It's been over a month since I unveiled my "too-early" Big Board for the 2016 NFL draft, a ranking that includes 2015 underclassmen. For this I'll go a little deeper into each position group, so you'll get an idea of well over 100 of the top NFL prospects for 2016. That said, it goes without saying that these rankings are preliminary, as I have hundreds of hours of evaluation ahead for the 2016 class.
A couple of important notes about the rankings below:
• I've split them into seniors and underclassmen; it's important to have a baseline number of seniors because those players are certain to be a part of the 2016 NFL draft process (if they choose to be).
• I won't go too heavy into actual scouting reports, as those are still a work in progress.
With those parameters in mind, here's an early look at the top cornerback prospects for the 2016 NFL draft. With corners and safeties there are guys who can do both, and I'll try to note some of those cases./p>
Top 5 senior cornerbacks
1. Will Redmond, Mississippi State Bulldogs: Has lockdown skills, but needed the extra seasoning in 2015 as he was often in a nickel role in 2014. Has decent size, plays physical and gets bonus points for ball skills evident in return game.
2. Eric Murray, Minnesota Golden Gophers: A tough player who can press and ride down the field, Murray has played in 39 games and has every start over the last two seasons. Will be a player that QBs stay away from in 2015.
3. Jonathan Jones, Auburn Tigers: Really came on last season after a broken angle at the outset of 2013 cost him some developmental time. Had 18 passes defended (No. 4 nationally) and a dozen passes broken up. Showed great instincts and ball skills and can play longer than his 5-10 frame.
4. Fabian Moreau, UCLA Bruins: Has been a great developmental story at UCLA after spending much of his time running the ball or catching passes in high school. Has a sturdy (6-0, 195 lbs) frame and is a willing tackler.
5. Jordan Lucas, Penn State Nittany Lions: Broke up nine passes last season while also finishing third on the team in tackles, Lucas is something of a hybrid as he could play corner or safety.
Top 5 underclassmen cornerbacks
1. Vernon Hargreaves, Florida Gators: Hargreaves and Jalen Ramsey are really tied here. Hargreaves has the better raw cover man credentials, and his gifts just jump off the screen. He defended 16 passes last year and broke up another 13, and it's not like QBs were eager to test him. A special talent.
2. Jalen Ramsey, Florida State Seminoles: Remember, Ramsey would be the top-rated safety on the board, but I'm going to classify him here because of his versatility and, again, his ability to be the best cornerback in the country if that's what the FSU coaches want out of him. He's gifted athletically -- he could be an Olympic-level long jumper if he pursues it -- and is strong without giving up quickness. He's mean but under control out there and is on his way to being a top-10 pick wherever he lines up.
3. Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech Hokies: He could end up the best of the Fullers, and if you know anything about football you know that's high praise. An NFL-looking talent since he stepped on the field as a freshman, he'll probably be there in the fall of 2016.
4. Tre'Davious White, LSU Tigers: Already has 24 starts in two seasons at LSU, which is saying something when you realize the kind of talent the Tigers have churned out on defense. An explosive mover, he covers well but can track you quickly if you get a step, and he's dangerous in the return game as well, so the ball skills are there.
5. KeiVarae Russell, Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Has started since he arrived in South Bend, but missed the 2014 season due to suspension. Made the right call to come back and with a big season he could be in the first-round mix.