Meet the Prospects: Plenty of top-end options at defensive back

Get to know the top prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft, most of whom will take the field at the NFL Scouting Combine on March 3-5.

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
• Offensive Linemen
• Defensive Linemen
• Edge Rushers
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks/Safeties

Cornerbacks

Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State

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Age: 20 Height: 6'1" Weight: 192 lbs.

2016 stats: 41 tackles, 4 INTs, 9 pass defenses

Lattimore may only have two years of college playing experience and one year of starting under his belt, but the redshirt sophomore has been one of the most highly touted cornerbacks in this year's stacked class. He shows impressive athleticism, body control, and ball-tracking skills in coverage as he is able to stay with receivers while keeping an eye in the back field. His lack of experience and still-developing physicality make his development a tad mysterious, but with a demand for ultra-athletic corners, Lattimore should be off the board quickly.

Teez Tabor, Florida

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Age: 21 Height: 6'0" Weight: 201 lbs.

2016 stats: 33 tackles, 3 INTs, 6 pass defenses

Tabor's aggressive, ball-hawking style was taken note of after a strong sophomore campaign in 2015 where he outshined 2016 first-round teammate Vernon Hargreaves III from time to time. Tabor changed his first name from Jalen to Teez before the 2016 season, but that may have only drawn more attention. Opposing teams shied away from throwing near Tabor as a junior so his numbers took a hit. He can be over-aggressive at times, but his nose for the ball and physical nature will be attractive for any team looking to strengthen their secondary.

Marlon Humphrey, Alabama

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Age: 20 Height: 6'1" Weight: 196 lbs.

2016 stats: 36 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 pass defenses

Like Lattimore, Humphrey enters the draft following his redshirt sophomore season, but experience is not something the physical defensive back is lacking. Humphrey earned a spot on Alabama's top-ranked starting defense as a freshman and played in two national championships. There are some concerns about his deep coverage against speed receivers although he has shown the foot speed to overcome that weakness with proper coaching. He excels near the line of scrimmage and, like most Alabama defenders, is quick to help out in run defense.

Sidney Jones, Washington

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Height: 6'1" Weight: 170 lbs.

2016 stats: 39 tackles, 2 INTs, 6 pass defenses

Jones played as part of a very talented Washington Huskies defense in college and learned from one of the league's best young ballhawks in Marcus Peters, who remains an offseason workout companion. He can certainly stand to add some size to his wiry frame, but has already become accustomed to playing physically and running hip to hip with receivers. Jones has phenomenal ball skills, uber confidence, and great football IQ - the only thing really holding him back is his size.

Desmond King, Iowa

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Age: 22 Height: 5'11" Weight: 203 lbs.

2016 stats: 58 tackles, 3 INTs, 7 pass defenses

For teams looking to check all the boxes, King is one of the few four-year starters at the top of this year's defensive back crop. He earned the reputation of a ballhawk as a junior, winning defensive back of the year on an eight-interception season. King likes to keep his eyes in the backfield and track the quarterback, which means he can get lost in man-to-man coverage sometimes, but that could translate well if the Iowa product is moved to safety.

Tre'Davious White, LSU

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Age: 22 Height: 5'11" Weight: 191 lbs.

2016 stats: 35 tackles, 2 INTs, 14 pass defenses

White doesn't quite fit the mold of today's long, physical, run-supporting cornerback, but his value in coverage is well above average. He fared well when covering elite players like Amari Cooper in college. His thin frame and tendency to shy away from heavy contact has given him a "soft" reputation, but he has no problem being physical at the point of the catch. On top of being a solid downfield defender, White can also add value as a returner.

Safeties

Malik Hooker, Ohio State

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Age: 20 Height: 6'2" Weight: 205 lbs.

2016 stats: 74 tackles, 7 INTs, 4 pass defenses

Hooker is a freak - in a good way. The range and playmaking ability shown by the Ohio State sophomore has drawn comparisons to Hall of Fame-worthy talents like Ed Reed and Earl Thomas. At times, Hooker shows better receiver skills than the players he is covering and has the ability to make plays with the ball in his hands, recording three touchdown returns last season. Hooker's abilities may not fly off the page in his combine results, but the game speed at which he plays is worthy of a top-five pick.

Jamal Adams, LSU

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Age: 21 Height: 6'1" Weight: 213 lbs.

2016 stats: 76 tackles, 1 INT, 7 tackles for loss, 4 pass defenses

If Hooker is the top free safety in the draft, Adams gets the nod at strong safety. Few defensive backs make as many plays behind the line of scrimmage as the three-year LSU starter. He has no problems moving up into the box for run support or shadowing running backs and tights ends in coverage. While his contact-seeking style will be loved by scouts, Adams has been praised for his leadership by coaches and teammates. Strong safety isn't always the flashiest position to fill, but Adams looks to be a can't-miss prospect there.

Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

Age: 21 Height: 6'1" Weight: 205 lbs.

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2016 stats: 66 tackles, 1 INT, 13 tackles for loss

Peppers was a big name in college, finishing fifth in 2016 Heisman voting, but his NFL future is totally up in the air. The 21-year-old didn't have a defined role at Michigan, lining up as a safety, linebacker, running back, and returner over the last two seasons. He will likely be used in a linebacker-safety hybrid, however there are concerns for him at both positions. Peppers doesn't have the size to be a typical run-stuffing linebacker nor does he have the quickness and coverage abilities to play full-time safety. We likely won't know what is in store for Peppers' NFL career until he's been selected in the draft.

Budda Baker, Washington

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Age: 21 Height: 5'10" Weight: 180 lbs.

2016 stats: 70 tackles, 2 INTs, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5 pass defenses

Don't let his size fool you, Baker can hit, and hit hard. Working alongside cornerback Jones in Washington's top-notch secondary, Baker combined his gap-closing speed and intelligence to make plays near the line of scrimmage and downfield. His undersized frame can become an issue when called upon to cover tight ends and large slot receives, but other than that, Baker uses his low center of gravity to cut under blocks and make solid open-field tackles. He won't surpass Hooker or Adams in the safety rankings, but could still be a first-round prospect.