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NFL Draft Steals: Top Under-The-Radar Cornerback Rankings

Colton Pool by Colton Pool
April 27, 2023
South Alabama defensive back Darrell Luter Jr

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Whether they suited up for Group of Five or FCS programs, there are plenty of promising prospects in this year’s NFL Draft who didn’t play in the Power Five conferences.

Here’s a look at some of the best cornerbacks from Group of Five schools who could end up providing key contributions for a pro team sometime in the near future.

1. Darrell Luter Jr. of South Alabama

Luter is being projected as a mid-round pick, and that would be a great move for an All-American defensive back of Luter’s caliber.

Luter was a third-team All-Sun Belt honoree last season after totaling 42 tackles, seven pass breakups, and an interception. The year before, he was first-team all-conference after picking off four passes and defending 10 to go with 21 tackles.

Luter could become a dependable contributor for a pro team.

Read more: Darrell Luter Jr. Has Potential To Be NFL Starter

Darrell Luter shuts down his teammate during 1-on-1s. Impressive coverage rep from the @SouthAlabamaFB CB! pic.twitter.com/CLvlC1fKMI

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) February 2, 2023

2. Starling Thomas V of UAB

After transitioning from wide receiver to defensive back, Thomas showed great coverage abilities.

Last season, he was tied for 12th in the country among cornerbacks who played 20% of the most snaps after allowing 37.9% of targets his way to be caught, according to Pro Football Focus. He was on the All-Conference USA first team in 2022.

Thomas could play anywhere in an NFL team’s secondary.

Read more: Starling Thomas V of UAB Could Be On Track To Becoming Pro Starter

Sheesh 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Starling Thomas V turned some heads today with this one.#WinAsOne | @starling__4 pic.twitter.com/1nB9wPbbLh

— UAB Football (@UAB_FB) March 22, 2023

3. Nic Jones of Ball State

Jones has been a top-notch corner in the MAC.

He allowed 30 catches on 68 targets in 2022, which is a reception rate of 44.1%. That was 21st among cornerbacks in the nation who played at least 50% of the most snaps, helping him earn all-conference second-team accolades.

Jones has the frame and athleticism to join the professional ranks, and he’s shown he can make things tough for opposing wideouts.

Read more: Nic Jones of Ball State Could Thrive As A Pro

Ball State CB Nic Jones with the speed turn to knock the pass away pic.twitter.com/veFpr2uVCN

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 3, 2023

4. Myles Brooks of Louisiana Tech

Brooks was in the top 10 in reception rate among cornerbacks who played at least 20% of the most snaps in the country at 37.7%. That’s a strong indicator of how great he could be in the NFL.

Brooks was on the All-Conference USA second team in 2022. He recorded 29 tackles, three for loss, with eight pass breakups and three picks.

Brooks has plenty of potential. He’ll only become better with some NFL coaching.

Read more: Louisiana Tech’s Myles Brooks Wildly Underrated

PICK SIX @myles_brooks10❗️@LATechFB | #CUSAFB pic.twitter.com/Z8UHA2ccFp

— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) October 9, 2022

5. Kahlef Hailassie of Western Kentucky

Hailassie boosted Western Kentucky’s defense in myriad ways.

He was in the top 50 in PFF’s grades of cornerbacks who played 20% of the most snaps in the country for coverage and overall defense. He was also tied for 10th in total tackles while allowing a 59% reception rate.

KAHLEF HAILASSIE WITH A HUGE INTERCEPTION LATE IN THE 4TH!@WKUFootball pic.twitter.com/22yw0FA6UB

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) October 22, 2022

Hailassie embraced helping with run defense and is highly skilled in coverage. He should have no issue staying in the NFL for years to come.

Read more: Kahlef Hailassie From Western Kentucky Possesses Pro-Ready Skill Set

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