Pewter Report analyzes the highest gamers within the 2024 NFL Draft with its place previews – energized by CELSIUS, the official power drink of Pewter Report. Matt Matera continues the previews with the cornerback place, with a complete take a look at what the Bucs have and what they want on the place.
Matera additionally gives an in depth listing of this yr’s prime cornerbacks. As well as, Scott Reynolds provides up the Bucs’ draft wants and the annual Pewter Report Bucs Greatest Bets – the almost definitely cornerback for the Bucs to pick in Rounds 1-3 and in Rounds 4-7.
What The Bucs Have At Cornerback
Bucs CB Zyon McCollum – Photograph by: USA At the moment
The Bucs made loads of strikes this offseason within the cornerback room. They traded away Carlton Davis III to the Lions for a third-round choose, which makes Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum the starters going into coaching camp. Throughout free company, they actually constructed out their depth by signing Bryce Corridor from the Jets and and Tavierre Thomas from the Texans. Corridor can compete for a beginning spot outdoors whereas Thomas is best fitted to the slot the place Christian Izien is prone to play once more.
Particular groups ace Josh Hayes has moved from nickelback to outdoors cornerback and he’s within the competitors with observe squad participant Keenan Isaac and newcomer Quandre Davis for a spot on the roster this season. Though they not have Davis, the Bucs’ depth at cornerback appears a bit deeper and extra skilled than it was a yr in the past.
What The Bucs Want At Cornerback
Drafting a nook within the first spherical can’t be dominated out. It’s fairly potential that is Jamel Dean’s final season with the Bucs except he can keep wholesome and begin coming away with interceptions – two issues that doomed Carlton Davis III and prompted the workforce to commerce him. Contemplating Bryce Corridor and Tavierre Thomas are on one-year contracts, the Bucs would solely have Zyon McCollum below contract subsequent yr as an out of doors cornerback.
Utilizing a premium choose to draft a cornerback early brings competitors for a beginning position in 2024 and provides proficient depth. And it additionally finest prepares Tampa Bay to probably have already got their subsequent starter the next season.
If the Bucs had been to take a nook in a mid to late rounds, it provides much more depth to a place that has seen numerous accidents final season, particularly with Dean. This prospect additionally offers the Bucs flexibility in the event that they lose the gamers they signed after the season.
High Cornerbacks In 2024 NFL Draft
1. Alabama CB Terrion Arnold – RS Junior – 6-0, 189, 4.50
Arnold can play in any type of protection, excelling in man and zone. He has a very best athleticism going to the following degree and is a ballhawk, having led all the SEC with 5 interceptions final season. Arnold is aware of how you can management his physique so he by no means will get too out of place or has a nasty rep. Many have him as the highest nook.
He actually solely performed two seasons at Alabama with 21 profession begins in 25 video games. Arnold made probably the most of it with 108 tackles, 26 go breakups a compelled fumble and 6 interceptions. He was a freshman All-American, freshman All-SEC after which first workforce All-American in 2023 and first workforce All-SEC.
2. Toldeo CB Quinyon Mitchell – RS Senior – 6-0, 195, 4.33
Regardless of enjoying at a MAC college, Mitchell has the possibility of being a first-round choose after a superb displaying on the Senior Bowl in Cell in opposition to higher competitors. He earned a 92.5 Professional Soccer Focus grade in 2022 after which a 91.5 grade this previous yr as one of many nation’s finest cornerbacks. Mitchell had six interceptions within the final two years and didn’t hand over a landing final season. Opposing quarterbacks accomplished solely 43.5% of their passes in opposition to him, and his 17 compelled incompletions had been the third-most within the nation.
Mitchell was continually taking the ball away throughout Senior Bowl practices. He caught to receivers like glue and confirmed true intuition going after the ball earlier than the receiver even reacted. Mitchell has unreal pace and is ready to stability himself on the identical time when in protection.
3. Iowa CB Cooper DeJean – Junior – 6-1, 202, 4.44
Iowa CB Cooper DeJean – Photograph by: USA At the moment
DeJean has the pace, measurement and motion abilities to play on the surface. His hip fluidity is smoother than most give him credit score for. DeJean is the very best Cowl 3 nook on this yr’s draft and shows a capability to click on and shut shortly. He performs sensible and follows zone guidelines simply, passing off receivers as they run switches.
DeJean reveals unbelievable ball abilities as evidenced by his 13 passes defensed and 7 interceptions within the final two years. He additionally has nice positional versatility. Final season, DeJean was first-team All Large Ten and the Large Ten Defensive Again of the Yr.
4. Alabama CB Kool-Help McKinstry – Junior – 5-11, 196, 4.47
Taking part in with a really excessive soccer IQ, McKinstry is without doubt one of the most poised cornerbacks on this draft. There are not any wasted motion when McKinstry is in protection, he has glorious fundamentals. He doesn’t have probably the most very best pace and measurement, which is likely to be regarding, however he makes up for it in all the opposite areas.
McKinstry performed in 42 profession video games, beginning in 33 contests. He recorded 92 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, two sacks, 25 go breakups and two interceptions. He was first workforce All-American and first workforce All-SEC final yr. McKinstry got here to Tampa Bay on a High 30 pre-draft go to.
5. Clemson CB – Nate Wiggins – Junior – 6-1, 173, 4.28
Wiggins’ size, ridiculous 4.28 pace and protection potential would make him a High 10 cornerback if not for his slender, 173-pound body. Wiggins has respectable top and a knack for breaking apart passes. He recorded 21 profession go breakups as a two-year starter for the Tigers. Wiggins solely recorded three interceptions final season , however two got here in opposition to North Carolina’s Drake Maye, together with a 98-yard pick-six in 2022 within the ACC Championship Recreation. He additionally had a 46-yard pick-six in opposition to Florida Atlantic in 2023.
He’s a really aggressive cornerback and had one of the crucial memorable defensive performs final yr when he tracked North Carolina operating again Omarion Hampton down on the purpose line after a 64-yard run to power a fumble and stop a landing. Wiggins was one in every of 4 cornerbacks to formally interview with Tampa Bay on the NFL Scouting Mix.
6. Michigan CB Mike Sainristil – RS Senior – 5-10, 182, 4.47
Michigan NCB Mike Sainristil – Photograph by: USA At the moment
A balanced participant that strikes properly in protection, Sainristil was once a large receiver, so he’s a bit of extra outfitted to regulate when the opponent is operating routes. He’s a really aggressive nook that’s prepared to take an opportunity on a play, which actually confirmed when he had six interceptions throughout Michigan’s nationwide championship profitable season. The issue for Sainristil is that he lacks very best measurement.
He was a workforce captain during the last two seasons and had two pick-sixes final season. Sainristil was a first-team All-American at defensive again however second workforce All-Large 10. He was additionally voted as Michigan’s workforce MVP. Sainristil is probably going only a slot cornerback on the subsequent degree resulting from his small body. He met with Tampa Bay on a High 30 pre-draft go to.
7. Iowa State CB T.J. Tampa – Senior – 6-1, 194, 4.58
Many Bucs followers are hoping the Bucs draft him simply to see “Tampa” on the again of the jersey, however it might additionally make sense in the event that they took him. There aren’t a lot room for extensive receivers when Tampa is protecting them at nook. He’s very capaable of re-routing extensive receivers and is aggressive in all components of the sport. He’ll want to enhance his footwork after going into the NFL.
Tampa began in 29 of 46 video games at Iowa State. He made 106 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 22 go breakups and three interceptions. He made first workforce All Large XII with the Cyclones.
8. Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. – RS Junior – 5-11, 183, 4.51
Rakestraw is sort of an instinctive nook that performs finest when in man to man protection. He’s bodily, but additionally exhibits off ok approach to get the job carried out. He’s not fast, which is a knock in opposition to him and he has a smaller body. Rakestraw does have an excellent soccer IQ.
There’s some regarding harm historical past about him. In 36 profession video games over 4 seasons he made 106 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack, one compelled fumble, three go breakups and one interception.
9. Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter – Junior – 5-11, 187, N/A
Georgia S Javon Bullard and CB Kamari Lassiter – Photograph by: USA At the moment
Lassiter has some familiarity with the Bucs having performed with Troy Bowles, the son of Bucs head coach Todd Bowles. Whereas Lassiter met with the Bucs formally on the NFL Scouting Mix, he has but to satisfy with Todd. He strikes shortly and is instinctual reacting to both the receiver or the ball. His competitors degree is off the charts and he likes to get bodily.
Lassiter received two nationwide championships with the Bulldogs. He earned second workforce All-SEC within the 2023 season. Lassiter has recorded 86 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack, 15 go breakups and one interception in his school profession at Georgia.
10. Rutgers CB Max Melton – Senior – 6-0, 187, 4.39
Melton is a flexible cornerback who can play each inside and outdoors and received higher annually enjoying below former Bucs head coach Greg Schiano. That isn’t the one connection Melton has to Tampa Bay, as he and defensive again Christian Izien performed collectively for the Scarlet Knights together with Todd Bowles Jr. Melton brings his personal distinctive skillset and much-need playmaking potential, recording three consecutive multi-interception seasons at Rutgers.
He shined on the NFL Scouting Mix with a 4.39 40-yard time and 40.5-inch vertical. This exhibits up on tape as he has proven off some actual pace getting after ballcarriers in a rush and being athletic sufficient to maintain tempo with any extensive receiver. He likes to get after it on the line of scrimmage and performs with a excessive motor.
Greatest Of The Relaxation
11. Kentucky CB Andru Phillips – RS Junior – 5-11, 190, 4.48
Phillips is fluid together with his hip motion and footwork in protection. He likes to press on the line of scrimmage and get bodily with the receiver on the level of assault. Phillips may fall sufferer to some holding penalties due to how a lot he makes use of his fingers. He additionally didn’t have an interception in his school profession.
He’s performed in numerous video games however the 2023 season was actually the primary time he was an each recreation starter. That season he had 47 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 5 go breakups at Kentucky.
12. Oregon CB Khyree Jackson – RS Senior – 6-4, 194, 4.50
Oregon CB Khyree Jackson – Photograph by: USA At the moment
I actually preferred what I noticed from Jackson on the Senior Bowl. He has a willingness to get within the face of the receiver and be bodily together with his opponent from starting to finish on a play. Speaking to him on the NFL Scouting Mix, his persona suits precisely who he’s as a participant. Jackson really believes that he’s the very best nook obtainable within the draft and doesn’t care who the receiver is in entrance of him.
Jackson has nice size as a nook and strikes very properly. He has nice ball monitoring abilities, recording two interceptions for the Geese final season.
13. Auburn CB D.J. James – RS Senior – 6-0, 175, 4.42
James initially performed at Oregon for 3 seasons after which wen too Auburn for the final two. He can re-route receivers fairly properly and is aware of how you can break up a play having led the Tigers with 12 within the 2023 season. At 175 kilos, James has a smaller body that will get pushed round when going up in opposition to receivers. A strong tackler, James had 145 stops in his whole profession.
14. Louisville CB Jarvis Brownlee – RS Senior – 5-10, 194, 4.51
Brownlee is a small, however bodily nook who excels in press-man inside 10 yards. He likes to assist in run protection as properly. This provides as much as a participant who might push Christian Izien because the Bucs’ beginning slot nook whereas offering depth on the perimeter as properly. Brownlee had an superior Senior Bowl the place he excelled in opposition to an excellent receiver group. I’m betting on his mentality and demeanor to pair together with his aggressive skillset to win on the subsequent degree.
15. Wake Forest CB Caelen Carson – Senior – 6-0, 193, 4.52
He’s received good measurement at his place and is quick off the ball, particularly together with his reactions. Carson retains all the things beneath him and might make a break when the play is creating. Accidents have sadly have price him to overlook time during the last three seasons and will likely be a priority heading into the NFL. He has 29 profession go breakups with three interceptions.
16. Auburn CB Nehmiah Pritchett – RS Senior – 6-1, 190, 4.36
Pritchett has unbelievable pace proven by his 4o-yard sprint. He’s not afraid to make a soar after the soccer and might all the time take it again for a rating. In 2021 he took a blocked a subject purpose 80-yards for a landing. Pritchett’s size offers him a bonus. He’ll have to get higher monitoring the ball particularly when going deep.
17. Missouri CB Kris Abrams-Draine – Senior – 5-11, 179, 4.44
What stands out most about Abrams-Draine is his glorious footwork. It’s helped him out as a nook abut additionally as a returner, the place he scored a 100-yard kick return within the 2021 season. Abrams-Draine is aware of how you can lower off angles with the intention to break up performs. He wants that as a result of he’s smaller in body in opposition to opponents. He has 50 profession tackles, 16 breakups and 7 interceptions.
18. Florida State CB Renardo Inexperienced – RS Senior – 6-0, 186, 4.49
Inexperienced performs higher in man to man protection and truly is useful when requested to cease the run. He’s easy when operating in stride with a receiver and is aware of how you can learn a play. Inexperienced doesn’t have nice attributes from a measurement or pace type of standpoint. He led all the ACC with 14 passes defended final yr to go along with the primary interception of his profession.
19. Mississippi State CB Decamerion Richardson – Senior – 6-2, 188, 4.34
He has distinctive pace that was highlighted by his 40-time. That was additionally on show when he took a blocked subject purpose try again 50-yards for a landing. Robinson led the Tigers with seven go breakups final season. He must make extra performs on the ball to go with his quickness.
20. TCU CB Josh Newton – RS Senior – 5-11, 190, 4.51
Newton has been battle-tested within the Large 12 and held up properly, incomes constant grades at 76 or above from PFF over the previous three seasons. Extra of an out of doors cornerback, Newton is best in man protection than enjoying zone, and compelled 10 incompletions final yr. He completed with seven profession interceptions and 36 go breakups, and is thought to be a Day 2 choose.
21. Notre Dame CB Cam Hart – RS Senior – 6-3, 202, 4.50
Hart has the perfect size that you simply like in a nook. He’s a frontrunner as a workforce captain and is aware of how you can take the ball away with three compelled fumbles final season. Hart isn’t overly fast, however he depends on his instincts to make performs. He’ll want to scrub up his tackling potential, too. He has 19 go breakups in his profession with two interceptions.
22. South Dakota CB Myles Harden – RS Junior – 5-11, 195, 4.50
Harden was distinctive in his three-cone drill and posted a fantastic rating on the three-cone drill. The perfect measurement isn’t there, however he’s a hard-nosed participant that may get proper up in entrance of any participant. He led the Coyotes with seven go breakups final season and had six interceptions in his profession at South Dakota.
23. Boston Faculty CB Elijah Jones – RS Senior – 6-1, 185, 4.44
Getting after the soccer, Jones led all the ACC in 2023 with 5 interceptions whereas additionally main Boston Faculty with 13 go breakups. Jones has numerous nice athletic traits however doesn’t have correct fundamentals, which have price him.
24. Arkansas CB Dwight McGlothern Jr. – Senior – 6-2, 185, 4.47
McGlothern has the perfect measurement to play cornerback in a Todd Bowles protection. He’s a big-time ballhawk with seven interceptions and three compelled fumbles during the last two years for the Razorbacks. With 23 go breakups in his school profession, McGlothern excels in protection and has been battle-tested within the SEC. He must be harder in run assist, however is usually a developmental nook.
25. Pittsburgh CB M.J. Devonshire – RS Senior – 5-11, 186, 4.45
Devonshire cut up his time between Kentucky and Pittsburgh, the place he was teammates with present Bucs Calijah Kancey and SirVocea Dennis. He’s very aggressive and has ball-hawking tendencies as he led the Panthers with 4 interceptions and 14 go breakups. Devonshire is aware of how you can make a home name with three defensive touchdowns in his profession.
Bucs Greatest Bets: Cornerbacks
Bucs Greatest Guess – Rounds 1-3: Michigan CB Mike Sainristil
Sainristil was the guts and soul of Michigan’s nationwide championship protection final yr. After beginning his Wolverines profession as a large receiver, the offensive and defensive coaches had been preventing over him and he wound up enjoying nickel cornerback and a few outdoors cornerback the final two seasons. He notched seven interceptions, together with six final yr to guide the workforce and the Large Ten. The 2-time workforce captain has two pick-sixes on his Wolverines resumé and the Bucs might actually use one other playmaker within the secondary that may take the ball away.
Sainristil, who was a High 30 go to, is a really cerebral participant who offers off Ronde Barber vibes. At 5-foot-9, 183 kilos he’s locked into the slot in Todd Bowles’ protection, however the Bucs might use an improve over Christian Izien, who was mediocre as a rookie undrafted free agent. Sainristil is predicted to be drafted early within the second spherical, so if Tampa Bay had been to pick him it might both accomplish that at No. 26 or commerce again and accomplish that whereas buying different draft picks. It’s uncertain he’ll be there at No. 57 due to his playmaking potential and his management.
Bucs Greatest Guess – Rounds 4-7: Arkansas CB Dwight McGlothern
For a workforce that struggled to create takeaways within the secondary outdoors of All-Professional security Antoine Winfield Jr., the Bucs might use a participant like McGlothern within the sixth spherical if he’s nonetheless on the board. At 6-foot-1, 185 kilos, McGlothern has sufficient measurement to play outdoors in Todd Bowles protection, and comes with the status of being a ballhawk. The Arkansas cornerback notched eight interceptions and 30 go breakups within the final three seasons. McGlothern additionally compelled 4 fumbles in three seasons for the Razorbacks protection.
McGlothern does have to get harder as a tackler in run protection and work on shedding blocks higher. He’s extra quick (4.47) than agile, and is finest suited outdoors than within the slot the place his lack of agility might get uncovered. He’s a bodily cornerback in man protection and McGlothern might be a pleasant developmental nook in Tampa Bay. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler likened him to being an underdeveloped Carlton Davis III – but with higher ball abilities. He recorded picks in opposition to Alabama’s Bryce Younger, South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler and LSU’s Jayden Daniels in school.
