2016 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings - CB
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theScore's draft prospect rankings are compiled by NFL editor Dan Wilkins. A list of top players available within each position group can be found at the links below.
Offense
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
Defense
EDGE | DL | LB | CB | S
Cornerbacks
| Rank | Player | School |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jalen Ramsey | Florida State |
| 2 | Vernon Hargreaves III | Florida |
| 3 | Mackensie Alexander | Clemson |
| 4 | William Jackson III | Houston |
| 5 | Eli Apple | Ohio State |
| 6 | Artie Burns | Miami |
| 7 | KeiVarae Russell | Notre Dame |
| 8 | Jalen Mills | LSU |
| 9 | D.J. White | Georgia Tech |
| 10 | Xavien Howard | Baylor |
- Already the consensus No. 1 defensive back in this draft, Jalen Ramsey also deserves consideration as the top player overall. His elite athleticism is apparent no matter where he lines up on the field, and he has the size and length to match up with the league's most imposing receivers in coverage. Ramsey's greatest value comes at corner, but the ability to play safety gives him additional versatility.
- William Jackson III began flying up draft boards after running a 4.37 40-yard dash at the combine. While that kind of speed will certainly get the attention of scouts, it's likely that he was on the first-round radar well before the annual February event. Jackson plays sticky coverage and has the ball skills to force turnovers when the opportunity presents itself.
- Missing the entire 2014 season due to an academic suspension was a major setback for KeiVarae Russell. It's unclear whether that will impact his draft stock, but the way he rebounded this past season should earn him plenty of interest. Russell is a solid athlete whose natural coverage ability can be a fit either in the slot or on the boundary.