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The cornerback class in the 2025 NFL draft is robust. The draft has two of the best cornerback prospects in recent history. The talent quickly tapes off for the rest of round one. The draft is populated with many interesting options on days two and three of the draft. The class was weakened by a host of injuries to many of the top prospects. Will Johnson of Michigan, Benjamin Morrison of Notre Dame, and Shavon Revel Jr. of East Carolina all had season-ending injuries, greatly impacting their draft stock. The draft contains intriguing role players who could develop into full-time starters.
The Cleveland Browns must be careful selecting a cornerback. The team has a logjam at the outside cornerback spot, and the addition of Travis Hunter has only increased their supply. The Browns desperately lack a high-quality slot cornerback whose run defense can rival their coverage defense. If the team could find an answer in the slot, it could open the door for a Greg Newsome II trade. The Browns cannot further mismanage their resources at the position.
Here are the summaries of the top 20 cornerbacks in the NFL draft.
Travis Hunter is the best cornerback in the draft class. Hunter is a fantastic athlete, at 6-foot, 190-pounds. It’s rare to find a person who moves better backward than forward. Hunter does it with ease due to incredible footwork. Hunter mirrors his feet perfectly with receivers, he’s basically stepping on their toes. He has great vision and great closing speed. He’s a threat to intercept every pass thrown his way. Hunter will make a better cornerback than a wide receiver, but he’ll be great at either position. He won the Heisman at Colorado for being the best player at two positions in college football. Hunter is the best player in the draft.
Will Johnson was a lockdown cornerback for Michigan. Johnson is a great athlete, and at 6-foot-2, 195-pounds, he has the prototypical size for the position. He is a technician who can catch receivers in off-coverage and stick with them at the top of their route. He’s strong, shuts down receivers in press coverage, and makes hit-stick tackles. Johnson could improve how quickly he turns his head and tracks passes. He can get a little antsy at the catch point and commit interference. Johnson is one of the top ten prospects in the class. He projects as a lockdown cornerback.
Jahdae Barron was a defensive weapon for Texas. The 5-foot-10, 194-pound nickel back made plays across the field. Barron is an intelligent player who plays with great tenacity. Barron is a great athlete with more speed and agility than strength. He’s a sticky coverage defender who works well in zone and man schemes. Barron is a physical defender and is tough in the run game. He is a versatile defensive back with plenty of experience. Barron will likely play his best football in the slot, however, he can line up all over the field. Barron could be an exciting weapon in the right defense. He’s a solid option in the second round.
Benjamin Morrison is a blue-chip prospect from Notre Dame. The true junior missed most of his final season with a hip injury. The injury has kept Morrison out of the pre-draft process. Morrison was a smooth athlete to keep up with receivers at the top of their route. Morrison is a smaller cornerback, but he’s good in press coverage. He is very good at turning his head around and making a play at the catch point. Morrison must improve his strength at the next level. He’s picked on in the run game, and bigger receivers can break free during the route. Morrison is a scheme-agnostic player who can succeed in multiple defenses. Morrison’s hip injury and size are big concerns for teams ahead of the draft. There’s no guarantee he’ll be the same after his season-ending hip injury. Morrison is a first-round talent, but his significant injury history should knock him into the second round.
Shavon Revel Jr. is a physical cornerback from East Carolina. Revel is a bully, and at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds with 32-inch arms, he has great length for the NFL. Revel is good in press, his jabs constantly disrupt the receiver’s routes and timing. He can get too physical with receivers during the route. Revel has good closing speed and can play off-coverage. He tackles with good form. He’s an older player, he’ll be 24-years-old on draft day. Revel tore his ACL during the season, keeping him out of the pre-draft process. According to reports, he should be ready by the season. Revel is a solid outside cornerback who must add mass and strength at the next level. Revel is a solid option in the second round.
Trey Amos is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the draft. He started his career at Louisiana before transferring to Alabama, where he didn’t get much playing time. Amos spent his fifth season starting for Ole Miss. The 6-foot, 195-pound cornerback is a fast and powerful athlete. Amos is a bully, he loves to press receivers and knock them off their path. Amos is a violent player, he likes to win at the point of attack and smother receivers with his speed. He uses his speed to close on routes in zone coverage. He finds the ball quickly and contests at the catch point. Amos brings physicality to the run game. He plays a little too recklessly and misses a noticeable number of tackles. Amos is a good prospect with all the tools to become a starting cornerback in the league. If he had more starting experience and film, he could’ve worked himself into the first round. Amos is a great lottery ticket in the second round of the draft.
Maxwell Hairston is an explosive cornerback from Kentucky. Hairston is a speedster, making him one of the most dangerous ball hawks in the class. He had six interceptions in two seasons, scoring on three of them. Hairston is a lean 5-foot-11, 180-pounds, and plays a physical brand of football. He loves to press receivers, but doesn’t land his jabs consistently. He’ll throw his body at full speed into ball carriers, leading to many missed tackles. Hairston could have durability issues at his size due to his play style. Hairston must bulk up, especially if he plays in the slot. He is a great athlete with a balanced skill set. He should go in the second round.
Azareye'h Thomas is a long-limbed outside cornerback. The Florida State product is 6-foot-1, 192-pounds with over 32-inch arms. Thomas has the size and strength to stop receivers during the route. He quickly turns his head around and plays through the hands at the catch point. Thomas is an average athlete, and his feet betray him at the top of routes. He doesn’t have the quickness to recover if he misses his press. He is a physical tackler who helps in run defense. Thomas projects to be a starting outside cornerback in press-heavy schemes. Thomas is a solid option on day two.
Jacob Parrish is a young play-making cornerback from Kansas State. Parish is a hyper athletic 5-foot-9, 196-pound cornerback. Parrish likes to play physical with receivers, using his athleticism to recover from mistakes. He can be too physical with receivers during the route, and will be called for penalties. He has great closing speed and is fearless when making tackles. Parrish is a talented player, but his size could limit his success in the NFL. He is a great lottery ticket on the second day of the draft.
Darien Porter is a freakish athlete from Iowa State. Porter is 6-foot-2, 200-pounds and ran a 4.3 40-yard dash. Porter spent his first five seasons at Iowa State as a special team ace. He blocked six kicks and punts. Porter brings his speed and physicality to his coverage game. Porter looked very raw in his first season as a starting cornerback. He showed good agility and stuck with receivers through their breaks. He didn’t press in college. Porter brings his physicality to the run game and is a solid defender. Porter is a long-term developmental pick with all the tools to be a great starting cornerback in the NFL. However, it could take him years to play with proper technique. Porter will find the field on special teams, as he develops on the bench. Porter is a good lottery ticket on day three of the draft.
Nohl Williams is one of the best ball-hawking cornerbacks in the draft. He has 14 career interceptions. Williams started his career at UNLV in 2020 before transferring to California for the final two seasons. Last year, he had seven interceptions. Williams is a balanced athlete with good football intelligence. Williams does his best work in zone coverage, reading the quarterback’s eyes and breaking quickly on throws. He is a physical cornerback, but doesn’t try to bully receivers. He just wants to disrupt their timing and push them toward the sideline. Williams brings the physicality in the run game. He can beat blocks and make tackles. Williams is a good prospect with inside-out versatility. He should hear his name at the start of day three.
Jason Marshall Jr. was Florida’s starting cornerback since his freshman season. The senior is 6-foot, 200-pounds and an explosive athlete. Marshall is a good cornerback in man coverage. He has the speed, length, and strength to match up against different body types. Marshall sticks with receivers at the top of the route and competes at the catch point. Marshall’s major weakness is his zone coverage. He stares into the backfield, allowing receivers to get into his face. Quarterbacks look him off his spot easily, and he’s slow to react to receivers. Marshall is a naturally talented cornerback who needs more time to refine his game. Marshall is an inconsistent coverage player with all the tools to develop into a starter. He’s a good lottery ticket on day three of the draft.
Cobee Bryant is a ball-hawking four-year starter for Kansas. Bryant is a 5-foot-11, 178-pound outside cornerback. Bryant is an explosive athlete, but his weight is small for the NFL. He’s a physical athlete who plays much bigger than his size. Bryant is an aggressive cornerback who quickly breaks on the ball in zone coverage. He can play too aggressively and bite on double moves or commit a penalty. Bryant is a great run defender. His tackling highlights could serve as teach tape. He blends power with technique when tackling ball carriers. Bryant must get bigger and stronger in the NFL. He won’t be able to survive in the slot at his weight. The professional game is far more demanding. Bryant is a good prospect, brought down by size concerns. He would be a good option on day three.
Upton Stout was a pesky nickel back for Western Kentucky. Stout is a deceiving 5-foot-8, 185-pound cornerback with great agility and speed. Stout’s size will limit him to the slot only and special teams. However, the young cornerback is very determined. He excels in press-man coverage as he can get in the face of receivers. Stout has good hips to stick with receivers on the release or the top of the route. Stout struggles to compete at the catch point due to his size. He’s a good run defender, but can get swallowed up by blockers. Stout is a solid option for teams looking to add physicality to the slot. He’s a fifth-round talent.
Mello Dotson is another ball-hawking Jayhawk. He recorded 12 interceptions and 37 pass break-ups in five years at Kansas. Dotson plays bigger than his 6-foot, 190-pound frame would suggest. He played outside and did a good job of using the sideline and his length to give quarterbacks small passing windows. Dotson is an average athlete without the agility to recover quickly or the deep speed to run downfield. Dotson projects as an outside cornerback in a primary zone-heavy scheme. He is a solid option during the middle of day three.
Zy Alexander is an experienced cornerback. He started his career in 2020 at Southeastern Louisiana before transferring to Louisiana State. Alexander started the past two seasons as an outside cornerback for the Tigers. He is a lanky cornerback at 6-foot-1, 190-pounds. Alexander has good agility with average top-end speed. He uses press to smother receivers at the line of scrimmage. If he misses his jabs, he’ll get burned as he lacks the reactive quickness to follow them. Alexander is an over-strider who struggles to cut on a dime. He’s a developmental prospect who must improve his strength and technique in the NFL. Alexander is worth a day-three pick.
Korie Black is an aggressive cornerback from Oklahoma State. Black is a hyper-athletic cornerback with good size at 6-foot, 192-pounds. Black isn’t a sound technician. He’d rather rely on his athletic traits. Black uses his strength to funnel receivers to the sideline, shrinking throwing windows, and does a good job of punching through the receiver's hands at the catch point. Black doesn’t play with sound technique and can get lost at the top of routes. He focuses on the quarterback’s eyes for too long, losing track of the receivers. Black is a developmental prospect who should see the field on special teams. Black is a good lottery ticket at the end of day three.
Justin Walley is an experienced technician. Walley has four years of experience, starting at the University of Minnesota. He’s slightly undersized at 5-foot-10, 190-pounds, and an average athlete. Walley wins with technique, intelligence, and determination. He’s a hard hitter, but not a sound tackler. Walley does his best work in off coverage, where he can read the quarterback’s eyes and break on the ball. Walley is a versatile defensive back with a high floor. He’s worth a day-three pick.
Denzel Burke is a physical cornerback from Ohio State. Burke plays larger than his 5-foot-11, 185-pound frame. Burke turns routes into fist fights, but avoids getting penalized. He is a quick-footed athlete, with great speed and agility when he needs to recover. Burke plays a little high and flat-footed in off coverage. He can be slow to react at the top of routes. Burke isn’t a good tackle, preferring to launch himself head-first into ball carriers. Burke is a good developmental player who must refine his technique. He’s worth a day-three pick.
Ethan Robinson started his career at Bucknell before transferring to Minnesota for his final season. He has a solid frame at 5-foot-10, 195-pounds. Robinson is a smart player and an agile athlete. He lacks the deep speed, but does a great job of staying on top of routes. Robinson thrives in off coverages, where he can read the quarterback’s eyes and let receivers come to him. Robinson is a strong player and a sound tackler. He’s a versatile player who can slide into the slot. Robinson is a good lottery pick at the end of the draft.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: 20 best cornerback prospects browns should target in NFL draft
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The Cleveland Browns must be careful selecting a cornerback. The team has a logjam at the outside cornerback spot, and the addition of Travis Hunter has only increased their supply. The Browns desperately lack a high-quality slot cornerback whose run defense can rival their coverage defense. If the team could find an answer in the slot, it could open the door for a Greg Newsome II trade. The Browns cannot further mismanage their resources at the position.
Here are the summaries of the top 20 cornerbacks in the NFL draft.
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado
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Travis Hunter is the best cornerback in the draft class. Hunter is a fantastic athlete, at 6-foot, 190-pounds. It’s rare to find a person who moves better backward than forward. Hunter does it with ease due to incredible footwork. Hunter mirrors his feet perfectly with receivers, he’s basically stepping on their toes. He has great vision and great closing speed. He’s a threat to intercept every pass thrown his way. Hunter will make a better cornerback than a wide receiver, but he’ll be great at either position. He won the Heisman at Colorado for being the best player at two positions in college football. Hunter is the best player in the draft.
2. Will Johnson, Michigan
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Will Johnson was a lockdown cornerback for Michigan. Johnson is a great athlete, and at 6-foot-2, 195-pounds, he has the prototypical size for the position. He is a technician who can catch receivers in off-coverage and stick with them at the top of their route. He’s strong, shuts down receivers in press coverage, and makes hit-stick tackles. Johnson could improve how quickly he turns his head and tracks passes. He can get a little antsy at the catch point and commit interference. Johnson is one of the top ten prospects in the class. He projects as a lockdown cornerback.
3. Jahdae Barron, Texas
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Jahdae Barron was a defensive weapon for Texas. The 5-foot-10, 194-pound nickel back made plays across the field. Barron is an intelligent player who plays with great tenacity. Barron is a great athlete with more speed and agility than strength. He’s a sticky coverage defender who works well in zone and man schemes. Barron is a physical defender and is tough in the run game. He is a versatile defensive back with plenty of experience. Barron will likely play his best football in the slot, however, he can line up all over the field. Barron could be an exciting weapon in the right defense. He’s a solid option in the second round.
4. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
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Benjamin Morrison is a blue-chip prospect from Notre Dame. The true junior missed most of his final season with a hip injury. The injury has kept Morrison out of the pre-draft process. Morrison was a smooth athlete to keep up with receivers at the top of their route. Morrison is a smaller cornerback, but he’s good in press coverage. He is very good at turning his head around and making a play at the catch point. Morrison must improve his strength at the next level. He’s picked on in the run game, and bigger receivers can break free during the route. Morrison is a scheme-agnostic player who can succeed in multiple defenses. Morrison’s hip injury and size are big concerns for teams ahead of the draft. There’s no guarantee he’ll be the same after his season-ending hip injury. Morrison is a first-round talent, but his significant injury history should knock him into the second round.
5. Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
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Shavon Revel Jr. is a physical cornerback from East Carolina. Revel is a bully, and at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds with 32-inch arms, he has great length for the NFL. Revel is good in press, his jabs constantly disrupt the receiver’s routes and timing. He can get too physical with receivers during the route. Revel has good closing speed and can play off-coverage. He tackles with good form. He’s an older player, he’ll be 24-years-old on draft day. Revel tore his ACL during the season, keeping him out of the pre-draft process. According to reports, he should be ready by the season. Revel is a solid outside cornerback who must add mass and strength at the next level. Revel is a solid option in the second round.
6. Trey Amos, Ole Miss
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Trey Amos is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the draft. He started his career at Louisiana before transferring to Alabama, where he didn’t get much playing time. Amos spent his fifth season starting for Ole Miss. The 6-foot, 195-pound cornerback is a fast and powerful athlete. Amos is a bully, he loves to press receivers and knock them off their path. Amos is a violent player, he likes to win at the point of attack and smother receivers with his speed. He uses his speed to close on routes in zone coverage. He finds the ball quickly and contests at the catch point. Amos brings physicality to the run game. He plays a little too recklessly and misses a noticeable number of tackles. Amos is a good prospect with all the tools to become a starting cornerback in the league. If he had more starting experience and film, he could’ve worked himself into the first round. Amos is a great lottery ticket in the second round of the draft.
7. Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
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Maxwell Hairston is an explosive cornerback from Kentucky. Hairston is a speedster, making him one of the most dangerous ball hawks in the class. He had six interceptions in two seasons, scoring on three of them. Hairston is a lean 5-foot-11, 180-pounds, and plays a physical brand of football. He loves to press receivers, but doesn’t land his jabs consistently. He’ll throw his body at full speed into ball carriers, leading to many missed tackles. Hairston could have durability issues at his size due to his play style. Hairston must bulk up, especially if he plays in the slot. He is a great athlete with a balanced skill set. He should go in the second round.
8. Azareye'h Thomas, Florida State
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Azareye'h Thomas is a long-limbed outside cornerback. The Florida State product is 6-foot-1, 192-pounds with over 32-inch arms. Thomas has the size and strength to stop receivers during the route. He quickly turns his head around and plays through the hands at the catch point. Thomas is an average athlete, and his feet betray him at the top of routes. He doesn’t have the quickness to recover if he misses his press. He is a physical tackler who helps in run defense. Thomas projects to be a starting outside cornerback in press-heavy schemes. Thomas is a solid option on day two.
9. Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
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Jacob Parrish is a young play-making cornerback from Kansas State. Parish is a hyper athletic 5-foot-9, 196-pound cornerback. Parrish likes to play physical with receivers, using his athleticism to recover from mistakes. He can be too physical with receivers during the route, and will be called for penalties. He has great closing speed and is fearless when making tackles. Parrish is a talented player, but his size could limit his success in the NFL. He is a great lottery ticket on the second day of the draft.
10. Darien Porter, Iowa State
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Darien Porter is a freakish athlete from Iowa State. Porter is 6-foot-2, 200-pounds and ran a 4.3 40-yard dash. Porter spent his first five seasons at Iowa State as a special team ace. He blocked six kicks and punts. Porter brings his speed and physicality to his coverage game. Porter looked very raw in his first season as a starting cornerback. He showed good agility and stuck with receivers through their breaks. He didn’t press in college. Porter brings his physicality to the run game and is a solid defender. Porter is a long-term developmental pick with all the tools to be a great starting cornerback in the NFL. However, it could take him years to play with proper technique. Porter will find the field on special teams, as he develops on the bench. Porter is a good lottery ticket on day three of the draft.
11. Nohl Williams, Cal
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Nohl Williams is one of the best ball-hawking cornerbacks in the draft. He has 14 career interceptions. Williams started his career at UNLV in 2020 before transferring to California for the final two seasons. Last year, he had seven interceptions. Williams is a balanced athlete with good football intelligence. Williams does his best work in zone coverage, reading the quarterback’s eyes and breaking quickly on throws. He is a physical cornerback, but doesn’t try to bully receivers. He just wants to disrupt their timing and push them toward the sideline. Williams brings the physicality in the run game. He can beat blocks and make tackles. Williams is a good prospect with inside-out versatility. He should hear his name at the start of day three.
12. Jason Marshall Jr., Florida
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Jason Marshall Jr. was Florida’s starting cornerback since his freshman season. The senior is 6-foot, 200-pounds and an explosive athlete. Marshall is a good cornerback in man coverage. He has the speed, length, and strength to match up against different body types. Marshall sticks with receivers at the top of the route and competes at the catch point. Marshall’s major weakness is his zone coverage. He stares into the backfield, allowing receivers to get into his face. Quarterbacks look him off his spot easily, and he’s slow to react to receivers. Marshall is a naturally talented cornerback who needs more time to refine his game. Marshall is an inconsistent coverage player with all the tools to develop into a starter. He’s a good lottery ticket on day three of the draft.
13. Cobee Bryant, Kansas
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Cobee Bryant is a ball-hawking four-year starter for Kansas. Bryant is a 5-foot-11, 178-pound outside cornerback. Bryant is an explosive athlete, but his weight is small for the NFL. He’s a physical athlete who plays much bigger than his size. Bryant is an aggressive cornerback who quickly breaks on the ball in zone coverage. He can play too aggressively and bite on double moves or commit a penalty. Bryant is a great run defender. His tackling highlights could serve as teach tape. He blends power with technique when tackling ball carriers. Bryant must get bigger and stronger in the NFL. He won’t be able to survive in the slot at his weight. The professional game is far more demanding. Bryant is a good prospect, brought down by size concerns. He would be a good option on day three.
14. Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
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Upton Stout was a pesky nickel back for Western Kentucky. Stout is a deceiving 5-foot-8, 185-pound cornerback with great agility and speed. Stout’s size will limit him to the slot only and special teams. However, the young cornerback is very determined. He excels in press-man coverage as he can get in the face of receivers. Stout has good hips to stick with receivers on the release or the top of the route. Stout struggles to compete at the catch point due to his size. He’s a good run defender, but can get swallowed up by blockers. Stout is a solid option for teams looking to add physicality to the slot. He’s a fifth-round talent.
15. Mello Dotson, Kansas
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Mello Dotson is another ball-hawking Jayhawk. He recorded 12 interceptions and 37 pass break-ups in five years at Kansas. Dotson plays bigger than his 6-foot, 190-pound frame would suggest. He played outside and did a good job of using the sideline and his length to give quarterbacks small passing windows. Dotson is an average athlete without the agility to recover quickly or the deep speed to run downfield. Dotson projects as an outside cornerback in a primary zone-heavy scheme. He is a solid option during the middle of day three.
16. Zy Alexander, LSU
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Zy Alexander is an experienced cornerback. He started his career in 2020 at Southeastern Louisiana before transferring to Louisiana State. Alexander started the past two seasons as an outside cornerback for the Tigers. He is a lanky cornerback at 6-foot-1, 190-pounds. Alexander has good agility with average top-end speed. He uses press to smother receivers at the line of scrimmage. If he misses his jabs, he’ll get burned as he lacks the reactive quickness to follow them. Alexander is an over-strider who struggles to cut on a dime. He’s a developmental prospect who must improve his strength and technique in the NFL. Alexander is worth a day-three pick.
17. Korie Black, Oklahoma State
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Korie Black is an aggressive cornerback from Oklahoma State. Black is a hyper-athletic cornerback with good size at 6-foot, 192-pounds. Black isn’t a sound technician. He’d rather rely on his athletic traits. Black uses his strength to funnel receivers to the sideline, shrinking throwing windows, and does a good job of punching through the receiver's hands at the catch point. Black doesn’t play with sound technique and can get lost at the top of routes. He focuses on the quarterback’s eyes for too long, losing track of the receivers. Black is a developmental prospect who should see the field on special teams. Black is a good lottery ticket at the end of day three.
18. Justin Walley, Minnesota
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Justin Walley is an experienced technician. Walley has four years of experience, starting at the University of Minnesota. He’s slightly undersized at 5-foot-10, 190-pounds, and an average athlete. Walley wins with technique, intelligence, and determination. He’s a hard hitter, but not a sound tackler. Walley does his best work in off coverage, where he can read the quarterback’s eyes and break on the ball. Walley is a versatile defensive back with a high floor. He’s worth a day-three pick.
19. Denzel Burke, Ohio State
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Denzel Burke is a physical cornerback from Ohio State. Burke plays larger than his 5-foot-11, 185-pound frame. Burke turns routes into fist fights, but avoids getting penalized. He is a quick-footed athlete, with great speed and agility when he needs to recover. Burke plays a little high and flat-footed in off coverage. He can be slow to react at the top of routes. Burke isn’t a good tackle, preferring to launch himself head-first into ball carriers. Burke is a good developmental player who must refine his technique. He’s worth a day-three pick.
20. Ethan Robinson, Minnesota
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Ethan Robinson started his career at Bucknell before transferring to Minnesota for his final season. He has a solid frame at 5-foot-10, 195-pounds. Robinson is a smart player and an agile athlete. He lacks the deep speed, but does a great job of staying on top of routes. Robinson thrives in off coverages, where he can read the quarterback’s eyes and let receivers come to him. Robinson is a strong player and a sound tackler. He’s a versatile player who can slide into the slot. Robinson is a good lottery pick at the end of the draft.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: 20 best cornerback prospects browns should target in NFL draft
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