NFL 2009 Draft: Top 5 Cornerbacks in the Draft

Speed is the most coveted commodity among prospective Cornerbacks (CB), unfortunately the 2009 Class of Cornerbacks lack the speed of some of Drafts of the past few years. Still, this year's elite crop of top defensive backs have distinguished themselves by having other attributes besides speed. And while you will not find the next Deion Sanders in this group, there are plenty of players who will be starters at the NFL level.

Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State)

Perhaps the mostly highly sought after Cornerback in this year's Draft Class, Jenkins would have arguably been a first round draft pick had he come out in 2008, Jenkins elected to stay at Ohio State for an additional year. A top notch playmaker, with an instinct for the ball, Malcolm had 11 interceptions during his college career. At 6-0, 200 lbs, Jenkins is one of the most physical CB in the draft; his strength allowing him to knock receivers off their routes. Though his time in the 40 is in the 4.45 - 4.50 range, Jenkins demonstrate good speed on the field, and is capable of keeping up with most receivers. Look for Jenkins to go in the top 10 picks of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Vontae Davis (Illinois)

An underclassmen from Illinois, Davis is an athletic and physical prospect with enough potential to go in the first round of the Draft. The Brother of former first round draft pick Vernon Davis, Vontae seems to posses the right bloodline for an NFL career. His speed (4.40 for the 40) allows him to recover and close well on most receivers, while his size (6-0, 205 lbs) makes him an imposing tackler. Look for teams to be sold on his potential and to take him in the first round of the draft.

Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest)

Smith is a playmaker with a nose for the ball who ended his career at Wake Forest with a total of 21 career interceptions. Parts of his ball hawking skills can be attributed to his ability to read the quarterback, as well as his ability to adjust quickly to a play in front of him. Small at 5-9, 195 lbs, Smith may have problems covering more physical receivers in the NFL one on one, and may be better suited for zone coverage. His stock has been on the rise since he put in a great Senior Bowl effort, and he could conceivably sneak into the first round of the 2009 Draft if a team overlooks his lack of size.

Darius Butler (Connecticut)

Butler is an athletically gifted Cornerback who is fast enough (4.42 in the 40) to keep up with most receivers, and physical enough to handle man to man coverage. Able to read and react to either the run or pass, Butler shows great instincts on the field. Versatile as they come, Butler also was asked to return kicks and line up as a receiver on various occasions for Connecticut. Overall, he shows good leadership potential, and was a team captain for the Huskies his last two years in school.

D.J. Moore (Vanderbilt)

Moore's sluggish time in the 40 (4.56) probably drops him for the elite group of Cornerbacks in this year's Draft. Having said that, Moore is an intelligent CB who can read and react to a pass play well, and who can also provide solid run support. Though probably one of the more athletic players available at the position, Moore's poor closing speed, and average size probably make him ore suited for zone coverage. Still, he is a solid first day pick come draft time.

Sources:

"Lindy's Pro Football Draft Report: Outside Linebackers," Lindy's Pro Football Draft 2009

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