Top Defensive Backs in the 2014 NFL Draft

Closing out my positional series looking at the top ten players at every position in the NFL draft, we have the defensive backs. The corner and safety group in this year's draft appears to be both talented and fairly deep, especially when it comes to the corner position. It seems fitting that in one of the best wide receiver drafts in recent memory, the corners coming out look solid as well.


How the NFL draft shakes out at these positions will be a very interesting storyline to keep tabs on, since Seattle's success with its Legion of Boom secondary could inspire copycats across the league. Big, physical cornerbacks could become the new normal in the NFL, and having playmakers at the safety position could become a bigger priority for many teams.

Is a team going to find the next Richard Sherman or Earl Thomas in this draft? Who knows, but teams are sure going to try.

And now, the top ten defensive backs in the 2014 NFL draft:

1. Hasean Clinton-Dix, Alabama (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'1, 208, 4.58
A rangy safety from college football's powerhouse, Clinton-Dix is an impact player at a position that is becoming increasingly valued around the NFL. He has the ability to move fluidly out in space to cover tight ends and even receivers in the open field, and he is no slouch in the run game either. Projections on Clinton-Dix vary, but he seems ready to be a valuable last line of defense for an NFL team.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

2. Calvin Pryor, Louisville (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'2, 208, 4.58
Pryor's measurements are almost exactly the same as Dix's, and the two are extremely close as prospects. While Dix is better known for his ability in coverage though, Pryor is best known for his ability to deliver a hit. Pryor can really lay the wood on opposing players, and he could be a fantastic enforcer at the next level. His style may get him in trouble a few times, but offenses will soon learn to fear going in his direction.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

3. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'0, 200, 4.37
A supremely talented corner, Gilbert seems to excel at nearly any technique for the position. Gilbert can play off or man coverage, and shows good awareness whether he is playing man to man or in a zone. Gilbert's speed is also an asset in the return game, and he should be an immediate contributor on special teams. He'll have to answer questions about some bad tape as a junior, but he seems ready to make the leap to the NFL.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

4. Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State (Sr.)
Measurements: 5'11, 197, 4.51
Known as the leader of the Rose Bowl winning "No Fly Zone" at Michigan State, Dennard is a aggressive corner who could excel in a press-man scheme at the next level. Dennard was often left on an island in college, and was still able to limit any big plays on his side of the field. Dennard also shows good awareness and tackling ability in the run game, though his aggressiveness may lead to some flags in the NFL.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

5. Jason Verrett, TCU (Sr.)
Measurements: 5'10, 176, 4.38
A smaller, quicker cornerback, Verrett seems likely to find a home as a nickel corner in a defense as opposed to playing primarily outside. However, with NFL teams using more and more nickel packages due to the expansion of the passing game, that's definitely not a bad thing. Verrett could potentially slide outside as well for some teams, but the ability to play the nickel is a rare skill teams will definitely covet.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round

6. Marcus Roberson, Florida (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'0, 195, 4.61
An impressive and technically sound cover corner, Roberson will have to answer questions about his long speed but should end up being a solid corner for a team to have on their depth chart. While 40 yard dash times can be overblown, it also can't be ignored that Roberson appears to be noticeably slower than some of his peers in his draft class. If he can up that time at his pro day, plenty of concerns will be assuaged.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round

7. Bradley Robey, Ohio State (Jr.)
Measurements: 5'11, 192, 4.39
Roby was considered close to a first round lock entering this past season, but inconsistent technique has caused him to slide down boards. While he has enormous potential and physical gifts, too often he tended to make mental mistakes and was thoroughly beaten by receivers he should have dominated. Roby needs to clean up his inconsistencies and show better focus if he is to ever truly realize his potential.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round

8. Lamarcus Joyner, FSU (Sr.)
Measurements: 5'8, 190, 4.55
Joyner projects best as a nickel corner like Verrett, but with his small size he has almost no chance of starting outside at the next level. Joyner's slower 40 time is less of a concern than it would be for an outside corner, as Joyner doesn't need long speed as much as he needs fluidity and quickness to cover receivers inside. Luckily he seems to possess all of those abilities, though teams will hope his hips will improve by his pro day.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round

9. Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'0, 194, 4.49
Fuller is a sound cover man who projects as a potential starter on the outside early on in his professional career. Fuller is at his best getting physical with receivers, throwing off their timing with excellent hand placement and footwork. Fuller will have to work on letting his receivers go a little earlier once he reaches the NFL, as he could be staring at plenty of flags if he doesn't learn to back off a little bit.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round

10. Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois (Sr.)
Measurements: 5'11, 191, No 40 time
Ward is currently an excellent in the box safety, though his size may lead to some durability issues at the next level. Of course, coming from Northern Illinois, Ward will face questions about his level of competition in college as well. Ward has excellent fundamentals though, and his tackling technique should earn him plenty of fans in front offices across the league. Of course, most scouts would like to see a 40 time first.
Draft Projection: 3rd Round

And finally, that concludes my positional breakdown for the 2014 NFL Draft. Thanks for sticking with it, if you have up until this point! Of course, these rankings will shift as the draft process goes along, and any major changes at the top will be reflected in my big board.

Check back soon for the next project on Showing Some Horns, a positional breakdown of the Vikings roster before free agency!