The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
TOP-RATED CORNERBACKS
■ 1. Patrick Surtain, Alabama, 6 feet 2, 208 pounds (first round): It’s fitting that Surtain, once the top cornerback recruit in the country, now is the top player at his position in this year’s draft class. At Alabama, Surtain was an elite player who repeatedly locked down his side of the field. He ended the 2020 season as a unanimous All-american and was named the SEC’S Defensive Player of the Year. A smart and fundamental cornerback, Sustain also has the size and speed NFL coaches and scouts covet. It certainly helps that he excels in pressman situations.
■ 2. Jaycee Horn, South Carolina, 6-0, 205 (first): Horn inherited great genetics, seeing that he’s the son of former New Orleans Saints receiver Joe Horn. Horn is a long and rangy cornerback who possesses good speed, evidenced by his 4.40-second time in the 40-yard dash. He’s excellent in pressman coverage and often is physical — sometimes too much so — at the line of scrimmage. After seven games of the 2020 season, Horn opted out to spend time with his family after they dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak. Horn played high school ball at Alpharetta.
■ 3. Greg Newsome, Northwestern, 6-0, 192 (first): Newsome concluded his junior season in 2020 by being named a first-team Big Ten selection who led the conference with 10 pass deflections. Newsome wasn’t a highly coveted prospect out of high school by the traditional powers and continues to use that as a source of motivation. His 4.38-second 40-yard dash at Northwestern’s Pro Day helped propel his draft stock.
■ 4. Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State, 5-10, 180 (first/second): If Samuel checked in at over 6 feet, draft analysts may have positioned him as this year’s top prospect. Because of Samuel’s shorter height, he’s not ranked as high as he probably should be despite his track record. In 2020, Samuel was a team captain at Florida State and recorded three interceptions — two of which came against Georgia Tech. He’s the son of longtime NFL cornerback Asante Samuel Sr., who finished his career with the Falcons in 2012 and 2013.
■ 5. Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 197 (first/second): Early in the pre-draft process, Farley once was considered to be one of the top two cornerbacks by draft analysts. However, his previous injury concern was compounded by the fact he needed to undergo a recent back procedure. When it comes to his game tape, however, it’s clear to see why he is otherwise a first-round-caliber prospect. Farley opted out of the 2020 season because of concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic, but posted four interceptions and 16 pass breakups in 2016.
■ 6. Eric Stokes, Georgia, 6-1, 185 (second): Stokes is one of the fastest players in this year’s draft class. At Georgia’s Pro Day, Stokes wowed scouts, coaches and executives by running the 40-yard dash in 4.25 seconds. Stokes starred at Eastside High in Covington as a running back and receiver before moving to cornerback at Georgia. Stokes’ cover skills improved over time, with his ceiling fairly high because of how new he actually is at cornerback.
■ 7. Tyson Campbell, Georgia, 6-1, 193 (second): Campbell played high school football with Surtain and was a fivestar prospect alongside him. Campbell has good man-to-man cover skills to go with exceptional speed to make up lost ground. Campbell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds, which somehow wasn’t as fast as his teammate Stokes’ 4.25. Campbell was a three-year starter at Georgia who has plenty of room to grow into a sound NFL cornerback.
NEED AREA FOR FALCONS:
■ Potentially. Fabian Moreau and Isaiah Oliver will be free agents after the 2021 season.