This is the 10th installment of a multi-part series previewing the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. The event will be broadcast over four days on the NFL Network, Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6. Today, we’ll look at the cornerbacks.
Lions’ pre-free agency needs
How Detroit addresses cornerback will be one of the more intriguing roster conversations this offseason. They could do almost nothing and it wouldn’t be that much of a surprise. Amani Oruwariye is coming off a breakout season, intercepting six passes in 2021, and the hope is Jeff Okudah will fully recover from his torn Achilles, giving the Lions a promising starting tandem.
In the slot, there are a number of options, led by last year’s starter, A.J. Parker. The team also toyed with shifting safety Will Harris to that spot late in the year, while Jerry Jacobs, a big surprise as an undrafted rookie last season, could be in the mix there, as well.
Along with Jacobs, 2021 third-round pick Ifeatu Melifonwu rounds out Detroit’s high-ceiling depth chart. If there are plans for an addition, an experienced veteran might be a better fit than another youngster via the draft.
Metrics to monitor
► 40-yard dash, 3-cone and vertical jump
Speed, acceleration and agility are the life blood of a cornerback’s athletic profile. If a defensive back can turn and run with a receiver, while possessing the burst to quickly negate separation, that goes a long way toward being able to contribute in this league. Hip flexibility is also a critical asset, which can be evaluated in some of the on-field work at the combine.
Top prospects
► Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cincinnati
A Detroit native and Martin Luther King alum, Gardner came into this past season with a résumé worthy of first-round consideration and only managed to better his draft stock, to the point where he could be the first corner off the board. Not only does he possess awesome size at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, but exceptional coverage skills, particularly when playing press-man. Opposing quarterbacks mustered just 131 yards when targeting him last season and Gardner remarkably didn’t allow a single touchdown in 33 games with the Bearcats.
► Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
Stingley would have been a first-rounder as a true freshman two years ago, after he intercepted six passes for the Tigers. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to replicate that playmaking the past two seasons, in large part due to injuries limiting him to 10 games. If a team is comfortable with the durability risk, there’s a realistic chance Stingley develops into one of the league’s best cover corners, but he’s also likely to be a liability in run support on the perimeter.
► Kaiir Elam, Florida
Another option with good size, Elam stands 6-foot-2 and has long limbs. He allowed fewer than 53% of the passes his direction to be completed each of the past three seasons, intercepting as many throws (five) as touchdowns allowed. One concern is his overreliance on his hands, which drew plenty of flags at Florida. Officiating is even more aggressive against defensive backs in the NFL, so he’s going to need to learn to trust his footwork more at the next level.
► Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The other three top guys are big-bodied corners who thrive in man coverage, while McDuffie is a bit shorter and much more proficient in zone, which has been Washington’s preferred coverage scheme. He does a good job not letting receivers get behind him and is an excellent tackler who can be counted on in support against the run.
Sleepers to watch
► Tariq Woolen, UTSA
At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, it’s easy to fall in love with Woolen’s size, but you pair that with the better-than-expected athleticism he showed at the Senior Bowl and you have an intriguing prospect. A converted receiver, he’s only been playing corner for two years, so he’s going to be a project for whoever drafts him. That said, posting validating measurables at the combine will push him up boards.
► Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
Gardner’s running mate in Cincinnati, Bryant is an intriguing talent in his own right. The 6-foot-1, 198 pounder saw a ton of action his direction with opponents avoiding Gardner. Still, Bryant managed to hold quarterbacks to a 44.0 completion percentage on 75 targets. He’s also flashed some ball skills, breaking up 18 passes and intercepting six the past two seasons. He has a lot to gain from running a faster-than-expected 40.
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @Justin_Rogers