The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is fast approaching. With the Senior Bowl officially in our rearview mirror, the NFL Combine represents the next opportunity for prospects to improve their pre-draft stock ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Every year, outstanding athletic testers elevate themselves a full round or two due to exiting the NFL Combine as a point of conversation.
With that in mind, we've identified five cornerbacks who could raise their draft stock at the NFL Combine.
KHYREE JACKSON, OREGON
Oregon cornerback Khyree Jackson was among the most underrated participants at this year's Senior Bowl. Jackson took a sizable step forward in coverage this season. The former Alabama transfer was credited with 10 pass breakups and three interceptions throughout an improved 2023 campaign.
Jackson should continue turning heads in Indianapolis. Executive director of the Senior Bowl Jim Nagy expects Jackson to run the 40-yard dash in the 4.3's at the NFL Combine. That would be an eye-opening result for a 6-foot-3, 203-pound cornerback.
CAM HART, NOTRE DAME
Notre Dame cornerback Cam Hart was an underrated performer at this year's Senior Bowl. Hart possesses inside-outside versatility despite being a bigger-sized prospect (6-foot-2, 204 pounds). Teams will become increasingly intrigued with Hart once he tests in Indianapolis.
Hart has previously broad-jumped 11-foot-2, vertical-jumped 38 inches, and hit 23.01 MPH on the GPS, per Feldman. Based on last year's results, those numbers could place Hart in the top five among all participating cornerbacks in the broad and vertical jumps. Such a performance could see Hart enter the top-64 conversation.
QUINYON MITCHELL, TOLEDO
How can Quinyon Mitchell possibly increase his pre-draft stock any further after that near-perfect performance in Mobile? There's always room to move up draft boards. Mitchell could establish himself as a top-10 selection in Indianapolis. Crazier things have happened.
NFL scouts have previously laser-timed Mitchell in the 4.3 range in the 40 on multiple occasions. If Mitchell decides to participate in the bench press, he could lead the position group with 20-plus reps. Mitchell is starting to rival Terrion Arnold to be the first cornerback drafted. A standout showing in Indianapolis could further close the gap.
T.J. TAMPA, IOWA STATE
T.J. Tampa is currently among the most underrated cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. I expect that to change following the NFL Combine. Tampa is a flat-out playmaker with 22 career pass breakups to his name.
Tampa should first win the weigh-in process by clocking in around a rocked-up 6-foot-1, 195 pounds. Scouts expect Tampa to run a blazing-fast result in the 40-yard dash, sources told TDN's Damian Parson. Tampa's ascension is just beginning.
CARLTON JOHNSON, FRESNO STATE
Carlton Johnson's college football career took him on a journey. The Moreno Valley, California native played at Riverside City College and Southern Utah before arriving at Fresno State. Johnson totaled a career-high four interceptions for the Bulldogs this past season. I believe the general public will familiarize themselves with Johnson following his NFL Combine participation.
Johnson ran the fastest high school 4x100 meter relay (40.29) among all NFL Combine invitees, per Tracking Football. Johnson also became one of five players to hit 22+ MPH at the Senior Bowl, timing as the second-fastest player since 2018, according to Jim Nagy and Zebra Technology. Johnson is FAST.
