2012 NFL Draft: How Many CBs Carry First Round Grades?

Cornerback is one of the most heavily debated positions in the entire draft process.

There is no price tag too high for a player that can shut down half the field, but there are only a handful of players with that skill set. Last year's draft saw three cornerbacks come off the board in Round 1.

Patrick Peterson, the No. 5 pick, was also considered the most dangerous return man in the draft (which he proved in Week 1, if you watch below).

This year's class doesn't have a Patrick Peterson, but it does have a number of talented players that could hear their names called on night one of the draft.

Rankings are obviously very varied at this point, but there are as many as nine, possibly 10, cornerbacks that will get looks as potential first round picks. 

This college football season will certainly help flesh that out, but here is where they stand as of now.

Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

The nearly 6'3", 190-pound cornerback is a physically gifted specimen with a lot to like. He plays in a defense tailored to NFL caliber play, is part of the best secondary in the nation and has the potential to be an elite prospect at the next level.

His biggest concerns are consistency and ball skills. For all his size and talent, we all want to see more.

A team will be enamored with his size, though, and he could be the first off the board.

Morris Claiborne, LSU

Don't confuse Claiborne with former teammate Peterson; there is simply no one with the frame and speed of the 2011 No. 5 pick, but the current Tigers corner is truly coming into his own.

Teams will be bothered by his lack of bulk (6'0", 173 pounds), but his talent is undeniable.

He's a former wide receiver and plays the game with great instincts.

Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska

Like Claiborne, Dennard shared a secondary with a first round pick last year, Prince Amukamara, but the returning Cornhusker might actually be the better prospect.

Dennard is just about 5'10", but he is stout at 203 pounds and still has the speed to make plays.

He's been hampered by an injury to start the year, but once he gets on the field, he is someone to watch.

Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

The former Florida Gator has a lot to prove this season. Many considered him a first round pick had he entered the 2011 draft, but he opted to return to Gainesville and was eventually thrown off the team for drug related charges.

Now he's at a very successful DII school, where NFL teams will want to see him improve his image and be a leader.

He has all the talent in the world (watch below) and plays bigger than his 5'10", 177-pound frame.

Cliff Harris, Oregon

He is more than just a cornerback; he is a playmaker with the football in his hands. Harris is arguably the most dangerous return man in the nation and can also make plays in the secondary.

He's a solid cover man with good instincts and very quick feet. Harris lacks ideal bulk (165 pounds), but is 5'11" and knows how to find the football.

Naturally, his biggest weakness is tackling, but all his upside pushes that aside for the most part.

Others to Watch

Coryell Judie, Texas A&M

Chase Minnifield, Virginia

Brandon Boykin, Georgia

Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech