The BSJ 2024 NFL Draft Primer series continues, as we count you down to the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit on April 25th. In this edition, we highlight cornerbacks, considered to be the deepest position group on defense in this year's draft class in terms of overall depth. Be sure to check back for our off-ball linebacker preview up next. Previous editions:
Patriots Projected Cornerbacks
The Patriots have done a masterful job locking up the core of their secondary to long-term deals. Veteran Jonathan Jones will turn 31 in September, so adding another young cornerback to the mix could be in the draft plans. Last year’s first-round pick Christian Gonzalez showed promise before an early season-ending injury (torn labrum) and will be counted on to play a key role.
Finding insurance at nickelback behind Marcus Jones, who also suffered the same early-season injury (torn labrum), after an impressive training camp, would certainly appear to be the biggest area of need in the secondary.
Patriots Projected Depth Chart: Cornerbacks
Left Cornerback: Jonathan Jones / Alex Austin / Isaiah Bolden / Azizi Hearn
Right Cornerback: Christian Gonzalez / Shaun Wade / Marco Wilson
Nickelback: Marcus Jones
Urgency Level: Medium Priority, reinforcement in the slot and depth needed.
NFL Draft Positional Overview: Cornerbacks
While the cornerback depth in this year's draft class runs deep, neither Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo, nor Terrion Arnold of Alabama are expected to go inside the top ten overall selections. However, cornerback is a major need for many teams in the middle-to-late part of the first round, so there could be up to a half dozen corners who hear their name called during that span.
For New England, the middle rounds would seem to appear ripe to find some reinforcements. The Patriots may even consider a slot man such as Mike Sainristil of Michigan or Max Melton of Rutgers on Day 2. One trend you will notice when scrolling the cornerback rankings is an all-time high of lengthy (6-feet-plus), fast (sub-4.50) defenders; it has certainly changed the way NFL teams perceive value at the position.
Here is the official Boston Sports Journal Cornerback Big Board rankings, be sure to bookmark this page for 2024 NFL Draft weekend!
BSJ 2024 NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD: CORNERBACKS
Note: HPFA = High Priority Free Agent | PFA = Priority Free Agent | FA = Free Agent | HPFA usually results in higher signing bonus, while FA types tend to be rookie camp/tryout types.
RANK | NAME | SCHOOL | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION
1. Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo, 6-0, 195, 4.33, Rd1
The size, physicality and natural instincts of Mitchell would seem to make him the slight favorite to hear his name called first. He has overcome every obstacle along the way and has a strong passion for the game. Due to academic struggles, Mitchell chose Toledo, whom he said believed in him, after receiving few offers coming out of high school. His makeup projects as a true CB1 lockdown type.
“Football is life,” Mitchell said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “Just going through what I went through at a young age. I had a great situation and then football was taken away from me. So now, I’m just taking advantage of football.”
2. Terrion Arnold, Alabama, 6-0, 189, 4.50, Rd1
Some evaluators prefer the SEC level of competition that Arnold faced in the SEC. The passionate defender had an outstanding draft season, including an impressive week of Senior Bowl practice and terrific combine performance. His combination of coverage skills, character, consistency and leadership stack up against any corner in the draft. Like many top cornerbacks, Arnold doesn’t lack confidence.
“My mindset," is what Arnold deemed his greatest asset. "Anytime I line up, it doesn't matter who I'm going against, I’m coming to dominate.”
3. Cooper DeJean, Iowa, 6-0, 203, Rd1
One of the most athletic cornerback prospects in the draft, DeJean has been out of sight, out of mind thus far leading up to the draft. The versatile Hawkeyes ball-hawk suffered a broken fibula back in November, which has prevented him from participating in the Senior Bowl and combine. It was recently announced that DeJean has been medically cleared and will perform a private workout for NFL teams on April 8th. While some have him pegged as a free safety, his size, speed and change of direction makes him one of the top cover men in the draft.
“I grew up in Iowa, a small town of 900 people in Odebolt," DeJean remarked when asked about his roots. "Coming from a small town, that means a lot to me. I took a lot of pride in that. Having this opportunity on this stage, being able to have the opportunity to play at the highest level, and be an inspiration for those kids back home who may look up to me, just showing them that this is possible. If you put the work in day in and day out, you can create opportunities for yourself.”
4. Nate Wiggins, Clemson, 6-1, 173, 4.28, Rd1
The fastest man in the draft, Wiggins can certainly stick with any receiver step-for-step. What prevents him from being a top-tier prospect is the lack of size. He reportedly weighed closer to 180 pounds at his pro day workout but there are concerns as to how Wiggins will hold up against some of the bigger, more physical wideouts at the next level.
5. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, 6-0, 199, 4.52, Rd1
New England has had a strong tie to Alabama players in the past and the Crimson Tide may have two cornerbacks chosen in the first round, including McKinstry. The All-American has mostly played on the outside in college but has the frame, instincts and twitch to slide to the slot if needed, in addition to providing vast experience as a returner. He discussed the versatility he intends to bring to the NFL at the combine.
“I feel like I can play in the slot because of the training that I had at ‘Bama, you have to know everything,” he said. “You have to know how to be able to play everywhere. I feel like I'm physical enough on the edge to set the edge if there is a bubble (screen).”
6. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri, 5-11, 183, 4.51, Rd2
A physical, aggressive cover man, Rakestraw can be a bit too grabby at times (13 career penalties), which he'll need to harness in the pros. He compensates for his lack of size with a tenacious play style, which has often led to several injuries along the way. A first-round talent on film who is adept in both man and zone coverage, Rakestraw could slide to Day 2 due to durability concerns.
"When I tore my ACL in 2021, my sophomore year, I learned that I can overcome anything. And don’t take a play off in football, you can’t take it for granted because you don’t know when it’s your last snap. That’s something I learned about, thinking of a cliché, it actually became a reality for me. But it just put me in a different mindset. When you turn on your tape there’s never a player where I’m not going 100 percent or playing my full potential."
7. Max Melton, Rutgers, 5-11, 187, 4.39, Rd2
The versatility is easy to find in Max Melton of Rutgers. A potential Day 2 target for the Patriots, Melton has experience playing on the boundary, in the slot, in addition to being a special teams dynamo with top-notch speed. Something he alluded to when asked about what separates him from other cornerbacks in this year’s draft.
“Versatility,” was the first trait he mentioned when asked about what separates him from other corners. “I’m on special teams. I can play outside and inside. I led the nation in punt blocks one year with three punt blocks. Very active on special teams, four-year starter at gunner. Four year starter at corner, I can play inside. I play everywhere but offense.”
8. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia, 6-0, 186, 4.65, Rd2
In terms of being battled-tested, Lassiter has proven to be a consistent performer on a weekly basis during his collegiate career. The All-SEC standout is an excellent cover man and willing tackler in the run game. However, a lackluster forty-yard dash time at the combine and questions about his frame have significantly dampened his draft stock.
9. Caelen Carson, Wake Forest, 6-0, 199, 4.45, Rd2
A true man cover-corner, Carson demonstrates superb footwork and fluid hips, along with prototype size. He does a great job of jabbing receivers at the line of scrimmage and plays with a tenacious demeanor that endears him to teammates. Carson owns the ability to play any position in the defensive backfield, including slot and safety, so versatility is a plus. Unfortunately, his career has been marred by injuries, so his draft projection has fluctuated.
10. Kalen King, Penn State, Jr, 5-11, 191, 4.56, Rd2
Should New England opt to wait until Day 3 of the draft to address the cornerback depth, there could be some potential value picks such as King, who improved his 4.56 forty from the combine at pro day, running in the high 4.4-range on both attempts. That seemed to be the biggest question mark surrounding King, whose rugged play-style, natural instincts and quick closing speed are his best attributes. After recording 18 pass deflections and three interceptions in 2022, opponents shied away from his direction this past season but King made the most of his opportunities.
“I feel like I'm one of the most competitive people in the world. I hate losing in anything. Not even just football. If we're racing to the stoplight or trying to be the first one to class, I'm always competing. I want to be the first in everything.”
BEST OF THE REST
TJ Tampa, Iowa State, Sr, 6-1, 189, 4.57, Rd3
A long corner known for his physicality, Tampa blends size, athleticism and awareness. He tends to constantly show up around the football and is rarely out of place. Tampa is strictly a boundary corner and specializes in press-man coverage. After sitting out the combine due to a hamstring injury, his recent subpar forty-time at the Big 12 combine has raised red flags about his timed speed.
“When I first started playing, I was watching a lot of Jalen Ramsey because I wanted to be physical like him. A little bit later in my career I wanted to get a little more technical so I wouldn’t rely on a lot of athleticism so I started watching Partick Surtain.”
Mike Sainristill, Michigan, 5-9, 182, 4.47, Rd3
Cam Hart, Notre Dame, 6-3, 202, 4.50, Rd3
Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri, 5-11, 179, 4.44, Rd3
Elijah Jones, Boston College, 6-2, 185, 4.44, Rd3
DJ James, Auburn, 6-0, 181, 4.42, Rd4
Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn, 6-0, 190, 4.36, Rd4
Qwan’Tez Stiggers, Toronto (CFL), 5-11, 203, 4.47, Rd4
Josh Newton, TCU, 5-11, 190, 4.51, Rd4
Jarrian Jones, Florida State, 6-0, 190, 4.38, Rd4
Ryan Watts, Texas, 6-3, 208, 4.53, Rd5
Andru Phillips, Kentucky, 5-11, 190, 4.48, Rd5
Decamerion Richardson, Mississippi St., 6-2, 188, 4.34, Rd5
Carlton Johnson, Fresno State, 5-11, 173, 4.33, Rd5
Deantre Prince, Mississippi, 6-0, 183, 4.38, Rd5
Khyree Jackson, Oregon, 6-4, 203, 4.50, Rd6
Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State, 5-10, 184, 4.54, Rd6
Daequan Hardy, Penn State, 5-9, 179, 4.38, Rd6
Willie Drew, Virginia State, 6-0, 191, 4.46, Rd6
Kamal Hadden, Tennessee, 6-1, 196, Rd6
Renardo Green, Florida State, 6-0, 186, 4.49, Rd7
Marcellas Dial, South Carolina, 6-0, 190,4.46, Rd7
Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Louisville, 5-10, 194, Rd7
MJ Devonshire, Pittsburgh, 5-11, 186, 4.45, Rd7
Millard Bradford, TCU, 5-11, 191, 4.42, Rd7
Johnny Dixon, Penn State, 5-11, 188, HPFA
Tarheeb Still, Maryland, 6-0, 189, 4.52, HPFA
Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas, 6-2, 185, 4.47, HPFA
Cam Allen Purdue, 6-1, 200, 4.56, HPFA
Ryan Cooper Jr., Oregon State, 5-11, 186, 4.67, HPFA
Beanie Bishop Jr., West Virginia, 5-9, 180, 4.39, HPFA
Christian Roland-Wallace, USC, 6-0, 201, 4.64, HPFA
AJ Woods, Pittsburgh, 5-10, 187, PFA
Ja’Quan Sheppard, Maryland, 6-1, 201, 4.72, PFA
Mikey Victor, Alabama State, 6-2, 205, 4.67, PFA
Chigozie Anusiem, Colorado State, 6-1, 200, 4.40, PFA
Malik Dunlap, Texas Tech, 6-2, 215, PFA
Zamari Walton, Mississippi, 6-0, 186, PFA
Jarius Monroe, Tulane, 6-0, 204, PFA
Josh DeBerry, Texas A&M, 5-11, 184, 4.56, PFA
Rod’Darius Gattison, Western Carolina, 6-0, 185, PFA
Sheridan Jones, Clemson, 6-0, 184, 4.68, PFA
Gabe Jeudy-Lally, Tennessee, 6-1, 186,4.55, PFA
Aydan White, North Carolina State, 6-0, 189, 4.50, FA
Dontae Manning, Oregon, 5-10, 185, 4.42, FA
Alijah Huzzie, North Carolina, 5-10, 200, 4.55, FA
Shyheim Battle, North Carolina State, 6-2, 195, 4.56, FA
Randall Harris, New Hampshire, 6-0, 191, 4.62, FA
Kwinton Lassiter, Kansas, 5-10, 179, 4.76, FA
Quincy Riley, Louisville, 5-11, 185, 4.56, FA
PATRIOTS SLEEPER TO WATCH
Andru Phillips, Kentucky, 5-11, 190, 4.48, Rd5: The fast-rising Phillips performed admirably at the Senior Bowl and tested through the roof at the combine. He would provide great value on Day 3.
UDFA CANDIDATE
One of the top HBCU prospects in this year's draft, Willie Drew out of Virginia State, demonstrates tremendous coverage ability, along with pure ball instincts and adequate size.
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