2021 NFL Draft cornerback rankings: Patrick Surtain II leads strong group

17. Keith Taylor, Washington
6-foot-2, 191 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fourth round

While Washington cornerback Elijah Molden put up better production in college the prospect in Washington’s secondary with a higher upside is Keith Taylor. What makes Taylor such a promising prospect is his size and physical style of play. This combination should make him a very intriguing option to teams that like to have their corners play press coverage.

While Taylor has the tools to be a starting corner in the NFL, his lack of production does raise some concerns. Does Taylor the ball skills needed to succeed in the NFL? Over his career, he did not record a single interception and only had five pass breakups. He also needs to clean up his footwork and do a better job of breaking on the ball.

18. Robert Rochell, Central Arkansas
5-foot-11, 196 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fourth round

One of the top small school prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft is Central Arkansas cornerback Robert Rochell. Over his career, he has broken up 35 passes and collected ten interceptions. What makes Rochell a standout even more than his college production is his testing numbers running a 4.39 40-yard dash and posting a 43-inch vertical jump. Yet another positive with Rochell is he has been a key contributor on special teams.

While Rochell has a high upside he is going to need some time to adjust to the NFL. Part of the reason he will need time is his low level of competition he played against in college. It could also scare teams that when matched up against NFL-caliber players at the Senior Bowl he struggled. He will also need to work on his technique especially when it comes to breaking on the ball. Overall, Rochell has the physical tools to be a starting corner but will need to be coached up to reach this upside.