The cornerback position continues to be one of the most important positions in the league, and finding one who can shut down a side of the field is becoming even more crucial for defenses in the modern NFL.
This crop of defensive backs boasts a lot of depth and some high-end talent that can start from day one. Let’s take a look at the top five players of that group before we get to the pre-draft process.
1. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
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Another year, another top-flight Alabama corner projected to go in the top portion of the draft. Terrion Arnold has all the measurables you could want out of a modern NFL corner and has the production and wit to back it up.
Arnold is built to be a number one corner in the NFL and teams are going to be eager to take someone with his size and pedigree likely in the top ten of the 2024 NFL Draft.
2. Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
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A versatile and athletically gifted cornerback who competed against the best of the best in the SEC, Kamari Lassiter adds yet another projected NFL stud to the Bulldog’s impressive resume.
While Lassiter isn’t quite the desired size of a number one corner, he has the experience and athletic prowess to make up for any surrendered early in the route. Expect Lassiter to be valued highly for his ability to walk in and start at multiple positions day one in the NFL.
3. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
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A physical and highly athletic corner, Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw checks all the boxes on what NFL teams want at the next level for a potential shutdown corner who can develop into an elite talent.
Rakestraw brings immense physicality in both the run and passing game and is going to be a tone-setter at the next level. Look for Rakestraw to gain steam during the pre-draft process and land himself within the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
4. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
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An athletic marvel who can play any position in the secondary, Cooper DeJean is a top-tier playmaker who is going to make any NFL secondary the moment he walks into the building.
With a keen nose for the football and the willingness to attack on every play, DeJean is one of the most reliable defensive playmakers in this class. Given his ability to stick at corner or move to safety as well as his resume, DeJean should hear his name called in the first round.
5. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
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The second of two excellent Alabama cover men in this class, Kool-Aid McKinstry lacks the elite physical tools of his running mate but still can start at the next level and be a reliable defensive back.
With a solid frame and disciplined play, Kool-Aid boasts an impressive resume for NFL teams to ponder over. There are questions surrounding his ability to make up lost ground and catch up with speedier receivers, but he can prove those questions wrong with a solid pre-draft performance.
