Ell’s Top 5 Cornerbacks NFL Draft 2022

1. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cincinnati

Strengths: size/length, coverage skills/physicality (press CB)

Weakness:  risk taker, run stopping technique

Draft Projection: Top 10 – Top 15

2. Derek Stingley Jr., LSU

Strengths: size/athleticism, speed/coverage skills

Weakness: extensive injury history, strength/stopping big running backs

Draft Projection: Top 10 – Late 1^st Round

3. Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson

Strengths: size/length, coverage skills/playmaking skills

Weakness: speed/change of direction, technique/awareness

Draft Projection: Mid 1^st Round – Late 1^st Round

4. Roger McCreary, Auburn

Strengths:  toughness/physical play (willing hitter), coverage skills/playmaking skills

Weakness: risk taker, speed/length

Draft Projection: Mid 1^st Round – Early 2^nd Round

5. Trent McDuffie, Washington

Strengths: toughness/physical play (willing hitter), inside/outside versatility        

Weakness: lack of interceptions, length/attacking running lanes

Draft Projection: Mid 1^st Round – Early 2^nd Round

Position Grade: B

The Cornerback position has some good athletes with the top 2 expected to be in rivalry as Stingley and Gardner are both claiming to be the best in the draft, but Stingley’s injury history has scared some teams causing me to move him to #2. Gardner should be able to fill in as a #2 across from a solid veteran in a best-case scenario, but with shutdown potential a team could take on the growing pains with him as the main guy. Stingley has all of the skills and genes to be a #1, but he must prove he can stay healthy; if he can play between the #2 and slot CB roles for a team that would be ideal. Booth Jr. has the size and playmaking skills to be a #2 CB and could fill in nicely as a big #3 CB as he polishes his game. McCreary is a tough, feisty CB who could fill in nicely as a #3 CB allowing him to blitz and be used in multiple ways until he can be a #2 CB. Same applies to McDuffie who teams love as a movable piece which has allowed his stock to grow. Kair Elam, Florida, is another big, playmaker to look out for and Safeties Jalen Pitre and Daxton Hill are also in the CB mix.