This class has some questions to it even if it does have a bunch of talented guys. Is Travis Hunter going to reach his absolute apex as a CB? Is Will Johnson the guy he was in 2023 or the guy he was in 2024? Will Benjamin Morrison or Shavon Revel Jr. return to their pre-injury forms? What is Jadhae Barron’s best position in the secondary? Does Azareye’h Thomas become the best CB from this class? Such an interesting group.

Cornerback

1. Travis Hunter (Colorado):  I’m ranking Hunter as a CB, I think it’s his best position eventually.  It would be much simpler for him to be a full-time CB and then play WR some of the time, instead of being a full-time WR and a part-time CB.  His upside as a CB is being an All-Pro.  He’s a one of one athlete and once he concentrates on one position, he’s going to be elite, and I’m not talking about by college standards.  His body control is crazy and his ball skills are fantastic.  He has the size and skills to be the best CB in the league.  Let him moonlight as a WR, don’t waste a CB talent like him. 

2. Will Johnson (Michigan):  Johnson had a down year at Michigan and that only means he should go somewhere between 7-15 in round one instead of the top 5, that’s how good he actually is.  He’s 6’2 202 lbs. so he looks a little slender but he’s tough as nails.  His footwork can get a little messy but he can recover and he just needs to tighten it up.  He wasn’t healthy all year and yet he was still better than most.  He doesn’t have elite speed but he’s excellent overall, don’t over think it. 

3. Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame): This is a tough one.  From a talent standpoint Morrison should be right here but he’s coming off a hip injury that scares me.  CBs have to be able to flip their hips to run with WRs and Morrison’s transitions weren’t the smoothest before the injury.  What is he now?  If he’s healthy, he’s a stud who can play outside CB or in the slot and he has great CB size.  If his health is compromised, I just don’t know. 

4. Jahdae Barron (Texas):  Barron’s biggest strength might also be his biggest weakness as a draft prospect.  He was a slot corner in 2023 and was really good playing inside.  Then this year he moved outside and showed he was really good there.  He also sometimes plays like a safety, so the question is, where do you play him.  He’s going to help someone’s defense for sure but what’s his best spot.  Two things working against him, he’s already 23, so has he reached his ceiling? Also, he’s maybe 5’11 so he doesn’t have elite height to be an outside CB. 

5. Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina): Another guy coming off an injury but his is a little more straight forward.  He tore his ACL back in September so as long as he hasn’t had any set backs in recovery, that shouldn’t be an issue.  He has elite CB potential with his length, speed, and coverage skills.  He’s a legit 6’2 (he might actually be 6’3) and while he’s a little slight at 188 lbs., it hasn’t hindered him at all.  He’s feisty and plays with an attitude. 

*Other player to note: Azareye’h Thomas (Florida St.): Thomas was a forgotten man with Florida St.’s terrible season.  He also had a couple of guys a head of him last season who got drafted.  He showed up at the Senior Bowl and made everyone take notice. He’s 6’2 198 lbs. and plays with physicality you want to see out of a guy that size. He’s got some things to work on but he’s only 20 years old and they don’t make that many guys built like him to play CB.