2018 NFL Draft: 5 cornerback prospects for the Chiefs

Thomas Welte has a brand new breakdown of draft-ready cornerbacks who could immediately step in and help the Kansas City Chiefs.

This cornerback class is an interesting one. There is a log jam of talent at the top of the class, and then the talent and production levels drop quickly. If a team is looking to add a starting corner this year, and the Chiefs mostly certainly are, they will have to grab one fast.

As with my last piece on edge rushers, these players are based on a combination of scheme fit, and who will potentially be available. Once again the games listed as the “signature games” are ones that give a picture of what a prospect does and does not do well, it is not necessarily their best game.

5. Donte Jackson, CB, Louisiana State University

What I love: Donte Jackson may have the best movement skills in this class. Jackson moves around the field and can keep up with deep threats. Uses his speed to recover well. Jackson has upside, may be a better pro player than college.

What needs improvement: Jackson is slightly undersized, and he plays like it. Dives at ankles for tackles and does not show the punch you want to see when jamming at the line. Relies too much on his athleticism. Jackson gets lost in zone coverage at times, is best suited for a man scheme. Drops some easy interceptions.

The Verdict: It is very likely that Jackson is available when the Chiefs pick, but whether or not he can survive in a press heavy scheme is a gamble. If the Chiefs are confident that they can coach Jackson and fine tune some of his technique, there’s a good chance they can turn Jackson into a starting caliber cornerback. Jackson has the physical tools to cover NFL receivers, but has to improve his technique and play with more physicality.

Signature Game

: Vs. Notre Dame, 2017

4. Mike Hughes, University of Central Florida

What I love: Hughes is just scratching the surface of his potential and could end up being the best corner from this draft. Saw a lot of man coverage at UCF and excelled. Mike Hughes has some stick to him, is nearly always around his guy. Willing to play against the run and has some aggression to his game. Adjusts to the ball well in the air and will make plays on the ball.

What needs improvement: Smaller than what many NFL teams want. Hughes can be stiff at the top of routes and gets beat by receivers with short area quickness. Hughes will have to rework his footwork and backpedal techniques. Can stand to improve his tackle discipline, needs to wrap up with arms and not just drive his shoulder. Limited college experience, one year starter. Some potential character issues, dismissed from UNC in 2015.

The Verdict: Hughes is a high upside player who plays bigger than he is. If the right defensive staff gets a hold of him they can turn him into an above average starter. May need a strong locker room to keep him focused, would likely require some work to fit into the Chiefs scheme.

Signature Game

: Vs. Auburn, 2017

3. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado University

What I love: Perfect combination of size, speed, upside, and scheme fit for the Chiefs. Isaiah Oliver may be the most intriguing option on the board for Kansas City. Oliver has a ton of hustle and chases plays down from the backside. Breaks down and tackles well in the open field. Mirrors his man and does not allow yards after the catch. Plays physical and has recovery speed needed for press man.

What need works: Oliver plays way too high in his back pedal and gets beat on some breaks because of it. His high pad level also gets him driven off the line in run situations. Can use his hands more actively downfield. Played a lot of off man coverage, may need to develop press coverage.

The verdict: Isaiah Oliver has a future in the NFL, and the Chiefs would likely be ecstatic to land him. Oliver has a lot to learn when it comes to technique, but his upside as a press corner is probably the highest in the class. It may take a year, but Oliver can be a Pro Bowl level starter on the outside.

Signature Game: Vs. UCLA, 2017

2. Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

What I love: Hands down, Davis is the most physical corner in this class. Davis is more than happy to punch a receiver at the line, disrupt the route, and then turn and run. Fights his receiver the entire way, does not make any catch easy. Surprisingly athletic for such a big frame, can run with most receivers. Davis is eager and effective in run support.

What needs work: Gets compared to Richard Sherman a lot, that’s a high bar and may bring disappointment his first few years. Davis is going to draw a lot of interference calls down field because of his physical play. Inconsistent footwork, but flashes the ability. Gets tangled up moving laterally at times. Has to learn to get his head turned around when playing the ball, more ball production would be a plus.

The Verdict: Davis’ physicality makes him a potentially special player on the outside. If the Chiefs are looking at running a press man coverage, then Davis will be looked at heavily. I do not think he has the upside to be a Richard Sherman level corner, but I could certainly see him at a level of play similar to Trumaine Johnson or Stephon Gilmore

Signature Game

: Vs. Georgia, 2017

1. Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa

What I love: Elite ball skills, could help produce some turnovers lost with the Marcus Peters trade. Fluid athlete who seems to have natural instincts, despite just one year as a starter. Keeps his eyes in the backfield to make plays. Excels in zone. Uses size to his advantage. Played big in big games. All reports indicate Jackson is a hardworking, high character player.

What needs work: Played more zone than press man, opens up his hips too soon and can be awkward with angles. Definition of a one year wonder, so there is some risk. Some concerns about top end speed. Is susceptible to getting caught with hard breaks on deeper routes. Average tackling.

The Verdict: Jackson may be the closest thing to Marcus Peters, sans off the field issues, in this draft. While he only started one year, he managed to shine and looks like a natural. The biggest concern will be whether or not he fits the press man scheme the Chiefs run, but with a player as talented as Jackson, you find a way to make it work. Jackson is the No. 1 corner on a lot of boards, but there has been movement after the combine.

It’s very likely that Jackson will not be at the Chiefs original pick, so they may need to move up to the top half of the 2nd round or later part of the 1st, but it would certainly be worth the gamble.

Signature Game: Vs. Ohio State, 2017