Cornerbacks and safeties took the field on Friday afternoon for their on-field workout portion of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Several athletic standouts took advantage of the primetime opportunity by improving their pre-draft stock. Various talents are now in the early round conversation. We've identified five defensive backs that won the NFL Combine.
QUINYON MITCHELL, CB, TOLEDO
One can argue that no prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft has enjoyed a more fruitful pre-draft process than Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. Mitchell was already earmarked as a potential first-round pick heading into the Senior Bowl, but scouts wanted to see how he'd perform against top-notch competition. Mitchell responded by being the best player in Mobile.
That ascension continued in Indianapolis where Mitchell ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, a result that was only topped by fellow cornerback Nate Wiggins (4.29) moments later. Mitchell also had a 38-inch vertical. Mitchell's performance at the NFL Combine has him challenging Alabama's Terrion Arnold to be the first cornerback drafted.
MAX MELTON, CB, RUTGERS
Max Melton was arguably the most consistent performer across all participating cornerbacks. Melton finished first in the broad jump (11-foot-4), fourth in the vertical (40.50 inches), and sixth in the 40-yard dash (4.39). These results qualify as elite, making Melton a particularly intriguing all-around athlete. Melton also looked smooth while running the line drill.
Melton showcased well at the Senior Bowl, too. A physical defender with a knack for locating the football, Melton departs college football with 114 tackles, 30 pass breakups, and eight interceptions to his name. Melton has steadily improved his draft stock throughout this entire process.
TYLER OWENS, SAF, TEXAS TECH
Tyler Owens performed as advertised. His viral moment about space and planets notwithstanding, Owens had an outstanding week. The Texas Tech defensive back broad jumped 12 feet, 2 inches, falling one inch short of the all-time record. Byron Jones' 13-foot-2-inch broad jump set the record in 2015 and has long been considered one of the pre-draft event's most unbreakable records. Owens came awfully close.
Owens also vertically jumped a position-best 41 inches. The Red Raider unfortunately didn’t run the 40, presumably suffering an injury earlier in the performance. Owens, who reached 21.55 MPH on the GPS at the East-West Shrine Bowl, was expected to run a blazing-fast time. Owens might be the best overall athlete in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLE BISHOP, SAF, UTAH
Cole Bishop is a prospect that pairs athleticism with proven production and impressive tape. Bishop put a bow on his performance by running the third-best 40-yard dash (4.45), trailing just Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (4.41) and Millard Bradford (4.42). Bishop also ranked fifth among participating safeties in the vertical jump (39 inches), and his 10-foot-4 broad jump qualified as satisfactory.
A 2023 Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, Bishop totaled 60 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, five passes defensed, three sacks, and two interceptions this past season. Bishop is an extremely physical safety with excellent instincts. Bishop will make a living near the line of scrimmage.
ANDRU PHILLIPS, CB, KENTUCKY
Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips enjoyed one hell of an afternoon. Phillips' 42-inch vertical ranked third among all cornerbacks and fell half-an-inch short of tying Elijah Jones and Daequan Hardy for the lead among corners. Phillips' 11-foot-3 broad jump also ranked second behind just Max Melton (11-4). When it came time to run the 40, Phillips ran a respectable 4.48. He was also a standout throughout positional drills.
Phillips is a cornerback with exciting inside-outside versatility. He plays the game with passion, bringing toughness, instincts, and positional flexibility to the defensive backfield. Phillips is going to play an immediate role at the next level.
Honorable mentions: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson), Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College), Jaylin Simpson (Auburn, S), Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan), Daequan Hardy (CB, Penn State), Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State), Evan Williams (S, Oregon), Cam Hart (CB, Notre Dame), Nehemiah Pritchett (CB, Auburn), Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S, Texas Tech), Khyree Jackson (CB, Oregon), Millard Bradford (S, TCU)
