Top Defensive Backs Prospects

CB MORRIS CLAIBORNE,

LOUISIANA STATE

Most scouts have the 5-foot-11, 188-pound Claiborne as this year's top cornerback. He's slight, but there isn't a better cover man in the class.

CB STEPHON GILMORE, SOUTH CAROLINA

He's climbing up many draft boards and could be gone by the time the Eagles pick at No. 15. He's the kind of big (6-foot, 190-pounds) and physical cornerback teams are looking for.

S MARK BARRON, ALABAMA

Barron, adept at defending the run and pass, is universally rated as the top safety prospect in the draft. But is he the best of a weak lot?

CB DRE KIRKPATRICK, ALABAMA

Some have the 6-1, 186-pound corner pegged to play safety in the NFL. That could hurt his stock, which appears to be slipping.

CB JANORIS JENKINS, NORTH ALABAMA

Jenkins transferred from Florida after several run-ins with the law and the Gators coaching staff. A first-round talent, many teams are expected to shy away from the 23-year old.

S HARRISON SMITH, NOTRE DAME

Smith struggles in man-to-man defense, but that shouldn't matter much since most NFL defenses run zone. He's a strapping (6-2, 213) and athletic centerfielder.

CB JOSH ROBINSON, CENTRAL FLORIDA

He gets mixed reviews, but fans love his 4.3-second 40-yard dash and his untapped ability.

CB JAYRON HOSLEY, VIRGINIA TECH

An early-entry junior, he's small (5-10, 178) but may be able to step in and play in the slot right away.

CB ALFONZO DENNARD, NEBRASKA

He was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, so his stock could be drastically falling. At some point, though, a team will select the physical corner.

CB TRUMAINE JOHNSON, MONTANA

He's lanky (6-2, 204) and dominated in the Big Sky conference. The only knock against Johnson may be his level of competition in college.

- Jeff McLaneEndText