Top 5 defensive backs in the NFL Draft

Young defensive backs have made an instant impact in the NFL recently. The 2022 season saw Ahmad Gardner win Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Jets. One season later, Joey Porter Jr. was a finalist for the same award with the Steelers.

This year’s class of defensive backs features several appealing choices but no consensus top choice at cornerback, as well as no locks to go in the first round at safety. Here is a look at some of the top defensive backs of the 2024 NFL Draft:

No. 5: Cooper DeJean, cornerback, Iowa

If NFL teams are looking for a versatile defensive back, they should look no further than DeJean. The Iowa native spent three seasons with the Hawkeyes and was a linchpin in the secondary, recording seven interceptions over the past two campaigns, including three that were returned for touchdowns.

He can play multiple positions in the secondary and returns punts as well, amassing 406 punt return yards in 2022 and 2023. Look for DeJean to go in the back half of the first round.

No. 4: Quinyon Mitchell, cornerback, Toledo

One of the most explosive defensive backs in this class, Mitchell has a combined 37 pass deflections and six interceptions over the past two seasons. He also performed well at the NFL Scouting Combine, where his 40-yard dash time of 4.33 seconds was the second-fastest among cornerbacks.

The only knock on Mitchell is the competition he faced at Toledo, as he played against one team from a major conference last season. If he lands in a good system, he could easily join Gardner and Porter Jr. as Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists.

No. 3: Kool-Aid McKinstry, cornerback, Alabama

McKinstry definitely brought the energy to the Crimson Tide, making an impact as a freshman in 2021 and putting up consistent numbers throughout his three seasons. While he does not have the big play numbers of DeJean or Mitchell, he shares DeJean’s versatility (one sack in each of the past two seasons) and contributions on special teams.

However, McKinstry’s intangibles should ensure he hears his name called early.

No. 2: Nate Wiggins, cornerback, Clemson

Teams might find shades of Joey Porter Jr.’s game in Wiggins, who stands at a lanky 6-foot-2. The former Tiger has a knack for the ball, defending 17 passes and recording three interceptions over the past two seasons.

Wiggins was named a first-team All-ACC in 2023 and his skills should translate well to the modern NFL, leading to a likely selection in the first round.

No. 1: Terrion Arnold, cornerback, Alabama

While some teams might see differently, Arnold stands out the strongest among his fellow defensive backs. The Tallahassee, Florida native stacked accolades like building blocks during his time with the Crimson Tide, including an Associated Press first-team All-American distinction in 2023.

Arnold picked up that award following a season where he finished with 63 tackles, five interceptions and a sack. He could go in the front half of the first round and will make an impact wherever he winds up.

Will Duerksen is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email wdd5066@psu.edu.