Draft watch.(Brief Article)

CORNERBACKS

The cornerback class has some elite talent and some excellent depth. That's good news for a league that is starved not only for nickel and dime corners but for quality starters.

1. Fred Smoot, Mississippi State, 5-11, 175. Excellent cover corner with quick feet, long arms, speed and ball skills. Is light but isn't afraid to support the run. Cocky player who talks a lot and backs it up.

2. Jamar Fletcher, Wisconsin, 5-10, 171. Has cover ability and great awareness. Shows excellent ball skills. Might lack big-time speed but has quickness. Lacks ideal size and gets outmuscled at times.

3. Nate Clements, Ohio State, 5-11, 189. Big, fast, athletic, tough corner in the Bryant Westbrook mold. Raw talent. Very good punt returner. Inconsistent performer who is too aggressive at times and bites on double moves.

4. Ken Lucas, Mississippi, 6-0, 201, Physical, athletic corner with upside. Has the size teams are looking for. Lacks consistency. Still learning to play the position.

5. Willie Middlebrooks, Minnesota, 6-1, 196. Great combo of size and speed. Isn't afraid to mix it up. Has tight hips and average instincts. Did not have a great year. Could be a safety or a press corner like Dave Thomas.