2017 NFL Draft DB Evaluation

The strength of this year’s draft class lies in its defensive linemen and the defensive backs. But to be honest, it’s been almost impossible to determine which group of prospects is more talented. Nevertheless, these next six defensive backs are all special in their own right. But some are just more “special” than others.

CB = Cornerback

S = Safety

#6 Marlon Humphrey

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Pos: CB

School: Alabama

Year: Sophomore (Redshirt)

Height: 6’0

Weight: 197 lbs

Marlon Humphrey was a productive defensive back in college, who showed he’s a fundamentally sound corner that can make plays when given the opportunity. That being said, if you’re looking for a special talent in this year’s draft, Humphrey isn’t it. The best things I can say about him is that he’s quick and doesn’t miss tackles often. But I’m afraid Humphrey could end up being more of a product of Alabama’s defensive scheme rather than a highly skilled cornerback. If you’re looking for a safe pick, then Humphrey is your guy. If you want an impactful talent, then search somewhere else.

#5 Gareon Conley

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Pos: CB

School: Ohio State

Year: Junior

Height: 6’0

Weight: 195 lbs

Gareon Conley is a talented cornerback who’s technical flaws will make him a project at the next level. Conley poses great in-air ball skills, impressive hands and is disciplined with both his eyes and head. Unfortunately, Conley isn’t physically gifted and his average footwork limits his ability in man to man coverage. Conley is a DB who would perform better in a zone scheme, which will limit his coordinator playbook. He also struggles to make open field tackles, meaning stopping the run may become a glaring weakness for him in the NFL. All in all, Conley could end up becoming a good cornerback, but he will be far from the best prospect available come draft day.

#4 Jabrill Peppers

(SideLion Report)

Pos: S/everything

School: Michigan

Year: Junior

Height: 5’11

Weight: 213 lbs

Jabrill Peppers was a defensive stud in college as well as a dangerous kick returner. But most people know him as the only defensive player to be a finalist for this year’s Heisman Trophy. However, Peppers is now done with college and we can’t get caught up in his collegiate accomplishments and blindly believe that he’ll be the same type of player in the NFL. Because he won’t be. Peppers’ versatility is what makes him an interesting pro-prospect. He may be entering the league as a safety, but he could end up being groomed into anything from a linebacker to a wide receiver. Peppers is exceptionally quick, but it’s his acceleration that makes him an athletic threat. The difficult thing about Peppers is he excels at everything that is undefinable. The best thing I can say is he’ll be a “playmaker” at any role he takes on and has an infectious passion for the game. Peppers never gives up on a play, and I don’t expect him to stop now. If it were not for the plethora of talent available this year, I’d have Peppers much higher on this list.

#3 Marshon Lattimore

(CBSsports)

Pos: CB

School: Ohio State

Year: Sophomore (Redshirt)

Height: 6’0

Weight: 193 lbs

Marshon Lattimore is so athletic and talented that he has many scouts calling him “the best defensive back in this year’s class,” though obviously I’m not one of them. That's not to say I don’t think he’s special. I look at him as a bar of gold amongst diamonds, incredibly valuable, but not the MOST valuable. The reason I don’t have Lattimore as my number-one prospect is his tendency not to turn around and face the ball or quarterback in pass coverage. He also isn’t incredibly big, and his footwork could use some fine tuning. All of that being said, Lattimore is a special corner, whose hip flexibility allows him to cover slot receivers as well as taller outside threats. The bottom line is Marshon Lattimore’s potential is unbelievable and whichever team selects him this Thursday will be getting a future starting cornerback.

#2 Jamal Adams

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Pos: S

School: LSU

Year: Junior

Height: 6’0

Weight: 214 lbs

If I were a NFL franchise in need of a leader, then Jamal Adams would be number-one on my draft board. Adams is a ferocious tackler with perfect form and the heart of a linebacker. He has the type of on-field personality that inspires his teammates and he is poised enough off the field to be an ideal representative of any NFL franchise. Adams is versatile enough that he could be either a strong or free safety, though I think he’d be more effective on the strong side. To reach his full potential Adams will need to improve his pass coverage as he occasionally loses track of the ball while it's in the air. He also could benefit from loosening his hips, which will help him change directions quickly when making a play on the ball. But these “problems” aren't really flaws, but instead, the areas Adams needs to improve on if he plans to become the best defensive back in the NFL. The great thing about Jamal Adams is, even if he doesn’t end up becoming dangerous in pass coverage, he’ll still be a big time NFL safety.

#1 Malik Hooker

(USA today)

Pos:S

School:Ohio State

Year:Sophomore (Redshirt)

Height: 6’1

Weight: 206 lbs

Malik Hooker is a turnover machine who’ll be giving NFL QBs nightmares for at least the next decade. Hooker is an exceptional athlete who flies around the field, making plays everywhere he goes. Usually, I would be wary of a player like Hooker, who relies on his instincts so heavily, but he has proven too many times that he knows how and when to make the right decision. I also trust Hooker’s maturity and commitment to the game. When Hooker entered Ohio State as an elite high school prospect he was redshirted due to the amount of talent they already had on the roster. He then played as a limited reserve the next year and only became a starter this past season. The reason I point this out is because it tells me that Hooker is humble enough to work until it’s “his time.” He could have easily transferred and became a starter on many other collegiate rosters, but instead, when things didn’t go his way, he just put his head down and grinded it out until he got his moment in the sun. If I ran a NFL team, I’d want as many players like Hooker that I could possibly get. The only weakness which could trouble Hooker is his average tackling ability. But I trust that he’ll be invested on improving his game once he enters the NFL. I truly believe that in about four years, even tackling won’t be a problem for him. All I can say is, if Hooker is available, pray your team takes him.