The 2024 NFL Combine is underway, and some really outstanding performances have already been witnessed. Thus far, we have recognized the best players among edge rushers, off-the-ball linebackers, and interior defensive lineman.We examine the cornerbacks that played really well on Friday in more detail today.
Terrion Arnold, Alabama (5-foot-11 3⁄4, 189 pounds)
Arnold is a guy with a lot of potential who excels in practically everything, and Indianapolis demonstrated this. He performed at an above-average level in terms of height and metrics, but he never quite reached top standards.
He had very strong hands, appeared fluid and easy to shift directions with, and had smooth movement on the field. He ought to be able to compete to be among the top two defensive backs on the field.
Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo (6-foot-0, 195 pounds)
Mitchell is the other defensive back vying with Arnold for the top berth. Although there was a chance that he would make it past the first round, Lions supporters lost hope after his Combine performance.
Mitchell demonstrated that speed translates to the field after clocking a 4.33 40-yard sprint (see the Next Gen Stats tweet below), but he was still able to play inside that speed range. Mitchell’s ability to manage his body and find a rare second gear makes it a top 10 candidate.
Ennis Rakestraw, Missouri (5-foot-11 1⁄2, 183 pounds)
If you’re a fan of Rakestraw, you most likely thought his performance in Indianapolis went well. His 40-yard sprint time of 4.51 left you wanting more, especially when he was said to be participating in on-field exercises despite a groin issue. Several other players in the class also displayed their speed.
However, this serves as a helpful reminder that the Lions prioritize GPS data and game film above 40-yard sprint speeds. Given that Rakestraw is having a “average” day and isn’t attracting much attention, Lions general manager Brad Holmes is probably okay with this.
Nate Wiggins, Clemson (6-foot-1 1⁄2, 173 pounds)
Naturally, Wiggins ran the quickest 40-yard sprint at the Combine (4.28 seconds). Regretfully, on his lone run of the day, he strained his hip flexor and had to leave the rest of the competition.
Despite how seductive the pace is, there were two things that caught my attention unnecessarily. Initially, although he had the fastest 40-yard split of the day, his 10-yard split, at 1.59 seconds, was the second worst among cornerbacks. Even though the NFL may have made a mistake, this is an intriguing trend that merits consideration.
What’s even more worrisome is that his weight was a mere 173 pounds. That won’t stop him from getting selected highly, but it is a problematic weight for a team like the Lions that likes physical corners.
Kamari Lassiter, Georgia (5-foot-11 1⁄2, 186 pounds)
Although Lassiter had a great day, I kept seeing talents that were more useful in the slot than outside of it during practically every drill. Despite his smoothness and quickness, he has a nickelback appearance.
Mike Sainristil, Michigan (5-foot-9 1⁄2, 182 pounds)
Sainristil’s status will be aided by the fact that he checked in heavier and taller than anticipated (he is almost the exact same size as Aaron Glenn). He’s a football player, and I want him on my squad. There will be much discussion about whether or not he must stay inside or if he may play outside.
Sainristil, who had been blessed with explosiveness for days, ranked in the top of the group with a 40-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-11 broad jump. These explosive qualities carried over to the field as well, particularly during change-of-direction drills when they appeared natural.
His ability to manage his body is exceptional, particularly when he backpedals, and his lightning-fast feet are evident regardless of his running direction. His outside corner skills were evident in multiple exercises, but his nickel skills were only evident in the “W drill.”
As a former receiver, it should come as no surprise that he has excellent hands, but he easily snagged every ball. Sainristil, in conclusion, never cheated during a drill. Not even once. His confidence and meticulous attention to detail were evident as he completed each drill without deviation. An incredibly remarkable day.
Cam Hart, Notre Dame (6-foot-3, 202 pounds)
Hart performed admirably in on-field drills and has a good size-speed combination. As the day went on, he improved even more. He had complete body control, self-assured hands (another former wide receiver), and superb high points the ball, which at 6-foot-3 will result in more wins than losses with 50/50 balls.
Max Melton, Maryland (5-foot-11, 187 pounds)
Melton’s career high is a result of his outstanding performance, which included an 11-foot-4 broad jump, a 40 1/2-inch vertical leap, and a 4.39 40-yard sprint. That pace translated into a disciplined, fluid performance with minimal to no wasted movement on the field. His ability to find a new gear and attack while the ball was in the air was one of his strongest traits.
Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn (6-foot-0, 190 pounds)
His 4.36 40-yard dash immediately drew my attention, but it was his on-field performance that earned him a spot on our list. He demonstrated good hands throughout drills, transitioned with ease, and—above all—kept his eyes in prime positions the entire time, which allowed him to make corrections.
Decamerion Richardson, Mississippi State
Richardson, the cornerback with the lowest rating on my board going into the Combine, didn’t even take part in on-field exercises. How did he get on this list, then? He scored the highest in the group for athleticism:
Even while that won’t be enough to get him higher on my list, it will force me to revisit and watch more game footage of him.
