Increasingly, NFL games are won in one of two ways: passing the ball and defending the pass. Look no further than the two participants in Super Bowl XLVIII for evidence of this.
The Seattle Seahawks' victory proved the adage "defense wins championships" still rings true. The Seahawks' No. 1 pass defense, boasting a relentless rush and three All-Pro defensive backs, stifled Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos' No. 1 pass offense.
This year's crop of defensive back prospects should inspire a number of teams to attempt to copy the Seahawks' model. It wouldn't be a shock if a half-dozen players listed below hear their names called in the draft's first round.
This is a talented class full of players with the raw potential to become the next Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas - or reasonable facsimiles, at least. It's also a big class - literally. This crop is full of tall, thick, hard-hitting prospects capable of matching up with the NFL's most physically imposing wideouts. Of the ten players on this list, nine are 5-foot-11 or taller and four weigh more than 200 pounds.
Without further ado, let's meet the best defensive backs college football has to offer.
Cornerbacks
5. Jason Verrett, TCU
Measurables
- 5'9"
- 189 lbs.
- 4.38 speed
Strengths
Verrett's best attribute may be his athleticism. He has fluid hips, an explosive first step, a smooth backpedal and excellent high-end speed.
But Verrett is more than just an athlete. He reads and reacts to plays effectively, and attacks the ball in the air, creating turnovers with his sticky hands.
Weaknesses
At just 5-foot-9 and under 190 pounds, Verrett's size could be his biggest impediment as a pro. His short stature and thin build could cause him to lose battles with larger receivers. Verrett's size also makes him unlikely to upgrade his weak press coverage skills.
Verrett must improve his concentration and discipline in the NFL. He takes too many penalties due to preventable mental errors.
NFL player comparison: Asante Samuel
Ideal fit: San Francisco 49ers
Many analysts project Verrett as a slot corner, which isn't normally a position teams look for in the early rounds of the draft. That said, watch for Verrett to go off the board as early as the 49ers' No. 30 pick. The 49ers don't have many needs and bringing in a skilled slot corner who can create turnovers could be very enticing for general manager Trent Baalke. Verrett would match up well against players like Percy Harvin and Tavon Austin, whom the 49ers see twice a season.
4. Bradley Roby, Ohio State
Measurables
- 5'11"
- 194 lbs.
- 4.39 speed
Strengths
Roby is an extremely fast and agile player who has the skill set to play both off and press coverage effectively, even without safety help over the top. He's a sure tackler and adds value as an effective blitzer coming off the edge.
When he's at his best, Roby is frustrating to play against. He's a disruptor, making plays on the ball at key moments.
Weaknesses
Roby was very good in 2012, and he entered the 2013 season with the expectation he would become the top cornerback available in the draft. Instead, he struggled at times and was targeted by opposing teams far more than anticipated. On occasion, quarterbacks even picked on him. There are questions about whether he has the discipline and determination to continue improving and eventually hit his ceiling.
Roby needs to improve his slow reaction times, especially when it comes to looking back for the ball. He concedes short passes far too easily and can be burned by double moves.
NFL player comparison: Lardarius Webb
Ideal fit: San Diego Chargers
The Chargers need to upgrade their secondary and adding a talented cornerback like Roby, even if his luster has worn off a bit in the past year, is the best way to do it. Roby should still be on the board when the Chargers go on the clock at No. 25 overall.
3. Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
Measurables
- 6'0"
- 190 lbs.
- 4.49 speed
Strengths
Fuller isn't an elite athlete, but he does a lot of things well. In some ways, his sum is greater than his parts. He's a natural; he looks like he was born to play the position.
Fuller wins against receivers because of his strong vision and quick route recognition. When he latches onto receivers, he demonstrates the fluidity of motion needed to mirror their routes. Fuller is excellent at tracking the ball in the air.
Fuller is also a strong and willing run defender.
Weaknesses
Fuller has a lean body. No one will ever mistake him for a big-hitter.
Fuller lacks a top gear comparable to the better athletes in this draft class. He may struggle against speedy NFL receivers.
NFL player comparison: Jason McCourty
Ideal fit: Philadelphia Eagles
Fuller is a difficult prospect to get excited about because he isn't flashy. Nonetheless, he's a very good prospect and likely a first-round pick. The Eagles at No. 22 could represent a good fit in terms of scheme.
2. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
Measurables
- 6'0"
- 202 lbs.
- 4.37 speed
Strengths
Gilbert has the makings of an elite man coverage cornerback. He has an ideal body for the position, with good height, long arms and broad shoulders.
Gilbert's raw athleticism makes scouts' mouths water. He boasts very light feet and fluid hips. His movements toward the ball are explosive and he is smooth changing directions. His ability to leap and deflect/intercept passes is exemplary.
Weaknesses
No draft prospect is a finished product, but Gilbert is much less finished than his contemporaries. He's more athlete than football player right now. His technique is wildly inconsistent. He displays poor footwork at times, doesn’t always tackle with good form and has a penchant for biting on fakes.
Gilbert needs to be more physical. His effort in run support is often lacking.
NFL player comparison: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Ideal fit: Pittsburgh Steelers
Gilbert is a polarizing player. Many draft analysts argue he's the top defensive back in this class, but others suggest Gilbert could fall in the draft. Ultimately, his elite potential should ensure he's off the board by the middle of the first round at the latest. The cornerback-needy Steelers own the No. 15 overall selection and could represent an ideal landing spot for Gilbert as he continues his development.
1. Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
Measurables
- 5'11"
- 199 lbs.
- 4.51 speed
Strengths
Dennard is a very physical cornerback, which is en vogue in the NFL due to the Seahawks' success. He displays a good use of hands at the jam point and a good use of the sideline to limit wide receivers' functional space.
Dennard's instincts are exceptional. He processes what he sees rapidly and reacts accordingly. He locates the ball in the air and times his attack to maximize his chances of a pass breakup or interception.
Dennard is strong in run support. He fights through blocks to get to the ballcarrier.
Weaknesses
Dennard battled injuries in college. His medical history could scare off some NFL teams.
Dennard didn't play much zone coverage at Michigan State. Additionally, he wasn't tested deep as much as evaluators would like to see.
NFL player comparison: Joe Haden
Ideal fit: Detroit Lions
Dennard projects as a shutdown man coverage cornerback. He will be an early first-round pick. The Lions at No. 10 overall would be wise to recognize the impact a player like Dennard could have on their defense.
Safeties
5. Terrence Brooks, Florida State
Measurables
- 5'11"
- 198 lbs.
- 4.42 speed
Strengths
Brooks is a fluid athlete who changes directions with ease. He has the ball-tracking abilities and closing speed necessary to reach the point of contact in time to break up passes and force turnovers.
Brooks is surprisingly effective in run support, especially considering his background as a cornerback.
Weaknesses
Too often, Brooks displays poor form as a tackler. He will whiff while trying to deliver a knockout blow, rather than making the sure play.
Brooks' ball skills are lacking. He gets his hands on passes, but drops too many would-be interceptions.
NFL player comparison: Louis Delmas
Ideal fit: Buffalo Bills
The Bills lost star free safety Jairus Byrd in free agency and could look to replenish their talent at the position by selecting Brooks in the third or fourth round of the draft.
4. Deone Bucannon, Washington State
Measurables
- 6'1"
- 211 lbs.
- 4.49 speed
Strengths
Bucannon is an enforcer. He boasts an explosive first step, and he picks up steam before delivering a big hit. His presence will frighten receivers running routes across the middle of the field.
Bucannon has the upper-body strength to force fumbles by ripping the ball from ballcarriers' hands.
Weaknesses
Bucannon is limited in the role he can play for a team. He can look out of his element running deep down the field in coverage, and he's prone to bite on double moves and fakes. Bucannon is a strong safety and he will probably need to be paired with a ballhawking free safety.
Bucannon misses some tackles he would otherwise make because he chooses the wrong time to go for the highlight-reel hit.
NFL player comparison: Bernard Pollard
Ideal fit: Chicago Bears
Bucannon projects as a second-day pick. The Bears look like a great fit both in terms of scheme and Bucannon's personality and playing style.
3. Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
Measurables
- 5'11"
- 193 lbs.
Strengths
Ward has excellent fundamental skills. He's a strong tackler who reads plays correctly and takes good angles to the ball.
Ward is by no means an elite athlete, but he's agile and quick. He breaks on the ball with impressive top-end speed.
Ward is versatile enough to play free safety and slot cornerback.
Weaknesses
Ward lacks ideal size for a safety. He needs to improve as a run defender, as he's prone to take bad angles.
Ward must learn to be less physical with receivers downfield or he could take too many illegal contact and pass interference penalties as a pro.
NFL player comparison: Eric Weddle
Ideal fit: Baltimore Ravens
Ward projects as a second-round pick, but it wouldn't be a shock to see him go off the board in the first round. His best landing spot is a team that will allow him to roam the field as a true free safety. The Ravens could be intrigued by the idea of adding Ward and installing Matt Elam, the team's first-round pick a year ago, at strong safety.
2. Calvin Pryor, Louisville
Measurables
- 5'11"
- 207 lbs.
- 4.58 speed
Strengths
Pryor is a violent hitter who is at his best when he's playing in the box. His run defense is excellent. He finds a way to glide through the crowd and reach the ball carrier before delivering a big thump.
Pryor is no slouch in pass coverage, either. His pre- and post-snap reads are accurate, and his ball skills are excellent.
Weaknesses
Pryor was forced in college to play deep safety and occasionally struggled in the role. He's strong enough as a pass defender to succeed in a defensive scheme that uses interchangeable safeties, but he may enjoy greater success in system that allows him to play primarily in the box as a strong safety.
Pryor's hard-hitting nature could lead to penalties and fines.
NFL player comparison: Bob Sanders
Ideal fit: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are a team without many glaring holes, but safety is certainly one area the team needs to upgrade. Pryor projects to be taken in the second half of the first round. The Eagles own the No. 22 overall selection.
1. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama
Measurables
- 6'1"
- 208 lbs.
- 4.58 speed
Strengths
Clinton-Dix is a dual-threat safety. He succeeds as a ballhawk in deep coverage just as easily as he does in the box as a run-stopper. He's versatile enough to play in a man or zone coverage scheme.
Quick and decisive reactions put Clinton-Dix in position to make plays; great closing speed and strong hands seal the deal.
Clinton-Dix is an aggressive hitter, but he's also a controlled hitter. He won't take many unnecessary roughness penalties in the NFL.
Weaknesses
Clinton-Dix's aggressive, playmaking style leads him to over-commit on some plays. He can be exposed by offensive misdirection plays.
NFL player comparison: Eric Berry
Ideal fit: St. Louis Rams
Clinton-Dix should expect to hear his name called in the first half of the draft's first round. The Detroit Lions at No. 10 and St. Louis Rams at No. 13 are two teams to watch. Don't rule out a team trading up for Clinton-Dix, either.
