2024 FFSN NFL Draft Big Board: Defensive Back Rankings
The 2024 NFL Draft is getting closer by the day, and Fans First Sports Network is here to give you the best draft analysis anywhere! Between now and the NFL Draft, we will reveal our NFL Draft big board, one position at a time. Today, we will continue with the defensive backs.
Those of you who know us from Behind the Steel Curtain may remember our BTSC Big Board we did the past three years, and we are excited to have a good portion of the crew back to do it here at FFSN. The board will be my comprised of my personal rankings, player stats, and scouting reports for all early-round prospects. Stats are compiled by community member SNW, and scouting reports come from a collaborative effort of myself, Jeremy Betz, Shannon White, Adam Curry, Noah_E., Nolan Keck, skyfire322, and Necksnation.
For each position, we will give a positional ranking, my overall round ranking, previous season stats, and an in-depth scouting report for each early and mid-round round prospect. We hope this will be a helpful resource for you as you become familiarized with draft prospects that your team may be looking at.
In case you have missed any of our previous positional big board rankings, you can check them out by clicking on the links below.
2024 FFSN NFL Draft Big Board: Interior Offensive Line Rankings
FFSN 2024 NFL Draft Big Board: Tight End Rankings and Analysis
2024 FFSN NFL Draft Big Board: EDGE Rankings and Scouting Reports
2024 FFSN NFL Draft Big Board: Running Back Rankings and Analysis
Note: All stats and analysis are unedited from what the original contributor submitted.
1. Quinyon Mitchell | CB | Toledo | 6’ 0”, 197 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Top 10
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 41, S 0, Int 1, PD 18.
Andrew Wilbar: It raised the eyebrows of many when I put Quinyon Mitchell in Round 1 of my first mock draft back in January, but he has only risen throughout the draft process, and I now view him as a top-10 prospect in this class. With 6 interceptions and a whopping 37 passes defended over the past two seasons, Mitchell has been an absolute menace, displaying an aggressive play style and outstanding ball skills. While I do believe his best work comes in man coverage, he possesses the backpedal fluidity, reaction speed, and instincts you want in a top-notch zone corner. He is also a sure tackler in the open field, which only raises his floor as an overall prospect. Another thing I like about Mitchell is his ability to get good position on the outside. His hand usage is outstanding on the perimeter, as he knows where and how to jock with defenders without getting called for an overabundance of penalties. The only concern one could possibly have with him would be the fact he did not face great competition. Having said that, he held up incredibly well against several solid receivers at the Senior Bowl, and he has looked the part in every portion of the pre-draft process. Joey Porter, Jr. was my highest-rated corner and fifth-highest rated player in last year’s draft. Mitchell is not quite on that same plain, but he is not far off. He is definitely the top corner in this class.
2. Terrion Arnold | CB | Alabama | 6’ 0”, 180 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 1st
2023 Stats: GP 14, T 63, S 1, Int 5, PD 12.
Nolan Keck: Rated as the top defensive player in the Draft by Daniel Jeremiah, first team All American Terrion “GHOST” Arnold led the SEC in almost all categories. Both Terrion and his backfield mate Kool-Aid McKinstry were major factors in Alabama reaching the CFP Semifinals. Terrion is a High IQ three-sport athlete with a bounce in his step, playing with a low center of gravity and elite athleticism when changing directions. He’s fast and quick with reads and to react, being physical and liking the contact. He’s versatile as he played Safety in High School, and very few receivers will be able to get behind him. He needs to work on his tackling wrap-up consistency and allowing easy receptions in off coverage. He’s excellent at making plays for the ball and is a complete and well-rounded defender. He was at his best in press man coverage, but he can do anything – zone, off coverage and the slot, comparable to Xavier McKinney. Alabama’s most talented defensive back is a Day 1 pick in-waiting.
3. Cooper DeJean | CB/S | Iowa | 6’ 1”, 203 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 1st
2023 Stats: GP 10, T 41, S 0, Int 2, PD 5.
Andrew Wilbar: The team that drafts DeJean must have a clear plan in place as to where and how they will utilize him, but the upside is tremendous. From a traits and play style perspective, I see a little bit of Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain in him; but as counterintuitive as it may sound, I, in many ways, see him as a better long-term fit at safety. He played almost exclusively zone and soft man coverage, but with his size and athleticism, there may be untapped upside in press looks if he remains at corner. Ideally, a zone-heavy scheme is the best fit for him, as he thrives off instincts and anticipation. He is rather tight in the hips, and when his back is to the ball, he struggles to turn around and locate where the football is, relative to both him and the opposing receiver. While he has played more at strong safety than free safety, I believe he has the range, instincts, and discipline needed to be an elite free safety. Teams will also covet his ability to play special teams. Considering he is both an elite athlete and one of the most versatile defenders in the class, he will draw interest in the middle portion of Round 1. While I prefer him as a safety that can wear many hats (i.e. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Justin Simmons), he most definitely has the traits that can translate to any spot in the secondary.
4. Mike Sainristill | CB | Michigan | 5’ 10”, 185 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 2nd
2023 Stats: GP 15, T 44, S 1, Int 6, PD 6.
Andrew Wilbar: If you want to talk about clutch players, the conversation should start and finish with Mike Sainristill. Some players simply have the knack for coming up with big plays in big moments, and Sainristill did it time and time again during his tenure at Michigan. His size will likely limit him to the slot in the NFL, but he can cover, tackle, and even blitz. Many compare him to Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton, and, while I see why many people make that comparison, I believe Sainristill is further along in his development in coverage than Hilton was coming out of college. What is even more impressive is that he is still learning the nuances of the position. He came to Michigan as a wide receiver, and he converted to the defensive side of the ball for his final two seasons. With some of the best ball skills and instincts of any corner in the class, Sainristill has the opportunity to make a difference in the NFL right away.
5. Nate Wiggins | CB | Clemson | 6’ 2”, 175 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 2nd
2023 Stats: GP 10, T 29, S 1, Int 2, PD 6.
Andrew Wilbar: Wiggins is an exciting prospect with tons of upside, but there are still a lot of rough areas in his game. His speed is the first thing that pops out on film, and that was put on further display at the combine when he posted an eye-popping 4.28 in the 40. He knows how to mirror in coverage, and his instincts are surprisingly good as well. However, his backpedal lacks fluidity, and he displays a serious lack of physicality off the line. Despite his length, he will struggle to press receivers at the line in the NFL if he cannot add more functional strength. I think his best fit is still in a man-heavy scheme, but he will have no choice but to add weight and get stronger. That will likely determine his effectiveness at the next level.
6. Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | Alabama | 6’ 1”, 180 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 2nd
2023 Stats: GP 14, T 32, S 0, Int 0, PD 7.
Andrew Wilbar: McKinstry is a player I want to love but have reservations about simply due to inconsistency this past season. There were moments of greatness, but along with those came plays that included a missed assignment, missed tackle, or poor anticipation. McKinstry reportedly ran in the high 4.4s to low 4.5s in the 40 at his pro day, which is a big win for him. Will it be enough to get him into the first round, though? I wish he was more of an attacker against the run, as he shows minimal effort to get involved on running plays. Most prototype receivers were able to prevent him from making a difference against the run, and that is something that will need to change if he wants to see the field early in his rookie season. He is also a little late to react in zone on occasion, which gives me concern about his schematic versatility. Despite these flaws that popped up from time to time, he is a fluid mover and displays great awareness in coverage. He also plays with aggression near the line and knows how to force receivers to the outside on go-routes. I have too many reservations to lock him in as a first-round prospect, but he will likely hear his name called within the top 50 selections.
7. Kamari Lassiter | CB | Georgia | 6’ 0”, 180 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 2nd
2023 Stats: GP 14, T 37, S .5, Int 0, PD 8.
Nolan Keck: Kamari Lassiter is a physical, competitive defensive back with great foot quickness as evidenced by his elite Shuttle and 3-cone scores at the combine, but his composite speed and size didn’t measure up as well to his competition. Still, his tape plays well as he has quick play and route recognition with the vision and instincts to play in zone coverage. But he’s undersized, lacking the ideal weight and strength to not get pushed around at times. He stayed healthy and effectively utilized his leverage and space in zone coverage, but was too often looking for the big play. He held Missouri’s Luther Burden to one reception. Overall, he’s one of the mid to upper tier defensive backs who can play in multiple defensive formations, and is solid against the run.
8. Jaden Hicks | S | Washington State | 6’ 3”, 202 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 2nd
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 79, S 2.5, Int 2, PD 4.
Jeremy Betz: If you like football, you’ll love Jaden Hicks’ tape. Hicks is a big strong safety, but he also brings incredible range and versatility to the defensive backfield. He boasts great length and good athleticism, allowing him to close on the ball quickly in coverage and track down ball-carriers on the ground. At his size, you’d love to put him in the box and let him patrol the middle of the field, but he’s a better coverage safety than a run defender at this point in his career, so teams would be wise to give him more of a Kyle Hamilton-like role, moving him around the field. He can cover TE’s and bigger-bodied receivers in the slot, and shows plenty of instincts to anchor down the center-fielder role as well. Should be a starting caliber safety in Year 1.
9. Max Melton | CB | Rutgers | 6’ 0”, 190 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 2nd
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 32, S 1, Int 3, PD 6.
Nolan Keck: Max Melton is a highly instinctive CB who improved every year he played at Rutgers and flashed a 4.39 40 at the combine. He uses his dynamic ball skills and good size and length to beat receivers to the ball, and he’s very aggressive at the catch point. He’s at his best when he instinctively gets a jump on the football in zone coverage. He’s good at reading the receiver, but at times relies on reading the receiver’s eyes instead of following the football. He’s a physical defender in the run game, but needs to improve his angles of attack. He’s got the athletic bloodline as both his parents played sports at Rutgers and his brother, Bo Melton, is currently a wideout for the Packers. He’s at his best in off coverage and zone, but he has the versatility to carve out a significant role in the NFL.
10. TJ Tampa | CB | Iowa State | 6’ 2”, 190 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 2nd
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 44, S 0, Int 2, PD 7.
Andrew Wilbar: Tampa is not the fastest corner in this class, but he is a good football player who always seemed to put himself in good position to make clutch plays. His straight-line speed is sufficient, but far from elite, and his length allows him to close on opposing receivers quickly, especially in zone coverage. He is a little tight in the hips and not the most agile athlete, but with NFL coaching and better technique, we may see improvement in that area down the line. What I do like about him is his tenacity and physicality as a tackler. He plays with an old-school mindset against the run and is not afraid to impose his will. He loves getting involved in run defense and does not shy away from contact. If he had run below 4.5 in the 50, I think he would have likely been a first-round pick, but he is still likely to be off the board by the end of Round 2.
11. Ennis Rakestraw, Jr. | CB | Missouri | 6’ 0”, 170 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 2nd
2023 Stats: GP 9, T 35, S 0, Int 0, PD 4.
Nolan Keck: Ennis Rakestraw is a lean, wiry constrictor who is fluid and incredibly balanced, and is one of the best press-man defenders in this Draft. A tenacious man coverage defender, his exceptional ball skills can disrupt passes even in positions of imbalance. He didn’t allow a TD throughout his entire Senior season of High School, tore his ACL as a freshman but came back strong as a sophomore. Hampered by injury at the Senior Bowl, he flashed a 4.44 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, displaying that explosiveness that allows him to move upfield and erase the route on the other side of the field. His body is tailor made to be a suffocating force in man coverage. He’s got the tools to be a great NFL cornerback, but his durability is a question. Regardless, he’s a keeper for a team that prioritizes press-man and off-man coverage.
12. Javon Bullard | S | Georgia | 5’ 11”, 180 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 2nd
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 56, S 0, Int 2, PD 5.
Andrew Wilbar: Bullard’s 2023 numbers may not jump off the page, but he was asked to do a lot of different things and wear many different hats. Versatility is definitely his calling card, as he can play high safety, boundary corner, and nickel corner. He is a little tight in the hips, which affects his backpedal and tackling form, but that is a fixable issue. Teams will fall in love with his dedication to football and passion for the game. He may not be the biggest player, but he is an instinctual player who displays great awareness and anticipation. While he has experience aligning at high safety, he is not the most natural as it pertains to roving over a large portion of ground. As versatile as he is, he will need a more defined role at the NFL level. After running a sub-4.5 40, Bullard should be taken no later than Round 3, and it would not be a shock if he is selected at some point in Round 2.
13. Cole Bishop | S | Utah | 6’ 2”, 205 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 2nd
2023 Stats: GP 11, T 60, S 3, Int 2, PD 4.
Jeremy Betz: Cole Bishop is a versatile Safety prospect with size, length, and speed on the back end. In coverage, Bishop plays the aggressor, excelling in man coverage and showing splash play ability. He can be a little too aggressive playing the ball at times and take bad angles or get beat down the field. When he reads the play correctly though, he’s a big play waiting to happen. Bishop is at his best around the LOS, where he displays good instincts when tracking ball carriers and is a good finisher as a tackler. An effective blitzer as well, Bishop has a nose for the splash play. If he can improve some of the down-to-down aspects of the position, he’ll be a good future starter.
14. Tyler Nubin | S | Minnesota | 6’ 2”, 205 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 2nd
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 53, S 1, Int 5, PD 4.
Andrew Wilbar: Nubin is quite the anomaly for the modern college game in that he stayed at the same school for five seasons without transferring. While he may not be the most athletic safety in the world, he is a good football player who has a knack for finding the football. Not only is he one of the most instinctual safeties in the class, but he is also a strong tackler who takes smart tackles in the open field. A former coworker of mine played high school football with Nubin, and after having talked to him about Nubin, I developed a greater respect for Nubin’s discipline and passion for the game. My biggest concern would be his lack of top-end speed. We have seen safeties with 4.6 speed make it and thrive in the NFL, but for a safety who isn’t likely to come down into the box that often at the NFL level, it is a concern I have. I still think his floor is pretty safe, but his long-term upside may be on the lower end.
15. Calen Bullock | S/CB | USC | 6’ 3”, 180 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 3rd
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 63, S 0, Int 2, PD 7.
Nolan Keck: A 20-year old ball hawking, talented Safety for the Trojans who ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Calen Bullock is a highly instinctive defender who uses his length and jumping ability to make plays over opposing receivers. He can be scary good in coverage and scary bad against the run. He started 6 games as a freshman and has started every game since. His size, athletic ability and versatility alone make him one of the top Safeties in this year’s draft class, but he needs to fill out his frame and increase his strength. If he can do that along with improving his footwork to complement his instincts, then we may have an All-Pro NFL Corner in the works rather than a Safety.
16. Elijah Jones | CB | Boston College | 6’ 2”, 185 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 3rd
2023 Stats: GP 9, T 25, S 0, Int 5, PD 8.
Jeremy Betz: Long and lean, Elijah Jones is an intriguing mid-round corner prospect who projects as an outside press-man defender at the next level. He’s not extremely physical, but he knows how to disrupt Wide Receivers at the LOS and affect the route concept. Displays plenty of speed to stay in Receiver’s hip pockets down the field. Would benefit from a man-heavy scheme and needs a lot of coaching to improve his footwork and play recognition if he wants to stick in the NFL. Teams looking for NFL length and strong man-coverage skills will be more likely to take a swing on Jones.
17. Kamren Kinchens | S | Miami | 5’ 11”, 202 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 3rd
2023 Stats: GP 10, T 59, S 1, Int 5, PD 5.
Andrew Wilbar: Kinchens is a ball hawk in the secondary who looks the part of a modern-day free safety. I truly did expect him to run better than he did, and it definitely leaves room for concern. That is why I have a third-round grade on him instead of a second-round grade. Nonetheless, the production speaks for itself. With five interceptions this past season, Kinchens has proven to have elite ball skills and good instincts. He also moves like a missile, always ready to unload and deliver a big hit on a defender. For someone who projects to be a high safety, Kinchens does a great job coming downhill and displaying toughness against the run. Ultimately, teams will have to decide whether or not his lack of speed is enough to prevent him from being a difference maker at the NFL level. I expect him to be off the board within the top 100 picks despite the speed concerns.
18. Malik Mustapha | Wake Forest | 5’ 10”, 197 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 3rd
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 80, S .5, Int 1, PD 2.
Andrew Wilbar: Mustapha has become one of my favorite mid-round prospects in this class. I love natural strong safeties with plus athleticism and an old-school mindset, and that defines Mustafa’s game. While he does not have elite size, he knows how to lay a hit on a receiver. A sound tackler in the open field, Mustapha displays great technique and takes smart tackling angles, and he also possesses good reaction speed in coverage. He lacks elite instincts, and that would probably be my biggest knock on him. However, With someone who can cover and tackle as consistently as he does, I believe he can overcome that. He almost reminds me of a smaller Terrell Edmunds, as he thrives in man coverage, consistently assists in the run game, and matches up extremely well against tight ends. If Mustapha falls to Day 3 of the draft, I believe teams could be getting a true difference maker at safety at an incredible value.
19. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson | S | Texas Tech | 5’ 11”, 195 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 3rd
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 73, S 1, Int 4, PD 8.
Jeremy Betz: Taylor-Demerson is a fun watch at Safety, with an aggressive approach and good athleticism to make plays anywhere on the field. More of a Nickel safety than anything, DTD is a solid zone coverage defender with enough physicality and speed to handle man responsibilities even against bigger pass catchers in the slot. He also plays well in Cover 2 responsibilities and displays impressive ball skills on tape. He doesn’t have elite size and he’s not the most physical tackler, but overall Taylor-Demerson has an NFL skillset that will make him a valuable prospect in the middle portions of this draft.
20. Cam Hart | CB | Notre Dame | 6’ 2”, 207 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 3rd
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 21, S 0, Int 2, PD 4.
Nolan Keck: Cam Hart, a Team Captain and #32 on the Athletic Freaks List, started in 32 out of his 48 games played at Notre Dame, progressing each season to the point in 2023 where he would force a fumble against USC that Xavier Watts would return for the final touchdown of that victory. He played his best game of the season against Marvin Harrison Jr., who finished with 3 catches for 32 yards. Hart has elite size with plus athleticism, but lacks the explosiveness to make up for when he gets behind in the route. He uses his size and length to press defenders and plays with good route anticipation, but he’s too hesitant to trust his instincts in the passing lane. Durability is a concern as he has had surgeries on both shoulders during his career. Perhaps in the right scheme, he can develop into a good press-man corner.
21. Tyler Owens | S | Texas Tech | 6’ 2”, 204 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 4th
2023 Stats: GP 10, T 37, S 0, Int 0, PD 2.
Andrew Wilbar: If you want to talk about a freak of nature, look no further than Owens. If not for having injured himself while running the 40 at the combine, his stock would likely be higher, as he would have impressed even more if he had been able to finish the workout. Owens is an explosive athlete who, despite his inexperience, will likely garner attention in the middle rounds. He has only started 12 games in college, and in those games, there was a lot of inconsistency. It all comes down to risk vs. reward, but when do teams feel as if the risk is outweighed by the potential reward. What I think could be his saving grace as it pertains to his floor is his ability to play special teams at a high level. Regardless, if you are taking this guy in the third or fourth round, you are doing it with the belief he will develop into a starter down the line. In order for that to happen, he will need to improve his recognition skills, especially in zone coverage. He will also need to learn how to take better tackling angles, as that is an area we did not see much consistency in this past year. He is one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in this draft.
22. DJ James | CB | Auburn | 6’ 0”, 185 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 4th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 38, S 0, Int 2, PD 10.
Jeremy Betz: DJ James is an underrated prospect, with a well-rounded skillset and plenty of experience for both Oregon and Auburn. I see James as more of a Nickel CB prospect, but he has plenty of experience as an outside cover-man as well. Strengths include high-end quickness and fluidity, mirror matching ability in man coverage, good eyes, and good ball skills. You’re not going to ask James to be a big-hitter in run support and he gets boxed out regularly by bigger-bodied receivers. Still, the former SEC DB should find a role early in his career as a solid Nickel Corner at the NFL level.
23. Khyree Jackson | CB | Oregon | 6’ 4”, 197 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 4th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 34, S 2, Int 3, PD 7.
Jeremy Betz: Elite size and length, Jackson has an impressive physical skillset that will entice teams in the middle of the draft. Jackson posted a so-so 4.50 40-yard dash, but he shows good footwork and body control as a man-coverage specialist on the outside. He’s not an extremely experienced player, but Jackson’s length and physicality give him an advantage in most matchups, especially at the LOS where he easily knocks smaller receivers off the route. Plays faster than he tested. Does a great job in 50/50 situations, naturally high-pointing the football and making the catch difficult for receivers. Needs to improve his eye-discipline and technique, but overall Jackson has a ton of upside NFL teams covet in today’s NFL.
24. Andru Phillips | CB | Kentucky | 5’ 11”, 180 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 4th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 47, S 0, Int 0, PD 5.
Andrew Wilbar: Phillips’ tape is all over the place, which may be why I am a little lower on him than many other outlets are. His explosiveness as an athlete is uncanny, but he lacks the instincts to play eyes-on defense at a high level. His lack of instincts have also resulted in minimal ball production and splash plays. While I do believe he can be effective in zone with improved fundamentals, the team that drafts him will have to be patient, as he is still pretty raw. On the positive side, He possesses the speed and physicality to match up with most receivers, but my concerns with him lie more in the unknown. Kentucky did not branch off from their base coverages that often, which means we do not have an accurate assessment on whether or not he can perform consistently well in man coverage, nor do we know if he can be a strong nickel corner. There are a lot of unknowns with Phillips, which is why I am lower on him that I typically would be a prospect with his traits.
25. Kris Abrams-Draine | CB | Missouri | 5’ 11”, 179 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 4th
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 51, S 0, Int 4, PD 13.
Nolan Keck: Kris Abrams-Draine and Ennis Rakestraw formed one of the best CB tandems in all of college football in 2023 for the Missouri Tigers. A former WR with elite ball skills, Abrams-Draine is a physical presence with keen eyes in zone coverage that allow him to process route concepts and jump in front of throws. His precise timing and quick diagnosis aid his tenacious mentality in stopping the run. Even though he’s competitive and tenacious, he still has a lighter frame with average size and decent length, and is more natural playing in off-man and zone. But he plays the ball well, all throughout the catch process, and his quick processing, accelerating speed and recognition, with the ball skills of a former WR will make him a great playmaker in the NFL, especially for a team that runs a lot of off-man and zone concepts.
26. M.J. Devonshire | CB | Pittsburgh | 5’ 11”, 185 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 32, S 0, Int 4, PD 10.
Andrew Wilbar: Devonshire was the number one corner for the Panthers in 2023, and his consistency improved greatly this past season. The biggest question will be whether or not he can play on the perimeter in the NFL. Although he was primarily a boundary corner in college, I believe his best fit in the NFL is the slot, where his lack of elite size will be as big an issue. From a play style perspective, I see similarities to Jason Verrett, a former first-round pick. However, Devonshire does not possess quite as much speed, twitch, and quickness as Verrett did. When he gets beat deep, he often results to holding the receiver and drawing a flag in the process, as he does not have enough recovery speed to make up ground on faster receivers. I would also like to see more consistency as a run defender. Having said all that, his long arms, fluidity, footwork, and ball skills are all impressive and good enough to make him a starter down the line. I could see a team in need of a nickel corner taking a chance on Devonshire in Round 3 or 4 if they miss out on Mike Sainristill.
27. Jarrian Jones | CB | Florida State | 6’ 0”, 191 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 25, S 1, Int 3, PD 3.
Andrew Wilbar: Jones is a speedy corner who possesses the versatility to play either inside or outside at the next level. His footwork, specifically when transitioning from his backpedal to come back to the ball and close on a receiver, needs some work, as it has greatly hindered his change-of-direction quickness. He displays both the willingness and ability to defend the run at a high level, but he is not the greatest open-field tackler at this point. There is certainly schematic versatility with Jones as well, but his strength is his instincts. He is best when his eyes are on the quarterback and he can break on the ball rather than mirroring a receiver in man coverage. Despite his plus athleticism, his best long-term fit is likely in a scheme that displays more zone and soft-man/off-man coverage.
28. Jaylin Simpson | CB/S | Auburn | 6’ 1”, 175 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 36, S 0, Int 4, PD 3.
Nolan Keck: A Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist and former GA State High Jump Champion, Jaylin Simpson started at Safety in 2023 for the Tigers after spending the past 3 years at corner. He’s a versatile, long-limbed athlete who is best either in the slot or zone coverage, where he can get a jump on the ball as he sees plays develop in front of him. Running a 4.45 40 at the combine, he can cover a lot of ground with great timing, being comfortable as a deep defender. He can struggle against the top speedsters as he’s just average in hitting that top gear. Although he’s aggressive enough, his lack of strength can get him outmuscled when taking on blockers. He has the skill set to play Safety, and his versatility is his biggest asset. He will need to fill out his frame and add strength to succeed at a high level in the NFL.
29. Dominique Hampton | S | Washington | 6’ 2”, 220 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 15, T 109, S 0, Int 2, PD 7.
Andrew Wilbar: Hampton is another mid-round prospect I am excited about. Hampton spent six seasons in college while only playing significant time in three of them, and his true emergence came this season, when he recorded over 100 tackles and made more plays on the ball. While he still does not create an overabundance of splash plays, his ability to see and react to things quickly give him upside in that department down the road. There were times, however, that Hampton simply did not move the needle for the defense when they needed it, as their defense was completely atrocious at times down the stretch. He possesses the size of a box safety, and I believe he is capable of being a good enough run defender to fulfill such a role, but he is not a blitzing threat, and when dropping into coverage, he looks unbalanced at times and rather raw, especially for someone who played six years of college ball. He is an exciting prospect worth a flier on early Day 3.
30. Caelen Carson | CB | Wake Forest | 6’ 0”, 190 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 11, T 42, S 0, Int 0, PD 8.
Nolan Keck: Caelen “Los” Carson is one of the most proficient press-man coverage corners in the Draft, and has been highly underrated. He is able to match wideouts with technique and athleticism, and then suffocate them with competitiveness and physicality. At his Pro Day he ran a 4.53 40 and had a 35.5” vertical jump. He can recover and close ground with his explosiveness, and he’s an authoritative playmaker at the catch point. He doesn’t have an elite athletic profile, needs to improve his consistency and awareness in zone coverage and can be over-aggressive, but he has the talent, physicality and mentality to be a potential lockdown-island corner in the NFL. A true bargain and potential sleeper for any team if taken in the fourth round.
31. Tykee Smith | S | Georgia | 5’ 10”, 198 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 14, T 70, S 2, Int 4, PD 2.
Nolan Keck: Safety Tykee Smith is a tough minded overachiever who transferred from West Virginia to play for the Bulldogs. He has quick feet and is a strong tackler who can hold his ground against blockers. He can decipher route combinations in zone coverage but lacks the ideal length for a defensive back. He doesn’t have the explosiveness to recover when beaten downfield. He can be handsy when beat and isn’t great at route recognition, but has the anticipation to take away fade throws in the red zone and the instincts to make a QB pay for a late throw. He can play as a deep safety and slot defender, but needs to add some weight in order to become more physical, and play in the NFL.
32. Beanie Bishop | CB | West Virginia | 5’ 10”, 184 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 67, S 0, Int 4, PD 20.
Shannon White: Bishop is the definition of better late than never. Shannon ‘Beanie’ Bishop is definitely a late bloomer. A two time product of the transfer portal, Bishop graduated high school way back in 2018. At least he has aged well, like a fine wine. Bishop has the physique of a slot corner, but the physicality and mindset of a boundary corner. He came out of nowhere in his single season in Morgantown to earn first team All American status. Bishop led the nation in both passes defensed and pass breakups, and he added 4 interceptions. He was also first team Big 12. Bishop appears quicker than fast, but he ran a blistering 4.39 at the Big 12 pro day. Bishop is incredibly feisty and competitive, which I feel is his best quality. Bishop’s size may limit him to the slot, but I won’t be shocked to see him getting reps on the outside in the NFL one day soon. Bishop’s game plays bigger than his frame suggests possible. Bishop has went from likely undrafted free agent to possible fourth round consideration through hardwork and tenacity. Keep working, young man.
33. Shon Stephens | CB | Ferris State | 6’ 0”, 180 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 4th
2023 Stats: GP 11, T 25, S 0, Int 8, PD 4.
Andrew Wilbar: The cousin of Steelers cornerback Joey Porter, Jr., Stephens is an intriguing prospect with plus upside. Stephens displays feistiness from the beginning of the snap until the whistle is blown, but at 5’9”, 173 pounds, there is only so much he can do from a physicality perspective. He cannot simply impose his will against anyone, and because of his lack of size, he struggles against the run. Having said that, I do like his savvy in coverage. He doesn’t overreact, but he is sudden in his lateral movements, displaying a great combination of twitchiness, quickness, and speed. Players with NFL bloodlines I always find intriguing, but when bloodlines are combined with proven production, there is true substance. Stephens also possesses strong instincts and ball skills, which boosts his long-term ceiling in the NFL. He will definitely be limited to the slot, but if he can add a few pounds, maintain his speed, and make tackles more consistently, he can find significant playing time as a nickel corner in the NFL.
34. Renardo Green | CB | Florida State | 6’ 0”, 188 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 4th
2023 Stats: GP 43, T .5, S .5, Int 1, PD 13.
Nolan Keck: A Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, Renardo Green led the ACC and ranked 10th nationally as a defensive back with 13 pass breakups at Florida State. He’s an aggressive, pure press-man corner who helped hold LSU’s Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. to a total of 1 touchdown. He has excellent change of direction and adjusts well in pass coverage, being a good route tracer. He doesn’t allow bigger opponents to bully him for space, even though he’s of average build. His physical style of play could get him in trouble in the NFL, but he was a reliable run defender. He has average burst, and almost all of his TDs allowed came on fades. He can fit right in as a slot press-man corner in an aggressive defensive scheme, but he’ll need to learn the nuances of playing in zone coverage. A bonafide underrated sleeper prospect as he plays like he has a lot to prove.
BEST OF THE REST
35. Marcellus Dial | CB | South Carolina | 6’ 0”, 190 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 5th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 36, S 1, Int 0, PD 10.
36. A.J. Woods | CB | Pittsburgh
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 5th
2023 Stats:
37. Chau Smith-Wade | CB | Washington State | 5’ 11”, 180 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 5th
2023 Stats: GP 7, T 35, S 0, Int 0, PD 6.
38. Daequan Hardy | CB | Penn State | 5’ 9”, 182 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 5th
2023 Stats: GP 11, T 22, S 1, Int 2, PD 7.
39. Beau Brade | S | Maryland | 6’ 1”, 201 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 75, S 0, Int 1, PD 6.
40. Nehemiah Pritchett | CB | Auburn | 6’ 1”, 179 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 5th
2023 Stats: GP 9, T 22, S 0, Int 1, PD 3.
41. Josh Newton | CB | TCU | 5’ 11”, 195 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 4th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 33, S 0, Int 1, PD 9.
42. Jarvis Brownlee | CB | Louisville | 5’ 11”, 179 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 5th
2023 Stats: GP 11, T 30, S 0, Int 1, PD 6.
43. Loren Strickland | S | Ball State | 5’9″, 199 lbs
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 5th
2023 Stats:
43. Storm Duck | CB | Louisville | 6’ 0”, 205 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 5th
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 32, S 1, Int 0, PD 7.
44. Ben Nikkel | S | Iowa State | 6’ 1”, 200 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 5th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 40, S 0, Int 0, PD 3.
45. Mark Perry | S | TCU |
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats:
46. Tyrek Funderburk | CB | Appalachian State | 5’ 11”, 185 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 14, T 46, S .5, Int 4, PD 8.
47. Clay Fields III | S | Chattanooga | 5’ 10”, 211 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 11, T 49, S 0, Int 1, PD 9.
48. Derek Slywka | S | Ithaca | 6’ 3”, 215 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 51, S 0, Int 6, PD 10.
49. Kalon Gervin | CB | Kansas | 5’ 11”, 195 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 14, S 0, Int 0, PD 4.
50. D.J. Miller, Jr. | CB | Kent State | 5’ 11”, 187 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 11, T 46, S 0, Int 0, PD 3.
51. Eric Smith | CB | Florida A&M | 5’ 10”, 177 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 37, S 1, Int 3, PD 8.
52. Marcus Banks | S | Mississippi State | 6’ 0”, 180 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 51, S 0, Int 0, PD 3.
53. Shemar Bartholomew | CB | Georgia Southern | 6’ 1”, 200 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 38, S 0, Int 1, PD 14.
54. Sione Vaki | S | Utah | 6’ 0”, 208 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 51, S 2, Int 1, PD 2.
55. Thomas Harper | CB/S | Notre Dame | 5’ 11”, 180 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 11, T 39, S 2, Int 0, PD 3.
56. Kitan Oladapo | S | Oregon State | 6’ 1”, 209 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 74, S 1, Int 2, PD 8.
57. Myles Sims | CB | Georgia Tech | 6’ 3”, 181 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 37, S 0, Int 1, PD 5.
58. Carlton Johnson | CB | Fresno State | 6’ 0”, 165 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 54, S 0, Int 4, PD 7.
59. Tarheeb Still | CB | Maryland | 6’ 1”, 182 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 10, T 45, S 0, Int 5, PD 2.
60. Keaton Ellis | S | Penn State | 5’ 11”, 192 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 17, S 0, Int 1, PD 0.
61. Patrick Rogers | Central Washington | 5’ 11”, 190 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 63, S 0, Int 0, PD 8.
62. Kadon Kauppinen | S | North Dakota | 6’ 2”, 210 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 43, S 0, Int 0, PD 4.
63. Isaiah Stalbird | S | South Dakota State |
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats:
64. Keni-H Lovely | Western Michigan |
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 6th
2023 Stats:
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