2023 NFL Draft: Cornerback Class

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Lets talk about the CB class. As always, here are the top prospects, per CBS Sports and ESPN:

1. Devon Witherspoon, Illinois - 6'0, 180 pounds
2. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon - 6'2, 201 pounds
3. Joey Porter Jr, Penn State - 6'2, 194 pounds
4. Cam Smith, South Carolina - 6'0, 188 pounds
5. Emmanuel Forbes, Miss State - 6'0, 180 pounds
6. Kelee Ringo, Georgia - 6'2, 210 pounds
7. Deonte Banks, Maryland - 6'2 205 pounds
8. Clark Philips III, Utah - 5'10, 183 pounds
9. Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford - 6'1 188 pounds
10. Julius Brents, Kansas State - 6'4, 202 pounds
11 . Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M - 6'2, 205 pounds
12. Garrett Williams, Syracuse - 6'0, 189 pounds

The first seven could potentially go in the first round. What does everybody think of the cornerback class? Strong? Weak? Any CBs going underneath the radar?

 

[fightinfunbags]

I really like Joey Porter Jr. I think he has the highest upside in the group. I think Witherspoon is an immediate starter. I’m not seeing it with Gonzalez. Garrett Williams is intriguing but could be a guy who isn’t the same coming off of injury.

 

[Clayton]

I really like Joey Porter Jr. I think he has the highest upside in the group. I think Witherspoon is an immediate starter. I’m not seeing it with Gonzalez. Garrett Williams is intriguing but could be a guy who isn’t the same coming off of injury.

The way I see it, Witherspoon comps out similar to Trent Mcduffie last year imo. Really good cover guy with some physicality and a solid blitzer. Someone you want covering Jamarr Chase but not physical enough to handle the Tee Higgins, Dk Metcalfs, and AJ Browns of the world. Hard to tell with Witherspoon, though, because he basically had a 'perfect' season in college last year at CB which almost never happens.

Joey Porter Jr has the length and size you want to cover those more physical DBs. Not great change of direction skills but likely the guys he is covering wont have them, either.

Gonzalez has the traits to be the best cover guy in the class. His tape was a bit soft, imo, but he might be a better pro than college player. He reminded me a bit of Tyson Campbell but he looks to be more explosive as an athlete if his combine is any indication.

 

[Clayton]

Meant to say Joey Porter Jr has the length and size you want to cover those more physical WRs.

Julius Brents is someone to watch. He has a really similar athletic profile to Kyle Hamilton which means that its off the charts if you can actually find a fit for him. Probably a safety? Maybe a zone corner. Maybe a slot corner.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

The first seven could potentially go in the first round. What does everybody think of the cornerback class? Strong? Weak? Any CBs going underneath the radar?

If it turns out that 7 CBs are taken in the first round, asking if it's a strong class this year....that would be an understatement. I don't see 7 going in the first, but just thinking it's possible alone makes this a helluva class.

 

[Southieinnc]

Lets talk about the CB class. As always, here are the top prospects, per CBS Sports and ESPN:

1. Devon Witherspoon, Illinois - 6'0, 180 pounds
2. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon - 6'2, 201 pounds
3. Joey Porter Jr, Penn State - 6'2, 194 pounds
4. Cam Smith, South Carolina - 6'0, 188 pounds
5. Emmanuel Forbes, Miss State - 6'0, 180 pounds
6. Kelee Ringo, Georgia - 6'2, 210 pounds
7. Deonte Banks, Maryland - 6'2 205 pounds
8. Clark Philips III, Utah - 5'10, 183 pounds
9. Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford - 6'1 188 pounds
10. Julius Brents, Kansas State - 6'4, 202 pounds
11 . Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M - 6'2, 205 pounds
12. Garrett Williams, Syracuse - 6'0, 189 pounds

The first seven could potentially go in the first round. What does everybody think of the cornerback class? Strong? Weak? Any CBs going underneath the radar?

Ryley Moss CB Iowa

Courtesy of @cheerupcharlie

 

[Mebert]

I am a massive homer so grain of salt when I say Clark Phillips should be higher. His combine performance was worse than expected, but he put up great tape all year. I think he will drop because he ran slow, and he will prove the tape matters more than the stop watch for the next decade.

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Witherspoon

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Witherspoon

Gotta love the highlight film on Witherspoon.

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Gotta love the highlight film on Witherspoon.

Witherspoon is hands down my favorite prospect, I have done research on. Aggressive, ball hog. When he tackles people, he does it with extreme force.

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Christian Gonzalez

 

[eaglesnut]

Witherspoon is hands down my favorite prospect, I have done research on. Aggressive, ball hog. When he tackles people, he does it with extreme force.

I prefer ball hawks

tomato tomato

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Joey Porter Jr

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Cam Smith

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

It's looking like Witherspoon and Gonzalez will be first off the boards. The only questions are whether both of them will be taken in the top 10 and which one gets snapped up first.

 

[fightinfunbags]

It's looking like Witherspoon and Gonzalez will be first off the boards. The only questions are whether both of them will be taken in the top 10 and which one gets snapped up first.

Not sure if the Lions are still thinking CB after their FA signings. But they have been linked to CB with the 6th pick.

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (14 INTs in 3 years)

 

[PDay8810]

Isn't Fobes one large character risk?

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Isn't Fobes one large character risk?

What character risk is that?

 

[PDay8810]

What character risk is that?

I'll have to research...radio show couple of days ago talked about a corner (Miss. St or Miss) with huge character issues.


Might be the most talented corner.