Matt Miller chooses his top 5 cornerbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft

Matt Miller chooses his top 5 cornerbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft

Ahmad Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr.

With the 2022 NFL Draft closing in fast, all eyes are focusing in on the top prospects in college football. While their college playing days are done, the upcoming NFL combine and pro days are the player’s last chance to make an impression on NFL scouts and secure their future.

While we still have time before the combine, each player is already undergoing a thorough investigation of their measurable and playing ability. The reputed college football scout, Matt Miller, is the latest to have a verdict on the 2022 NFL Draft class, in particular the cornerback position.

There are a decent number of teams looking to find studs in the first round. If a playoff-caliber team can find a legitimate star like Patrick Peterson or Jalen Ramsey, the low pay of a rookie contract can forge a Super Bowl winning team, like the 2013 Seattle Seahawks. There’s an abundance of cornerbacks in this year’s NFL Draft and Matt Miller revealed his top 5.

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Related: The top 20 NFL Draft Prospects in 2022

#1: Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, Cincinnati

Ahmad Gardner
Ahmad Gardner

Ahmad Gardner is Matt Miller’s #1 cornerback in the 2022 NFL Draft and it’s very difficult to argue that selection. Sauce is a big-bodied corner at 6’3″ and 200 pounds that can physically dominate smaller statured receivers. He’s got great speed to keep up with the deep threats but also doesn’t get put off by the shifter guys as he’s shown excellent man coverage skills. Sauce truly is the real deal.

#2: Derek Stingley Jr., LSU

Derek Stingley Jr.
Derek Stingley Jr.

Derek Stingley Jr. is many people’s #1 cornerback in this year’s NFL Draft. The similarities between him and Ahmad Gardner are plain to see. Stingley also is the prototypical size for an NFL cornerback at 6’1″ and 195 pounds. He utilizes his length excellently off the line to gain an advantage and if he can’t do that, he has the speed to match any receiver.

Along with his excellent coverage skills, Stingley possesses elite ball skills that makes him a turnover threat anywhere on the field. Like Richard Sherman, Stingley was a former wide receiver and he uses his knowledge of the position to make plays on passes excellently. It’ll be between him and Ahmad Gardner for the top cornerback selected this year.

#3: Trent McDuffie, Washington

Trent McDuffie
Trent McDuffie

Nothing controversial about Trent McDuffie at #3. He’s another great athlete that knows how to use his athleticism to shut down receivers. While he may lack a bit of length and size to deal with the big red zone threats in the NFL, he can still do it but he will thrive when covering the shifter slot receivers.

A huge plus that McDuffie brings is his willingness to commit in the run game. He plays extremely physically and loves to be an aggressive tackler. Many cornerbacks like to keep themselves clean when going up against big backs. Not McDuffie. He’ll fly around the field to make any tackle.

#4: Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson

Andrew Booth Jr.
Andrew Booth Jr.

Andrew Booth Jr. is a bit different than the others in this list. While he has the size like them, he lacks the speed. He’s by no means slow, however, he may find himself behind certain deep-threat receivers. Regardless, when in a position to make a play on the ball, he always does.

If he had the game breaking speed, he might’ve been able to find himself atop this list. Without it, there are chances that receivers can blow by him or make big plays after the catch.

#5: Roger McCreary, Auburn

Roger McCreary
Roger McCreary

Roger McCreary is the real standout on this list. He’s not the big body cornerback like the other 4. His somewhat smaller stature may have put a chip on his shoulder because he plays very competitively. He’s got great patience at the line and when the ball is in the air allowing him to be a real threat.

McCreary also is committed to stopping the run is a solid tackler. However, there have been times where he has missed tackles due to poor technique. This technique issue can stem into his coverage abilities which is why he may rank 5th in this list. Regardless, he may just need a little time to develop into a solid NFL cornerback.

Also read: Cincinnati Bengals: Top 3 free agents that they can target in the off-season