Cornerback outlook for 2024 Ravens
Prior to the start of the 2023 season, Cornerback is arguably the biggest question mark going into the season and projecting forward it seems like one of their greatest 2024 draft needs. The current Corners scheduled to be free agents are Rock Ya-Sin, Trayvon Mullen (IR), Daryl Worley, Arthur Maulet & Kevon Seymour. Leaving the future of the room with unproven young players like Pepe Williams, Jalyn Armour-Davis & Brandon Stephens who will be tasked to line up across from Pro Bowler Marlon Humphrey. We’ve seen how Eric Decosta is hyper aggressive when addressing a glaring need & I expect corner to be that going into this off season. EDC has taken swings on mid round corner picks & unfortunately for the Ravens, those haven’t panned out, the latest being Kyu Blu Kelly who couldn’t crack the 53 man roster after training camp. It seems like the team is due to spend a premium pick to pair with their all pro CB Marlon Humphrey & in this class, there are currently 3 corners who are in that tier 1 discussion of potential 1st round CBs in my opinion. Here are my top 5 Cornerback prospects i’ve been able to watch through my summer watch sessions.
1) Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama 6’1ft 188lbs
– Former 5 star who earned playing time during his true freshman year & quickly became CB1 for the Tide
– Two sport star in hs, playing football & had scholarship offers for basketball too
– Incredibly intelligent defender who has a feel for the game that are well beyond his years
– Great length that allows him to defend passes & narrow throwing windows for QBs
– Has a great sense for when to play a WRs hands at the catch point & timing his disruption perfectly
– Takes care of punt return duties for the Crimson Tide
– Has no hesitation doing the dirty work when tackling ball carriers
– Shows smooth footwork for a longer CB
2) Cooper Dejean, Iowa 6’1ft 209lbs
– White cornerback. No scouting with this observation, it’s just shocking to see a good white cornerback
– Was a multiple sport star in high school competing in Baseball, basketball & track. Holds school records for pass completions & passing yards in a season, career passing yards & passing touchdowns, receptions in a game, receptions & receiving yards in a season, touchdown receptions in a career, & total yards in a season
– Has played outside CB, slot & even some Safety for the Hawkeyes
– Very solid frame & build for a cornerback, looking more like a Safety
– Ball hawk with a knack for getting into the endzone when the ball is in his hands
– A physical & disciplined tackler. Will come down hill in a hurry but under control for run fits
– Will have trouble with smaller/quicker WRs when they change directions. More of a linear athlete
3) Kalen King, Penn St 5’11ft 190lbs
– Former 4 star recruit who earned significant playing time since his freshman season
– An extremely physical corner who relishes making contact with ball carriers
– Has phenomenal click & close ability when he trusts his eyes & attacks a ball carrier or pass
– Has zero hesitation when having to support in the run game
– Trusts his speed which allows him to be sticky in coverage
– Has experience playing on the inside & outside
– Relentless through the process of a catch. Many times being able to dislodge a ball that would’ve been secured if not for 2nd & 3rd efforts to poke the ball out
– Can be a bit over aggressive at times when coming downhill & throwing his body around
4) Caelen Carson, Wake Forest 6’0ft 195lbs
– Waldorf, Maryland native was a 3 star recruit coming out of high school & also played basketball & ran track for North Point HS
– Sound tackler. Not the strongest guy in the world but will consistently breakdown & wrap up to get ball carriers to the ground
– Has battled nagging injuries over the last couple of seasons. Has all of the ability to be a 1st round CB but he has to prove he can stay healthy for his red shirt junior season
– Plays very balanced & under control
– Sticky in coverage with good start & stop agility
– Has experience playing on both sides of the field
5) Javon Bullard, Georgia 5’11ft 180lbs
*Disclaimer* Bullard mainly played slot during his time at Georgia and he’ll be play more of a Safety roll in 2023 but I think he can be in that Chauncy Gardner-Johnson/Brian Branch mold where he can be interchangeable at both Slot & Safety.
– Former 3 star recruit who earned playing time as a true freshman & has been a vital part of the Georgia secondary since arriving at Georgia
– Swiss army knife DB who mostly plays in the slot but also has the versatility to line up at Safety
– One of the emotional leaders of the Georgia defense
– No fear when having to engage with ball carriers or even offensive linemen
– Cat like agility in man to man coverage with good lateral agility
– Tremendous timing & feel when asked to blitz the Quarterback
Honorable Mentions
TJ Tampa, Iowa St 6’2ft 198lbs
Max Melton, Rutgers 6’0ft 190lbs
Nate Wiggins, Clemson 6’2ft 185lbs
Tony Grimes, Texas A&M 6’0ft 190lbs
Josh Newton, TCU 5’11ft 190lbs
Marcellas Dial, South Carolina 6’0ft 196lbs
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