2016 NFL Scouting Combine: DBs to Watch

Cornerbacks

1. Jalen Ramsey 6'1 209 Florida State

- Ramsey was arguably the Seminoles’ best player. Athletic ability, instincts, and ball skills are very good. Versatile defender as he’s played safety, corner, and some linebacker. Converted to cornerback full time in 2015 after the departure of several talented teammates to the NFL. He possesses the size and athleticism that scouts crave. His confidence elevates the level of play around him. Had a great 2015 season despite a turnstile at safety beside him due to injury and lack of "talent". He is a talented corner but could be the next Eric Berry should he be converted to safety. A Tennessee native.

2. Vernon Hargreaves 5'10 204 Florida

- The best pure cornerback prospect in the class. He was the Gators' best defender at times. The definition of shutdown corner. Instincts are good. Size is another plus. He's had to cope with being the leader of an exhausted defense due to the Florida's totally and utterly inept offense.

3. Harlan Miller 6'0 182 Southeastern Louisiana

- Miller was part of a group of small school DBs that stood out. He has quick feet and a good amount of agility. Miller rarely had a bad rep and kept pace with the smaller and faster receivers in Mobile. He needs to add weight to his frame though. The Titans do have a penchant for finding and developing small school defensive backs late in the draft so he could be a pick later on. Also a reported interview by the Titans.

4. Deiondre' Hall 6'1 192 Northern Iowa

- Hall had a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He showed no fear in challenging the big name receivers. He is built like what most NFL teams try to emulate in Seattle's secondary. Long arms and willing to hit you in the mouth. Boosted himself in the third round conversation and could be higher with another solid performance.

5. D.J. White 5'11 193 Georgia Tech

- White is one of the more underrated corners nationally. He had a solid 2015 campaign even his Yellow Jackets struggled as a whole. A decent amount of size but needs to hit the weight room and fill out the frame some more. White has some solid hip movements. Footwork is above average. Could be a mid round pick with some work. He was a East-West Shrine Game participant.

6. William Jackson III 6'0 189 Houston

- WJ3 was arguably the most underrated corners in the country. He was part of a great secondary for the Cougars. It was a shame that he had to pull out of the Senior Bowl due to injury. It will be interesting to see how he performs at the Combine if he's healthy.

7. Kendall Fuller 5'11 187 Virginia Tech

-  Fuller can make an argument that he is one of the best cornerbacks in the nation. He has impressive NFL/NCAA bloodlines as he's the youngest brother of the Fuller clan that were Hokies and went on to the NFL. There is also a Titans connection as oldest brother Vincent was a 2005 draft pick. Kendall might the best of the family, which is saying something because Kyle was pretty good during his rookie year in 2014. Instincts and fundamentals are excellent. Athleticism is very good as well. He has the speed to keep up with the faster receivers and plays bigger than his measurements. He had an inconsistent 2015 due to injury.

8. Kevin Peterson 5'10 181 Oklahoma State

- The best corner in the country not named VH3 or Jalen Ramsey. He's a shutdown corner that has a wealth of experience due to the propensity of the Big 12 to pass the ball around a lot. Quick hips and fluid breaks are a plus to his game. Based on coverage ability and other factors, I rate him ahead of Florida's Vernon Hargreaves III. The Cowboys' best defender at times.

Safeties

1. Jayron Kearse 6'4 216 Clemson

- Kearse was one of the top safeties in the ACC, if not the entire country. Athleticism is off the charts good and he has worked diligently on his fundamentals this year. Good athlete that can play both safety positions but strong safety is likely his calling card. NFL bloodlines are a plus as he is the nephew of former Titans great Jevon Kearse and former Miami Hurricanes DB Phillip Buchanon is a cousin. Molded in the form of much more athletic Kam Chancellor.

2. Karl Joseph 5'10 205 West Virginia

- Joseph was one of the best safeties in the country before tearing his ACL early in the season. Football IQ and work ethic are a plus asset. Range and athleticism are as well. If he’s proven to be healthy, he should test well in Indy. Medicals will be huge for him.

3. Darian Thompson 6'2 208 Boise State

- He kept up stride for stride against some of the faster receivers without losing much at all. Ball location skills were on point during every drill. He got to almost every ball thrown his way. Impressive prospect with a great week against the big boys in Mobile. In the running for best safety in the class. Could be the first safety taken off the board.

4. Jalen Mills 6'0 191 LSU

- The elder statesman of the Bayou Bengals secondary. Arguably the best safety prospect in the country. Football IQ and instincts are very good. Experienced and position versatile as he's seen pretty much everything at both corner and safety. He missed a significant portion of the 2015 season early on dealing with a broken leg. Medicals are a big concern with him.

Bonus prospects to watch

1. Deon Bush 6'0 199 S Miami

2. Jeremy Cash 6'0 212 S Duke

3. Vonn Bell 5'11 199 S Ohio State

4. Mackensie Alexander 5'10 190 CB Clemson

5. Artie Burns 6'0193 CB Miami

6. KeiVarae Russell 5'11 192 CB Notre Dame

7. Zack Sanchez 5'11 185 CB Oklahoma

8. Eric Murray 5'11 199 CB Minnesota