Nate Wiggins, the high-speed talent?
On April 25, the 2024 NFL draft will be held in Detroit. The opportunity to present the different prospects in more detail through new thematic articles, the “Prototype”. The idea is simple: identify the perfect prospect, with the main quality of each player entered in the draft. Today, a look back at defensive positions, with cornerbacks in the spotlight.
Speed: Nate Wiggins
It is undoubtedly one of the big winners of the last Scouting Combine. By going under 4 seconds and 30 hundredths in the 40 yard dash, Nate Wiggins confirmed that his status as a speedy and explosive prospect was not overused. Certainly, his more “frail” size than other competitors for the position works against him, but his burst of speed gives him a certain advantage in deep play or in zone defense, with 19 passes defended over the last two campaigns. . Some will also remember his clever fumble against North Carolina in a very dangerous situation.
Physique: Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
We almost tend to summarize his game a little too much on this, but in the famous hunt for major “press” cornerbacks, Rakestraw Jr. scored valuable points throughout the season. Without being the strongest on the board, the Missouri defender knows how to use his upper body to harass his opponent, with good arm length and extremely well-oiled technique. The risk of injury exists concerning him, but that in no way takes away from the intrinsic qualities of the man.
Vision of the game: Kool-Aid McKinstry
His production hasn't been as stellar as other prospects in recent months. It must be said that in the long run, quarterbacks seriously avoided throwing in his direction. By the admission of many receivers, McKinstry is a player who is quite difficult to get rid of, due to his ability to almost always be one step ahead. Endowed with excellent instincts, the Birmingham native knows how to read the quarterback's eyes and defend effectively against the play. This vision and flair allow him not only to excel on defense but also on special teams, as a returner. .
Quinyon Mitchell, a real “cat” from the throw.
Supports / Changes of direction: Terrion Arnold
McKinstry's rapid emergence on Alabama's campus has allowed another Crimson Tide cornerback to shine. Former safety, Terrion Arnold was able to apply his excellent mobility to become versatile within the last defensive curtain, and even become one of the best cornerbacks of last season. Beyond its size, its supports offer it the possibility of being able to defend on almost any type of route, which will certainly make it a rare commodity for the next draft, and perhaps even the whole first corner selected.
Responsiveness: Quinyon Mitchell
We can consider that McKinstry has the better vision and Arnold the better fluidity of movement. However, Quinyon Mitchell combines these two abilities to be the most reactive and unpredictable cornerback in this class. Certainly, the Toledo defender didn't only come across cracks as a quarterback, but even when he seemed to be left out of the equation on certain plays, he was able to demonstrate a real surge to go up and intervene quickly on his direct opponent. A profile which would make him an absolutely perfect weapon to play in a zone defense and cover a fairly wide sector of the field.
Tackle/run stop: Cooper DeJean
During his time at Iowa, Cooper DeJean developed multiple qualities. But his ability to help on the ground game is remarkable in every way. It must be said that in a program that emphasizes technique and execution, in a conference fond of intensive running games, the defensive back had a lot to learn. For example, we will remember its 2022 financial year with only 2% of missed tackles. What makes us wonder about a possible retraining of Cooper DeJean as a safety at the higher level, depending on the needs of his future franchise.
Reliable Hands: Mike Sainristil
He is not the most prominent cornerback in this class and for good reason: he is mainly expected in the slot. But the one who was a receiver by training when he arrived on the Michigan campus has kept his good hands and has already been active more than once in this area. In 2023, after a year of learning the position, the nickelback caught 6 interceptions, including two returned for a touchdown! Some will also remember that Mike Sainristil was the author of one of Michigan's interceptions during the last college final won by the Wolverines…
