Positional Breakdown: 2024 Cornerbacks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just like the Defensive Line position group I had to split the defensive backs into corners and safeties so we could cover more athletes but also give a stronger analysis of the position groupings in New York. While some of these guys play both CB and S, the criteria was less where you lined up all season and more where you project at the next level. For example, some guys who play SS/OLB in 4-4 or 4-5 defenses are really slot corners at the next level. With that being said, these positionings are fairly fluid, so some guys who are cornerbacks here could end up playing S at the next level. However, here are some of the top CBs in New York. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>The Top Guy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["277897"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='277897' first='Samuel' last='Madu'] is an elite athlete and easily one of the best athletes in the state regardless of position. Madu has elite explosiveness with really good foot speed, lateral agility, and change of direction. In coverage Madu is really solid at mirroring receivers both in off coverage and press-man coverage. Madu is really physical at the catch point and does a really good job of using his length to disrupt the catch. Madu could work a little more on getting his head around defending longer throws but he has really good awareness of where the receiver is at in their route and does a really good job of only becoming physical at the catch point. Madu is the most complete cornerback in this class and his coverage ability and sure tackling make him the type of player who could contribute in college immediately. Not to mention that he has strong experience on special teams and could be very valuable to teams that emphasis the special teams.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64134372aca97"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Five Prospects To Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["521457"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='521457' first='Aaron' last='Roseboro'] is a ball hawk type of cornerback who plays an aggressive style of coverage that leads to INTs and PBUs. Roseboro showed on tape he can play multiple types of coverage and really does a good job of breaking up contested catch situations. Roseboro plays bigger than he is and does a really good job of being physical with receivers. Roseboro is also a responsible tackler as a defensive back and does a good job of wrapping legs and finishing tackles the right way and not just attempting to hit guys high. Overall, Roseboro is a really solid prospect but this season could take the next step by turning those ball hawk tendencies into more consistent TOs for Bennett.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["233641"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='233641' first='Jaden' last='Codrington'] is a really twitchy quick athlete that can move with anyone in the state. While he lacks some size at only 165lbs he plays much bigger than his size. Codrington plays mostly on the outside as a cornerback but shows the sticky coverage skills and awareness to move to the slot at the next level. Despite his size, Codrington is actually really good at breaking up contested catches and does a good job of challenging the catch point. Codrington also has really good break on the ball on shorter routes in front of him where his quick twitch ability allow him to make plays on the ball while not being overaggresive.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["277893"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='277893' first='Mekhi' last='Edwards'] is a really solid cornerback prospect whose athleticism and ability in press man coverage are top traits in his skillset. Edwards does a good job of mirroring and disrupting the release of receivers off the LOS. Edwards has solid ball skills and can make plays at the catch point but can get handsy at times in coverage. Edwards is a prospect who has a super high ceiling and with more coaching and development could take the next step in his ability to cover down the field. Edwards is a willing tackler and does a good job of showing that he is willing to be physical and get involved. If he can improve on his coverage skillset outside of his ability to press receivers Edwards is on his way to becoming a very complete prospect.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["521449"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='521449' first='Giovanni' last='Downer'] is a very versatile player who played a little bit of everything on defense for Cardinal Hayes. Downer is a playmaker around the LOS and his best positioning could be in the slot. He is a really solid tackler and very instinctive in the run game. His ability to diagnose plays and attack the ball without hesitation is his best trait. In coverage, Downer is a physical player in his coverage and can get handsy but does a solid job of mirroring his man. Downer is probably the best run defender on this list but his coverage could use some more development. His size and frame make him a really solid option to play slot corner or star position as a floating safety at the next level.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["606259"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='606259' first='Desmond' last='Leonard'] is a really well rounded cornerback is a twitchy cornerback who not only is really solid in coverage but a threat as a returner and can take any INT back for a big gain. Leonard is really solid in zone coverage where his awareness and route recognition are strong traits. Leonard has good ball skills with a strong ability to track the ball down the field and make plays at the catch point. Leonard could show stronger consistency in the run game but has shown to be a willing tackler. Leonard is a really solid cornerback prospect who could, due to size, move to the slot at the next level. He shows some of the best football IQ amongst this defensive back class.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64134372acbfb"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Sleeper Prospects You Should Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["252017"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='252017' first='Ranall' last='White Jr'] is a very talented athlete who has incredible speed. White Jr can go stride for stride with any receiver in New York and does a really good job of mirroring his opponents down the field. White also does a good job of knowing when to get his head around and make a play on the ball or when to track the receivers movements to break up the pass at the catch point. White Jr could be more phyiscal in the run game but shows some of the best mirroring and ball skills in this class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["535755"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='535755' first='Christopher' last='King Jr'] has some of the best physical traits in this class where his length at 6-2 shines on his tape. King Jr also has great burst and acceleration making him a threat in coverage to make plays on the ball. King Jr is solid in coverage but his short area burst and length allow him to make plays that other corners cannot due to his ability to close on the ball. King Jr is solid in zone coverage and diagnosing plays keeping his eyes keyed on the backfield and shows on tape he will get physical and make tackles. King Jr can work on his ability to disrupt at the LOS and getting better initial punch on WRs at the LOS. King Jr also will occasionally get caught looking in the backfield when a QB scrambles allowing receivers to trail in behind him. Overall, King Jr has really quality traits and some of the areas you want to see him improve are very coachable. One of the most intriguing prospects headed into this season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["265335"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Kynan Ulanga II is one of the most fundamentally sound DBs in New York. Ulanga has some pretty impressive positionaly versatility playing Safety and CB for St. Francis. Although he lined up a ton at S, I think he projects best at CB at the next level because his best tape comes when he is lined up in the slot as a cornerback. Ulanga is solid at diagnosing quick routes and breaking to the ball in order to make a play. While he is a solid tackler, part of my CB projection is because he could be more physical with blockers and as a tackler, whereas his coverage skills are a little more developed and consistent. Ulanga has quality tape but becoming a much more physical player will help him make a jump as a more dominant DB this fall.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64134372acc94"} /-->