It’s that time again, DRAFT TIME!  Last season the first round saw three cornerbacks selected, and overall 27 cornerbacks were selected.  With the dominance of the Patriots and Packers four and five wide receiver sets, the importance of a good cornerback will definitely provide a rise in cornerback selections this year.  This draft could see four corners taken in the first round. 

Here are three top corners pre-combine:

Antoine Cason – Arizona:  Cason is a tall, rangy corner who plays taller than his 6’0” listing.  Blazing speed, great ball skills, and playmaking ability as a return man put Cason atop the class of corners in 2008.  Cason recorded 14 pass deflections and five interceptions in 2007 and also showed up big in the return game with two punt returns for touchdowns.  If Cason can run a sub 4.5 40 and wow scouts at the combine he’ll be a top 10 pick, but his times will determine if he falls in the first round.

Aqib Talib – Kansas:  Talib’s value will be determined at the combine.  His timed speed in the past hasn’t dropped jaws, but his production, size (6’2” 205lbs), ON FIELD SPEED, and athleticism puts him as a very safe pick.  Talib might just have the best ball skills in the draft, and he’s the type of guy who isn’t satisfied with an interception, he has the ability to take it the distance every time.  Talib also played some wide receiver at Kansas and that versatility will not go unnoticed in April. 

Leodis McKelvin – Troy:  McKelvin has fluid hips and probably the best back pedal of all corners in this year’s draft.  McKelvin’s name is catching fire after a great week of Senior Bowl practice where he showed his great instincts, quickness, and ability change direction quickly.  The only knock on McKelvin is that he doesn’t “finish” once he makes his break on the ball.  Leodis can also make an impact in the return game as a punt and kick returner with Hester-esque change of direction.  Expect McKelvin to challenge the three cone drill and short shuttle combine records.

Biggest Risk v. Reward: Mike Jenkins – USF: Jenkins is considered a top corner in this draft and for good reason.  He’s 6’0” 200 pounds and has great athleticism and he’s a good hitter, but that’s also a weakness.  Jenkins has a tendency to rely too much on his athleticism, which results in poor technique and footwork in his backpedal.  With only six career interceptions, you’d like to see some more playmaking skills out of a first round corner, but that’s a direct result of his lack of instincts at the position.  Another negative on Jenkins is his character.  He has some black-marks in his background including disorderly conduct and obstructing justice. 

Sleeper: Glenn Sharpe – U of Miami (FL): Sharpe is an interesting prospect for many reasons.  One, he’s a sixth year senior, yes 6^th YEAR.  Sharpe tore his ACL in 2003, returned too early in 2004 and missed all but two games, tore his ACL in 2005 in the preseason, started all 12 games as a junior in 2006, played nine games in 2007.  Sharpe is 6’0” 185 pounds and even AFTER his knee surgeries has been clocked very well in the 40.  Coming out of high school Sharpe was the 2^nd ranked defensive player and 6^th ranked player overall in Florida.  Sharpe has great instincts and experience and could be had with anywhere from the 6^th round to UFA. 

Top 10 Cornerbacks in 2008 Draft:

1. Antoine Cason – ARIZONA
2. Aqib Talib – KANSAS
3. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – TENNESSEE STATE
4. Leodis McKelvin – TROY
5. Mike Jenkins – SOUTH FLORIDA
6. Dwight Lowery – SAN JOSE STATE
7. Brandon Flowers – VIRGINIA TECH
8. Tracy Porter – INDIANA
9. Patrick Lee – AUBURN
10. Chevis Jackson - LSU