Editor’s note: The Union-Tribune’s Eddie Brown is breaking down prospects, position by position, leading up to the NFL draft (April 24-26). Here are his top 10 cornerbacks, plus “bonus” players he believes will be drafted or signed as a priority free agent:

— 1. Will Johnson (Jr., Michigan, 6-foot-2, 194 pounds)

Johnson is a press corner with outstanding size, ball skills and fluid athleticism. The former five-star recruit would’ve been the first corner off the board last year had he been eligible. If I were evaluating Colorado’s Travis Hunter purely as a cornerback, I’d slot him right behind the defensive MVP of the 2023 national championship game. Johnson reminds me of Denver Broncos lockdown corner Patrick Surtain Jr., a former top-10 pick and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was listed No. 28 on Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks List headed into last season, reportedly running the 3-cone drill in 6.57 seconds, which would’ve been the fastest time for a cornerback the previous two years at the NFL combine. There are questions surrounding his speed — like Surtain, he’s fast enough — and a turf toe injury cost him most of his junior season. Now a hamstring injury has hampered him during the draft process, and his individual workout on Monday was a mixed bag by all accounts. It wouldn’t surprise me if he isn’t drafted as high as he should be. Anywhere outside of the top 10 is thievery. Projected: Round 1

— 2. Jahdae Barron (Sr., Texas, 5-11, 194)

The former four-star recruit is a quick processor who can anticipate what receivers are going to do, and he plays bigger than his size suggests. Pro Football Focus had Barron as the nation’s highest-graded corner (90.8) last season. There were questions surrounding his straight-line speed headed into the combine, but he answered them by running a 4.39 40-yard dash (8.64 RAS). The Jim Thorpe Award winner (best defensive back) and consensus All-American could thrive as a “big nickel” or even at safety in the pros, where his instincts and ball skills would be best utilized. Projected: Round 1

— 3. Benjamin Morrison (Jr., Notre Dame, 6-0, 193)

Morrison is a former four-star recruit with premium coverage instincts, fluid athleticism and elite ball skills — he had nine interceptions in his first two seasons in South Bend. He was voted team captain before suffering a season-ending hip injury last October, so his draft stock will be affected by medical clearances and how he recovers. Morrison has been mentored by Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green, his father’s former teammate and a family friend. Projected: Round 2

— 4. Azareye’h Thomas (Jr., Florida St., 6-1, 196)

Speed isn’t Thomas’ game, but badgering receivers into submission until the QB decides to stop looking their way works just as well. The fourth-ranked athlete in the 2022 recruiting class is big, physical and capable of imposing his will in press coverage before a wideout even crosses the line of scrimmage. Thomas only had one interception over the last two seasons, but that’s primarily because quarterbacks avoided his side of the field as a rule. Projected: Round 2

— 5. Shavon Revel Jr. (Sr., East Carolina, 6-2, 202)

A former no-star recruit, Revel tore his ACL last September during practice, but his size, athleticism, physicality and ball skills all add up to a first-round prospect. You don’t have to squint too hard to see some Richard Sherman in his game. His doctor, Daniel E. Cooper, said in a letter to NFL teams before the combine that he expects Revel to be good to go for the start of the 2025 season. If teams receive good news during his medical rechecks, there’s still a chance he’s selected on day one of the draft. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— 6. Trey Amos (Sr., Ole Miss, 6-1, 195)

Amos played three seasons with Louisiana before transferring to Alabama. After Nick Saban retired, he decided to finish his collegiate career in Oxford, Miss. The former three-star recruit was selected first-team All-SEC last season. Amos features the size, physicality and the movement skills to thrive in man coverage. He smothers slants and rarely gets beat deep. Amos is a willing run defender, but he needs a more consistent approach to tackling. Projected: Round 2

— 7. Maxwell Hairston (Jr., Kentucky, 5-11, 183)

There are physical limitations, but Hairston wins with vision and anticipation. He’s a liability against the run, but he’s scrappy, fearless and features impressive ball production with six interceptions (three pick-sixes) in his last 20 games. Hairston was also the fastest player at the NFL combine, clocking a 4.28-second 40-yard dash, while showing serious fluidity in the on-field drills. The former three-star recruit was seen as a fringe first-rounder before Indy, so his arrow is definitely pointing up. Hairston missed five games last season with a shoulder injury. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— 8. Nohl Williams (Sr., California, 6-0, 199)

A former three-star recruit, Williams spent three years at UNLV before joining the Golden Bears in 2023. He was a consensus All-American last season, leading the FBS in interceptions (seven) and ACC in passes defensed (15). Williams isn’t a burner, but he’s smooth, physical and displays a natural feel for the game in man or zone. He’s improved as a tackler, but there’s still work to do as a run defender. Williams produced four TDs in two seasons at Cal: one interception return, two fumble returns and a kickoff return (he averaged 27.6 yards as a kick returner last year). Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 9. Jacob Parrish (Jr., Kansas St., 5-10, 191)

A former three-star recruit, Parrish was a Kansas state champion in the 100- and 200-meter dash, before becoming a two-year starter for the Wildcats. He led the team in interceptions and passes defensed each season, earning honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition both times. Parrish offers inside-outside versatility, premium athleticism (8.82 RAS) and his technique is fundamentally sound. Despite his size, he’s an asset against the run and a reliable open-field tackler. Parrish’s play strength will have to be a point of emphasis in the pros. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 10. Darien Porter (Sr., Iowa St., 6-3, 195)

A former three-star recruit at wide receiver, Porter finished his prep career with five Iowa state titles as a sprinter. He stayed on offense for three seasons with the Cyclones, before switching to defense. Porter has only started seven games, and didn’t crack the starting lineup until his sixth season in college, but his elite combination of size, length and speed (9.99 RAS) will be catnip for coaches looking for a summer project. Porter was also a dynamo on special teams, indicative of his athletic gifts, blocking a punt in each of the past four seasons (and one field goal last year) and finishing his collegiate career with 18 tackles. He turned 24 in January. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 11. Dorian Strong (Sr. Virginia Tech, 6-1, 185)

A former three-star recruit, Strong earned All-ACC recognition each of the past two seasons for the Hokies, producing five interceptions and 19 passes defensed. He’s physical, and athletic (8.33 RAS) with good size. He’s capable of being disruptive in press, but features the instincts, and spatial awareness to thrive in zone. Projected: Round 4

— 12. Quincy Riley (Sr., Louisville, 5-11, 194)

A former three-star recruit, Riley won South Carolina state titles in the 100- and 200-meter dash. He spent three years at Middle Tennessee, earning All-CUSA recognition twice, before joining the Cardinals in 2022. He was second-team All-ACC last season, and has multiple interceptions in five straight seasons, and double-digit passes defensed in three of the last four. As a run defender, he just dives at ankles. His size might necessitate a move inside, somewhere he hasn’t played much, depending on the scheme. Riley turns 24 in May. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 13. Cobee Bryant (Sr., Kansas, 6-0, 180)

A former three-star recruit, Bryant became a four-year starter for the Jayhawks, earning first-team All-Big 12 recognition the past three seasons (first in program history) and second-team All-American honors last year. Bryant is hyper-competitive and seems to know where the ball is at all times. He’s highly-productive, producing 13 interceptions and 35 passes defensed in four seasons. He’s scored four TDs in three different ways: interception return (twice), fumble return and a blocked field goal return. Bryant can press, but his ball skills and instincts shine in zone. However, his aggressiveness gets the best of him sometimes. He draws his share of flags, and then some, and he’s susceptible to being beaten by double moves. Projected: Round 6

— 14. Caleb Ransaw (Sr., Tulane, 5-11, 197)

A former two-star recruit, Ransaw spent three years at Troy before joining the Green Wave last season. He earned All-Conference accolades in two conferences (Sun Belt and AAC). There’s an overall lack of ball production, but his elite athleticism (9.75 RAS), versatility (played outside, inside and safety) and tenacity as a run defender are great building blocks. He has the experience and mentality to be a weapon on special teams (blocked a field goal his sophomore season). Ransaw’s cousin, Dre Kirkpatrick, was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round (No. 17 overall) in 2012, and spent 10 years in the NFL at cornerback. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— 15. Denzel Burke (Sr., Ohio St., 5-11, 186)

A former four-star recruit, Burke started 51 games for the Buckeyes, earning All-Big Ten recognition all for years in Columbus, and was selected second-team All-American in 2023. He was the first true freshman to start a season opener for Ohio State since 1996 on defense (Andy Katzenmoyer). Burke was hopeless against speedy Oregon wide receivers last October, but bounced back against the same group in the Rose Bowl. He’s an outside corner with good eyes and awareness in zone. He’s also physical in coverage or against the run, but he’ll need to get stronger in the pros. Burke has been a regular on kickoff and punt return coverages the past two seasons. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— 16. Zy Alexander (Sr., LSU, 6-1, 187)

A former no-star recruit because of a broken collarbone his junior year of high school, Alexander spent three years at Southeastern Louisiana, where he earned FCS All-American recognition, before joining the Tigers in 2023. He’s had multiple interceptions each of the past four seasons. Alexander transitioned from the FCS to the SEC and didn’t miss a beat. He’s competitive at the catch point, effective in man and zone, and a sure tackler in run support and in space. Alexander missed the final five games in 2023 after tearing his ACL in his left knee. He turns 24 in November. Projected: Round 5

— 17. Upton Stout (Sr., Western Kentucky, 5-8, 181)

A former three-star recruit at safety, Stout spent two years at North Texas before joining the Hilltoppers in 2022. He was first-team All-CUSA after producing an interception, a sack, and 52 tackles (7 1/2 tackles for a loss) last season, his first year at nickelback. Stout is tiny, and can be handsy with his lack of length, but he’s ultra-competitive, a willing tackler, and meets the quickness requirements for a slot defender. Stout was named the American Team Player of the Week for his position during practices at the Senior Bowl. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— 18. Jordan Hancock (Sr., Ohio St., 6-0, 195)

The fifth-ranked cornerback in the 2021 recruiting class, Hancock didn’t become a full-time starter for the Buckeyes until last season, helping them win a national title for the first time since 2014. He features good size, elite athleticism (9.82 RAS) and versatility, having played outside, inside and safety (where he might end up in the pros). He’s also an above-average tackler as a run defender and in space, improving significantly last season. A hamstring tear cost Hancock seven games in 2022. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— 19. Robert Longerbeam (Sr., Rutgers, 5-11, 175)

A former three-star recruit as an athlete, Longerbeam committed to the Scarlet Knights as a wide receiver before switching to cornerback his first year. He was voted team captain last season before earning honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition after producing a team-high two interceptions and 13 passes defensed. A son of a football coach, he’s tougher than his size suggests and a leader (on and off the field), but his lack of size and play strength does show up against the run. Longerbeam led all cornerbacks with an 11-foot-2 broad jump at the combine (8.72 RAS). He turned 24 in January. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— 20. Jabbar Muhammad (Sr., Oregon, 5-9, 178)

A former three-star recruit, Muhammad spent three years at Oklahoma State before transferring to Washington, where he helped the Huskies reach the national championship game after leading the Pac-12 with 16 passes defensed. Surprisingly, instead of jumping to the NFL, he took advantage of the COVID-19 extra year of eligibility, ending up in Eugene last season, where he received honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition after leading the Ducks with 12 passes defensed. Muhammad is small, and not very explosive, but his combined 37 passes defensed the past three seasons were the most in the FBS. His ball-hawking instincts are right up there with the best of this class, but a team will have to look past his physical limitations. Muhammad turns 24 in December. Projected: PFA

— 21. Korie Black (Sr., Oklahoma St., 6-0, 192)

A former three-star recruit, Black earned honorable mention All-Big-12 recognition each of the past two seasons for the Cowboys. He features good size and elite speed (8.42 RAS). Black was one of the few bright spots on a bad defense last season, producing three interceptions with 12 passes defensed. He’s also blocked two field goals in his collegiate career, and returned another for a TD. Black’s younger brother, Kobe, committed to Texas as a five-star cornerback recruit last year. Projected: Round 5

— 22. Zah Frazier (Sr., UTSA, 6-3, 186)

A no-star recruit because he was still focused on basketball, Frazier was a JUCO All-American (Coffeyville Community College in Kansas) before transferring to Texas-San Antonio, where he led the American Athletic Conference in interceptions (six) and passes defensed (15) last season. Frazier features a rare combination of size (33-inch arms), speed (9.36 RAS) and ball skills (only had 10 starts). He’s an outside corner, ideally suited to play press-man in the pros. Frazier turns 25 in October. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— 23. Mello Dotson (Sr., Kansas, 6-0, 183)

A former three-star recruit, Dotson became a four-year starter for the Jayhawks, earning second-team All-American recognition last season. Dotson turned four of his 12 career interceptions into TDs and produced 27 passes defensed the past two seasons. He’s an instinctive outside corner whose size and ball production will make him a potential target late in the draft for a zone-heavy team. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— 24. Jason Marshall Jr. (Sr., Florida, 6-0, 194)

Marshall was the second-ranked cornerback, behind only Kool-Aid McKinstry, in the 2021 recruiting class. He led the Gators in passes defensed as a sophomore and junior, but ended up missing the final six games last season after suffering a torn labrum. Marshall is an athletic (9.42 RAS) outside corner with prototypical size, but there’s too much inconsistencies in his game. He alternates between technician and lost at times. Projected: Round 6

— 25. Bilhal Kone (Sr., Western Michigan, 6-1, 190)

A former no-star recruit, Kone got his start at Iowa Central Community College before transferring to Indiana State for a year, and then, finally joining the Broncos in 2023. He led them in passes defensed both seasons despite only starting year. Kone was one of only four FBS corners with at least 70 tackles in 2024. He’s tall, fast, plays with poise and takes smart angles to the ball. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— 26. Donte Kent (Sr., Central Michigan, 5-10, 187)

A former three-star recruit, Kent became a four-year starter for the Chippewas, earning All-MAC recognition the past three seasons, including last year when he made the team as both cornerback and punt returner. He averaged 13.6 yards per punt return his senior season, including a 68-yard TD against Central Connecticut. Kent is a good tackler for the position, producing at least 51 tackles each of the past four seasons. He’s also produced 45 passes defensed the last four years. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— 27. Mac McWilliams (Sr., UCF, 5-10, 191)

A former two-star recruit, McWilliams spent four years at UAB, where he was voted team captain, before joining the Knights last season. He lacks length, but he plays with anticipation in coverage, and aggressively downhill against the run. McWilliams missed five games with a thumb injury in 2021 and six games in 2022 with a leg injury. He turns 24 in November. Projected: Round 5

— 28. Alijah Huzzie (Sr., North Carolina, 5-10, 193)

A former no-star recruit, despite quarterbacking his high school to its first ever state championship, Huzzie spent four years at East Tennessee State after switching to defensive back, earning FCS All-American recognition, before joining the Tar Heels in 2023. Huzzie’s ball production is impressive — 16 interceptions and 60 passes defensed in six seasons — and he’s played both inside and outside. He’s also averaged 13.9 yards per punt return in his collegiate career with a punt return TD in each of the past two seasons in Chapel Hill. Huzzie is undersized, especially his arms, but he plays with anticipation and exceptional body control. He was a standout during East-West Shrine Bowl practices, but he suffered a torn ACL there, which will no doubt affect his chances of getting drafted. Huzzie turned 24 in January. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— 29. Melvin Smith Jr. (Sr., Southern Arkansas, 5-10, 190)

A former no-star recruit, Smith became a prolific four-year starter for the Muleriders, producing nine interceptions with 35 passes defensed the past two seasons. He returned three of those interceptions for TDs and also registered a 99-yard kick return for a TD last year. Smith was able to show good mirror-and-match skills at the Senior Bowl, which is exactly what you want to see from a Division II corner stepping up in competition. Projected: PFA

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