The first three rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft are complete and cornerbacks have been popular in the early going. Through three rounds, 16 cornerbacks have been drafted, but there are still a few notable players available.
NFL Draft 2013 best available: Top cornerbacks include Jordan Poyer, Tharold Simon
Cornerbacks have flown off the draft board thus far, but a few solid players are still available.
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With the NFL shifting to a passing league, defenses are loading up to defend the pass, making cornerback a high priority. After four cornerbacks were selected in the first round on Thursday, the run continued on Friday with six going in the second round and six more going in the third round.
The run on corners could continue on Day 3 as there are still plenty of talented players remaining. Here is a closer look at a few of the top cornerbacks still on the board.
Top cornerbacks available
1. Jordan Poyer, Oregon State
While Poyer lacks elite size and speed, he has excellent ball skills in coverage and is a solid tackler. He was named an Associated Press first-team All-American as a senior. Poyer finished his senior season with seven interceptions, doing an excellent job of diagnosing plays and making plays in coverage.
During pre-draft workouts, Poyer tested as an average athlete with his size, strength and speed coming in below what some teams like in an outside corner.
2. B.W. Webb, William & Mary
One of the top small school prospects, Webb projects as a nickel cornerback in the NFL. At 5’10 and 184 pounds, he may not have ideal size for an outside corner, but he tested extremely well at the combine. He was a four-year starter in college and played well against BCS schools.
Webb is raw and will be taking a significant jump in competition level, but if he’s able to use his natural skills he should be a contributor for whatever team selects him on Day 3.
3. Tharold Simon, LSU
Six of Simon’s LSU teammates were drafted in the first three rounds, and he may not have to wait long to join them. At 6’2 and 202 pounds, Simon is one of the biggest corners still available. He finished his junior season with nine pass deflections and four interceptions, showing solid coverage ability to go along with his height and long arms.
Teams such as Seattle and Jacksonville have put an emphasis on drafting big corners recently, and Simon could be a target for those and other teams early on Day 3.
Honorable mentions
Terry Hawthorne, Illinois
Marc Anthony, California
Adrian Bushell, Louisville,
Johnny Adams, Michigan State
Sanders Commings, Georgia
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