The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft is now in the books. There weren’t too many surprises with the cornerback position, as the top players mostly went where people expected them to go.
2013 NFL Draft best available: Lots of cornerbacks left on the board
Four cornerbacks went in the first round of the draft, but there’s plenty of talent left on the board as we approach Day 2.
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Alabama's Dee Milliner was the first CB off the board, going to the New York Jets at No. 9. The Oakland Raiders traded down nine spots to grab Houston's D.J. Hayden with the 12th pick. Atlanta moved up to No. 22 to take Washington's Desmond Trufant. Finally, Florida State's Xavier Rhodes fell to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 25.
Despite the top four cornerbacks going off the board, there’s still plenty of talent expected to go in the second and third rounds. Who are the best cornerbacks left?
1. Logan Ryan, Rutgers
2012 stats: 94 tackles, four interceptions, 21 passes defended
Ryan is expected to be the fifth Rutgers player drafted since 2010, after Mohamed Sanu, Anthony Davis, Devin McCourty and Ryan D'Imporio. Ryan is renowned for his athleticism and press cover ability. Lack of speed and technique has dropped him this far.
2. Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State
2012 stats: 63 tackles, four interceptions, 11 passes defended
Banks was once considered a first round lock, but injuries and a middling Combine performance pushed him into the second day. He shouldn't have to wait long to hear his name called -- the Jaguars are reportedly interested in taking him at No. 33.
3. Jordan Poyer, Oregon State
2012 stats: 51 tackles, seven interceptions, one defensive touchdown, 14 passes defended
Poyer ran a 4.54 at the Combine, which is slower than expected for a man of his frame (6’0, 190 pounds). Teams will still covet him for his physical play and ball skills. He can contribute on special teams.
4. Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Connecticut
2012 stats: 46 tackles, one interception, 10 passes defended
Wilson’s stiff technique and struggles in press coverage will likely limit him to a zone scheme, but he has the size, speed and athleticism to contribute in 2013.
5. David Amerson, N.C. State
2012 stats: 61 tackles, five interceptions, one defensive touchdown, 17 passes defended
Amerson’s struggles in 2012 are well documented among college football fans, but he has the size and ball strengths to succeed at the next level. Could be a steal if he finds more consistency.
Honorable Mentions
Darius Slay, Mississippi State
Jamar Taylor, Boise State
Robert Alford, SE Louisiana
Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
Mike Edwards, Hawai'i
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