Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dee Milliner (28) breaks up a pass intended for Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver DaVaris Daniels (10) during the second half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. The pass was intercepted by Alabama defensive back Ha
Having a shutdown corner on a defense can dramatically help the defense’s overall performance. Cornerback play has been at possibly the highest level it has ever been at in the NFL. With stars like Richard Sherman and Darrelle Revis setting the standard, teams are looking for that big time shutdown corner in this year’s draft. This year has a few cornerbacks worth taking a serious look at.
1) Dee Milliner, Alabama, (6-1, 198 lbs) – Dee has it all. Great size, good speed, and can play the ball very well. He can change direction with ease and has great hips, which is one of the most important things a cornerback can have. He played against the best of the best his whole career at Alabama. He is the most NFL ready cornerback in this April’s draft. Sure fire first round draft pick.
2) Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State, (6-1, 185) – Banks has the build of an NFL cornerback. His awareness is impressive. He can play the ball very well while its in the air. His speed is kind of questionable, but he makes up for it a lot of times with his recovery speed. Johnthan should be a first round draft prospect.
3) Desmond Trufant, Washington, (5-11, 190) – Desmond is the brother of NFL player Marcus Trufant. He is a very athletic player who possesses great hips and speed. He has the build of an NFL cornerback. He needs to improve on his tackling skills, but still could be drafted in the first round. I expect him off the board by at least pick 40.
4) Xavier Rhodes, Florida State, (6-1, 217) – Xavier is the ultimate physical cornerback. He played a ton of press coverage during his time at Florida State. He has good hips and gets out of his breaks very quickly. He can play the ball well and is a solid tackler. Rhodes has the size you want a cornerback to have. Xavier is a second round draft prospect.
5) Jordan Poyer, Oregon State, (6-0, 182) – Poyer is a relatively unknown for most regualer fans. He has what it takes to succeed in the NFL though. He is a physical cornerback who has good ball skills and has the athleticism necessary for the position. He looked good during Senior Bowl week. Jordan should be viewed as a second to third round draft pick.