2019 NFL Draft: Names to keep an eye on at NFL Combine
By Cory Kinnan
Cornerback
Outside of a few names, this cornerback class will need to rely on their athleticism compared to their production in college. While Greedy Williams, Byron Murphy and Deandre Baker currently sit at the top of this class, a couple on this list could see themselves sneak into that discussion, while one is hoping to prove that he should be a Day 2 pick.
Trayvon Mullen, Clemson
Riding high after Clemson’s defeat of Alabama in the National Championship Game, Trayvon Mullen’s draft stock is also soaring right now. While having an up and down year, Mullen has finished on a high note and sees himself as a fringe first rounder.
With four picks in his career with the Tigers, the 6-2 corner has the size necessary to play at the next level. Mullen has some definite steam heading into the pre-draft process, and has the chance to ride that high into the first round.
Amani Oruwariye, Penn State
Senior cornerback from Penn State Amani Oruwariye has been generating quite a bit of buzz lately due to his size and athleticism. Listed at 6-1 and 200 pounds, Oruwariye finished his college career with eight interceptions, solid production that got him an invite to the Senior Bowl.
Mock drafts have seen him slotted anywhere from the end of the first round and early in the third round. With a solid Combine, Oruwariye could have a clearer outlook onto where he could land in the draft.
Kendall Sheffield, Ohio State
Kendall Sheffield, and the rest of the Ohio State secondary for what it’s worth, struggled mightily in 2018. This led to teammates Damon Arnette and Jordan Fuller deciding to stay for their senior season. Sheffield decided to skip town and declared for the NFL Draft instead.
While his production was way down this past season, Sheffield is expected to test extremely well at the Combine, and with the cornerback position more than any other, a great show of athleticism can cover a multitude of sins. It will be interesting to see where Sheffield stands at the conclusion of his trip to Indianapolis.