2013 NFL Draft: Top 5 Cornerbacks

1. Dee Milliner, Alabama.
HT: 6-0, WT: 201, 40 Time: 4.37

If your looking for a corner that has it all, stop no further. Dee Milliner has the most complete game of any other corner in this class without a doubt. Milliner is very quick off the ball, and has incredible ball skills. If that doesn’t impress you, his stellar tackling and blitzing ability will.

The Junior then helped his draft stock with a stellar showing in the National Championship Game, and in the NFL Combine. Milliner tied for the nations league in passes defended with 22, and also recorded 54 tackles, and 2 interceptions. Mi

Dec 1, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Florida State Seminoles defensive back Xavier Rhodes (27) lines up during the second half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the 2012 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. FSU defeated Georgia Tech 21-15. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The 2nd best corner in the class is without a doubt Xavier Rhodes from Florida State. At 6 foot 2, Rhodes is one of the taller corners in the class, and that’s a beneficiary. Rhodes has the height and the leaping ability to match up with lengthy wide receivers on the outside.

2. Xavier Rhodes, Florida State.
HT: 6-2, WT: 210, 40 Time: 4.44

Combining his height with his elite ball skills and closing speed make him a very interesting prospect. A 4.44 40 time is about right for Rhodes, who is not as fast as Milliner, but is still pretty speedy. Rhodes recorded 39 tackles, 7 pass break ups, and 3 interceptions. Those stats however, are misleading.

Most teams did their best to avoid Rhodes when they could, leading to the low numbers on the stat sheet. With proper coaching, Rhodes could be a very, very good corner in the future. He will not make it out the top 20 picks barring something unusual happens.

3. Johnthan Banks, MIssissippi State.
HT: 6-2, WT: 185, 40 Time: 4.61

Arriving at the 3rd spot on the list is Jonathan Banks from Mississippi State. Banks was one of the most electrifying corners in all of college football in 2012, and really opened up many eyes.

At 6 foot 2 (like Rhodes), Banks is very lengthy, and is not easy to beat down the field. In 2012, Banks piled up 63 tackles, 7 pass break ups, and 4 interceptions. Banks’ 4.61 40 time is a bit concerning, but I don’t think it should hurt him as much as some may think. Banks has unreal ball skills, and tremendous big play ability. If Banks can improve his cover skills, and bulk up a little, the sky is the limit for Banks.

4. Desmond Trufant, Washington.
HT: 6-0, WT: 190, 40 Time: 4.38

Desmond Trufant, the younger brother of corner Marcus Trufant, is slotted here as the 4th best corner in this years class. Trufant is a very stellar corner on the outside. He may be somewhat small, but he was brilliant in coverage in 2012.

He then helped his draft stock by running a fast 40, and excelling in cone drills. Trufant totalled 36 tackles, 5 passes broken up, and 1 interception. If Trufant can bulk up a little, and perfect his ball skills, Trufant has a chance to be a very solid cover corner in the NFL.

5. Jamar Taylor, Boise State.
HT: 5-11, WT: 192, 40 Time: 4.39

Jamar Taylor may be ranked 5th on this list, but Taylor is a very interesting prospect. The redshirt senior has a very solid 2012 campaign with 51 tackles, 9 passes broken up, and 4 interceptions. Taylor does just about everything well, but really excels in press coverage.

Taylor is a little on the small side, but with some bulk and some coaching he’ll be just fine. Taylor really helped his draft stock with a very good combine, and Senior Bowl. Taylor will be looked at late in the first round or in the early second.