The 2024 NFL Draft presents an exciting quarterback class full of notable names. It is led by USC’s Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and dynamic dual-threat quarterback.
At the top of the class, Williams is followed by Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who would have been the best pass-catcher in the 2023 NFL Draft. Now as a draft-eligible junior, he’s the crown jewel for any team in need of help at the position.
Here are the top five cornerbacks in the class as things stand.
1. CB KOOL-AID MCKINSTRY, ALABAMA
BIG BOARD RANK: 12
McKinstry has shutdown CB1 potential. For schemes that rely on more man coverage, he’s very comfortable playing in press and with his back to the ball. Plus, he has one of the highest forced incompletion totals in the country over the past two seasons.
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2. CB NATE WIGGINS, CLEMSON
BIG BOARD RANK: 14
Wiggins has legit ball skills and shutdown athletic abilities. He needs to be more consistent in run defense and with the overall strength parts of his game, but he might be at the top of the list of corners you’d want to tell, “Go make sure that receiver doesn’t catch the ball.”
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3. CB COOPER DEJEAN, IOWA
BIG BOARD RANK: 20
DeJean is one of the most well-rounded athletes in college football. He can play outside cornerback, slot cornerback and even safety due to his size (6-foot-1 and 205 pounds) and speed combo. He also has some of the best ball skills of any defensive back in the class. He’s one of the draft’s top playmakers.
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4. CB KALEN KING, PENN STATE
BIG BOARD RANK: 31
King is an elite athlete who brings a ton of confidence and closing speed to the cornerback position. He has the mentality and talent to play in various coverage schemes.
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5. CB JOSH NEWTON, TCU
BIG BOARD RANK: 33
Tre Tomlinson got most of the hype in the TCU secondary last season, but Newton was the better prospect of the two. Newton has legit man-coverage size and ability and has starting NFL potential.
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