2014 NFL Draft- Cornerback Edition

With Cromartie now in Arizona, the Jets have a hole at CB.

A huge issue Jets fans have had this off-season with John Idzik is allowing Dominique Rodgers- Cromartie, Alterraun Verner, and Vontae Davis to sign with other teams while the Jets have a whole at the cornerback spot. The team also decided to let Antonio Cromartie walk, and Cro went on to sign with the Arizona Cardinals on a one year deal. To me, it is clear the Jets don’t feel Cromartie is healthy. As it stands today, the Jets starting cornerbacks would be second year corner Dee Milliner, slot corner Kyle Wilson, and depth player Darrin Walls. The Jets will certainly look to upgrade this position in the draft, so lets look at some of the potential options.

1. Darqueeze Dennard Michigan State– The consensus number one cornerback in the draft is Justin Gilbert from Oklahoma State, but I would be absolutely stunned if he makes it out of the top 10 in the draft. While Gilbert is a tremendous talent, Dennard is not far behind in terms of ability. Dennard is the type of cornerback that Rex Ryan loves. Dennard is an incredibly physical player who loves to play up on receivers. Dennard has an issue with sometimes grabbing on to receivers, which would result in a flag in the NFL, but that is easily fixable. If Idzik decides to go cornerback at 18, don’t be shocked if Dennard is the pick.

2. Jason Verrett TCU– The main concern with Verrett is his height. Verrett is undersized at 5’9″, but he is as physical as any other cornerback in the draft. Verrett projects mainly to be a nickel corner in the NFL, but he still could be a fit for the Jets if the team feels Kyle Wilson has the ability to play on the outside opposite Dee Milliner. For years, the Jets have had issues stopping opposing teams tight ends. Verrett will be solid at the next level shutting down slot receivers and tight ends.

3. Kyle Fuller Virginia Tech– In my opinion, Fuller is the most underrated cornerback in the draft. Fuller dealt with some injuries while in college, that probably kept him out of the national spotlight. When healthy though, Fuller is as good as any corner. Fuller is a very physical corner, who is also a solid tackler, and is solid in stopping the run. While Fuller may be a slight reach at 18, if the other top corners are off the board, Fuller may be an option for John Idzik and the Jets.

While many fans are panicking about the CB spot, they need to remember it is still March, not September. The cornerback spot will have a few new names in the next few months, that will solidify the position. Dennard, Verrett, and Fuller are all potential options for the Jets while they are on the clock at 18, but there are also options if the team decides to address the position later in the draft. All in all, do not panic Jets fans, the CB spot will be addressed.