The Athletic's Top 50 Prospects for 2022

Apr 24, 2019
1,278
Their initial list. Thought folks might be interested in a few of the potential top CBs. (Mods, if I've used too much content from the article, let me know and I'll cut it back some.)

https://theathletic.com/2790012/2021/08/27/top-50-nfl-draft-prospects-for-2022-derek-stingley-jr-and-kayvon-thibodeaux-top-dane-bruglers-preseason-rankings/

1. *Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU (6-1, 195)

A long, smooth athlete, Stingley can mirror and stay in phase against all different types of route runners. There will be an occasional focus lapse here and there, but the Baton Rouge native shows a natural feel for cutting off routes and disrupting the catch window. With his natural instincts and fluid athleticism, Stingley is an outstanding man-coverage NFL prospect with Pro Bowl-level talent.

19. *Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington (5-11, 195)

McDuffie put his name on the NFL radar as a true freshman starter two years ago and the game has never appeared too big for him over two years of tape. He walks the fine line of playing patient but fast, and his balanced footwork allows him to stay attached to routes. I wish he were bigger and had more plays on the ball (only four passes defended in two years), but he is tough in run support and has the cover skills to suffocate targets.

48. *Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon (5-11, 173)

What he lacks in size and bulk, Wright makes up with explosive speed and twitchy footwork. He also shows terrific timing and body control when attacking the ball in the air, finishing last season with a Pac-12-best nine pass break-ups. Wright, who is also an impact kick returner, projects as an immediate man-to-man starter at the next level.

50. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn (6-0, 187)

The sixth cornerback to make the cut, McCreary edged out Oklahoma’s Perrion Winfrey, Miami’s Zion Nelson and several others for this final spot. The Auburn corner is a quick-twitch, instinctive player who should run in the low 4.4s in the 40-yard dash. The Tigers will move to more of an off-man scheme this season, which will test McCreary’s football IQ and trigger.