The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 cornerbacks in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
1. Patrick Surtain II, Alabama, 6-2, 208 pounds
Fundamentally sound beyond his years — not a surprise after his father played 11 seasons in the NFL. Should make easy transition to Pro Bowl-caliber because of his press man-to-man coverage ability.
2. Jaycee Horn, South Carolina, 6-1, 205 pounds
Son of former NFL receiver Joe Horn took to the other side of the ball. Only two career interceptions, which is fewer than his sacks (three). Traveled with opponents’ No. 1 receiver.
3. Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech, 6-2, 197 pounds
Converted wide receiver who used length-speed combination to lead ACC with 16 passes defended in 2019. Might be No. 1 on this list if not for two back surgeries, including one in March, since he last played in 2019.
4 .Greg Newsome, Northwestern, 6-0, 192 pounds
Not lacking confidence, calling himself the best cornerback in the draft. Is he? Probably not. But he might be the most scheme-versatile. Led the FBS in passer rating against and the Big Ten in passes defended (10).
5. Asante Samuel Jr, Florida State, 5-10, 180 pounds
Of the three legacies so far, he moves most like his father. Is he as good of a ballhawk? Dad had 51 NFL interceptions. Junior had three picks (24.7 yards per return) and two fumble recoveries in 2020.
6. Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky, 5-11, 197 pounds
Good ball skills and physicality but needs proper coaching to reel in some of the aggressiveness and inconsistent effort that leads to mistakes. Suspended at LSU and opted out before the end of one season at Kentucky.
7. Eric Stokes, Georgia, 6-1, 194 pounds
Did he really run a 4.25-second time in the 40-yard dash? Unofficially, yes. The fastest-ever combine time is 4.22. He also has a 38.5-inch vertical. Few character concerns — a nice change after some recent Georgia busts
8. Tyson Campbell, Georgia, 6-1, 193 pounds
Day 1 starter in the SEC who flashed 4.3-speed in the 40-yard dash. Looks the part of an NFL press man-to-man cover cornerback but needs to make more plays on the ball.
9. Elijah Molden, Washington, 5-9, 192 pounds
Is he a cornerback or a safety? Best suited in the slot, where his instincts and scrappiness will win some one-on-one battles. Father was a first-round draft pick in 1996.
10. Aaron Robinson, Central Florida, 5-11, 186 pounds
Maybe best suited for the slot, where he can factor into the running game. Redshirt senior who transferred after playing at Alabama as a true freshman.
Late Riser
Greg Newsome
Crushed Northwestern’s Pro Day to solidify his status as CB4 and a late first-rounder.
Falling Fast
Shaun Wade, Ohio State, 6-1, 196 pounds
Father protested against the Big Ten’s initial decision to cancel 2020 football season. First-Team All-American, but a closer look showed he allowed 39 completions and didn’t develop into OSU’s next first-rounder.
Small-School Wonder
Robert Rochell, Central Arkansas, 6-0, 190 pounds
Superior athlete to the competition he faced in the FCS ranks, where he had five interceptions last season. Former unranked college recruit needs to work on technique.