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Perhaps it’s playing against the proliferation of spread-offense passing games in college today, or maybe it’s just where the special athletes seem to go to compete, but once again the cornerbacks are among the best and deepest crops in this year’s NFL draft.
Nationally, there is a perception this is a real need for the Bears with the release of Prince Amukamara, but sources close to the team will tell you they really like Kevin Toliver, they’re high on CFL import Tre Roberson, developmental prospect Michael Joseph still is competing, and they drafted two, Duke Shelley and Stephen Denmark, last year.
You never have too many corners, however, and there is the slightest of chances Alabama’s Trevon Diggs or LSU’s Kristian Fulton could drop to the low 30s or high 40s in the draft, in which case the Bears might jump, but it seems more likely they could be looking for Day 3 steals here.
Day 1 Prospects
(Players without 40-yard dash times did not run at the NFL Scouting Combine. Inj. indicates they were unable to run because of injury. NI Combine indicates not invited to combine.)
1. Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio St.: 6-1, 200; 4.48 – 40
2. C.J. Henderson, Florida: 6-1, 202; 4.39 – 40
3. Jaylon Johnson, Utah: 6-0, 195; 4.50 – 40
4. A.J. Terrell, Clemson: 6-1, 190; 4.42 – 40
5. Trevon Diggs, Alabama: 6-2, 207
6. Jeff Gladney, TCU: 6-0, 183; 4.48 – 40
7. Bryce Hall, Virginia: 6-1, 200
Day 2 Prospects
8. Kristian Fulton, LSU: 6-0, 200; 4.46 - 40
9. Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech: 5-9, 183
10. Javaris Davis, Auburn: 5-10, 180; 4.39 – 40
11. Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn: 5-11, 200; 4.48 - 40
12. Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi St.: 6-2, 185; 4.64 – 40
13. Damon Arnette, Ohio St.: 6-0, 195; 4.56 – 40
Day 3 Prospects
14. Lavert Hill, Michigan: 5-11, 182
15. A.J. Green, Oklahoma St.: 6-1, 199; 4.62 – 40
16. Josiah Scott, Michigan St.: 5-10, 171; 4.42 – 40
17. Troy Pride Jr., Notre Dame: 5-11, 194; 4.40 – 40
18. John Reid, Penn St.: 5-10 – 181; 4.49 – 40
19. Darnay Holmes, UCLA: 5-10, 192 4.48 – 40
20. Stanford Samuels, Florida St.: 6-2, 185; 4.65 – 40
21. Harrison Hand, Temple: 6-0, 192; 4.52 – 40
22. Reggie Robinson II, Tulsa: 6-1, 197; 4.44 – 40
23. DeMarkus Acy, Missouri: 6-2, 195; NI Combine
24. Dane Jackson, Pittsburgh: 6-0, 180; 4.47 – 40
25. Kindle Vildor, Georgia Southern: 5-10, 185; 4.44 – 40
26. Lamar Jackson, Nebraska: 6-2, 206; 4.58 - 40
27. Michael Ojemudia, Iowa: 6-0, 200; 4.45 – 40
28. Grayland Arnold; Baylor: 5-10, 190; 4.59 – 40
Igbinoghene: He will never make it to Day 3, but he almost certainly will be there at picks No. 43 and 50 and possibly into the third round if the Bears were to trade down. He is a unique package with plenty of size for the position, his physicality is a big plus, and his ceiling is unusually high. He is a project, however, having arrived at Auburn as a receiver and only played two seasons at corner.
Acy: I first noticed Acy watching Mizzou two seasons ago when he seemed to be making every play on the field. He has special size but average speed and athleticism. I think he’ll be a steal later on Day 3 or possibly even as a priority free agent.
Jackson: Yes, I love big corners. Jackson is another project and may even need a switch to safety, but he’s a football player who will come late in the draft or as an undrafted free agent.
• Hub Arkush is Shaw Media’s director of football content. Write to him at harkush@profootballweekly.com, and follow him on Twitter @Hub_Arkush.
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