With Tracy Porter and Leigh Torrence set to be unrestricted free agents this offseason it might be wise for the New Orleans Saints to draft a cornerback at some point in the 2012 NFL Draft. There are a lot of quality cornerbacks in this year’s draft and it would really help the Saints secondary if they were to draft a young corner. Whether the Saints lose Porter or Torrence to free agency or not, having depth at any position especially on defense can only help them. I have compiled a list of 5 cornerbacks that can help the New Orleans Saints:
Jayron Hosley, 5’10″ 171 lbs, Virginia Tech: Hosley had a couple breakout seasons at Virginia Tech as he posted 109 tackles and 12 interceptions thus far in his college career. Hosley will probably be a second round pick and if the Saints want him bad enough they should draft him with their 59th pick. Hosley is a bit undersized at cornerback and could afford to add some bulk to his frame. However, Hosley is a force in the secondary as he breaks up passes and leaps for interceptions. Hosley possesses great speed and his leaping ability makes up for his lack of height. Furthermore, Hosley has great hands and could be a good back up to Darren Sproles on the kick return end. If the Saints go with Hosley they might be getting that defensive playmaker they so desperately need.
Casey Hayward, 5’11″ 188 lbs, Vanderbilt: In his four years at Vanderbilt Hayward accumulated 198 tackles with 15 interceptions, pretty good numbers if you ask me. Hayward is probably one of the more experienced corners in this draft as he has pretty much started every game since his sophomore season. Hayward has decent size and good speed to be a corner in the NFL and has great athleticism. Hayward has an eye for the ball as he is able to nab so many interceptions. However, while Hayward is a solid all-around corner he does not possess the elite size or speed for the next level. Nonetheless, if the Saints draft him they will get an experienced corner that can help them immediately in the secondary; the Saints should be able to get him with their 3rd round pick.
Alfonzo Dennard, 5’10″ 205 lbs, Nebraska: Dennard’s stock has fallen a little bit as his speed has been questioned. However the Saints should still be able to get him in the second or third round if they so choose. During his career at Nebraska Dennard recorded 91 tackles with only 4 interceptions. Dennard plays with great aggressiveness and is definitely a go-getter; he has good athleticism and great instincts. However, Dennard is a little raw and sometimes tries to do too much, but if I am a GM I like a guy who is willing to work hard for my team. Work ethic is something that should not be overlooked when evaluating players. With that said Dennard could work on his tackling and securing the ball when he makes interceptions. I think with the right coaching staff Dennard could develop into a solid cornerback and could help the Saints if they choose to draft him.
Stephon Gilmore, 6’1″ 193 lbs, South Carolina: Gilmore is a great tackler at the CB position and has great size to be a CB in the NFL. During his three seasons with South Carolina Gilmore has compiled 181 tackles to go along with 7 interceptions and 7 sacks. Gilmore does everything you want a corner to do. His height helps him to get interceptions, and he is fast enough to come off the blitz to get a sack. Also, you know you are going to get great tackling out of Gilmore and he would be able to stop big plays. Gilmore is one of the better cornerback prospects and he might go in the first round, however if he does somehow fall to the Saints I think it would be hard for the Saints to pass him up since he is such a great talent.
Donnie Fletcher, 6’1″ 195 lbs, Boston College: Fletcher has career totals of 178 tackles and 11 interceptions at Boston College and has good size to compete on the next level. Fletcher is a very physical corner who is not afraid to come up and make the tackle. Fletcher probably will not be a shutdown corner, but he has great speed and when you couple that with his size he would be of great use in any secondary. Furthermore, the Saints should be able to pick him up in the 3rd or 4th round and if they drafted him he might end up being quite a steal for the Saints.
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