With news of Jalen Ramsey being traded to the Los Angeles Rams, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus quickly shifts to cornerback as a need for the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft. Luckily for Jacksonville, this corner class is regarded as one of the draft’s strengths and the Jaguars should have their pick at several talented prospects.
Let’s see who are the top-5 cornerback prospects in the upcoming draft and what they could bring to the team:
1. Kristian Fulton – Louisiana State
I recently did a prospect preview of Kristian Fulton explaining what makes this Louisiana State cornerback so great. He’s one of the most experienced and natural players in the draft and blankets receivers all over the field. He isn’t receiving the most national attention at the moment, but he is the most refined corner in the draft and looks to be a first-round selection come April.
2. Jeffrey Okudah – Ohio State
Jeffrey Okudah was a name largely unknown coming into the season. He’s certainly made a name for himself thus far this season, garnering the most talk of any corner. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound corner has already nabbed three interceptions on the year and looks much improved from last season. Okudah still has some room for growth, especially in zone coverage, however, his elite athleticism is hard to overlook. He may be the first corner taken off the board.
3. Trevon Diggs – Alabama
The younger brother of Minnesota Vikings’ star Stefon Diggs, Trevon Diggs, has already made a name for himself as well. Possessing Ramsey-like size (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) and speed for the position, Diggs would figure to be a seamless fit into the Jaguars’ system. He is a big, long, physical corner that has everything the Jaguars’ front office adores. Not to mention, Diggs is already off to a spectacular 2019 with two interceptions and three passes defensed. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is the guy who Jacksonville values most.
4. Paulson Adebo – Stanford
Adebo is another player whom I have done a prospect spotlight article on, discussing why Jaguars’ fans should keep an eye on him. Adebo has all the physical tools to be an elite cover corner; he possesses fluid hips, outstanding ball skills and plays with a physical edge like Ramsey. However, the young corner is still very much learning the position, transitioning from wide receiver. Adebo is a player who has been caught out of position a few times (see his game against Central Florida) but has one of the highest ceilings in the draft. If a team can help him develop the rest of the game, the ceiling is the roof for this Cardinal.
5. Shaun Wade – Ohio State
Truth be told, Shaun Wade is the prospect on this list who I’ve seen the least of but I was pleasantly surprised when I found out about him Week 3 this season. For the Buckeyes, Wade generally plays from the slot but has experience at both corner positions and at safety. Much like Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick coming out of college, NFL teams will have to find the spot that best suits their team. Personally, I think Wade could develop into a premier cover corner. He is just a redshirt-sophomore but already looks like a difference-maker on the back end of the Ohio State defense.
