2021 NFL Draft Preview: Cornerback sleepers and Broncos fits
Apr 23, 2021, 6:35 AM
The Denver Broncos still need cornerback help. Even though general manager George Paton added Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby in free agency, the team needs to think about the future of the position.
Fuller is on a one-year contract and Bryce Callahan has only one year remaining on his deal. That means in one year the Broncos secondary could mainly consist of Darby and Michael Ojemudia.
This cornerback class has a nice group to select from. There is an array of talent, with different corners of all sizes, speed and skill sets. If you want a future slot corner, this class has that. If you want a starter on the outside, this draft has that. If you want a developmental player with upside on day three of the draft, this draft has that!
In this article, I will look at the market for the position. I will also write about sleepers at the cornerback position and some players who could fit what the Broncos need in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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Market Watch
I have Patrick Surtain (Alabama) graded as the best cornerback in this draft. His technique is unmatched in this class. Surtain has great footwork and is sound when breaking down plays as the routes are unfolding. His instincts are top notch, and Surtain is rarely fooled in coverage.
I like his physicality and willingness to attack at the line of scrimmage. Even though he doesn’t have elite speed, Surtain will do his best to knock a receiver off his timing and then get in his back pocket. Surtain is a high-intelligence player with savvy, toughness and leadership traits on the football field. He should be the first cornerback drafted, and he’s an option for the Broncos if they keep the No. 9 overall pick.
Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech) was once seen as a sure-fire top-10 pick. A back injury that required surgery this offseason has some teams perhaps looking at him differently. Farley has size and is a physical player who does not back down from a challenge. If he stays healthy, Farley has the upside to be one of the best corners in the game.
I like the way he uses his size to disrupt his opponents. His length helps him make up ground on speedy receivers down the sideline, and it can also disrupt any passing windows in the red zone. In addition to length and physicality, Farley has rare speed for a man his size. He has no problem making up ground if he takes a false step and has a receiver get by him. His back surgery may keep him out of training camp as a rookie, so Farley could fall just a bit but is still a first-round pick.
Jaycee Horn (South Carolina) is an electric player who is fun to watch. I see Aqib Talib when I watch Horn play football. Like Talib, Horn is incredibly aggressive and wants to take on the best receiver ever week. He has incredible confidence in his game, and Horn has no problem telling a receiver about it.
Horn gets a bit too grabby and is penalized more frequently than he should be. He only snared a couple of picks, both in 2020 – in the same game, so his ball skills need to be improved. Horn also throws himself around as a tackler and will drop his eyes from time to time. He’ll be a first-round pick and could be the first or second corner off the board.
Even though they’re not first-round graded players, I must mention some of my favorite second-round cornerbacks. Asante Samuel Jr (Florida State) Elijah Molden (Washington) and Shaun Wade (Ohio State) could be fine starters – even from day one – in the NFL.
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Sleepers
Washington has more than Molden at the cornerback position, and scouts are enticed by what Keith Taylor could be at the pro level. The buzz about Taylor means he could find himself picked on day two of the draft. Taylor has good size and length for the position, but he could use more physicality to his game. He’s a durable player and only missed one game in his college career for the Huskies. Taylor is going to be a day three pick.
At the Senior Bowl earlier this year, Tre Brown (Oklahoma) reminded me so much of Broncos starting slot corner Bryce Callahan. He was outstanding at that game and matched what he showed on film. Brown is a smaller corner (185 pounds), but he’s aggressive and physical. He’s got plenty of speed to stay with downfield routes and has experience as a gunner on special teams. We should see Brown go off the board in the mid rounds of the draft.
Benjamin St. Juste (Minnesota) was like Brown at the Senior Bowl, but he stands out in a different way. Unlike Brown, St. Juste is a big corner, and he brings length and burst to the football field. He uses his hands well and can knock away passes as they come down to the intended target. He’s seen as a late-round pick or priority free agent.
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Broncos Fits
Avery Williams (Boise State) could be a find for the Broncos on day three of the draft. It was reported earlier this month that the Broncos had a Zoom meeting with Williams. They’ve shown their interest in Williams and for good reason – he’s a versatile and talented player you can get late in the draft.
His game is all about versatility, and Williams has played running back, cornerback and starred on special teams during his college career. Before we get to his special teams prowess, let’s first look at his game on the defensive side of the ball.
Williams does a good job of swiveling his hips to turn and stay with receivers on the sideline. He is a smaller corner (187 pounds), but he’s a tough player who is aggressive and can play through injuries. Williams has a ton of experience at cornerback, starting 44 of 47 games for Boise State.
On special teams, Williams is outstanding with his play. Williams had nine career touchdowns in college (five punt returns, three kickoff returns, one blocked punt return). In addition to his ability as a returner, Williams can burst around the edge to block a kick. He had five blocks (three punts, one field goal, one extra point) in college.
He may not be the biggest or the fastest corner, but his leadership and attitude will make him a favorite of the coaching staff. The Broncos would be wise to consider him on day three.
