2019 NFL Draft: Finalized top 50 big board, positional rankings

Cornerbacks

1. (27) Amani Oruwariye, Penn State

Second round grade

While there is not a cornerback in this class with a first round grade, expect a run in the second round on them. In a close grouping on this big board of cornerbacks, Penn State’s Amani Oruwariye comes out as the top in the class. While Byron Murphy may have the best film, his lack of size and athleticism is concerning. Oruwariye also has solid tape without compromising his size and athleticism.

At 6-1 and 205 pounds, Oruwariye runs a sub-4.5 second 40-yard dash and a sub-seven-second 3-cone drill, giving him the speed and agility to hang with receivers deep as well as break on balls when needed. While he does not possess elite hops, hitting just 36.5 inches on his vertical, his height and length more than compensate for his slightly above average explosiveness.

2. (29) Byron Murphy, Washington

Second round grade

While Murphy may not be the top corner on this big board, the margin is slim, and he has, by far, the best film in the class. However, teams should be concerned with his 4.55-second 40-yard dash at only 5-11 and 189 pounds. He does possess great agility to break on balls, but it has to be wondered if Murphy is better suited for the nickel role rather than playing on the outside.

If the answer to this question is yes, then he does not warrant a first round grade. While Murphy will more than likely hear his name picked in the first round, there are enough concerns to prohibit the Washington product from receiving a first round grade.

3. (37) Sean Bunting, Central Michigan

Second round grade

Still relatively unheard of is Central Michigan’s Sean Bunting, but here he ranks as the third-best cornerback and a top-40 player on this big board. Tallying nine interceptions and 15 passes defended in his three seasons at Central Michigan, the 6-0 and 195-pound corner also tested off the charts in Indianapolis at the combine.

He ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, hit an astounding 41.5 inches on his vertical jump, and 10.5 feet on his broad jump. At his pro day, he also displayed above average agility with a sub-seven second 3-cone drill. Keep an eye on this MAC school prospect who gets a second round grade.

4. (39) Deandre Baker, Georgia

Second round grade

Deandre Baker is going to be a solid player in the NFL if he can commit himself to the process as there are rumors he did not prepare as well as he could for the combine and throughout the 2018 season. However, not only is his work ethic a concern, but also his testing numbers. His saving grace may be his high-quality tape while at the University of Georgia.

While he ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and a sub-seven-second 3-cone drill, good enough to compete at the NFL level, his explosive tests are a cause for caution. Baker hit only 31.5 inches on his vertical jump, and under 10 feet on his broad jump, numbers that defensive tackle prospect Ed Oliver topped.

5. (42) Justin Layne, Michigan State

Third round grade

Justin Layne remains the most intriguing cornerback prospect in this year’s class, and may ultimately be the first one off the board due to his out-of-this-world athletic ability. However, no matter how athletic someone is, the film has to match, and unfortunately for Layne, it does not. At 6-1 and 192 pounds, the upside of this former wide receiver may be too much for teams to pass on. However, nothing about his play displays anything earlier than a third round pick.