2015 NFL Combine: Baltimore Ravens Talking to Cornerbacks

Brett Foote

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington defensive back Marcus Peters speaks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Monday is all about defensive backs at the 2015 NFL Combine, and the Baltimore Ravens have already been linked to a host of them. Among the corners the team is reportedly meeting with are Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson, Utah’s Eric Rowe, Michigan State’s Trae Waynes, Miami Ohio’s Quentin Rollins, Florida State’s P.J. Williams, and Washington’s Marcus Peters.

Cornerback is (arguably) the team’s biggest need, so it’s no surprise that the Ravens are casting a wide net at the position. The names listed above represent a pretty good range of talent and players who will go anywhere from the early to the late rounds of the draft. Let’s take a look at some video and scouting notes on each player and get to know them a little better, as the Ravens have already done.

Kevin Johnson

Johnson declared himself the “best corner in the draft” at the scouting combine, but we wouldn’t go that far (though we love the confidence). What Kevin Johnson does have going for him is three years of starting experience under his belt and the cover skills, competitiveness, and athleticism to give him a shot at playing time right away. He’s currently projected to be selected in the second or third round.

Eric Rowe

Rowe has a long frame and is disruptive off the line of scrimmage. He is also a solid tackler who is not afraid to throw himself around in run support. A three year starter in college at free safety, Rowe switched to cornerback this past season. Only projected as a 4th or 5th round pick due to his lack of acceleration, change of direction issues, and limitations in man to man coverage.

Trae Waynes

Waynes allowed a mere two touchdowns in coverage over his last two seasons, and excels in deep, man coverage. He’s a bump and run corner who exhibits the deep speed, confidence, and body control to elicits comparisons to Antonio Cromartie. A projected first round pick, the biggest knocks on Waynes are his tendency to use his hands too much (9 penalties over the last two seasons) and his unpolished technique.

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Quentin Rollins

A four year basketball player with rare, sudden start-stop quickness, Rollins has the foot quickness and hip fluidity of a point guard. He can change gears almost instantly, and he possesses all the physical tools needed to become a big time cover corner. Despite a lack of experience on the football field and unpolished technique, his quick adaptation and high ceiling make Rollins a tantalizing prospect in the first or second round.

P.J. Williams

A cover corner who has the potential to play on an island, P.J. Williams can come in an start right away in man coverage. Williams can play on the outside or from the slot and possesses ideal height, weight, and speed. A bump and run specialist, it might take Williams a bit to adjust to NFL illegal contact rules as he was very aggressive in college. Projected to be a first or second round pick.

Marcus Peters

One of many players with character baggage in this season’s draft, Peters certainly isn’t short on talent. Prior to his dismissal from Washington for multiple run-ins with the coaching staff, Peters exhibited the size, ball skills, and confidence of a future star at the cornerback position. Drawing Aqib Talib comparisons both for his ability and collegiate troubles, teams thinking about taking Peters in the first round are also hoping he will mature, as Talib did, in the pro’s.

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Brett Foote