Best Slot Cornerbacks 2020 Draft

Posted on 4/14/202222.08.2017by admin

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Best Slot Cornerbacks 2020 Draft Picks
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Remember the cornerback rankings are in flux. They are dependent upon match-up, their own pass rush (good pass rush is a cornerback’s best friend), and of course the defense that they are playing in. So buckle up and lets goooooo! Remember this is all about the fantasy scoring opportunities for your IDP Leagues. 2020 Cornerback Rankings.

The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 cornerbacks in the 2020 NFL Draft: 1. Jeff Okudah, Ohio State, 6-1, 205. Finding flaws here feels like nitpicking. Future All-Pro will shut down. Doug Farrar and Touchdown Wire recently ranked the top-11 slot cornerbacks in the NFL and new Eagles defender, Nickell Robey-Coleman landed high on the list at No. Of the 2020 NFL Draft. Going up against the top cornerback in this year’s class, Jefferson was met with physicality, but stayed on his route and created separation for a 22-yard gain that set up the first touchdown of the game. This has been a trend this season for Jefferson, who has played 58% of his snaps on the outside with 64% of his yardage coming from those.

A true lockdown corner, capable of covering elite receivers without help from a safety, changes everything for a defense. That’s why the top four players here received first-round grades; the fifth could easily hear his name called on Thursday night depending on how the draft unfolds.

This class of corners appears to have one sure-thing star, but several others have a chance to reach that ceiling. NFL defensive coordinators are increasingly relying on nickel and dime packages, and covet versatile players who can deftly switch between man and zone coverages or step inside to cover the slot. Deception is everything in the NFL, and that requires having smart corners who can adapt on the fly.

Here’s a look at the best of this year’s class.

1. Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State

Okudah is in a class of his own. He’s the best corner prospect I’ve watched since Jalen Ramsey. In fact, that’s my comp for the Ohio State star. He’s got everything teams look for in a No. 1 corner: Size, speed, agility, instincts and the mentality all great corners have. On top of the coverage ability, Okudah isn’t afraid to make a tackle. Having a lockdown guy like this on the roster makes game-planning so much easier.

Grade: Early 1st Round

2. Kristian Fulton, LSU

It’s not going to be hard for NFL teams to project how Fulton will fare in a pro defense. LSU took a pro-style approach to coverage during Fulton’s career, routinely asking him to play press-man coverage with no safety help over the top. And he did it against the nation’s best receivers. As good as Fulton is in man coverage, he might be better in zone. That versatility should get him drafted early on Day 1.

Grade: Early 1st Round

3. C.J. Henderson, Florida

(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

There has been speculation that Henderson has leapfrogged Okudah on some teams’ draft boards, but it’s hard to justify that based on his 2019 film. He took a step back after a phenomenal 2018 season. Henderson’s movement skills were still there, but lapses in concentration got him beat downfield on several occasions. My biggest concern with the Florida star? He’s not a physical corner and could get beat up by true No. 1 receivers. He might be a top-end No. 2 two rather than a centerpiece for a defensive secondary.

Grade: Late 1st Round

4. Jeff Gladney, TCU

Gladney is a play-maker. Does that mentality get him into trouble sometimes? Sure, but the positive plays outweigh the negatives. In TCU’s defense, he was asked to play in a variety of coverages. He played press man, he played zone from deeper alignments and he made plays no matter what he was asked to do. Gladney’s risk-taking might scare some teams off, but there’s no doubt he’ll be a useful NFL player, if not a star.

Grade: Late 1st Round

5. Jaylon Johnson, Utah

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY

Johnson is an ideal No. 2 corner for an NFL defense. He’s a physical dude who understands how offenses want to attack. He may not have the agility to stick with the top receivers in one-on-one coverage, but if you have a lockdown guy on the other side of him, Johnson is going to make a lot of plays. The only question is whether Johnson’s physicality will translate to the next level because he is a bit undersized.

Grade: Mid 2nd Round

Five more prospects to keep an eye on…

6. Trevon Diggs, Alabama

7. Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State

8. Bryce Hall, Virginia

9. Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech

10. A.J. Terrell, Clemson

More 2020 NFL Draft Rankings:Quarterback Running Back Wide Receiver Tight End Offensive Tackle Interior OL Edge Rusher Defensive Tackle Linebacker Safety

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Here’s a look at the best of this year’s class.

1. Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State

Grade: Early 1st Round