2024 NFL Draft: The Cornerback Class

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

FIRST ROUND
1. Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo - 6'0, 196 pounds
2. Nate Wiggins, Clemson - 6'2, 185 pounds
3. Terrion Arnold, Alabama - 6'0, 196 pounds
4. Cooper DeJean, Iowa - 6'1, 207 pounds
5. Ennis Rakestraw Jr, Missouri - 6'0, 188 pounds
6. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama - 6'1, 195 pounds

SECOND ROUND
7. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia - 6'0, 180 pounds
8. T.J Tampa, Iowa State - 6'2, 200 pounds
9. Kalen King, Penn State - 5'11, 190 pounds

THIRD ROUND
10. Mike Sainristil, Michigan - 5'10, 182 pounds
11. Caelen Carson, Wake Forest - 6'0, 195 pounds

Mitchell, Wiggins, and Arnold are expected to go in the top half of the 1st round. There are about 6 prospects not listed which could sneak into the 3rd round.

What are your early impressions? I'll start with Mitchell tomorrow.

 

[shopson67]

I think the top 4 could go in almost any order, as they are that close and it's really about choosing what play style/strengths suit your team.

DeJean keeps getting projected to safety, but he can play either at a high level IMO.

 

[Clayton]

I think the top 4 could go in almost any order, as they are that close and it's really about choosing what play style/strengths suit your team.

DeJean keeps getting projected to safety, but he can play either at a high level IMO.

I feel with DeJean that he is such a good athlete that I'd at least try and convert him into a Harrison Smith kind of player. He did play outside CB mostly last year so he can do that but ultimately I think his highest value might be at Safety (especially in a class without a top tier S)

 

[shopson67]

I feel with DeJean that he is such a good athlete that I'd at least try and convert him into a Harrison Smith kind of player. He did play outside CB mostly last year so he can do that but ultimately I think his highest value might be at Safety (especially in a class without a top tier S)

That ability is such an advantage when youth/injuries are impacting your backfield.

 

[Clayton]

That ability is such an advantage when youth/injuries are impacting your backfield.

Yeah. Its like an offensive lineman who can play multiple positions. It can save your season.

This might be a bold statement but of all the position groups, this should be the safest group of players. Tons of film on all of the first rounders against high level competition except for Quinyon Mitchell who really nailed his offseason.

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Quinyon Mitchell
- Played for the Toledo Rockets between 2020 and 2023
- Named First-Team All-Mac in 2022 and 2023
- Had 4 interceptions against Northern Illinois (see video)

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Cooper DeJean
- 21 years old. Will be 22 next February 9th.
- Played for Iowa Hawkeyes between 2021 and 2023
- Named First-Team All-Big Ten in 2022 and 2023
- Unanimous All-American in 2023
- Won the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year and Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year in 2023

​

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Nate Wiggins
- 20 years old. Will be 21 at the end of August.
- Played for the Clemson Tigers between 2021 and 2023.
- First-Team All-ACC in 2023
- In his last 23 games, he 3 interceptions (2 of them were pick 6), 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 19 pass deflections.

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Caelen Carson

 

[PDay8810]

Yes to Cooper DeJean at pick 24

 

[shopson67]

Yes to Cooper DeJean at pick 24

...or 19...or 28.

 

[cwalke3408]

Whew

 

[shopson67]

Whew

We'll see how that stands up under closer scrutiny. I'm sure he'll be among the quickest regardless.

 

[Clayton]

FIRST ROUND
1. Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo - 6'0, 196 pounds
2. Nate Wiggins, Clemson - 6'2, 185 pounds
3. Terrion Arnold, Alabama - 6'0, 196 pounds
4. Cooper DeJean, Iowa - 6'1, 207 pounds
5. Ennis Rakestraw Jr, Missouri - 6'0, 188 pounds
6. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama - 6'1, 195 pounds

SECOND ROUND
7. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia - 6'0, 180 pounds
8. T.J Tampa, Iowa State - 6'2, 200 pounds
9. Kalen King, Penn State - 5'11, 190 pounds

THIRD ROUND
10. Mike Sainristil, Michigan - 5'10, 182 pounds
11. Caelen Carson, Wake Forest - 6'0, 195 pounds

Mitchell, Wiggins, and Arnold are expected to go in the top half of the 1st round. There are about 6 prospects not listed which could sneak into the 3rd round.

What are your early impressions? I'll start with Mitchell tomorrow.

My guess here is that the tier breaks are actually:

Dejean (versatile, size)
Wiggins (speed, tape)
Kool-Aid (man coverage)
Arnold (jack of all trades)

Rakestraw
Lassiter
Tampa
Sainristil

King
Carson

So I think there is a possibility that way more than 4 go rd1.

 

[Iggloo]

I think there is a very good chance Philly goes CB at 22. Do people think DeJean can play corner in the NFL or is he a safety at the next level? He'll likely go higher because he has return skills, and yes he is a white dude. Possibly the next Jason Sehorn.

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Terrion Arnold
- 20 years old. Will be 21 on March 22nd.
- Played for the Alabama Crimson Tide between 2021 and 2023
- Named First-Team All-American and All-SEC in 2023
- In his two years in college, he had 6 interceptions, 12 passes deflected, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble

 

[WNY_FOOTBALL_DUDE]

Kool-Aid McKinstry
- 21 years old. Will be 22 in September.
- First name is Ga'Quincy. Got the nickname "Kool-Aid" by his grandmother. As a baby his smile reminded her of the Kool-Aid Man.
- First-Team All-American in 2023 and All-SEC in 2022 & 2023.

 

[shopson67]

My guess here is that the tier breaks are actually:

Dejean (versatile, size)
Wiggins (speed, tape)
Kool-Aid (man coverage)
Arnold (jack of all trades)

Rakestraw
Lassiter
Tampa
Sainristil

King
Carson

So I think there is a possibility that way more than 4 go rd1.

Yeah, Rakestraw could get in there, especially being a Missouri guy with KC picking 32nd and potentially trading Sneed.

From what I've read, Sainristil is highly regarded but likely as a slot guy.

 

[shopson67]

I think there is a very good chance Philly goes CB at 22. Do people think DeJean can play corner in the NFL or is he a safety at the next level? He'll likely go higher because he has return skills, and yes he is a white dude. Possibly the next Jason Sehorn.

I think some of that safety talk is slightly racist lol. He played 1 snap at safety in college (and actually played quite a few at DL). He's an athletic freak and should play CB, albeit a better fit in an off/zone scheme. I don't think he's the choice for press.

 

[Iggloo]

Kool Aid reportedly was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot, which may slighly affect his draft status because he will now miss workouts before the draft, though he should be ready for the regular season.