2015 NFL Draft: Top Cornerbacks Available For the Baltimore Ravens

Paul Frances

This offseason, many believe that the Baltimore Ravens biggest need is at wide receiver. But this is a team that has always believed in defense first, which could indicate that in the 2015 NFL draft the Ravens will draft heavy on that side of the ball once again. Not to mention the brain trust seems dedicated to doing just that according to recent comments.

The Ravens finished 23^rd in pass defense last season and got burnt for several big plays. They signed unrestricted free agent safety Kendrick Lewis, who they believe will solidify the free safety position. The Ravens will be looking to team Lewis up with restricted free agent Will Hill or Matt Elam, who was a first round pick two years ago. This leaves the biggest defensive need at cornerback.

With Ladarius Webb almost 30 and Jimmy Smith’s contract expiring after this season, the Ravens are definitely in the market for a cornerback and the draft would present an ideal opportunity. The position has depth and the Ravens will probably be able to draft one of college football’s top four cornerbacks with their first round pick (26th overall).

Let’s take a look at the drafts top four corners and how they might fit with the Ravens.

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Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Trae Waynes catches a pass in a work out drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Trae Waynes, Michigan State, 6’0″ 185 LBS

Waynes is undoubtedly the top cornerback in this year’s draft. He had a sensational combine, where he was the fastest corner with a 4.31 40-yard dash. Waynes showed off his recovery speed and looked very good in field drills.

Like all Michigan State corners, Waynes was asked to play on an island in mostly man-to-man coverages and has only allowed two touchdowns over the last two seasons. At 6 ft, Waynes has the size to match up against the league’s premier wide receivers in bump and run and has the length to contest any throw on the field. He is a tough-minded competitor who is very physical in run support.

I think that Waynes can be a first year starter on most NFL teams and he has a very high ceiling due to his speed and length.

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Nov 30, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Jordan Matthews (87) is tackled by Wake Forest Demon Deacons cornerback Kevin Johnson (9) during the first quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest, 6’0″ 188LBS

Johnson had a solid performance at the combine and was the top performer at the position in four drills. He is very light on his feet and has great quickness, allowing him to turn and run with receivers when in man coverage. Johnson has the ability to play outside coverage or inside in the nickel.

Johnson is very disruptive in press coverage and can slow down receivers. He is good at flipping his hips and accelerating on deep routes. Although Johnson isn’t an intimidating hitter, he is a wrap-up tackler and can help against the run game.

Johnson is similar in size to Waynes but doesn’t possess the same strength or speed, but his cover skills, athleticism, and competitiveness will allow him to start on some NFL teams and contribute straight away.

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Oct 18, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Marcus Peters (21) warming up before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Peters, Washington, 6’0″ 197LBS

Peters has first round talent but has had off-field issues and multiple run-ins with coaching staffs. Washington kicked Peters off the team in 2014, and sources say that not only did he lose his place on the team, but he lost out on being a first round draft pick as a result.

He has prototype size for a cornerback and has great fluidity in his hips to turn and run. Peters is very physical and intimidates receivers while also laying some big hits against the run game. He is at his best when contesting catches and often comes out the winner.

Peters is a ball hawk and frequently knocks the ball away or intercepts it. During the 2013 and 2014 season, Peters allowed only 38.1% of passes against him to be completed and broke-up 24 passes with eight interceptions. There is no doubting his talent, but teams are going to take a long hard look at his character before spending a high draft pick on him.

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January 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back P.J. Williams (26) in defense position against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

P.J Williams, Florida State, 6’0″ 194LBS

At the combine Williams ran slower than expected, clocking a 4.45 40-yard dash. He has good speed, good size, and is very physical, making him a solid outside corner. He always fights through blocks and delivers forceful hits to ball carriers.

Williams is seen as a bump and run specialist and has the ability to disrupt routes. He has outstanding timing and great ball skills to be able to knock the pass away. He could be better suited in a zone or press-man scheme in the NFL. Williams is able to carry his speed down the field and is very instinctive with great awareness. He has the ability to cover outside or from the slot, and can contribute from day one on a man-cover defense. Williams can potentially be an all-time great cover corner in the NFL.

The Ravens could also find some cornerback help in the second round from Connecticut’s Byron Jones, LSU’s Jalen Collins or Florida State’s Ronald Darby, who are all highly talented. As we all know the draft is so unpredictable it’s hard to say what will happen on April 30^th in the 2015 NFL Draft.

None of us will be in the Ravens’ war room on draft day, but if it was me I would trade up to get Trae Waynes, as he is the best corner in the draft. Waynes could become the cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. He has the talent to be the next Ed Reed in the backfield.

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Paul Frances