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Draft Preview: Cornerbacks

MIKE MAYOCK'S TOP FIVE

Jalen Ramsey
6-1, 209, Florida State

One of the best athletes in the entire draft, Ramsey will surely be one of the first names called. Made an immediate impact at Florida State, becoming first freshman cornerback to start opener since the legendary Deion Sanders. Versatile two-time All-American could play corner or safety in NFL depending on the fit.

Vernon Hargreaves
5-10, 204, Florida

Another playmaker who made immediate contributions as a freshman, Hargreaves could be a top-10 pick. Earned All-SEC honors each of his three seasons, finishing with 10 career interceptions.

Eli Apple
6-1, 199, Ohio State

Two-year starter declared for the draft after redshirt sophomore year and has size and speed of a first-round pick. Finished career with 18 passes defensed and four interceptions.

Artie Burns
6-0, 193, Miami

Earned All-ACC recognition after leading the conference with six interceptions as a junior in 2015. Became the first Hurricane since Sean Taylor to record a pick in three consecutive games. Former track star has terrific athleticism and could be a late first-round pick.

William Jackson III
6-0, 189, Houston

Junior college transfer was stellar in 2015, leading the nation with 23 passes defensed to go along with five interceptions. Has the length that evaluators look for and could come off the board near the end of Round One.

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LOCAL WORTH A LOOK

Ryan Smith
5-11, 189, North Carolina Central

Two-year starter at corner became the first NCCU player to earn a spot at the NFL Scouting Combine. Dane Brugler of CBS Sports thinks Smith could be drafted in the middle rounds, adding that he "possesses the start/stop quickness and natural cover traits to contribute in a NFL secondary."

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