2024 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Cornerbacks

Editor’s note: The U-T’s Eddie Brown is breaking down prospects, position by position, leading up to the NFL Draft (April 25-27). Here are his top 10 cornerbacks, plus “bonus” players he believes will be drafted or signed as a priority free agent:

1. Cooper DeJean (Jr., Iowa, 6-foot, 202 pounds)
The former four-star recruit lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track, quarterbacking his high school to back-to-back undefeated state titles (the only ones in school history) while personally winning state championships in the 100 meters and long jump his senior year. DeJean was No. 14 on Bruce Feldman’s 2023 “Freaks List.” He’s a highly competitive defensive back capable of thriving at cornerback, nickel or even safety. He’s reliable against the run and his ball skills are top-tier — he allowed only one catch of 15-plus yards in 2023. He returned three of his seven career interceptions for touchdowns while averaging 13.1 yards per punt return, including a game-winning 70-yard TD against Michigan State last September. He controversially had a 54-yard punt-return TD called back with under two minutes remaining against Minnesota a month later. DeJean has been sidelined for most of the draft process after suffering a broken fibula while practicing with the Hawkeyes’ offense in November, which explains why it feels like he’s been flying under the radar. Projected: Round 1

2. Nate Wiggins (Jr., Clemson, 6-1, 173)
Wiggins might need to add some strength to his slender frame — he gets pushed around against the run — but it’s rare a reception he allows includes yards after the catch. The first-team All-ACC corner features elite ball skills, allowing only one catch of 20-plus yards on 41 targets in 2023. Wiggins is a top-tier athlete with rare recovery speed, and is capable of thriving in man or zone coverage. He sustained a hip flexor strain during his first and only 40-yard dash attempt at the combine and still managed to run 4.28. Projected: Round 1

3. Terrion Arnold (So., Alabama, 5-11, 189)
Arnold was prepared to quit football to focus on basketball, but Charlie Ward, Heisman Trophy winner, longtime NBA guard and Arnold’s head basketball coach in high school, convinced him otherwise. Based on upside, he could be the top cornerback on most draft boards. He’s relatively inexperienced — he was the No. 3 safety in the 2021 recruiting class — but he’s been one of the better run defenders at the position and has proven a quick-study in coverage. Arnold is scheme-versatile, and produced a SEC-best 17 passes defensed and five interceptions in 2023. He was the only FBS player with at least five interceptions and 12-plus pass breakups. Projected: Round 1

4. Quinyon Mitchell (Jr., Toledo, 6-0, 195)
Mitchell features elite speed and prototypical size for the position. He’s a proven ball-hawk who can play on an island and wins with top-tier athleticism and physicality. He produced 44 pass breakups, six interceptions and two pick-sixes the past two seasons. Some teams might hold his lack of experience in press coverage against him, or the lower-level competition in the MAC, but he was clearly the best cornerback in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Projected: Round 1

5. Kool-Aid McKinstry (Jr., Alabama, 5-11, 196)
The former five-star recruit was the No. 1 cornerback in the 2021 recruiting class. McKinstry earned the “Kool-Aid” nickname from his grandmother, who said he had a “Kool-Aid smile” from birth. He started as a true freshman in a Nick Saban defense and was first-team All-SEC his sophomore season. He wasn’t targeted as much his junior season, but he still found ways to improve an already polished technique. There’s no panic in his game. McKinstry also provides value as a punt-returner. He produced 418 punt-return yards the last two seasons — fifth-most in the FBS over that span — averaging 11.3 yards per return. Projected: Rounds 1-2

6. Mike Sainristil (Sr., Michigan, 5-9, 182)
Sainristil played wide receiver his first three years in Ann Arbor before moving to defensive back full time in 2022. He lacks prototypical size for the position, but he’s an explosive athlete who has played multiple positions in the secondary. His instincts as a pass defender and fearlessness against the run will endear him to most coaches. The two-time team captain was one of just five FBS players with at least six interceptions last season, including three returns of 70-plus yards and two pick-sixes. Projected: Rounds 2-3

7. Kamari Lassiter (Jr., Georgia, 5-11, 187)
Lassiter is a two-year starter in the SEC despite being a true junior. He was second-team All-SEC last season with no interceptions, which is indicative of how good his coverage skills are. Some teams may be turned off by him running a below-average 4.64 40-yard dash at his pro day, but his 6.62 three-cone time was the fastest at the combine for the position. Lassiter doesn’t feature elite physical traits, but he makes up for it with tenacity, a refined technique and a competitive fire that’s second-to-none. Projected: Rounds 2-3

8. Max Melton (Sr., Rutgers, 5-11, 187)
Melton was a four-year starter for the Scarlet Knights, producing 30 passes defensed and eight interceptions over the last three seasons. He’s a physical, explosive ball-hawk with inside-outside versatility. His aggressive nature occasionally draws a flag and he needs to be a more consistent tackler (12 missed tackles in 2023), but those are both coachable offenses. Melton blocked four punts in his career, including an FBS-best three blocked kicks in 2022. Projected: Rounds 2-3

9. Kris Abrams-Draine (Sr., Missouri, 5-11, 179)
Abrams-Draine is a former wide receiver who was selected first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American last season. Size will be an issue for some teams — he might not be an asset against the run in the NFL — but he held up well at college football’s highest level while essentially learning on the job. Abrams-Draine produced 40 passes defensed and seven interceptions the last three seasons. He could begin his NFL career as a return specialist while he continues to learn the nuances and develop the anticipation required to play the position. Projected: Rounds 2-4

10. Ennis Rakestraw (Sr., Missouri, 5-11, 183)
The three-star recruit passed on offers from Alabama and Texas to join the Tigers. Rakestraw wins with physicality. He’s strong, but he doesn’t have the speed most teams seek from the position in the early rounds. However, he does play with a competitive swagger that’s undeniable. He’s a willing run defender, but the lack of ball production is concerning (he only had one interception in 36 career games). So is his injury history. He suffered a torn ACL in 2021 and struggled with a groin injury and a core muscle injury last season. Projected: Rounds 2-3

BONUS: TJ Tampa (Sr., Iowa St., 6-0, 194)
The three-star recruit was a wide receiver when he first joined the Cyclones before becoming a three-year starter at cornerback. Tampa’s size, speed and physical mentality is ideal for bump-and-run coverage. He gambles a bit, but his ball skills and long arms usually bail him out. Projected: Rounds 2-3

BONUS: DJ James (Sr., Auburn, 5-11, 175)
The Oregon transfer chose to be closer to home after three seasons in Eugene. James led the Tigers in passes defensed both seasons at Auburn and was second-team All-SEC in 2022. Most of his career snaps came on the outside (almost 90 percent), but his size might dictate he competes for a starting nickel role in the NFL. Projected: Rounds 2-3

BONUS: Cam Hart (Sr., Notre Dame, 6-3, 202)
The former three-star recruit started out at wide receiver in South Bend before moving to cornerback during his freshman season. The 2023 team captain earned a spot (No. 32) on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” for his lower-body explosiveness and on-field GPS numbers (23.01 mph). Hart had two interceptions against Wisconsin his sophomore season, but produced zero interceptions in his other 47 collegiate games. However, he did play a significant role in helping to hold Marvin Harrison Jr. in check last September in a 17-14 loss to Ohio State. Hart has a history of shoulder injuries dating back to high school. Projected: Rounds 3-4

BONUS: Khyree Jackson (Sr., Oregon, 6-3, 194)
Jackson was the nation’s No. 4 JUCO recruit when he signed with Alabama before ending up in Eugene. He led the Ducks in interceptions (three) and passes defensed (10) after attending four different programs in the previous five years. He gets handsy, but he showed significant improvement in his approach last season. His rare size and strength points to a bright future as a man-to-man defender in the NFL if he continues his ascension. He will be a 25-year-old rookie. Projected: Rounds 3-4

BONUS: Caelen Carson (Jr., Wake Forest, 5-11, 193)
I wish Carson had more ball production, but he’s a fiery competitor who wins with physicality in coverage and against the run. The four-year starter is also experienced in both man and zone coverage, and versatile enough to play inside or outside. Carson has missed 11 games the last three seasons, and wasn’t able to participate in the Senior Bowl and combine because of a strained left foot. Projected: Rounds 3-5

BONUS: Andru Phillips (Jr., Kentucky, 5-10, 190)
The former three-star recruit was ranked No. 1 in the nation in the triple jump as a senior in high school. Phillips didn’t record an interception in college, but he’s battled-tested and features inside-outside versatility. The scheme fit will be critical, but he’ll have special teams value right away (12 career tackles on kick and punt coverage). Projected: Rounds 3-5

BONUS: Jarvis Brownlee (Sr., Louisville, 5-10, 194)
Brownlee spent three up-and-down years at Florida State before joining the Cardinals. He was voted the top cornerback on the American Team during practice at the Senior Bowl, and also had an interception in the game. Brownlee is an aggressive press corner with average size, but above-average competitive toughness. Projected: Rounds 4-5

BONUS: Nehemiah Pritchett (Sr., Auburn, 6-0, 190)
Pritchett is long, lean, and extremely fast. He’s special with the ball in his hands. He averaged 27.3 yards per interception return in his career, and 31.3 yards per return as a kick returner his junior season. Pritchett’s tackling technique leaves a lot to be desired, and he’s inconsistent downfield with his back to the ball, but NFL teams are always in the market for the traits he possesses (speed and play-making ability). Projected: Rounds 4-5

BONUS: Josh Newton (Sr., TCU, 5-10, 190)
Newton started 59 games across five seasons in college, starting at the University of Louisiana-Monroe before transferring to Fort Worth in 2022. He could thrive as a press-man coverage defender, but there was definitely a dip in play last season compared to when he first joined the Horned Frogs (especially against Texas’ talented group of receivers). Projected: Rounds 4-5

BONUS: Jarrian Jones (Sr., Florida St., 5-11, 190)
Jones was the No. 18 safety in the 2019 recruiting class and committed to Mississippi State. He transferred to Tallahassee the next season after head coach Joe Moorehead was fired. His impressive performance at the combine was a significant boost to his draft stock. Jones tied for the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash (4.38), sixth-highest broad jump (10-9) and eighth-highest vertical jump (39.5) among all defensive backs. The three-year starter was the first Seminoles player in history with a interception, sack, tackle for loss, forced fumble and fumble recovery in the same game. Jones has inside-outside versatility and he’s dangerous around the ball, but he’s battled numerous nagging injuries throughout his career. Projected: Rounds 4-6

BONUS: Elijah Jones (Sr., Boston College, 6-1, 185)
Jones was an accomplished sprinter in high school and it shows on the field. He earned first-team All-ACC as a super senior and produced seven interceptions and 28 passes defensed his final 20 games in college. He lacks discipline at times (six pass interference penalties over his last 16 games), but he features the mentality required to play man coverage at a high level in the pros. He played on punt coverage all six seasons in college and has experience as a gunner (11 career tackles on special teams). Projected: Rounds 4-6

BONUS: Decamerion Richardson (Sr., Mississippi St., 6-2, 188)
The former three-star recruit barely touched the football in his four seasons with the Bulldogs. Richardson only had 10 passes defensed and no interceptions. However, he’s an excellent tackler. He led all SEC cornerbacks in tackles both his junior and senior seasons. There’s a lot of work to do in coverage, but his top-tier size and elite speed (4.34 40-yard dash at the combine) are catnip for defensive coaches. Projected: Rounds 4-7

BONUS: Renardo Green (Sr., Florida St., 5-11, 186)
The former three-star recruit has alternated between cornerback and safety during his five years in Tallahassee. He features an average size/speed combination, but he was a second-team All-ACC corner, while producing 14 passes defensed and only allowing one reception of 20-plus yards last season. Green’s play in the 2023 opener against LSU’s elite receivers got everyone’s attention. Projected: Rounds 4-7

BONUS: Kalen King (Jr., Penn St., 5-11, 190)
King led all cornerbacks in the country with a 93.3 overall grade and an 18.3 passer rating allowed in single-coverage as a sophomore for the Nittany Lions, according to Pro Football Focus. However, his play took a significant step back in 2023 and he hasn’t tested well during the draft process. Projected: Rounds 4-7

BONUS: Dwight McGlothern (Sr., Arkansas, 6-1, 185)
The former four-star recruit spent two years at LSU, but transferred to Fayetteville following head coach Ed Orgeron’s departure. McGlothern allowed only one catch of more than 15 yards in 2023, and led the Razorbacks in interceptions and passes defensed in each of the last two seasons. His outstanding route recognition is indicative of a former wide receiver (he played the position at a high level as a prep). He’s long and disruptive, but he’s an average athlete who will need to develop his technique in the pros. Projected: Rounds 5-7

BONUS: Qwan’Tez Stiggers (Toronto Argonauts, 5-11, 204)
Usually CFL players are free to sign with NFL teams once they complete their contracts, but Stiggers’ case is different because he never played college football. After winning the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie award — he produced five interceptions and 12 passes defensed — he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft (and was released from his Toronto contract). Stiggers earned positive reviews at the East-West Shrine Bowl in February, but was snubbed by the NFL Combine. He recently showcased his talents at a pro day, providing solid measurables while running a 4.45 40-yard dash. Stiggers would only be the fourth player in the common era to be drafted into the NFL with no collegiate playing experience. Projected: Round 7-PFA

BONUS: Daequan Hardy (Sr., Penn St., 5-9, 179)
Hardy is a finesse nickel with explosive athleticism and above-average ball skills, but he’s just a bystander vs. the run. There are durability concerns primarily based on his size, but he could earn a gig as a punt returner in the pros while he’s competing for snaps. Hardy averaged 14.6 yards per return in 2023 for the Nittany Lions, and became the first player in school history to score multiple punt-return touchdowns in the same game (vs. Massachusetts). Projected: Round 7-PFA

BONUS: Micah Abraham (Sr., Marshall, 5-9, 185)
Abraham’s father (Donnie) was a third-round pick in the 1996 NFL Draft and produced 38 interceptions in a nine-year NFL career with the Buccaneers and Jets, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2000. He’s currently the defensive coordinator for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the UFL. Abraham was a five-year starter who played safety and cornerback for Thundering Herd. He’s undersized, but he’s fast and the ball skills didn’t fall far from the tree — he produced 11 interceptions and 50 passes defensed the last three seasons. Projected: PFA

BONUS: Tyrek Funderburk (Sr., Appalachian St., 5-11, 186)
The Richmond transfer is a hard-hitting playmaker with eight interceptions (three pick-sixes) and 26 passes defensed the last two seasons for two different programs. Funderburk needs to become a more consistent tackler, but he features adequate size and premium speed. Projected: PFA