B/R CFB 250: Top 25 Cornerbacks
Bleacher Report's CFB 250 is an annual ranking of the best players in college football, regardless of NFL potential. Through interviews with B/R Experts Matt Miller, Michael Felder, Barrett Sallee and Adam Kramer, authors Brian Leigh and Brian Pedersen have studied, ranked and graded the top athletes in the country, narrowed that list to 250 and sorted by position. Today, we present the Top Cornerbacks.
Other CFB 250 Positions
The 2015 season is a strong one for cornerbacks.
If you'd like to know why, take a look at the 2013 recruiting class. Seven of that year's top 55 overall players were cornerbacks, per 247Sports' composite rankings, and six of those seven were full-time starters last season.
All six made the top half of this list.
Going forward, that leaves the position vulnerable. The 2013 recruiting class can declare for next year's NFL draft, and it's safe to say that many of them—especially of the six in question—will.
But for now, the position is in an excellent spot. And now is all that matters. The 2015 season is a strong one for cornerbacks.
FBS quarterbacks: Beware.
But before we dig into that, a disclaimer. The cornerbacks who follow were graded as college prospects, not as NFL prospects.
Targeted skills, such as run defense, are important at both levels, but there is a difference between college run defense and professional run defense. If a cornerback can set the edge and make plays in the SEC or the Big 12, it doesn't matter if he can't set the edge and make plays in the NFC North. At least not here, it doesn't.
This is all about college performance.
Note: If two players finished with the same grade, a subjective call was made based on whom we would rather have on our team right now. Also, all recruiting info refers to the 247Sports composite rankings.
25-20. Carrington, Lyons, Thomas, Peterson, Jones, King
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25. Lloyd Carrington, Arizona State
Speed: 15/20; Ball Skills: 16/20; Run Defense: 17/20; Pass Coverage: 32/40.
Lloyd Carrington is the leader of a solid Arizona State secondary. He's physical near the line of scrimmage and plays more like a safety than a corner—he's a playmaker rather than a lockdown guy—but can hold his own in coverage as well. He and Kweishi Brown form an underrated cornerback tandem.
24. Wayne Lyons, Michigan
Speed: 16/20; Ball Skills: 15/20; Run Defense: 16/20; Pass Coverage: 33/40.
Wayne Lyons transferred to Michigan after graduating from Stanford in June. Jim Harbaugh recruited Lyons to Palo Alto, and David Shaw coached him up into a typical Stanford cornerback. He's physical in press-man coverage and unafraid to play on an island. The Wolverines will be fine with Lyons replacing Blake Countess.
23. Duke Thomas, Texas
Speed: 17/20; Ball Skills: 16/20; Run Defense: 16/20; Pass Coverage: 32/40.
Duke Thomas has started 23 games the past two seasons and now finally enjoys some coaching stability. He benefited last season from playing with Quandre Diggs but held his own against teams' No. 2 receivers. He's slightly undersized (5'11", 178 lbs) but scrappy—just the way head coach Charlie Strong likes 'em.
22. Kevin Peterson, Oklahoma State
Speed: 16/20; Ball Skills: 16/20; Run Defense: 16/20; Pass Coverage: 33/40.
Kevin Peterson made a name for himself when he held West Virginia star Kevin White to three catches for 27 yards last season. His coverage wasn't always that spectacular, but he buoyed occasional lapses with strong run defense (59 tackles) and ball skills (13 passes defended). If he puts it all together for 12-13 games, he could finish the year as a top-10 cornerback.
21. Cyrus Jones, Alabama
Speed: 17/20; Ball Skills: 16/20; Run Defense: 16/20; Pass Coverage: 32/40.
After a rocky first two years in Tuscaloosa, Cyrus Jones enjoyed a breakout junior season. He improved as much as any SEC defender and surpassed Eddie Jackson and a pair of 5-star freshmen (Tony Brown and Marlon Humphrey) to become Alabama's No. 1 corner. He's not quite of the caliber of Dee Milliner, Dre Kirkpatrick or Kareem Jackson—don't expect him to become a first-round pick—but he's good enough to hang against a deep cast of SEC wideouts.
20. Desmond King, Iowa
Speed: 15/20; Ball Skills: 16/20; Run Defense: 16/20; Pass Coverage: 34/40.
One of the most overlooked players in college football, Desmond King returns to Iowa, alongside Greg Mabin, to give the Hawkeyes a formidable secondary. He's exceptional in zone coverage and can hold his own on an island as well. There's a reason Iowa games are ugly on both sides of the football.
19-14. Marshall, Redmond, Toliver II, Boddy-Calhoun, Adams, Leonard
2 of 1519. Iman Marshall, USC
Speed: 17/20; Ball Skills: 16/20; Run Defense: 17/20; Pass Coverage: 32/40.
Iman Marshall is an 18-year old true freshman, but you could never tell by looking at him. He's built like a Seattle Seahawk (6'2", 200 lbs) and is not afraid to throw his frame around. Without having yet played a college game, he's already someone Pac-12 receivers dread facing. Incumbent starter Kevon Seymour is a good one, but Marshall will force his way into the lineup.
18. Will Redmond, Mississippi State
Speed: 17/20; Ball Skills: 17/20; Run Defense: 16/20; Pass Coverage: 33/40.
The NFL is high on Will Redmond, and it's not hard to see why. He's a balanced combination of size (6'0", 186 lbs), speed and instincts, and it still feels like he hasn't reached his ceiling. On a Mississippi State defense that lost a lot of last year's talent, he'll be looked to as a source of stability.
17. Kevin Toliver II, LSU
Speed: 17/20; Ball Skills: 17/20; Run Defense: 15/20; Pass Coverage: 34/40.
LSU fans have been awaiting Kevin Toliver II since he committed back in November 2012. He didn't waste any time making a strong first impression, as he enrolled early and showed well in spring camp. He has a long, lean frame (6'2", 196 lbs), easy speed and the game just seems to come naturally to him. Ed Paris is the "favorite" to start the season opener, but Toliver is already on his heels.
16. Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Minnesota
Speed: 16/20; Ball Skills: 17/20; Run Defense: 16/20; Pass Coverage: 34/40.
Briean Boddy-Calhoun teams with Eric Murray, who just missed our Top 250, to give Minnesota the Big Ten's best cornerback tandem. Murray is the better run defender, but Boddy-Calhoun excels in coverage and with his ball skills. His 14 passes defended—five interceptions, nine breakups—tied for third in the conference last season.
15. Ishmael Adams, UCLA
Speed: 18/20; Ball Skills: 18/20; Run Defense: 16/20; Pass Coverage: 32/40.
Ishmael Adams is a big play waiting to happen. Whether at cornerback or as a punt returner, he has game-breaking speed and ball skills. Teammate Fabian Moreau is the better cover corner—and like Minnesota's Murray, he also just missed our Top 250—but Adams is more crucial to UCLA's success. The Pac-12 is a big-play conference, and Adams gives the Bruins a leg up.
14. Richard Leonard, Florida International
Speed: 18/20; Ball Skills: 17/20; Run Defense: 15/20; Pass Coverage: 34/40.
Speaking of big plays waiting to happen: Meet Richard Leonard. He's the C-USA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, and he's an even better home run threat than Adams. His four return touchdowns last season set a Florida International record, and his six career return scores are tied for the program lead with former Panther T.Y. Hilton. It shouldn't take long for him to undo that tie.
13. Maurice Canady, Virginia
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B/R Expert Scouting
"The big thing I notice when I watch him play is: Guys that big aren't supposed to be that fluid. There's no herky-jerk or anything in his movements."
—Michael Felder
Speed
Canady has great speed for a cornerback his size (6'2", 195 lbs). He has long legs and never looks like he's running that fast, even when he is. He's also quick enough to undercut routes and take the ball back for six, which gets into quarterbacks' heads.
Ball Skills
Confidence, size and instincts make Canady one of the best ball-skill cornerbacks in America. He can rise to the occasion against any type of receiver and get his hand between the ball and the man. His 10 passes defended against ACC opponents—two interceptions, eight breakups—ranked No. 2 in the conference last season. The only player he trailed was Jim Thorpe Award winner Gerod Holliman.
Run Defense
Canady should be better at this than he is. Considering his size and long arms, he should be able to disengage, throw his body around and make an impact near the line of scrimmage. It's not for lack of effort—he's competitive and seems like he's trying to contribute in run support—but he needs to add strength and play with more physicality on the ground.
Pass Coverage
Virginia uses Canady in a variety of spots. His length allows him to cover tall receivers on the outside, but he's also quick enough to handle slot assignments. Again, his biggest weakness is his strength and physicality; he doesn't excel like one might expect in press coverage. He has the tools of a Seattle Seahawks-type cornerback, but he needs to add the muscle and the mindset.
Overall
Canady has a world of potential; he just needs to fill out his frame. He's a senior who's played meaningful snaps since 2012, and his instincts are those of a seasoned cornerback. NFL scouts will be watching his progress closely.
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12. Eli Apple, Ohio State
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B/R Expert Scouting
"He's not just a man-to-man, put-you-on-an-island corner. He's a very complete corner who can play against the run, who can play press-man, who can cover in zone. And that versatility allows Ohio State to do a lot with its cornerbacks."
—Michael Felder
Speed
Apple has nice speed for a cornerback his size (6'1", 200 lbs). He's a long strider with quick acceleration who can make up ground from behind. He's not the type of burner to return kickoffs or anything, but he's not the lumbering, press-man-only type either.
Ball Skills
Apple has a great mind for the position and finishes plays in the air. Opposing teams tested him last season because he was the new guy across from Doran Grant, but he was thoroughly up to the task. His 13 passes defended—three interceptions, 10 breakups—ranked No. 6 in the Big Ten.
Run Defense
Apple plays an active role in run support, using his size and strength to shirk wide receivers off their blocks. He had 17 tackles in the final three games of the season, 13 of which were solo. When you're racking up tackles against Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon—three of the best rushing offenses in college football—you know you're doing something right.
Pass Coverage
Although he's not the smoothest cover cornerback, Apple can hold his own in most cases. He excels in zone and press-man coverage but could stand to improve in off-man, where his average foot quickness and fluidity create issues. With a little bit of added agility, he'll go from solid to very good in coverage.
Overall
Co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash, whom Ohio State hired from Arkansas last offseason, has been labeled a secondary guru. The way he developed Apple did nothing to dispel that reputation. Now entering his redshirt sophomore season, Apple has gone from fringe starter to NFL prospect. He doesn't stand out in any one area, but there's nothing he doesn't do well.
11. Tre'Davious White, LSU
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B/R Expert Scouting
"I think he's next in line at 'DB U.' He's been around for a while, he has the traits of a bona fide superstar and I think he'll continue the trend of great DBs in Baton Rouge."
—Barrett Sallee
Speed
White is one of the fastest cornerbacks and quickest all-around players in the country. His foot speed allows him to change directions and mirror receivers in coverage, and he also excels as a punt returner. Sallee called his quickness "unbelievable," and two years of game film agree.
Ball Skills
You'd like to see White make a few more plays on the ball. He's logged four interceptions and 13 pass breakups in two seasons—both of which are respectable numbers—but it's not like opposing quarterbacks were throwing away from him. He flashes strong ball skills in most cases, but a player with his athletic tools should do more.
Run Defense
Head coach Les Miles and former defensive coordinator John Chavis would never throw a poor run defender on the field. White displays the typical LSU toughness and willingness to participate in the box. He did, however, record 22 fewer tackles as a sophomore (33) than he did as a freshman (55), which is something to keep an eye on. A player with his speed should post at least 45 tackles per year.
Pass Coverage
Last year, despite playing across from a second-round NFL draft pick (Jalen Collins), White was asked to cover opponents' top receivers. He held his own in most cases, flashing fluid hips in man coverage and awareness of his assignments in zone. He enjoys being left on an island, which coaches love to see in a cornerback.
Overall
White (5'11", 191 lbs) lacks the size of Patrick Peterson and the playmaking skills of Tyrann Mathieu, but he's solid in every aspect. If you're looking for a modern LSU comparison, think more along the lines of Morris Claiborne. Claiborne, by the way, won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 2011. White might not follow in his footsteps, but he shouldn't be too far behind.
10. Mackensie Alexander, Clemson
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B/R Expert Scouting
"He's going to be a name that everybody knows this year. Right up there with all those NFL draft corners. Because he missed that freshman year (with a groin injury), his name is not up on that radar. But I think by the end of this season, he'll be pushing his name into the first round of the draft."
—Michael Felder
Speed
Alexander plays with great speed. He's not the fastest cornerback in college football, but very few receivers beat him deep. His quickness also helps in the short and middle thirds, where he's rarely beaten east-to-west.
Ball Skills
Alexander failed to record an interception last season—his first as an active player—and only posted six pass breakups. But those stats might be misleading, as teams were eager to stay away from. Based on what he showed in high school, it's safe to assume his ball skills are better than those numbers indicate.
Run Defense
Again, Alexander's numbers undersell his impact. He played a passive role in Clemson's 2014 run defense, recording just 21 tackles but showing a willingness to throw his body around near the line. The Tigers finished No. 3 in the country with 2.97 yards allowed per rush.
Pass Coverage
Alexander fares well in both man and zone coverage. His technique was ahead of the curve for a redshirt freshman, as he showcased the ability to mirror route combinations and anticipate what would come next. He's a little undersized (5'10", 190 lbs) but plays bigger than his height and is not afraid of jamming large receivers.
Overall
Alexander missed his true freshman season with a groin injury, at which time people seemed to forget about him. But the former 5-star recruit lived up to his billing in 2014, and he still has room to grow as a redshirt sophomore.
9. Jonathan Jones, Auburn
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B/R Expert Scouting
"He was good last year when Auburn got basically no pressure. So if Auburn gets some pressure this year, I think you might be looking at a double-digit interception season."
—Barrett Sallee
Speed
Jones proved his speed against Georgia last season, when he shadowed wide receiver Chris Conley. Conley ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and was a third-round draft pick, but Jones held him to one reception. Only a speedy corner could have contained Conley so thoroughly.
Ball Skills
Here is where Jones excels. His 18 passes defended—six interceptions, 12 breakups—gave him a share of last year's SEC lead, and he kept Auburn in the game with a pair of clutch interceptions at Mississippi State. Despite his smaller frame (5'10", 181 lbs), he boasts impressive timing, instincts and leaping ability.
Run Defense
While his frame doesn't hurt him with ball skills, it does cost Jones a few points in run defense. He wants to be more active in support, but he struggles at times to disengage from bigger receivers. Like the rest of Auburn's defense, he looked small and soft defending Melvin Gordon in the Outback Bowl.
Pass Coverage
A tier below the best SEC cover corners, Jones is still someone the Tigers can trust on an island. Even if he sometimes gets beat, his speed and ball skills allow him to recover and turn a negative into a neutral. He makes smooth transitions and has the ability to cover slot receivers, which is probably where his NFL future lies.
Overall
Jones emerged last season after injuries plagued the start of his career. Auburn's defense was a mess under Ellis Johnson, but Jones played well regardless, and new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp should mine even more potential out of the Tigers' star cornerback. The whole of Auburn's defense might finally equal the sum of its parts.
8. Zack Sanchez, Oklahoma
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B/R Expert Scouting
"Looks undersized. Struggles with transitions. But he's an obvious playmaker with ball-hawk hands."
—Matt Miller
Speed
Sanchez is an above-average athlete with what scouts call "functional speed." He's not the type to moonlight as a punt returner or cover a speedy slot threat, but he fares well with most outside receivers. Only special athletes (see: Kevin White) have made him look bad going vertical.
Ball Skills
Sanchez will earn his paycheck as a playmaker with ball-hawk instincts. He's an Asante Samuel type who gambles often but forces enough turnovers to make that gambling worthwhile. Between the 2013 Kansas State game and the 2014 Texas game, he recorded an interception in seven of nine contests. The highlight of that stretch was a five-game interception streak against Alabama, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa, Tennessee and West Virginia.
Run Defense
Sanchez is an active defender who doesn't shy away from contact. He's thin (5'11", 175 lbs) and sometimes overwhelmed by bigger wide receivers, and he doesn't know how to wrap up and tackle, but at least he shows a willingness to crash from the outside and participate in run defense.
Pass Coverage
What makes Sanchez so valuable—his willingness to gamble and force turnovers—also makes him vulnerable in coverage. He's better in zone than man, where his awkward transitions lead to occasional blown assignments. As long as he keeps forcing turnovers, Oklahoma can live with these breakdowns. But if the well of interceptions ever runs dry, Sanchez is not the No. 8 corner.
Overall
The book on Sanchez is simple, as explained in the sections above. He makes enough plays to forgive the occasional coverage breakdown, and those breakdowns are infrequent enough to justify his place on this list. His instincts for the position are exceptional, and ultimately that's why he ranks so high. Instincts are harder to teach than the things Sanchez needs to improve.
7. Cameron Sutton, Tennessee
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B/R Expert Scouting
"Cam Sutton is the most underrated player in the SEC. Vernon Hargreaves gets all the credit, but Sutton deserves to be right up there. He just needs a little more consistency."
—Barrett Sallee
Speed
Sutton has excellent closing speed, which helps both in run defense and coverage. He's tall for the position but lean (6'1", 189 lbs), and he uses that length to run stride for stride with receivers down the field.
Ball Skills
Sutton's 13 pass breakups gave him a share of last year's SEC lead. Add on his three interceptions, and only Senquez Golson and Jonathan Jones recorded more passes defended. While certain taller cornerbacks lack coordination, Sutton finishes plays with excellent ball skills.
Run Defense
Here is where Sutton needs work. He's physical and fast enough to play run defense, but he misses too many tackles. Unlike his ball skills in coverage, where he finishes plays with conviction, his tackling holds him back from defending the run as well as he should.
Pass Coverage
Size, speed, fluidity—Sutton has it all. He's sometimes inconsistent in man coverage, where his footwork is less than ideal, but he gets the job done and then some. According to Jack Farrell of Pro Football Focus, he held quarterbacks to a rating of 51.6 last season. No SEC corner with more than 400 snaps in coverage fared better.
Overall
Sutton is one of the best kept secrets in college football. He's not as consistent as the best cornerbacks in the country, but when he's on, he is every bit as good. If he smooths the minor lapses in his game, he's got the ceiling of an All-American.
6. William Likely, Maryland
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B/R Expert Scouting
"I love him. He's the most underrated cornerback in college football. Ball skills off the charts, quick breaks on the football—I love watching him play. He's the reason I always put Maryland games on my second screen."
—Michael Felder
Speed
Likely has better quickness than long speed, but he's fast enough to get where he needs to go. For reference, check out his four long touchdowns (two interceptions returns, one kick return and one punt return) last season. He's sticky chasing receivers across the field on drag routes, too.
Ball Skills
Likely is a ball hawk who can alter the outcome of a game. He makes quick breaks on the football, and he knows what to do once he undercuts a route. His 15 passes defended gave him a share of last year's Big Ten lead. If not for his size limitations (5'7", 175 lbs), which affect how he defends jump balls, he would grade even higher than an 18 out of 20.
Run Defense
Likely posted 70 tackles as a freshman and 83 as a sophomore, proving he's a willing and able tackler. Bigger wide receivers can overpower him on the outside, but he fights back with an impressive array of block-shedding moves. If those bigger wide receivers underestimate him, he'll slip right by them and make a play.
Pass Coverage
Height-obsessed teams tried to target Likely early last season. They learned the hard way that that's a bad idea. He did allow the occasional big play, but for the most part Likely used his quick feet, balance and athleticism to mirror his opponents and disrupt offensive rhythm. If he limits that "occasional big play" thing, it's hard to find a weakness in his game.
Overall
Yes, Likely is only 5'7". Get over it. He's been knocked for his height since high school, but all he's ever done is produce. At the next level—and yes, he will get there—he might be forced to work from the slot, but for now he fares just fine on the outside.
5. KeiVarae Russell, Notre Dame
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B/R Expert Scouting
"He's just so quick. There are guys who are fast but don't play with confidence, and then there are guys who are super quick and it shows. And Russell sort of has that swagger where he knows he can keep up with anyone."
—Matt Miller
Speed
Miller hit the nail on the head. Russell plays with easy speed and quickness, knowing he can make up ground from behind. This allows him to take risks without ever putting the defense in jeopardy. He only has average size (5'11", 190 lbs), but he can mark the opponent's best deep threat.
Ball Skills
Russell logged one interception and eight pass breakups as a sophomore in 2013 (his most recent season). Those are merely decent numbers, but he's better in the air than they indicate. If you want a sense of Russell's athletic prowess, check out this box jump from early June. He's the type of explosive athlete who can undercut a shallow curl or high-point a fade or deep ball.
Run Defense
Despite his speed and quickness, Russell is not a finesse player. He logged 58 tackles as a freshman and 51 as a sophomore. He keeps his eyes in the backfield and reacts quickly once he diagnoses the run.
Pass Coverage
Russell is one of the best cover corners in the country. He's a quick-twitch athlete with smooth feet and the confidence to play press-man on an island. Although he's shorter than 6'0", he has long arms and knows how to jam receivers. He is active, disruptive and sticky in both man and zone sets.
Overall
Russell returns to the Irish after being suspended last year during an academic fraud investigation. Without him Cole Luke emerged as an above-average starter, and now Notre Dame has one of the best cornerback tandems in the country. If Russell shakes off the rust as fast as we think he will, he'll push for All-American honors this season.
4. Adoree' Jackson, USC
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B/R Expert Scouting
"I think he's got the skills to be an elite corner: quick feet, strong with his hands. I just wish he didn't have to play offense, because those are plays you don't get back. That's a lot of time you have to spend over there, a lot of experience you lose. I just wish he didn't have to do it."
—Michael Felder
Speed
Jackson is a literal track star. He won the Pac-12 long jump title and clocked 10.48 seconds in the 100-meter dash at the conference championships in May. That track speed shows on the field, where Jackson cuts down angles, makes up ground from behind and can stay with any receiver.
Ball Skills
Every coach wants a cornerback who catches like a wide receiver. Jackson is a cornerback and a wide receiver. Because of his offensive training, it's unlikely he will drop an interception. His instincts in the air are some of the best in the country, too.
Run Defense
Jackson is a willing tackler with above-average instincts in run defense. He was ahead of the curve as a freshman but could stand to improve his block shedding as he adds more muscle.
Pass Coverage
For a freshman splitting time on offense and defense, Jackson fared remarkably well in coverage. Quickness and speed are his calling cards, but he's underrated with his hands and will ride a receiver up the field. His zone marks could use some fine-tuning, but he has the skills and instincts to become great. Even with a smaller frame (5'11", 185 lbs), there's no one he's scared to cover.
Overall
Jackson is one of the most exciting players in the country. He helps the Trojans on offense, defense and special teams, and he's a threat to score whenever he touches the ball. If USC trusts its offense enough to leave Adoree' on defense, he should earn the reps to become an All-Pac-12 corner. And that is just the surface of his upside.
3. Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech
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B/R Expert Scouting
"I don't know how great his production will be, because I don't know how many people will test him. But he's definitely a first-round type talent."
—Matt Miller
Speed
Fuller does not have blazing speed, but he's fast enough to track almost anyone. When he was in high school, Bleacher Report compared him to Asante Samuel, and that remains a fair comparison for Fuller's speed and quickness. It's understated, but it's there.
Ball Skills
Fuller intercepted six passes as a true freshman, including three in a close loss to Duke. Opponents learned their lesson, and in 2014 Fuller recorded only two interceptions. But it's not as if the ball skills disappeared: Fuller led the country with 10 pass breakups last August and September, and only lost that rhythm when injuries to teammates allowed opponents to avoid him.
Run Defense
Defensive coordinator Bud Foster likes defensive backs who hit and play physical. Fuller fits that description to a T. He doesn't have outlier size (6'0", 196 lbs), but he comes from a football family and relishes the dirty work in run support. He has 112 tackles in two seasons, and he contributes even when he doesn't make the play.
Pass Coverage
Fuller is the type of cornerback you can throw on an island and not worry about. He has the length and physicality to play press-man but also the fluid hips to turn and chase receivers down the field. Equally impressive is the work he does in zone coverage, where he always knows the location of his safeties and chooses his spots accordingly.
Overall
Kendall is the best Fuller brother to come through Virginia Tech—and that's saying something. His youngest older brother, Kyle, was a first-round draft pick in 2014 and enjoyed a breakout rookie season with the Chicago Bears. Despite being only a junior, Kendall should join his big bro in the pro ranks next season. He's already too good for college.
2. Jalen Ramsey, Florida State
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B/R Expert Scouting
"Special. Athletically, he's probably the most gifted player in college football. I loved him as a safety, and as a corner I think he can be even better."
—Matt Miller
Speed
Ramsey is a heat-seeking missile with speed to match his motor. He can tag any receiver on the field and hit the edge to make a tackle. He clocked 10.61 seconds in the 100-meter dash for the Florida State track team, for which he also ran the leadoff leg on the 4x100-meter relay squad that won the ACC outdoor title. And he did it all with a sturdy, well-built frame (6'1", 202 lbs).
Ball Skills
At safety and in Florida State's "Star" position, Ramsey was given free rein to patrol the middle of the field and make plays. He has a nose for the football and comes up with timely interceptions, deflections, pass breakups and forced fumbles. He's expected to do more of the same at cornerback, albeit in a more confined role.
Run Defense
Ramsey plays an active role in run support and isn't afraid to throw around his weight. In fact, he's been tossed from FSU practices for bringing too much intensity and fire. He recorded 80 tackles last season, 6.5 of which were non-sack tackles for loss. If he lines up on an undersized slot receiver and the offense calls a running play, there's a good chance he'll blow it up.
Pass Coverage
It's hard to give an accurate grade here since Ramsey has spent so much time at safety. But he opened the 2013 season at cornerback—the first FSU true freshman to start there since Deion Sanders—and had the fluid hips to match his physicality. Assuming he hasn't lost his cornerback instincts, he should pick up right where he left off. His size-speed quotient is off the charts for the position.
Overall
Ramsey is one of the most gifted athletes in the country. What's scary is that even if he wasn't—even if he had just average physical tools—he would still be a great defender. It's rare to find such a strong blend of athletic gifts, football instincts and work ethic. He could easily end the season as No. 1 overall player on this list.
1. Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida
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B/R Expert Scouting
"Only six interceptions for his career—I think that tells you how scared teams are of him. He's everything you want in a top-tier corner."
—Barrett Sallee
Speed
Hargreaves does not boast track speed, but he's never been too slow to guard anyone. He turns his hips and runs with receivers on deep routes and tracks them from behind on crosses. His agility is more impressive than his long speed, but agility is more important than long speed in coverage anyway.
Ball Skills
Hargreaves intercepted three passes in his first four college games. Since then he has intercepted just three passes in 20 games—but only because teams learned to avoid him. His relative lack of size (5'11", 192 lbs) can work against him and showed last year against Amari Cooper of Alabama; but unless he's playing top-10 NFL draft picks, he is good enough to win in the air.
Run Defense
The most underrated part of Hargreaves' game is his run defense. He is willing to throw his body around and knows how to wrap up. His father, Vernon Hargreaves Jr., is the linebackers coach at Arkansas, which makes sense when you watch VHIII break down and tackle. He is clearly a coach's son.
Pass Coverage
Despite his smaller frame, Hargreaves plays exceptional press coverage. He knocks receivers off their routes and then mirrors them the rest of the way. Darqueze Dennard rode a similar frame and skill set to the Jim Thorpe Award in 2013. Think of Hargreaves as a less physical Dennard with smoother hips, quicker feet, more athleticism and—by extension—a higher ceiling.
Overall
Hargreaves arrived at Florida as the No. 3 overall player in the 2013 recruiting class. The Gators have floundered since landing him, but for that Hargreaves deserves no blame. He's been every bit as good as advertised.
Note: All slides written by B/R contributor Brian Leigh. You can contact the author on Twitter or find his email address on his profile page.
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