Sleeper Cornerbacks I like in the 2024 draft:
CB Khyree Jackson (Oregon)
Jackson had 25 solo tackles, 3 interceptions and 7 passes defended in 2023. One of Jackson’s best traits is that he can use his significant length and size to a great advantage in coverage. Standing at 6’4 makes him productive in press man coverage as he excels at defending 50/50 balls. He also has good anticipation in zone coverage which expands his abilities. He’s a reliable tackler and has shown his aggressiveness to engage in strong physicality. If Jackson can keep up with the speed of NFL WRs he can ultimately have a productive NFL career.
CB Chau Smith-Wade CB (Washington State)
Smith-Wade had 23 solo tackles, 0 interceptions and 6 passes defended in 2023. Despite the lack of playmaking ability, his main traits are speed, engaging in run support, versatility and high football IQ. He has the ability to keep WRs in check by disrupting routes and keeping up with his quick feet. Smith-Wade shows no fear in run support showing his ability to tackle in open space.
CB Dwight Mcglothern (Arkansas)
Mcglothern had 19 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble, 3 interceptions and 6 passes defensed in 2023. Mcglothern is my favorite sleeper in the CB class this year as he has great instincts and playmaking ability proving he has natural CB talent. Standing at 6’2 is also a great quality he provides as he uses his length to his advantage and displays great ball skills in coverage. I think Mcglothern will be a steal for any team that drafts him and will be productive at the NFL level.
CB Kamal Hadden (Tennessee)
Hadden had 13 solo tackles, 3 interceptions and 7 passes defended in just 7 games in 2023. Hadden underwent a season-ending shoulder surgery for an injury suffered during the team’s Week 8 loss at Alabama. Hadden would arguably have been one of the top NFL draft picks in college if he hadn’t suffered an injury. What stands out is his great ball skills, playmaking ability and ability to break up passes. He’s also shown he can be physical as a tackler. His injury will cause him to fall slightly in the draft making him a big sleeper.
CB Mikey Victor (Alabama State)
Victor had 27 solo tackles, 2 interceptions and 13 passes defensed in 2023. Victor’s height and arm reach give him the advantage with respect to his style of play, especially when defending passes. His long reach enables him to cover a significant area, particularly in zone coverage. Victor showed great closing speed and great ability to track down ball carriers in the open field. He will likely be a steal in 5th or 6th round.
CB Qwan’tez Stiggers (Toronto Argonauts)
Stiggers is the most interesting prospect in the NFL draft this year. He played in the CFL last year and won CFL’s most outstanding rookie. He had 53 tackles and 5 interceptions in 15 games for the Argonauts in 2023. Stiggers did not play college football prior to arriving in Canada due to academic issues while attending B.E.S.T. Academy High School in Atlanta. He began his professional career in the Fan Controlled Football League in 2022, where he made 30 tackles and five interceptions en route to becoming a finalist for the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award. Since his graduating class is up, Stiggers is eligible to enter the NFL draft. He won’t be the first CFL player drafted into the NFL, but he’ll be the first who didn’t attend college. Although he has one more year left on his contract with the Argonauts, the team agreed to terminate their deal with him. Stiggers was the centre of attention in the CFL where he was everywhere on the field at game time. Former Argonauts DB coach Josh Bell had great things to say about Stiggers, “His explosion is dangerous”, “I call him a barracuda.” According to coach Bell, Stiggers immediately stood out in training camp and in the first game of the season he caught his first interception.
CB Zamari Walton (Ole Miss)
Walton had 23 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions and 6 passes defensed in 2023. Walton spent most of his career at Georgia Tech and played at Ole Miss in his senior year. Walton is yet another tall corner at 6’3 who uses his length to his ability. He is very physical as a tackler and engages in run defense. Walton has 4.3 speed and elevated his game against superior competition. Six years in college gives him a wealth of experience going into the NFL.
CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr (Louisville)
16 solo tackles, 1 interception and 6 passes defensed in 2023. Brownlee Jr portrays excellent foot quickness and instincts, allowing him to mirror receivers effectively. Due to his small size (5’10) NFL scouts think he will struggle to make a transition to the NFL. His best traits are his quick feet and instincts which make up for his size. Brownlee is at best when he’s in press coverage at the line of scrimmage. Brownlee also shows he loves to throw his body around and does not shy away from any tackles. I think he can be a productive nickel corner at the NFL level.
CB Renardo Green (Florida State)
Green had 32 solo tackles, 1 interception and 12 passes defensed in 2023. Green is an aggressive lockdown corner who was quietly one of the better corners in college football. He sticks like glue to receivers when in press coverage. Green is versatile, he can play off-man coverage and be effective. In off-coverage zone, Green proves to be a high-instinct player who’s able to understand route combinations to bait quarterbacks and make plays on the football. His skill set offers great instincts, physicality, great IQ and very effective in press and off man coverage. Green is probably projected to be drafted higher than all the corners I previously mentioned. My prediction is that he will likely be a day 2 pick.
Thanks,
P6P