It was the defensive backs’ time to shine on the field during the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday. It was a chance to see what looks like a very deep class, especially at the cornerback position. Here are a few players that helped themselves Friday.
DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
Coming into this whole process, we knew DJ Turner was very athletic, having made Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks List. He also showed on the field during the season that he can be a fast, speedy cornerback. He put an exclamation point on that speed Friday at the Combine, running a 4.26 40-yard dash.
He may be a little undersized at five-foot-eleven and 178 pounds, but his speed and the way he handles the field should help make up for the size deficiency.
Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Deonte Banks was already getting some buzz as a late first-round cornerback. That buzz is only going to get louder after Banks ran a 4.30 40 while also recording the highest vertical jump — 42 inches — among all the cornerbacks.
A cornerback that can move inside and outside with that kind of speed is going to make teams not feel bad about not getting someone like Devon Witherspoon or Christian Gonzalez early.
Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
Illinois was well-represented Friday on the field. Everyone is going to talk about Devon Witherspoon, and for good reason, but don’t sleep on safety Syndey Brown.
Brown showcased well at the Senior Bowl and only continued his climb on Friday, posting top-five numbers in both the 40-yard dash (4.47) and the vertical jump (40.5”).
Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
Julius Brents has a lot of length (six-foot-three and 198 pounds) and measured in with the longest wingspan for a defensive back since 2003.
Also, as our Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling wrote: “Brents put on an absolute show throughout the drills, finishing first among corners in the three-cone drill, 20-yard short shuttle, and broad jump, and second in the vertical leap.”
Just another example of how good this cornerback class is and how the position stole the show on Friday.
