Top 5 Cornerbacks: 2013 NFL Draft

Banks is very competitive and plays with an aggressive attitude. He has very good ball skills and can change directions quickly. He may lack the bulk with his lanky build, but he does not lack heart and will take chances on making plays on the ball. He is projected as a mid first to early second round prospect. Can solidify a first round draft selection with a solid NFL Combine workout. Xavier Rhodes at 6'2 and 215 pounds has a rare combination of size and athleticism. He has the perfect attributes to excel in today's pass happy NFL. Rhodes is at his best when he is in press man coverage and is not shy being physical with his opponent whether in pass coverage or giving run support. He may need to run a good forty time at the NFL Combine to solidify his first round status because of his lack of elite speed, but he has other tools to compensate. Milliner is my top rated cornerback in the 2013 class. He has the size, length, and physicality to play in any defensive scheme. He led the SEC with 22 passes defended. He may not have elite speed, but he has great instincts and timing to be a ballhawking corner. Definitely a Top 10 pick.View the list »
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 26: A detail of the video board and stage during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall

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NFL wide receivers are getting bigger, stronger, and faster every year. So defenses have to adapt and matchup with the talented pass catchers by finding bigger and just as fast cover men to compete with them. It is no coincidence that the top cornerbacks in the 2013 class stand at mostly 6 feet or taller. They have the size, length, playing speed, and athleticism to be productive right out the gate.

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  • Milliner is my top rated cornerback in the 2013 class. He has the size, length, and physicality to play in any defensive scheme. He led the SEC with 22 passes defended. He may not have elite speed, but he has great instincts and timing to be a ballhawking corner. Definitely a Top 10 pick.
  • Xavier Rhodes at 6'2 and 215 pounds has a rare combination of size and athleticism. He has the perfect attributes to excel in today's pass happy NFL. Rhodes is at his best when he is in press man coverage and is not shy being physical with his opponent whether in pass coverage or giving run support. He may need to run a good forty time at the NFL Combine to solidify his first round status because of his lack of elite speed, but he has other tools to compensate. 
  • Banks is very competitive and plays with an aggressive attitude. He has very good ball skills and can change directions quickly. He may lack the bulk with his lanky build, but he does not lack heart and will take chances on making plays on the ball. He is projected as a mid first to early second round prospect. Can solidify a first round draft selection with a solid NFL Combine workout. 
  • Desmond Trufant's stock has been on the rise since his performance at the 2013 Senior Bowl. He plays bigger than his actual size and will fight for the ball when it is in the air. He can lineup outside or in the slot and be effective. He is the younger brother of former first round pick, Marcus Trufant. 
  • Poyer is likely a second round selection and has good athleticism. His field vision is very good and also has a solid closing burst. He is not afraid to mix it up physically with the ball carrier. Understands taking proper angles and zone coverage schemes. He should be a solid contributor for a team right off the bat.
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, NFL Draft Examiner

Mike writes detailed-oriented scouting reports on college football players who are eligible for the NFL Draft. Mike also writes the article for the Sunday NFL Game of the Week each week at Mockingthedraft.com. Mike is a former student of Sports Management World Wide and was mentored by NFL...

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