2010 NFL Draft: Cornerback Rankings

1. Trevard Lindley, Kentucky – In Lindley you have a corner who is one of the most polished cornerbacks in the college game, who has the ability to take away half the field. Not only does he have great speed, and anticipation skills but he also has the size to go with it, standing right around six feet tall. Last season, Lindley was a second team All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation. He is not as thick as Malcolm Jenkins (Lindley is only around 180 pounds) who was the first cornerback drafted and went #14 overall to the Saints in the 2009 draft, but he has better, speed, agility and ball skills than Jenkins. This season Lindley has missed time with a high ankle sprain.

2. Pat Robinson, Florida State - As a sophomore, Robinson recorded a team and career-high six interceptions including a five game streak to tie the school record for consecutive games with at least one interception. Unfortunately, Robinson was one of the players involved in the infamous Florida State cheating scandal, and that will raise some question marks with NFL teams. Last season he had 26 tackles despite playing in only eight games and had four pass break-ups, due in part to opposing quarterback staying away from him. He has good size at 5' 1"1, 194 pounds and can both cover and support the run. He should run in the low 4.4 in the 40 when he is tested. This season hasn’t lived up to expectations for Robinson as he only has 23 tackles, with no interceptions (seven pass break-ups).

3. Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest – Ghee is the next player off of the Wake Forest defense to be headed towards the NFL. A 5' 11", the 190-pound cornerback has the ability to come up and make tackles on wide receivers as well as the willingness to stick his nose in the backfield and take on running backs. He has good hips and shows the ability to play man to man. So far this season has 40 total tackles and six pass break-ups. Ghee doesn’t have an interceptions and he needs to show improvement with his ball skills.


4. Syd'Quan Thompson, California – Thompson isn’t the biggest cornerback in the land, but some how always finds away to make plays. The question is going to be, does he make up his lack of size with true recovery speed? Many people beleive he is a 4.4 guy, but we won’t know for sure until we get a stop watch on him. Thompson is a ball hawk and is better in man to man coverage than he is in zone, but the Golden Bear does have the ability to play in either defensive scheme. This season Thompson has 31 tackles, one interception and six pass break-ups.

5. Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State – Cox has good size a 6' 0" and 200 pounds; he is not only a good cover cornerback, but a willing tackler. He has good speed and shows that off in the return game. He has the ability to play both man to man and zone as a cornerback. As a senior, he has 24 total tackles with one interception and an impressive 12 pass break-ups. The Poke as has 455 kick return yards on 19 returns averaging 23.9 yards a kick return. Cox has also returned eight punts for 78 yards.

6. Jerome Murphy, South Florida - Murphy is one of the biggest hitter on the USF team, not very common for cornerbacks. He also has very good speed for his size, checking in at 6' 1" and 185 pounds. Some have him rated with a similar grade as former South Florida cornerback Mike Jenkins, who was a first round pick of the Dallas Cowboys two years ago. This season the USF Bull has 40 total tackles, two interceptions and six pass break-ups.

7. Kyle Wilson, Boise State – Last season Wilson was named first team All-WAC cornerback and second team all-conference punt returner. He lead the team with five interceptions, 10 pass breakups and 15 passes defended, to go along with those stats he had 35 total tackles and five tackles for loss. He had 33 punt returns for 470 yards and three touchdowns. Wilson is 5-10 184 and runs in the 4.4, he is good both in man to man and zone coverage and when he gets his hands on the ball, this Bronco can make plays. He isn’t just a cover cornerback but will come up and support the run. This season has 23 total tackles and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown.

8. Javier Arenas, Alabama – Arenas is not only a good cornerback, but he is a great returner and last season he returned three punts for touchdowns. He has the ability to score every time he touches the ball with great speed and elusiveness as a returner. As a cornerback he has good ball skills, but is short standing in 5' 9". Arenas does have good size weighing almost 200 pounds. He isn’t a shutdown corner but he can cover man to man and also is good in zone coverage. He is effective supporting the run, and come off the edge on the blitz. But what makes Arenas so special is his ability as a game changer in the return game. This season so far on defense has 45 total tackles 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and one interception. In the return game he has 19 punt returns for 320 yards (16.8 average per return) and 10 kick off returns for 278 yards (27.8 average per return).

9. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana (PA) - Owusu-Ansah has great size at 6' 1" and 205 pounds for a cornerback, combined with his speed, it makes him a tough shut down cover corner. He is a great on special teams as both a kick and punt returner, which will help his stock come draft day. This season on defense he has 21 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, four pass break-ups and six passes defended. In the return game he has 16 kick-off returns for 462 returns (28.9 average per return) and two touchdowns; with 21 punt returns for 271 yards (12.9 average per return) and three touchdowns.

10. Devin McCourty, Rutgers – McCourty is a good overall cornerback at 5' 10" and 190 pounds, who broke out last season with 57 tackles and seven pass break-ups. McCourty is a reliable tackler with fluid hips, a good leaper, who can be physical and aggressive. He has good instincts and awareness, with a strong work ethic. This season so far has 47 tackles which leads the team, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception and five pass break-ups. He is also one of the nation's top special teams players, which should make him a valuable edition as a rookie.

Photos Courtesy of SEC Sports Media, University of California, Media Relations Boise St. University

Draft Watch: West Virginia @ South Florida

1) Jarrett Brown – The senior quarterback had to wait for three years, biding his time behind West Virginia legend Pat White before he could be the man in Morgantown. At 6’ 4” and 220 pounds Brown has good size, his arm is NFL quality and he is an excellent athlete who can make things happen with his legs. However, he has not improved his stock through seven games (injured early in win versus Marshall); his touchdown to interception ratio of eight to six is unimpressive, and he struggled in his two toughest contests—at Auburn and last week against UConn. He has completed 67.1 percent of his passes overall, but connected at just a 56.3 rate against the Tigers (1 TD, 4 INTs) in WVU’s lone loss of the season. Against the Huskies, the West Palm Beach native completed only 59. 3 percent of his passes and failed to find the end zone (1 INT). In cornerback Jerome Murphy and safety Nate Allen, the USF Bulls have a dangerous secondary that will take advantage of Brown’s mistakes.

2) Noel Devine vs. Kion Wilson – This should be a fun match-up, pitting the speed and open-field shiftiness of Devine against the hard-hitting and sound tackling of Wilson. Devine is coming off a 178-yard performance against the Huskies, which included a spectacular sideline, game-winning scamper that displayed both his speed and balance. He likes the lights too. Earlier this season on Thursday night against the Colorado Buffaloes he rumbled for 220 yards on 22 carries. This is an interesting match-up against maybe the speediest defense the Mountaineers have faced to date led by Wilson, who tops the Bulls with his 49 tackles. The junior college transfer is flourishing in his second season at the Division I level and facing a back like Devine in the open field will be the ultimate test.

3) Better prospect George Selvie or Jason Pierre-Paul – Could Selvie not even be the best defensive end prospect on his own team? Gone are the days of video game numbers for the former high school center, which he put up as a sophomore. Last season much of that was attributed to double and sometimes triple teams, but this year more often than not, Selvie is being slowed down one-on-one. The senior still leads the line with 27 tackles, but not tackles for a loss (6.5 TFLs) or sacks (3 sacks). Pierre-Paul may not be as polished as Selvie, but is bigger and perhaps a more impressive athlete. Although he is still refining his pass rushing skills (2 sacks), Pierre-Paul has lived in the opposition’s backfield this season and leads the Bulls with his 9.5 tackles for a loss. Not many ends can combine size, speed, athleticism and wingspan (81”) the way this junior college transfer does. He has better upside than Selvie, but Pierre-Paul would be wise to return for his senior season to refine his game. It will be interesting to see how each does when matched up with WVU's top tackle Selvish Capers.

Photos Courtesy of WVU Sports Communication, USF Athletics Communications

Big East Power Rankings Week 8

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON

1. Cincinnati Bearcats 6-0, (2-0): Last week: WOn at South Florida 34-17 - Talk about an impressive victory. With their starting quarterback Tony Pike out for the entire second half with a shoulder injury, the offense managed to put up 17 points in the second half and secured a victory on the road. Back-up quarterback Zach Collaros only completed four-of-seven passes, but on a key third and long it was his 75-yard designed run for a touchdown that was the back breaker in the game—an outstanding call to take advantage of the over pursuit of the South Florida blitz. Coaching, advantage Brian Kelly. But what was most impressive about the win was the play of the defense. The big play: on the first play of the second quarter safety Aaron Webster turned the game around with an interception in the red zone that was returned 83 yards to set up a touchdown, at least a ten point swing. Closing Out: In the second half they held the Bulls to three total first downs and forced five three-and-outs. This team seems to have that special element that equates to victories. Some how, some way they get it done. Up Next: vs. Louisville

2. West Virginia 5-1, (1-0): Last week: Win vs. Marshall 24-7 - It took a second half surge to put away their in-state rival, but don’t get down on the Mountaineers. An early injury to quarterback Jarrett Brown caused the offense to get out rhythm. His replacement, freshman Geno Smith was four-of-eight in the first half but didn’t complete a pass over ten yards until midway through the third quarter. His longest pass was a 33-yard touchdown connection with Alric Arnett late in the third. It was Noel Devine leading the way as usual. Up Next: vs. Connecticut

3. Pittsburgh 6-1, (3-0): Last week: Win at Rutgers 24-17 - Another week, another close call. They handed Rutgers several chances to take this game-fumbles on special teams, missed field goals and costly penalties. But the end result was a win. Most of the credit goes to the front seven on the defense and freshman phenom Dion Lewis. The linebacking play was tremendous, Max Gruder is is a star of tomorrow in the Big East. The defensive line was spectacular again, not giving any room for Rutgers' ball carriers to do a thing (38 yards total rushing). However there is a vulnerable spot on this defense. With cornerback Aaron Berry out for the game with a shoulder injury the secondary was ineffective. Lewis is third in the nation in rushing and was clutch last Friday, which included a 58-yard touchdown run was the biggest play of the game. On the Panther’s final drive that melted the clock it was Lewis gaining chunks of yards on all seven touches he had. There’s a lot of promise for this team, they possess enough talent to take the conference but one has to wonder not if, but when will this sloppy play catches up to them. Up Next: vs. South Florida

4. South Florida Bulls 5-1, (1-1): Last week: Lost vs. Cincinnati 17-34 - This defense can put the heat on the quarterback but when it counts, they struggle to stop the run. Cornerback Jerome Murphy had a disappointing game committing two personal foul penalties and was beat more than once on key plays. However, the panic button shouldn’t be pressed just yet, but the way this team has collapsed in seasons past, a win at Pittsburgh is badly needed. The key for the next game and for how successful this team can be this season is the play of freshman quarterback B.J Daniels. Up Next: @ Pittsburgh

5.Connecticut 4-2, (1-1): Last week: Win vs. Louisville 38-25 - It was all about airing it out, well at least for UConn's standards. Quarterback Cody Endres threw for a career-high 273 yards and a touchdown. Not to say the reliable running game wasn't there, Andre Dixon rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns. He’s quietly having a fantastic senior campaign. The story was the defense, perhaps one of the most underrated units in the league. They are an aggressive bunch-forcing four turnovers and some big stops when it mattered most. Up Next: @ West Virginia

6. Rutgers 4-2, (0-2): Last week: Lost vs. Pittsburgh 17-24 - Bad. That’s basically how Rutgers has played in their two Big East games this year, and if wasn’t for Syracuse and Louisville, the Knights wouldn’t be this high. Luckily a gift turnover that led to a touchdown avoided a near touchdown-less game. Not much positives to take from this game. Up Next: @ Army

7. Louisville 2-4, (0-2): Last week: Lost at Connecticut 25-38 - They have one of the worst defenses of any team in the BCS conferences and have already allowed over 30-plus points four times this season. The Cardinals are likely to be visiting the bottom sometime very soon. Up Next: @ Cincinnati

8. Syracuse 2-4, (0-2): Last week: Bye - Can’t move a team up after a bye, but a win against the Akron Zips could get them out of the basement for a week. Two weeks ago Greg Paulus was benched for the second half in the team’s loss to West Virginia. It will be interesting to see how he responds and how the fans react; they will get on the former Duke point gaurd if the Orange fall behind early. Up Next: vs. Akron

Photos Courtesy of University of Pittsburgh, Tom Ciszak Rutgers Athletics

On Location: USF 34, Syracuse 20

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON

First quarter: The start of the game resembled something out of a pee wee football league—five turnovers in the first four minutes. The game of hot potato was sparked when USF defensive tackle Terrell McClain forced a fumble by Syracuse running back Delone Carter on the third play of the game. Just moments later, on South Florida’s first play from scrimmage, quarterback B.J. Daniels mishandled a snap that was recovered by Syracuse defensive tackle Arthur Jones to give the Orange possession right back. Just four plays after that, safety Nate Allen stepped in front of a Greg Paulus pass for an interception. Remarkably, the two teams would exchange possessions once more—on back-to-back plays Syracuse and South Florida would turn the ball over by way of a fumble. It was South Florida that finally ended the turnover trend by capping off an eight-play, 62-yard drive with a Mike Ford 26-yard touchdown run for the first score of the game. Syracuse would also get on the board before the opening quarter was complete, as a 54-yard reception by senior wide receiver Mike Williams set up an a 40-yard field goal by Ryan Lichtenstein.
Score: South Florida 7, Syracuse 3

Second quarter: The Orange started off strong in the second quarter, particularly Paulus. Behind some good play-calling and solid blocking, Syracuse took advantage of South Florida’s aggressiveness, running two quarterback draws for first downs, as well as a key third-down conversion on a screen pass. They also got other receivers into the mix as sophomore Marcus Sales and freshman Alec Lemon each made a grab. Unfortunately for Syracuse, they stalled and settled for their second field goal of the game. With neither team doing much on the ground, Syracuse took to the air…and Paulus threw his second interception. Deep in his own territory, the former Duke basketball player overthrew his intended target by about five yards, floating the pass right into the hands of USF’s senior cornerback Jerome Murphy. It didn’t take long for the Bulls to capitalize, as two plays later Daniels eluded a gang of blitzers and found Carlton Mitchell wide open in the middle of the end zone for a 33-yard touchdown. Syracuse did regain some momentum right before the half. While it appeared South Florida was trying to just run out the clock, a fumble forced by the hard hit of linebacker Derrell Smith put the ‘Cuse back in business. A double-teamed Williams was able to jump over a pair of South Florida defenders to nab his seventh catch of the half in the corner of the end zone for the Orange’s first touchdown of the day.
Score: South Florida 14, Syracuse 13

Third quarter: South Florida didn’t waste any time coming out of the locker room. On the first play of the third quarter, Daniels connected for the second time with Mitchell for a score, this time from 85 yards out. On the ensuing drive, Syracuse took the ball all the way to the South Florida 21-yard line. However, the Orange were still searching for a running game. As a result, Paulus was forced to convert one too many third and long situations, and he was intercepted by freshman cornerback Kayvon Webster. The South Florida defensive line, led by ends George Selvie and Craig Marshall, were pressuring the Syracuse signal caller all quarter—these were not unforced errors. After Ford’s second rushing touchdown, another Bulls’ defensive lineman made a big play. As a gang of would-be tacklers took down Paulus, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul intercepted a batted pass and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown. It was the final nail in the coffin for Syracuse.
Score: South Florida 34, Syracuse 13

Fourth quarter: Syracuse added one more touchdown before the final whistle to make the score respectable. Once again, it was Williams making an incredible catch in the end zone, this time going across the middle in heavy traffic. On the play, Paulus was pressured as he was all day, escaping the pass rush before finding his go-to target. South Florida did their best to milk the clock and hang onto their lead.
Final Score: South Florida 34, Syracuse 20

The Turning Point: The third quarter featured several turning points for South Florida, but the big play was the 85-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Mitchell. With one-on-one coverage, Mitchell was able to escape from Syracuse cornerback and Florida native Kevyn Scott on a go route down the sideline, which Mitchell credits to film work.

“As soon as I took off he turned his hips,” Mitchell said after the game. “He was peeking, so I knew if I turned a certain way I could get him kind of turned around a little bit. Then I just took off. It’s all about film work and knowing how the opponents play.” After making the catch, Mitchell and the rest of the offense celebrated down the field while the rest of the Bulls did the same on the sidelines. “It helped both our defense and our offense. After that, things just starting rolling,” the 6’ 4” wide out said of his tone-setting play.

Final Analysis: South Florida won this game upfront with their dominant defensive line. The unit is deep and athletic, and Syracuse was unable to prevent them from getting into the backfield. They shut down the run when they needed to—the Orange ran for only 75 yards on the ground. In the first half, McClain was breaking through the line so often it was as if he knew the snap count—in addition to the forced fumble, the junior recorded a sack and on a couple of other occasions, he forced Paulus to hurry his throws. Sophomore tackle Keith McCaskill recorded a sack from his inside position, while Marshall was in the mix too, hurrying Paulus on more than one occasion. Selvie, the two-time All-American, makes his teammates better just being on the field with all of the attention he receives. The junior Marshall recognizes the advantage of having such a deep unit.

“Everybody has something that they can do at certain times in the game,” Marshall said of the line’s depth. “Also, it’s good to be able to rotate people and make sure the next person is going to play with the same amount of energy all game long.” South Florida did what they do best; the defense was aggressive and capitalized on their edge in athleticism by forcing turnovers. They forced seven of them in all, including five interceptions. Allen had two and led the team with eight tackles. The defense had Paulus on his heels for 60 minutes, which was the game plan according to Marshall, “Coach told us they have a big offensive line, so we have to use our athletic ability. We tried to use our speed to our advantage. We wanted to have Paulus run and see what he was all about.”

Paulus never backed down. He took chances and gave his receivers chances to make plays, often resulting in big plays for the Orange…as well as the Bulls. More than once, he threw the ball up for grabs when he should have taken a sack or better yet, found the stands with the pigskin. But that’s how Paulus plays and for this season, headman Doug Marrone appears willing to take the bad with the good.

The beneficiary of Paulus’ gunslinger mentality was Williams, who turned in an All-American caliber performance. His two touchdown catches were highlight-reel worthy and he was consistent throughout the game. He finished the contest with 186 yards on 13 catches, but it wasn’t just big plays—Williams came through on third downs and displayed the ability to make plays after the catch. Williams is quietly becoming a star wide out in the league; unfortunately for the home crowd, his 23rd game in a row with a catch didn’t come with a victory.

Instead, Daniels won his second start, throwing for 208 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. In addition to his cannon arm and athletic ability running the football, the freshman played wise beyond his years, something which was no accident.

“Coach [Jim Leavitt] always told me a good quarterback focuses on not making mistakes,” Daniels said afterwards. “It’s not just making all the big plays. It’s doing the little things and doing the smart things.”

Mitchell caught both of Daniels’ touchdown passes and finished the game with six catches for 189 yards. After a bye week, South Florida will look to remain unblemished as they take on the highly-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats in a battle of undefeateds.

Photos Courtesy of USF Athletics Communications, Syracuse University Athletics