I think by the time #40 rolls around the top DEs will be gone. So will the top 3 WRs, top safeties and the top OTs. It’s nto the same at CB. Everyone seems to agree this draft is deep at CB just not at the top. Once you get past Marshon Lattimore there is a lot of talent but there are drawbacks as well. So there will be several that represent value at this pick.
Marlon Humphrey 6’0”, 197 lbs Alabama
I’ve seen mocks with Humphrey in the top 15 but I think instead he will fall into the second round because of concerns like this:
SOURCES TELL US
"There are some things on tape that really worry you. If he has trouble playing the long ball it is going to be bombs away against him and his team might have to change how they cover because of that. Those issues usually don't go away." -- Scouting director for AFC team
NFL COMPARISON
Jimmy Smith
He could be great value if he falls to #40. he seems like the type of CB the Panthers would covet given the measurables and the bloodline.
Tre’Davius White, 5’11”, 192 lbs LSU
White doesn’t quite have the size the Panthers cover in height or weight but there is one thing all the scouts seem to agree on about him: He can cover.
White should have the flexiblity to play multiple coverage schemes in the NFL, including off man, press man, and zone. The big problem for him is his size as he struggles to defend some big receivers. Going back to his junior year tape, White had problems with wideouts like Mississippi State's De'Runnya Wilson and Ole Miss' Laquon Treadwell making catches over or in front of him. Bigger receivers box White out or outjump him for 50-50 passes. Both of the aforementioned examples also used their strength to gain some late separation. White is good to run with wide receivers to prevent them from getting open, but big weapons make receptions in front of or over him. White is a competitor, but he can't grow taller, so he could use some coaching points on how to improve at defending bigger receivers.
Here's how one Southeast area scout broke down White, "I think he'll be a good, solid starter. Not dynamic, but tough for cornerbacks to be a dynamic in today's game with the rules the way they are. I think he's an early second-round pick, but wouldn't be shocked to see him go late first because he does have ball skills and return production. With that ability going forward, ... you're getting good bang for your buck."
Kevin King 6’3”, Washington
King is a CB with rare height 6’3” and good ball skills. He seems like the kind of CB the Panthers would covet but he does bring concerns:
IN OUR VIEW: Though his more touted teammates will likely earn a higher draft pick, King's size, awareness and versatility warrant top 100 consideration. His ability to play multiple roles should help King earn a roster spot in the NFL. His size is both a quality and a curse. While big enough to shrink passing lanes, King will always be vulnerable to shifty route-runners.
COMPARES TO: Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Seattle Seahawks: Teams prioritizing length at cornerback will no doubt be intrigued by King's length. Jean-Baptiste has struggled to make an impact in the NFL after the New Orleans Saints made the former Nebraska standout the 58th overall pick of the 2014 draft. King's experience at safety could make his transition to the NFL a smoother one.
Cordrea Tankersley, 6’1”, 199 lbs, Clemson
Here’s another big CB that is athletic and skilled though he has some concerns in his game.
Tankersley isn't an elite speed athlete, but stays hip-to-hip in man coverage and there were several instances of him tracking down ballcarriers from behind on tape. He shows tough-minded tendencies in run support, staying low to wrap and finish.
IN OUR VIEW: Clemson has produced a number of NFL cornerbacks in recent years, including Alexander, Bashaud Breeland, Coty Sensabaugh, Marcus Gilchrist and Byron Maxwell. Tankersley is looking to add his name to that list and could be the first Clemson cornerback to be drafted in the top 45 picks in the past 10 years.
He needs to tweak some technique and discipline issues, but his size, athleticism and ballskills, especially in man coverage, have NFL scouts intrigued and excited for what Tankersley can do in his second year as a starter.
Teez Tabor, 6’0”, 199 lbs, Florida
Tabor would be the whole package if not for some off the field issues. I’m not sure they were bad enough to remove him from the Panthers’ list.
IN OUR VIEW: Tabor has excellent size for the position and plays relaxed in coverage, trusting his skills and feel for the game. He is patient and balanced in press with quick footwork to mirror and ride routes vertically and has the ballskills to force quarterbacks to think twice before challenging him.
COMPARES TO: Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals: Though not quite as big as the Cardinals' Pro Bowler (and certainly less reliable off the field), Tabor boasts a similar brand of pure athleticism, seamlessly changing directions and accelerating to shadow receivers in much the same that Peterson has since being selected No. 5 overall back in 2011.
So my question is would you pick any of these CBs at #40. I’m actually going to throw a couple other names in the poll that you might also consider.
Sidney Jones
Gareon Conley
Fabian Moreau
Poll
Which of these CBs would you draft at #40 for the Panthers?
This poll is closed
-
9%
Marlon Humphrey
-
5%
Tre’Davius White
-
8%
Kevin King
-
27%
Teez Tabor
-
6%
Cordrea Tankersley
-
1%
Fabian Moreau
-
8%
Sidney Jones
-
5%
Gareon Conley
-
25%
No CB at #40
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1%
Other CB