Cornerback Class Deep In Round One, If Titans Desire

When it comes to cornerback in the early portion of round one, this class is loaded.

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NASHVILLE _ Cornerback is not a position being talked about heavily regarding the Tennessee Titans, but should they desire to look there, they could find a gem at No.11.   

There are currently five to six, depending on which expert you follow, that could be taken in round one. Three of those could go in the top 15. 

The best of the class is arguably Oregon's Christian Gonzalez, followed by Illinois Devin Witherspoon and Penn State's Joey Porter Jr, widely considered early selections.

The second group, slightly behind the top three, includes South Carolina's Cam Smith, Georgia's Kelee Ringo, and Maryland's Deonte Banks, of which this group is believed to be taken in the 15-25 range. 

Gonzalez is considered the top corner in this class, and at 6'2", 197, with a 4.38 forty at the combine, the numbers and his film show few weaknesses to his game. His height and ideal length place him at the top of his position. 

Christian Gonzalez / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Though Witherspoon is slightly shorter (5'11", 181 lbs) and ran the forty at 4.46 and 4.42 in private workouts after being held out of running by a hamstring injury during the combine and his pro day, still, his coverage skills stand out on film, and he, too could hear his name called in the top ten. 

Like Gonzalez, Porter Jr. (whose father Joey Sr. played linebacker for the Steelers) is thought of as a top-15 player and has exceptional size (6'2", 193 lbs) with 34 in arms. His numbers from the combine show his athleticism, as he ran a 4.46 forty, with a 35" vertical, and 10'9" broad jump, along with 17 bench press reps of 225 pounds. 

While there has been no indication the Titans are considering a corner in round one, should their top tackle and receiver prospects be gone, these three could all be candidates to add to the roster as the best player available at No.11.  

As for the next three, while each is talented and will likely find an NFL home on day one, each has deficiencies in their games that would lead me to pass at No.11.  

Again, this is not a prediction but merely a look at a position the Titans could stand to upgrade and the talent that could be available in the early part of round one, which is always something to think about in the draft.    

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