The 2023 NFL Draft is over and teams are getting comfortable with their new draft picks. The next class of players is preparing for another year of college football. Each position will be analyzed in the coming days. Here is the 2024 NFL Draft prospect watchlist: Cornerbacks.
Denzel Burke, Ohio State Buckeyes
Burke joined the Buckeyes in 2021 and immediately jumped into the starting lineup. He had 12 passes defended and one interception in his first year on campus. In 2022, Burke helped the Buckeyes make the College Football Playoff with 34 total tackles and five passes defended.
At 6-foot-1, he has good length for the position, but could add more weight to his frame. He has good athleticism to help him mirror receivers in man to man coverage. Burke also has good ball skills, as he tracks the ball well, then attacks the catchpoint. He will need to work on limiting big plays to increase his stock.
Kalen King, Penn State Nittany Lions
King was able to join Penn State and play immediately. As a freshman, he totaled 21 tackles and five passes defended. He improved during his sophomore season with 30 touchdowns, three interceptions and 16 passes defended. His improvement helped the Nittany Lions win the Rose Bowl.
He is a little undersized at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds. King will need to add weight to his frame to hold up at the next level. He can also be grabby in coverage. King can mirror receivers well and has good ball skills. He has good instincts and route recognition as well.
Kamari Lassiter, Georgia Bulldogs
Lassiter was a good enough high school recruit to play for Georgia, which was his home state. He played sparingly as a freshman as a reserve and on special teams. In 2022, he stepped into the starting lineup, totaling 38 tackles and four passes defended along the way. He helped Georgia win back to back championships already and will try to help them win another.
He has good length and height at 6-foot tall, but needs to add to his 180-pound frame. Lassiter’s recovery speed could cause him problems and so too could his grabby coverage. He has good athleticism and awareness. Lassiter’s fluid hips help him mirror the routes of receivers as well.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama Crimson Tide
McKinstry was one of the top players in the 2021 recruiting class and stayed in his home state to play for Alabama. He had a large role as a freshman, finishing the season with 26 total tackles, one interception and one pass defended. McKinstry showed his star-power in 2022 with 35 total tackles, one interception and 15 passes defended.
He has solid size for the position at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds. He has good athleticism and can change directions quickly. This helps him mirror receivers well. McKinstry also has great ball skills. He needs to work on show better recovery speed and make sure he doesn’t pick up a lot of penalties.
Other Draft Prospects to Watch
Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri Tigers- Abrams-Draine has been very productive for Missouri over the last two seasons. He displayed good ball skills in 2022 with 14 passes defended.
Cam Hart, Notre Dame Fighting Irish- Hart has had plenty of experience at Notre Dame. He has good length to work with, which should entice NFL scouts.
Jason Marshall, Florida Gators-Over the first two years of his college career at Florida, Marshall has been through a trial by fire. He has held up well and can move up draft boards if he continues to play good football.
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