Top 5 Cornerbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft
Ken Noble Edition
With the college football season finshed, we turn are full attention to NFL draft season. The 2022 NFL Draft is loaded at the cornerback position, but these are my Top 5 cornerbacks as of now. Teams in need of a quality shutdown corner are in luck with multiple first round quality corners available. Teams looking to just add depth will get quality contributors well into day 3.
1. Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati
Cincinnati CB Ahmad Gardner
Many people will be surprised to see someone other than Derek Stingley Jr. as my first corner. They shouldn’t be though, as Gardner has been one of the most dominant corners since his freshman season. In four years he has never allowed a TD per PFF. Yes, I said “Never!” He may not produce elite takeaway numbers, but that can be attributed to the fact that the opposition avoids throwing the ball at him all together.
2. Trent McDuffie, Washington
Washington CB Trent McDuffie
I compared his tackling ability to that of Jalen Ramsey prior to the season in his scouting report. It was then I knew he was a tough nosed defender who could help not only in the pass game, but the run game as well. I was surprised to see him be so dominant in 2021 though. Especially given how poorly Washington played as a whole. According to PFF, McDuffie only allowed 16 catches for 11 yards and no scores this season. That should speak for itself.
3. Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr
Most scouts will have Stingley as their CB 1 and for good reason. I would ask them what has he done lately to keep that ranking. Stingley had an absolutely amazing freshman season, but since then he hasn’t done much. I have questions about his ability to stay on the field, and I can’t use a top pick on a guy I’m not sure will play every Sunday. He is an elite athlete with exceptional cover skills when he does play. If he can stay healthy he has the ability to become one of if not the best corner in the NFL in a short time.
4. Kaiir Elam, Florida
Last year Jaycee Horn went number 8 overall to Carolina. The Panthers chose him for his press coverage abilities. Well I’m here to tell you Kaiir Elam may be the best press corner in a few years. According to PFF, he had allowed less than .5 yards per play in press coverage prior to his injury. Just like Stingley Jr., Elam has some injury concerns after he missed 3 games due to injury in 2021. He also lacks elite ball skills, but possesses the ideal frame for an NFL cornerback.
5. Roger McCreary, Auburn
Auburn CB Roger McCreary
McCreary and Andrew Booth were both in consideration here. McCreary wins out though. After watching him against Alabama this season I was left super impressed by him. He singlehandedly controlled Metchie all but the final play. Unfortunately people always seem to remember the bad play more than all the good ones. McCreary is physical and strong. He can play in any system and even holds the distinction of being PFF’s highest rated CB in college football last season with a PFF rating of 89.9.
