played well in 2013, his first season at cornerback, with 60 tackles and three interceptions. If he continues to improve his coverage skills, he could rise higher in these rankings. For the NFL, Jones may fit best in a predominantly zone scheme. In 2012, he was a starter at safety and had 88 tackles with an interception. He broke into the starting lineup during the 2011 season and had 51 tackles.



4. Jalen Collins*, CB, LSU
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 203.
   40 Time: 4.48.
   Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
   4/25/15: WalterFootball.com knows of some significant off-the-field questions that could push Collins down on draft day, but most teams believe that he will be selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Collins is such a rare athlete with size, speed and length that a cornerback-needy team will probably select him on Day 1.
   
   Collins had a solid performance at the Combine, but he wasn’t as great as Trae Waynes. Collins recorded 38 tackles, nine passes broken up and an interception in 2014. The junior did well in his plays against Auburn wide receiver Sammie Coates. Collins also played well versus Ole Miss with three passes broken up and had an interception against Texas A&M.
   
   Not only does Collins have significant size, but he is a physical defender. His ability to play off-man coverage and flip his hips is questioned by some NFL teams though. Collins is said to have great speed, but hasn’t always played up to it. His speed flashed at times like when he tracked down Melvin Gordon from behind on a long run in the 2014 season opener. Collins is good at running with receivers, but he needs to improve his ability to play the ball.
   
   8/27/14: Collins was a 2012 Freshman All-SEC selection by the conference’s coaches. He totaled 30 tackles and two interceptions. As a sophomore, Collins started two games. He had 22 tackles with two passes broken up in 2013. Collins possesses the skill set to become a good starter. LSU has been a factory for elite defensive backs, so Collins will have to earn his playing time.
   
   Personal: Majoring in general studies. Son of Valencia Collins and Jon Wallace.



5. Ronald Darby*, CB, Florida State
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 193.
   40 Time: 4.38.
   Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
   4/25/15: Darby is a love/hate prospect. WalterFootball.com knows teams that really like Darby and others that don’t. At the Combine, Darby had an impressive performance where he ran fast in the 40 and looked good in the field drills.
   
   Darby notched 43 tackles with four passes broken up in 2014 and was a solid contributor on special teams as well. He played well against Oklahoma State in the season opener, but had a mixed outing against Clemson.
   
   Darby was a reliable cover corner for the Seminoles. He has good speed and athleticism to run with receivers to prevent separation. Darby also is put together well, so receivers can’t push him around. Receivers rarely ever got open against him, but he needs to improve his ability to play the ball.
   
   8/27/14: Darby impressed in 2012 with eight passes broken up, 22 tackles and a forced fumble. He had four passes broken up and two interceptions in 2013, but only 14 tackles. With Lamarcus Joyner in the NFL, Darby could take over nickel corner duties for the Seminoles. He has some natural cover-corner skills.
   
   Darby had a part in the Jameis Winston rape investigation. Winston wasn’t charged, but Darby was said to be a witness. Darby could have been punished for underage drinking and recording someone without their consent, but the school decided not to punish any of the three players involved.





6. Marcus Peters*, CB, Washington
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 197.
   40 Time: 4.53.
   Projected Round (2015): 1-3.
   4/25/15: In speaking with league sources, they’re split on whether Peters will go in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. In a survey of five teams, three said they did not think he would go on Thursday night while the other two said yes. Multiple sources said that Peters did not interview well with teams and hasn’t eased doubts that he has grown for the better since his incident last fall.
   
   Washington kicked Peters off the team in 2014 after multiple run-ins with the new coaching staff. Other cornerbacks with major off-the-field issues like Janoris Jenkins and Tyrann Mathieu were kicked off their teams before entering the NFL Draft and ended up going in the second and third round respectively. Like them, Peters performed like a first-rounder in college.
   
   Peters recorded 23 tackles, five passes broken up and three interceptions in his abbreviated 2014 season. He had an excellent game against Stanford with an interception and good coverage on Cardinal receiver Ty Montgomery. Versus Jaelen Strong and Arizona State, Peters had a solid game. He was beaten by Strong on two receptions, but had wins on Strong as well. Peters covered Strong better than any other has defensive back this season. Peters picked up two tackles with a tackle for a loss and two passes broken up versus the Sun Devils.
   
   Against Oregon, Peters had seven tackles with a couple missed stops. His girlfriend gave birth the night before the game, so perhaps he was understandably distracted. Peters wasn’t beaten in pass coverage though.
   
   8/27/14: In 2013, Peters recorded 55 tackles with five interceptions, one forced fumble and nine passes broken up. He had some clutch games against Stanford and Oregon State. Peters was a Second-Team All-Pac-12 performer. He has the physical talent to rise as a junior and/or senior.
   
   Peters has quickness and agility to maintain coverage. The prior season as a freshman, he snagged two interceptions for Washington while starting in eight games. Peters redshirted in 2011.



7. Eric Rowe, CB/S, Utah
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 205.
   40 Time: 4.45.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/25/15: Rowe helped himself by having a quality week at the Senior Bowl and running well at the Combine. He has versatile size, so he can be a physical press-man corner or a deep free safety. Rowe looks like a corner to start out his career and a safety if that doesn’t work out. The senior played corner in 2014 and broke up 13 passes with an interception and 59 tackles. He played free safety during the two previous years and had 69 and 64 tackles respectively.



8. Quinten Rollins, CB/S, Miami (Ohio)
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 195.
   40 Time: 4.57.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/25/15: Rollins was a two-sport star who also started on the basketball team. He was the 2014 MAC Defensive Player of the Year with 72 tackles, seven interceptions, four tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and nine passes broken up. Rollins needs to fill out his frame for the next level, but playing basketball could have held him back in that regard. Rollins is sticking with football for the NFL. His time at the Senior Bowl showed that he is raw and needs development, but he has a skill set to work with. At the Combine, Rollins hurt his stock by running slow in the 40. Some project him to move to free safety in the NFL, which could be best for his skill set.
   
   Personal: Son of Kendra Rollins.



9. Alex Carter*, CB, Stanford
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 196.
   40 Time: 4.51.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/25/15: Carter had a solid regular season. He is a physical corner with some coverage skills, but would probably fit best in a zone scheme in the NFL. The junior totaled 39 tackles, one interception and nine passes broken up in 2014.
   
   Carter had a mixed game against Oregon, but did make his first interception of the year. That is an accomplishment for him as Marcus Mariota very rarely threw picks in college. Carter played well against USC and held his own against wide receiver Nelson Agholor. Carter didn’t pitch a shutout, but Stanford didn’t have him following Agholor around the field. Carter also was solid against Notre Dame. He did pretty well in coverage of Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong with a pass breakup, but did get caught looking into the backfield and Strong got open for a short touchdown.
   
   5/30/14: The Cardinal has had a tough defense – one of the best in college football – over the past few seasons. The front seven has gotten a lot of attention, but Carter has led the way for a quality secondary. He has good size, physicality and coverage skills.
   
   In 2013, Carter totaled 59 tackles with eight passes broken up and an interception. He started only eight games in 2012, but played in all 14. The freshman totaled 46 tackles with three tackles for a loss, one pass broken up and three forced fumbles. His stock could easily rise.
   
   Personal: Son of Tom and Renee Carter.



10. P.J. Williams*, CB, Florida State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 194.
    40 Time: 4.57.
    Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
    4/25/15: Williams hurt his draft stock with a DUI arrest in the final weeks before the 2015 NFL Draft. At the Combine, he ran a little slower than expected. Some teams like Williams, but others aren’t fans and feel that he gives up too much separation. In 2014, Williams totaled 10 passes broken up, one interception and 68 tackles. He has some size, speed and athleticism, but he could be better off in primarily a zone or press-man scheme in the NFL. Teams are split on Williams with some seeing him as possible late first-rounder while others say the have him as a solid second-rounder.
    
    Williams held his own against Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker. Parker had a few receptions, but Williams also had tight coverage on the vast majority of their plays, including a clutch pass breakup on a slant. Williams had a couple of rough plays, but generally played well against Oklahoma State and Clemson. Versus the Cowboys, he allowed separation on a deep ball, but the receiver couldn’t control it in the end zone. Williams was fortunate that he wasn’t flagged for some pass interference penalties, too. He had a huge forced fumble to help clinch a win in that contest.
    
    8/27/14: Williams had an excellent debut as a starter in 2013. He was the Defensive MVP of the BCS National Championship Game as he had seven tackles and a critical fourth-quarter interception that helped spark Florida State’s comeback win. The first-year starter totaled 35 tackles with seven passes broken up and three interceptions for the season.
    
    Williams has a good combination of size, speed and athletic ability. He has a lot of upside and could develop into a dominant player in 2014.





11. Steven Nelson, CB, Oregon State
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 197.
    40 Time: 4.49.
    Projected Round (2015): 2-4.
    4/25/15: Nelson notched 60 tackles, eight passes broken up and two interceptions in 2014. He was a solid cover corner and further proved it with a strong week at the Senior Bowl. Nelson ran with receivers to prevent separation and was good at battling contested catches. He helped himself in Mobile. Nelson followed it up with a good performance at the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Nelson was going to play in his home state at Georgia, but ended up going the junior college route. 2013 was Nelson’s debut at Oregon State, and he had a great year with six interceptions, eight passes broken up and 62 tackles. Nelson could have produced more, but was a reserve to begin the season. He has some natural ballhawking skills.
    
    Personal: Son of Steven Nelson, Sr. and Ylencia Jackson. Majored in sociology.



12. D’Joun Smith, CB, Florida Atlantic
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 187.
    40 Time: 4.45.
    Projected Round (2015): 2-4.
    4/25/15: Smith continued his strong postseason with a nice performance at the Combine. He previously had a respectable week at the Senior Bowl that impressed sources. Smith totaled 53 tackles with eight passes broken up and one forced fumble in 2014. He has the speed and athleticism to be a cover corner. Opponents didn’t throw his direction much in 2014.
    
    Smith totaled 13 passes broken up, seven interceptions and 35 tackles in 2013. As a sophomore, he notched 25 tackles with eight passes broken up. Smith also served as a kick returner and averaged 26 yards per kick return as a senior.
    
    Personal: Son of Jason and Tosha Smith.



13. Doran Grant, CB/S, Ohio State
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 199.
    40 Time: 4.44.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
    4/25/15: Grant notched 51 tackles with five interceptions in 2014. He was a steady corner for the Buckeyes throughout the year and was reliable in pass coverage. Grant has press-man experience and also looks like he could play off-man or zone coverage.
    
    Grant had a strong showing at the Combine as he ran fast and looked good in the field drills. Grant also did well in the bench press (21 reps). He could play corner or free safety in the NFL.
    
    8/27/14: In 2013, Grant broke into the starting lineup and contributed for Ohio State. He had 58 tackles with three interceptions and 10 passes broken up. Grant was an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer. He had some strong games for the Buckeyes, but needs to become more consistent as he had some rough moments as well. In 2012 and 2011, he was a backup.
    
    Personal: Son of Tonya Grant and Ted Jones. Majoring in criminology.



14. Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss
    Height: 5-8. Weight: 178.
    40 Time: 4.46.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/25/14: Golson was one of the most dangerous cornerbacks in the nation in 2014. He was an interception machine for the Rebels. Golson showed excellent instincts and ball skills. He was smart with how he baited quarterbacks into throwing picks. Golson had 10 interceptions, the second highest total in the nation. The senior also notched 41 tackles with eight passes broken up. He went on to have a decent week at the Senior Bowl and run well at the Combine. He could be a good nickelback in the NFL.
    
    Golson recorded 41 tackles with three passes broken up and two interceptions in 2013. He had three interceptions, three passes batted away and 36 tackles while starting six games the year before.
    
    Personal: Golson played baseball in 2012 for Ole Miss and was drafted in the eighth round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Golson is the son of Anthony and Tarsha Golson.



15. Charles Gaines*, CB, Louisville
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 180.
    40 Time: 4.44.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/25/15: At the Combine, Gaines ran well and had a good workout. He recorded 32 tackles, nine passes broken up and two interceptions in 2014. Gaines was impressive in the season opener against Miami and was a solid corner for the Cardinals throughout the year. Against Florida State, Gaines notched eight tackles. He has some coverage skills, but could have used more refinement before coming out.
    
    8/27/14: Gaines converted from wide receiver to cornerback for 2013 and had an excellent debut at his new position. He totaled five interceptions, seven passes broken up and 22 tackles for the year. Gaines needs to improve his technique in coverage, but he has lot of natural ability. Gaines could also stand to improve his run defense and tackling. Filling out his frame would help with that. He also is a good weapon on special teams.
    
    Personal: Son of Tonja Prittler and Charles Gaines, Sr. Justice administration major.



16. Josh Shaw, CB/S, USC
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 201.
    40 Time: 4.44.
    Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
    4/25/15: Shaw played in both the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl. He is strong and put together well with some press-man skills, but for the NFL, his best fit could come as a rangy safety who can cover tight ends and running backs. Shaw is still stiff to turn and run with receivers, plus doesn’t always play the ball well. His weaknesses could be masked at safety.
    
    Shaw was suspended for the majority of the 2014 season. He was activated late in the year and saw some playing time. Shaw’s suspension stemmed from having lied about how he injured his ankles before the season. His initial claim had been about saving his nephew from drowning, but eventually led to an investigation by the LAPD for a domestic-violence issue. Shaw could go in the mid-rounds or fall undrafted in the wake of the NFL dealing with a domestic-violence controversy and the lack of tape from his senior year.
    
    8/27/14: Shaw started out his collegiate career at Florida before transferring to USC. Shaw redshirted with the Gators in 2010 and had 22 tackles as a backup in 2011. The NCAA granted Shaw a hardship waiver because of illnesses in the family, so he played right away for the Trojans in 2012. Shaw started the final seven games at cornerback and had 30 tackles with six deflections and two interceptions.
    
    Shaw showed improved coverage skills in 2013 and also played some free safety. He totaled 67 tackles with four interceptions and seven passes broken up. Shaw has good size for a corner with the athletic ability to excel in coverage. The senior could rise during 2014, but it would help him to play corner or safety permanently.



17. Kevin White, CB, TCU
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 183.
    40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/25/15: White had a very slow 40 time at the Combine that could hurt his draft stock significantly. He previously had a strong week at the Senior Bowl to really help his draft stock. White ran with receivers to prevent separation and competed well for the ball. The practice sessions in Mobile were particularly good for his reputation.
    
    White recorded 51 tackles with four tackles for a loss, two interceptions and 11 passes broken up in 2014. He looks like a potential slot cornerback for the NFL. White was impressive with how he defended West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White. The Mountaineer was held to three receptions for 28 yards as the Horned Frogs’ Kevin White led the way for TCU’s coverage against the star receiver.
    
    White was an honorable mention Big XII pick by the conference’s coaches in 2013, but was overshadowed by Jason Verrett. White had 40 tackles with eight passes broken up and three interceptions that season.
    
    Personal: Son of Kevin and Yolanda White. Majoring in criminal justice.





18. Ladarius Gunter, CB, Miami
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 202.
    40 Time: 4.69.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Gunter had 28 tackles with six passes broken up and two interceptions in 2014. He put together a quality week at the Senior Bowl and played better than expected. Gunter looks like a press-man and zone corner. He hurt his cause with a very slow 40 at the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: The junior college product Gunter has good size, decent speed and some athletic ability, but he hasn’t always played up to his physical skill set. In 2012, Gunter started five games and played in all 12. He had 27 tackles with an interception and six deflections. Gunter started every game in 2013 and totaled 46 tackles with six passes broken up and three interceptions. He needs to have more consistent coverage as a senior.



19. Damian Swann, CB, Georgia
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 189.
    40 Time: 4.50.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Swann had a respectable showing at the East-West Shrine. However that level of competition was almost a step down from what he went against most Saturdays. On the year, Swann recorded 62 tackles with four passes broken up and three interceptions. He didn’t impress in the 2014 season opener against Clemson and was beaten for some significant pass plays. Swann bounced back and had some quality games, including the Bulldogs’ shutout of Missouri.
    
    Swann should be a zone corner in the NFL and probably would be best as a nickel or dime rather than a starter. Moving Swann to free safety would be interesting.
    
    8/27/14: Swann assembled 57 tackles, zero interceptions and eight passes broken up in 2013. The junior had an ugly game against LSU and was burned by the Tigers’ passing attack. He bounced back with nice performances against Tennessee and Florida. Generally, teams avoided Swann and targeted Shaq Wiggins, but Swann didn’t play up to expectations.
    
    In 2012, Swann led the Bulldogs’ quality secondary with four interceptions. It was the sophomore’s first year as a full-time starter, and he steadily improved as the season progressed. Swann played well against Florida and finished the year strongly with two interceptions against Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl. He recorded 53 tackles with five passes broken up and two forced fumbles in 2012.
    
    Personal: Majoring in communications.



20. Lorenzo Doss*, CB, Tulane
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 182.
    40 Time: 4.50.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Doss was a 3-year starter and a ballhawk for the Green Wave. He had five interceptions, two breakups, and 44 tackles in 2012. Doss increased his interceptions to seven, broke up 11 more passes and had 78 tackles in 2013. The junior amassed 45 tackles with eight break ups and two interceptions in 2014. Doss didn’t stand out at the Combine.
    
    Personal: Son of Lee and Wanda Doss.



21. Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas
    Height: 5-8. Weight: 196.
    40 Time: 4.56.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Diggs had 65 tackles with three interceptions and five passes broken up during the 2014 regular season. He put together good showings against BYU and Kansas. Diggs is a nickel only because he doesn’t have the size to play on the outside. Diggs also was consistently beaten for passes by bigger receivers. He hurt his cause by putting up a slow 40 time at the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Diggs didn’t impress in an embarrassing Texas loss to BYU to open 2013 and had some problems with Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett. Diggs played better after that. The junior had 49 tackles and 10 passes broken up for the year. He played well against Oklahoma, and teams generally avoided him late in the season.
    
    Diggs had a great start to 2012 with three interceptions over three games. The sophomore finished the year with four picks, 52 tackles, seven passes broken up and three tackles for a loss. Texas’ defense was a disappointment, but Diggs played well for the Longhorns.
    
    Diggs was the Big XII Freshman of the Year in 2011 and was named a Freshman All-American by many media outlets. He started 11 games and led the Longhorns with four interceptions. Diggs also had 51 tackles, 15 passes broken up and two forced fumbles.
    
    Personal: Younger brother of Quentin Jammer, long-time cornerback with the San Diego Chargers.



22. Craig Mager, CB, Texas State
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 201.
    40 Time: 4.44.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: One of the most impressive defensive backs at the East-West Shrine was Mager. He did a nice job of running the routes and staying with receivers to prevent them from getting separation. At the Combine, Mager continued to perform well with a faster than expected 40.
    
    Mager isn’t undersized and is put together pretty well. He looks like he could develop into a quality NFL cornerback after starting out as a nickel or dime corner.



23. Jacoby Glenn**, CB, Central Florida
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 186.
    40 Time: 4.64.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Glenn – a surprise early entry in the 2015 NFL Draft – has some size to go along with zone coverage and ball skills. Sources say that Glenn is too slow to play man coverage and has graded out as well into Day 3.
    
    The redshirt sophomore recorded 48 tackles with seven interceptions, 11 passes broken up and one forced fumble in 2014. As a freshman, he had 52 tackles with two interceptions and 15 passes broken up.



24. Justin Coleman, CB, Tennessee
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 185.
    40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Late in the process, a lot of teams have shown interest in Coleman. He is a sleeper who could end up being a third-day gem. Coleman was a 4-year contributor for the Volunteers who broke into the starting lineup as a freshman. In 2012, he locked down a starting job and had 59 tackles with three passes broken up. Coleman totaled 46 tackles, seven pass breakups and an interception as a junior. In his senior campaign, he totaled 42 stops with five passes broken up and four interceptions.
    
    Coleman put together a solid week at the East-West Shrine to earn some consideration as a third-day pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He also had a decent performance at the Combine.
    
    Personal: Son of James Coleman, majoring in communications.



25. Troy Hill, CB, Oregon
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 182.
    40 Time: 4.55.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/25/15: In 2014, Hill had 71 tackles, 18 passes broken up and one interception. He showed a huge improvement in his ball skills in his final season. Hill broke into the starting lineup in six games as a redshirt freshman and was a solid player for Oregon with 43 tackles a handful of pass breakups and an interception. He spent his sophomore year as a backup before becoming a starter as a junior. In 2013, Hill had 29 tackles and four passes broken up.



26. Deshazor Everett, CB, Texas A&M
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 193.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/25/15: Everett had 73 tackles, an interception and seven passes broken up for 2014. The senior was torched by South Carolina in the season opener and gave up multiple touchdowns downfield throughout the year. He was also lit up by Alabama. Everett may have to move to safety in the NFL, but has the upside of being a nice contributor in run defense. He didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Everett is a tough and physical player, but was disappointing as a junior. He needs to improve his coverage skills as a senior in order to rise. Everett was one of the few Aggie defenders to play well against Alabama in 2013, recording nine tackles. Late last year, he was burned in games against LSU and Missouri. Everett had 68 tackles with two interceptions and five passes broken up for the season.
    
    Everett broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore and turned in a strong season for the Aggies. He was one of the better cover cornerbacks in the SEC. The first-year starter totaled 56 tackles with seven passes broken up and two interceptions in 2012.
    
    Personal: Majoring in agricultural leadership and development. His guardians are Monica and Joseph Bolden.



27. Imoan Claiborne, CB, Northwestern State
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 189.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.56.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/25/15: Claiborne showed the ability to compete at the Senior Bowl. He did a nice job of running with receivers and staying close to them in and out of their breaks. For the NFL, Claiborne looks like a slot cornerback candidate. He used the time in Mobile to rise from the undrafted ranks into a pick on Day 3. Claiborne didn’t participate in the Combine.



28. Nick Marshall, CB, Auburn
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 207.
    40 Time: 4.54.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/25/15: Marshall played quarterback for Auburn, but for the NFL, he is moving to cornerback. Marshall played some corner early in college at Georgia before transferring to Auburn and playing quarterback. As a defensive back, Marshall needs development and should take a redshirt year or two in the NFL before seeing the field and going head-to-head with NFL wide receivers. That being said, Marshall has the size, strength, length and speed of a good NFL cornerback, so the skill set is there but he will be a project pick as a late-rounder. With his quarterback experience. some teams will like Marshall as an emergency option, especially teams that only carry two quarterbacks on their roster.



29. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 192.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.40.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/25/15: A few months ago Ekpre-Olomu was in the running to be the top ranked corner, but then he suffered a knee tear during bowl practice before Oregon’s game against Florida State. It was said to be a torn ACL, but in speaking with team sources, they say the knee injury was much worse and was more along the lines of Marcus Lattimore or Willis McGahee rather than a simple ACL tear like the one suffered by Georgia running back Todd Gurley or Texas A&M offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi. Sources say that some teams have Ekpre-Olomu in their undrafted free agent board, and there were some that were questioning if he would ever play again.
    
    The senior totaled two interceptions, nine passes broken up and 58 tackles in 2014. Against Stanford, Ekpre-Olomu recorded nine tackles and helped limit Ty Montgomery from making any big plays. Overall, it was a good tape for Ekpre-Olomu. Versus UCLA, he had an impressive interception that he tricked Brett Hundley into throwing and had a pass broken up on a two-point conversion attempt.
    
    Ekpre-Olomu did a good job of defending Cayleb Jones and Austen Hill while facing Arizona. He ran with the receivers and prevented them from getting separation. However, Ekpre-Olomu did have a pass interference penalty in the end zone and was run over by a running back on a touchdown run. Ekpre-Olomu recorded nine tackles, a tackle for a loss and a pass batted against Washington State. On the other hand, he also was beaten for a couple of touchdowns. In Week 2, Ekpre-Olomu had good coverage against Michigan State throughout the game. He made a highlight-reel diving interception in the second half. It was a huge play for Oregon.
    
    8/27/14: There is no doubt that Ekpre-Olomu has good instincts. He is quick and athletic, but needs to improve his strength, physicality and run defense. Still, Ekpre-Olomu is fast and athletic. He does an impressive job of running the route with receivers and not allowing separation.
    
    Ekpre-Olomu had a strong 2013. Late in the regular season, the junior was phenomenal against Oregon State and wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Ekpre-Olomu showed the movement skills, speed and agility to prevent a small, speedy receiver like Cooks from gaining separation. Ekpre-Olomu had three passes broken up, one interception and 12 tackles against the Beavers.
    
    Ekpre-Olomu had some rough moments in coverage against Colorado (Paul Richardson), but he had a big performance versus California with 11 tackles and his first interception of the season. Ekpre-Olomu maintained good coverage versus Tennessee and played well against UCLA. He totaled 78 tackles, three interceptions, six passes broken up and one forced fumble in 2013.
    
    Ekpre-Olomu worked his way into a starting role in 2012 and had an impressive season. He totaled 63 tackles, four interceptions, six forced fumbles and 16 passes defensed. As a sophomore, Ekpre-Olomu had some good and bad moments against USC and its star receivers Marqise Lee and Robert Woods in 2012. Ekpre-Olomu played a lot of press man and held his own with an interception and a few passes broken up in the end zone, but he also was beaten for a score and was called for a few pass-interference penalties.
    
    One issue for Ekpre-Olomu is height. If he measures in any shorter than listed, some teams may consider him only as a slot cornerback.
    
    Personal: Son of Joshua and Queen Ekpre-Olomu.



30. Cody Riggs, CB/S, Notre Dame
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 179.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.43.
    Projected Round (2014): 7-FA.
    4/25/15: Riggs notched 33 tackles with three passes broken up and an interception in 2014. He played well for Notre Dame, but also missed time with injuries. Riggs would be ranked a lot higher if he weren’t undersized with durability concerns. Riggs didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Riggs played safety for Florida in 2013 and was burned on a few a plays against Miami, Georgia and LSU. He recorded 51 tackles, three passes broken up and 7.5 tackles for a loss for the season. To get more consistent playing time, Riggs transferred to Notre Dame for his senior year. He is projected to be a starting cornerback. For the NFL, he would be a better fit as a slot corner and special teams competitor.
    
    Riggs had a good start to the 2012 and was playing well against Texas A&M before leaving with a broken foot. He was expected to be out a month, but never returned to the field. Riggs made his debut for the Gators as a true freshman in 2010 and started three games, but played mostly special teams. He had 18 tackles with an interception. Riggs won a starting spot in 2011 and recorded 31 stops with two passes broken up.



31. Tim Scott, CB/S, North Carolina
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 195.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/25/15: Scott recorded an interception, seven passes broken up and 78 tackles in 2014. He had some issues in coverage. Scott should be a safety in the NFL. He didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Scott broke into the starting lineup in 2011. The freshman had 43 tackles with six passes broken up and two interceptions. He started all 12 games in 2012 and totaled 48 tackles with nine passes broken up and four interceptions. Scott showed nice improvements in his second season as a starter. As a junior, he recorded 49 tackles with three passes broken up and two interceptions. Scott had some issues in coverage, and North Carolina has moved him to safety as a senior.



32. Merrill Noel, CB, Wake Forest
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 175.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/25/15: Noel recorded 30 tackles with two interceptions and two passes broken up in 2014. He battles receivers well, but he’s small and tight, and too slow to make up for it. Noel didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Noel had 53 tackles, six passes broken up and three interceptions in 2013. He looks like a nickel corner candidate for the NFL. In 2012, Noel recorded 35 tackles with three passes broken up and zero interceptions. He had a bigger impact as a freshman in 2011 with 66 tackles, 19 passes broken up, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Noel also averaged 18 yards per kick return that year. The senior needs to improve his production and add some strength for the NFL.
    
    Personal: Communications major. Son of Merrill Noel, Sr. and Frantoria Green. Raised by his mother and grandmother, Gayle Love.

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