If the Ravens are looking for a big-bodied cornerback in this year’s draft, they may just be in luck.
This year’s crop stands tall, both from a physical and talent perspective.
Even though it will thankfully be up to General Manager Ozzie Newsome, coaches and the scouting department, we’re interested in knowing who you want.
Here are five cornerbacks that may be available for the Ravens. Who would you draft?
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.Jimmy Smith, Colorado
Senior; 6-foot-2, 205 pounds
2010 Stats: 68 tackles, 0 interceptions, 4 pass deflections
Smith’s an especially big, physical corner who is adept in press and man coverage. The projected first-round pick also has the speed to run with just about any wideout. Rarely thrown at his senior year, Smith could be the kind of shutdown corner teams covet. There are some character concerns, however.
Brandon Harris, Miami
Junior; 5-10, 191
2010 Stats: 44 tackles, 1 interception, 10 pass deflections
Despite coming out a year early, Harris is one of the more polished and versatile cornerbacks in the class. He’s got fluid hips and good instincts. As a sophomore, he led the ACC and was second in the nation with 15 pass deflections. He didn’t run particularly fast at the combine, especially for his size, and is seen as a late first or early second-round pick.
Aaron Williams, Texas
Junior; 6-1, 195
2010 Stats: 45 tackles, 1 sack, 0 interceptions, 8 pass deflections
Williams is a big-bodied prospect who has versatility to play inside or outside. He’s athletic, but doesn’t have elite top-end speed. Thus, some view him more as a safety than a cornerback. Williams didn’t have a good showing during positional drills at the combine and has moved mostly out of the first round into the second.
Curtis Brown, Texas
Senior; 6-0, 180
2010 Stats: 23 tackles, 1 interception, 3 pass deflections
Another Longhorn who isn’t the fastest of the bunch, but large. Brown’s a hard-nosed player who has mostly been used in man coverage. Adapting to playing more zone will be the next step for the projected second-rounder. He only notched two career interceptions, but showed good ball skills at the combine.
Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
Senior; 6-1, 198
2010 Stats: 15 tackles (3 games)
Dowling, who could have been a first-round selection last year, returned to be a senior captain and leader. But his season was riddled by leg injuries, including a fractured ankle that ended his campaign. season. He ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at the combine, but dropped out afterwards due to a hamstring injury. If he can stay healthy, the second or third-rounder could be a steal considering his athleticism, size and high character.
