2023 NFL Draft: Joey Porter Jr., Christian Gonzalez Placed High on Updated Cornerback Rankings

CB15: Tyrique Stevenson (Miami)

Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson posted a career-high PFF grade in coverage last season as he intercepted two passes and broke up five more. These ball skills are a strength of Stevenson, showing a dominating presence when working against receivers on the boundary. He uses ideal length and a competitive nature to stick with his assignments.

This is where the issues come into play. Stevenson is a good athlete, but I would not describe his movements as fluid. He is also slow to react when working a zone and fails to finish tackles the way you’d expect a player his size to do. Stevenson needs a defensive coordinator that puts him in a position to succeed and covers up the deficiencies in his game. Because of this, he sits as an early day three grade on my Big Board.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3

CB14: Kyu Blu Kelly (Stanford)

Kyu Blu Kelly has NFL bloodlines as his father Brian won a Super Bowl in the early 2000s (yes, we are all getting old). Kelly arrived at Stanford with high expectations and earned a starting gig a few weeks into his freshman season. With the Cardinal, he never posted crazy numbers but was a steady force for the defense from 2019-2022.

Kelly is a gifted athlete who uses his track background to affect the game in coverage and as a run defender. However, his technique as a tackler needs work, and Kelly is known to be grabby in coverage, as he was charged with four penalties in 2022.

The NFL pedigree and steady improvement since arriving at Stanford give evaluators reason to believe Kelly can continue progressing upwards in the league. Still, I wouldn’t take him before the end of day two or the beginning of day three.

NFL Draft Grade: Fringe Day 2

CB13: Rejzohn Wright (Oregon State)

Rejzohn Wright looks the part of a lockdown press-man corner in the NFL. The Oregon State defensive back uses his long frame to jam receivers off the line. On the occasions where Wright fails to jam his assignment, he shows exceptional recovery, getting back into the play and preventing long completions.

Wright lacks polish as a tackler. It is not due to a lack of effort, in fact, it is sometimes because he gives too much effort. Wright over-pursues and fails to wrap receivers after the catch. He is extremely coachable and is the “first guy in, last guy out” type of player. Easy to root for.

NFL Draft Grade: Fringe Day 2

CB12: DJ Turner (Michigan)

DJ Turner is a twitched-up cornerback who blazed a 4.26 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He is more than an athlete, as Turner is a man coverage specialist. The Michigan youngster boasts impeccable footwork when flipping his body and gets his head around consistently when working downfield.

These traits did not result in many turnovers during his time in Ann Arbor. This lack of production on top of less-than-ideal measurements makes for an interesting projection. Turner can easily outplay this grade if he adds more mass to his frame and sharpens up his zone instincts.

NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 2

CB11: Jakorian Bennett (Maryland)

Jakorian Bennett, much like his Maryland teammate Deonte Banks, caused a stir at the NFL Combine after they tested out of this world. Bennett profiles as a high-end slot defender who uses his superb athleticism to stay with quicker receivers downfield and his picturesque form tackling to bring down bigger tight ends.

Most of Bennett’s shortcomings can be hidden with a permanent move to the slot. His stiff movements and tendency to grab jerseys when he is beaten will happen less frequently inside. Bennett also flexes unteachable instincts for the position, as he seemingly is always in the right spot at the right time. I am a fan and feel he is a late-day two-player in this class.

NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 2