NFL Draft Rankings 2024: Cornerbacks

Cornerback is the deepest positional group among defenders in this draft class. Six of the top 10 cornerbacks in this class could go in the first round, and the top 15 should all be drafted in the first three rounds. For a cornerback needy team like the Eagles, there are lots of players to be had with their first three picks.

1. Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

What he does well: Quinyon Mitchell was one of the stingiest cornerbacks in the country over the last two seasons. He has great athleticism and instincts that allow him to close on the football with ease. He did his best work in college playing off-coverage, allowing his speed and eyes to generate incompletions. He also has a solid, NFL build.

Where he can Improve: Mitchell has very little experience as a press-man coverage cornerback. He has the tools to do it, with a strong build and physical playing style, but it is a new technique he will need to learn in the NFL.

Pro Comparison: Darius Slay

2. Cooper DeJean, Iowa

What he does well: Cooper DeJean has a well rounded game as a coverage defender. He is reliable in man and zone coverage, displaying great instincts, athleticism, and a sense of poise when matched up one on one down the field. His most impressive trait may be his run defense. He is a fearless, physical tackler who can provide key defenses on the outside edges of a defense against ball carriers.

Where he can Improve: DeJean has very little experience in press-man coverage. Shorter arms may limit him here, though he has the physicality to challenge receivers at the line.

Pro Comparison: Charvarius Ward

3. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

What he does well: Kool-Aid McKinstry started as a freshman for Nick Saban, a testament to how advanced of a football player he is above the shoulders. McKinstry has great instincts and technique, with excellent man and zone coverage abilities. He is also a reliable, physical run defender.

Where he can Improve: McKinstry is a good, not great athlete. His easy movement on the field is more a testament to his confidence and instincts instead of pure athleticism.

Pro Comparison: Tre’Davious White

4. Terrion Arnold, Alabama

What he does well: Terrion Arnold is an aggressive,ball hawking cornerback who excelled in his one full year starting at Alabama. Arnold has a great burst that allows him to close on the ball and generate incompletions and turnovers. Arnold played on the outside and the slot at a relatively high level. He is also a really good run defender.

Where he can Improve: Arnold’s lack of experience translates into lack of consistency. His aggressive play style also means he can give up big plays by taking himself out of position. He is also on the lighter side and can get pushed around by more physical receivers.

Pro Comparison: L’jarius Sneed

5. Mike Sainristil, Michigan

What he does well: Mike Sainristil switched to cornerback in 2022 after playing receiver for three years and never looked back. Sainristil is a smooth athlete with great burst and leaping ability. His instincts at cornerback improved massively in just one year and he was one of Michigan’s best defenders last season. He has great ball skills and is a feisty tackler.

Where he can Improve: Sainristil’s one concern is his size. At 5’9” and 182 with short arms, he may be limited to being a slot defender. However, his size never got in the way of him making big plays in college.

Pro Comparison: Avonte Maddox

6. Nate Wiggins, Clemson

What he does well: Nate Wiggins’ combination of pure speed and confidence made him a great cover man at Clemson over the last two seasons. He looks natural in man and zone coverage, and does a great job using his tall frame to win at the catch point.

Where he can Improve: Wiggins is extremely slender for a perimeter defender, and short arms add to concerns about tackling or manning up on bigger receivers. He could add weight to his frame, but at this point it is a reasonable concern how a 170 pound cornerback could defend against outside receivers that can weigh up to 220 pounds in the NFL.

Pro Comparison: Emmanuel Forbes

The Rest

7. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
8. Khyree Jackson, Oregon
9. Ennis Rakestraw Junior, Missouri
10. TJ Tampa, Iowa State
11. Max Melton Rutgers
12. Andru Phillips, Kentucky
13. Jarvis Brownlee, Louisville
14. Renardo Green, Florida State
15. Caelon Carson, Wake Forest
16. Jarrian Jones, Florida State
17. Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri
18. Cam Hart, Notre Dame
19. Kalen King, Penn State
20. Chau Smith Wade, Washington State