After weeks of number crunching, bar graphs, pie charts, coffee runs, and a whole lot of man hours, we at eDraft have assembled our collective top-100 prospects for the 2014 NFL draft. The official "big board" will be released on our main page soon, along with specific position by position breakdown inside the top-100.
Again, these are not my personal rankings, but eDraft's official positional rankings based off our collective consensus. Here I will be breaking down eDrafts cornerback rankings giving my personal opinion and breakdown player-by-player.
Many have said the 2014 draft class is one of the deepest in almost a decade, meaning the opportunity to grab a starting-caliber cornerback after the first day is a very realistic scenario.
Most would also agree that Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard and Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert are the clear-cut top two corners in the draft depending on your preference of play.
Many people will make their rankings based off of their preferred style of play from their cornerbacks. So, if your team runs a defensive scheme that demands a corner to play a lot of press coverage or one who can excel in a zone scheme, your rankings should have a ripple effect of those players who fit that scheme the best.
1. Darqueze Dennard, Cornerback, Michigan State
Even after Justin Gilbert's lights out combine, the top cornerback is this years draft is Dennard. The term "shutdown" gets thrown around too much, but after watching him dominate his Big Ten competition, there's no doubt Dennard has the skill set to live up to the billing of a shut down corner. Dennard is the most physical cornerback in the class helping him excel in press and man coverage, with his exceptional use of his hands. Dennard's ability to reroute his receiver at the line of scrimmage is what makes him so special and in a league of pass happy offenses, Dennard will be a breath of fresh air for whatever team lands him.
2. Jason Verrett, Cornerback, TCU
Even though Gilbert could be the first cornerback taken, here at eDraft the consensus says Verrett is actually the better overall player and Il tell you why. From a pure talent standpoint you could argue Verrett is the best cornerback of the class. Verrett is the most technically sound corner you can find as he is equally dominant versus the pass and the run. At the combine he ran a 4.38 40 and posted one of the best verticals of the event with a 39 inch jump. What will drop Verrett from being one of the first two cornerbacks taken however, is his 5'10" frame. In a league where big, long, physical corners are coveted, Verrett just doesn't fit the bill. Due to his size Verrett is best suited inside as a nickel role where he won't have to line up against bigger receivers, and can maximize his talents.
3. Justin Gilbert, Cornerback, Oklahoma State
Gilbert pushed himself into top-15 talks after he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the combine. He also dazzled during positional drills, looking smooth in his transitions and showed a quick backpedal. Gilbert was a star for the Cowboys where he showed off incredible range and ball-hawking skills. With a league in high demand on big and athletic players in the secondary, Gilbert has many teams excited to get their hands on him after his combine performance.
4. Bradley Roby, Cornerback, Ohio State
Although people can get carried away with the combine numbers, it isn't a coincidence the players who excelled in Indianapolis are the ones at the top of this list. Roby was another winner during the week long event, after he posted a 4.39 40, 38.5 inch vertical jump, and 10-4 broad jump. After not reaching most peoples expectations last season following a lights out 2012 campaign, Roby erased a lot of concerns after scouts watched his excellent performance in positional drills. Roby displayed outstanding footwork in and out of his backpedals along with short-area quickness and burst. Although you can still find him being projected outside of the first-round, I for one would be shocked if we didn't hear his name called during day one of the draft.
5. Kyle Fuller, Cornerback/Safety, Virginia Tech
Mike Mayock may have blown Fuller's cover when he announced he had given Kyle a first-round grade. Before then it was looking like Fuller was going to become one of the better values of the draft projected in the second to third round. At over six feet tall, Fuller is one of the most fluid players here, and makes shadowing his man look effortless at times. Fuller has shown such natural range that many teams prefer him at safety to maximize his talents and skill set.
6. Pierre Desir, Cornerback, Lindenwood
The biggest "no namer" of the list, Desir came out of nowhere because of his small school status, but has been climbing up draft boards steadily for the past month. Although he played at a small school, Desir destroyed his competition. Quarterbacks wouldn't even dare throw his was having just 14 passes thrown in his direction in 2013 and intercepting four of them. Desir will still have to shake the small school label and prove he can hang with NFL talent, but he has shown the ball skills, instincts, and football IQ to assume he can compete at a high level in the NFL.
7. Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Cornerback, Nebraska
The 6'3" cornerback caught the eyes of scouts down at the Senior Bowl with his long frame and athletic body. However, that will only get you so much production as Jean-Baptiste struggled during the combine. Although he tied for second best with a 41.5 inch vertical jump, Jean-Baptiste ran a sluggish 4.61 40 and was missing the acceleration during positional drills needed to compete in the NFL. With the need for speed at the next level, Jean-Baptiste may be limited in what roll he can play, and may be best suited for a switch to safety when its all said and done.
8. Marcus Roberson, Cornerback, Florida
A solid season for the Gators, Roberson has flown under the radar a bit with fellow teammates Jaylen Watkins and Louchiez Purifoy stealing some attention. Roberson is 6'0" 192 pounds and has long arms which he uses to his advantage. Roberson is quick and instinctual and one of the most physical cornerbacks you'll find. His physicalness is sometimes too much however, as he will have trouble playing with the same style in the NFL.
9. Jaylen Watkins, Cornerback, Florida
Brother of Sammy, Jaylen is as athletically gifted as they come. Watkins is extremely smooth and wastes little movement and shows off the lateral quickness to be special. He was moved from the safety position by the Gators just last season though and is still a very raw corner, which showed up on tape. He also is undersized and will be subjected to a nickel and slot role in the NFL. However, with his good genes and huge ceiling, Watkins will be a great value for a team on day-three, as his potential alone is worth the risk.
10. E.J. Gaines, Cornerback, Missouri
A key piece to a solid SEC defense, Gaines is just 5'10" but at 190 pounds he is a thick and strong body. With his good athleticism and long arms, Gaines makes things very difficult for his opponent to come down with the ball cleanly. HIs tackling technique needs improvement and is something coaches will need to work on right away, as well as his inability to come down with interceptions when the opportunity arises. Expect Gaines to hear his name called no later than the fifth round, providing good depth with the potential to be a starting number two cornerback someday.
11. Loucheiz Purifoy, Cornerback, Florida
Of all three Florida cornerbacks Purifoy was supposed to be the best with his supposive uncanny athleticism. However, with a first round grade during preseason, Purifoy struggled with consistency throughout the year along with failing to be a play maker. To make matters worse he had one of the worst combines of the class, running a putrid 4.61 40 and looking sluggish during drills. If it wasn't for his big play ability on special teams Purifoy could slip into the undraftable range. Even so he will be lucky to hear his name called in the middle rounds at this point.