2021 NFL Draft cornerback rankings: Patrick Surtain II leads strong group
By John Blair
23. Israel Mukuamu, South Carolina
6-foot-4, 212 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fifth round
One of the bigger corners in the 2021 NFL Draft is South Carolina’s Israel Mukuamu who comes in at 6-foot-4. To go along with his size, Mukuamu has shown good ball skills. Over his career, he intercepted seven passes including four in 2019. In addition to his ball skills, he has shown good versatility having played both corner and safety during his college career.
One of the biggest issues with Mukuamu is that his size causes him to lose some agility. He has trouble changing directions quickly which can allow receivers to gain separation from him in coverage. He displays only average quickness also and does not do a great job of closing the cushion receivers are able to get on him. Due to these limitations, his best position in the NFL might be as a free safety.
24. Trill Williams, Syracuse
6-foot-2, 198 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Sixth round
Syracuse’s Trill Williams showed great versatility during his time at Syracuse, having played both corner and safety. His top trait is how physical he plays having delivered some big hits during his career. He is also not afraid to step up and make the tackle. While he does have good speed, he lacks the fluid hips to excel in coverage. This lack of agility could force Williams to play safety in the NFL, but at the bare minimum, he should be a good special teams player.