The annual NFL Scouting Combine will get underway next week in Indianapolis, and the Ravens will have a close eye on the cornerbacks in this year's class.
Assistant General Manager Eric DeCosta said that the Senior Bowl last month that the Ravens could end up using their top two picks on cornerbacks to upgrade the secondary, and this year's cornerback group is considered one of the deepest positions in the draft.
Cornerback will likely be in play for the Ravens with the No. 16 overall pick, and here's a look at some of the top prospects at the positions in this year's class:
Sidney Jones, Washington6-foot-0, 180 pounds
The Washington product is currently projected to Baltimore by ESPN's draft expert Mel Kiper. Jones had three interceptions and a pair of forced fumbles last season, and NFL Network's Mike Mayock has him rated as the top cornerback in the class. Jones was a highly productive player in college, racking up nine interceptions during his three college seasons.
What he needs to prove at the combine:Jones is a slim cornerback, so scouts will want to get a good look at his frame and strength to determine how he'll handle matching up against big receivers in the NFL.
Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State6-foot-0, 192 pounds
Predictions for Lattimore's draft position range, but virtually nobody has him making it past the Ravens at No. 16. Lattimore has ideal size, athleticism and college production. He had four interceptions last season, which was his first year as a full-time starter. Lattimore has the talent to be a top-five pick, but a limited college resume may have some teams go another direction early in the first round.
What he needs to prove at the combine:Lattimore dealt with nagging hamstring issues his first two college seasons, so the NFL's doctors will want to get a good look at him to ensure those issues won't continue at the professional level.
Quincy Wilson, Florida6-foot-1, 213 pounds
Wilson is a big, physical cornerback who uses his strength to his advantage. He also had plenty of production in college, including the three interceptions he came up with last season.
What he needs to prove at the combine:Like most big-framed cornerbacks, Wilson's speed and agility have been questioned. Scouts will watch him closely during on-field drills to get a sense for how well he moves.
Teez Tabor, Florida6-foot-0, 191 pounds
Tabor was on the other side of Wilson last season in Florida's defensive backfield and they were probably the best cornerback duo in college football. Deciding on the better cornerback depends on who you ask, but Tabor also put up impressive numbers like his college teammate. Tabor had four interceptions and six pass breakups last year. A knock on Tabor is that he has been suspended for games in each off the last two seasons.Â
What he needs to prove at the combine:Scouts and coaches will want to hear from Tabor about the suspensions when they meet with him during private interviews. NFL teams will do their homework on any off-the-field problems, particularly with a first-round pick.
Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
*6-foot-1, 198 pounds *
Plenty of draft analysts consider Humphrey to be the top cornerback in the class, which makes it unlikely for him to slide all the way to No. 16. The Alabama product has prototypical size and top-end speed, as he was also a state champion track star in high school. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein compared Humphrey to Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith.
What he needs to prove at the combine:If Humphrey is going to last until the middle of the first round, the Ravens need Humphrey to have an underwhelming combine performance. If he runs well and measures as expected, it's unlikely for him to still be available when the Ravens are on the clock.
