2021 NFL Draft cornerback rankings: Patrick Surtain II leads strong group
By John Blair
15. Shaun Wade, Ohio State
6-foot-1 194 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fourth round
Perhaps no prospect saw his stock fall more this past season than Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade. Going into the 2020 season Wade was widely projected as a first-round pick, but after a disappointing year, he is now regarded as a day-three prospect. Part of the reason he fell so much this year is that he seemed to only go at half speed. He also had some very tough games this year including giving up over 200 yards to both Alabama’s Devonta Smith and Indiana’s Ty Fryfogle.
However, when you go back and look at his 2019 film he looked like a player who should have an outstanding pro career. He displayed a physical style of play and the quickness to shutdown most NFL wide receivers. When it comes to the player Wade will be in the NFL it really just comes down to if you get the motivated player we saw in 2019 or the non-motivated player we saw in 2020.
16. Tre Brown, Oklahoma
5-foot-10, 188 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fourth round
A player who fits the mold of a nickel corner is Oklahoma’s Tre Brown. Brown shows outstanding quickness and should be able to matchup against the quick slot receivers he will see at the next level. He is an aggressive corner and plays with the confidence you want to see out of a corner. Another plus with Brown is his ability to return kicks. Over his career, he averaged over 20 yards per kickoff return and should be a good return man in the NFL.
One of the main reasons why Brown is projected more as a nickel corner instead of a starting cornerback is his lack of size. He comes in at only 5-foot-10 and at times can have trouble with bigger receivers. He also has a habit of getting grabby in coverage which will lead to him getting penalized in the NFL.