NFL Draft: Top 5 cornerback prospects

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As the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago quickly approaches, CSNChicago.com is releasing a list of the Top 5 prospects at each position leading up to Day 1 of the draft on Thursday, April 28. Next up is cornerback.

1. Jalen Ramsey, Florida State

6’1” | 209 lbs.

2015 stats:

52 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 9 PD, 1 FR

Scouting Report:

"Where He Wins: “What position will he play?” will be a question frequently asked throughout the process. Ramsey has the tools to succeed at multiple positions. Some teams will evaluate him at just one spot. A few will see a versatile playmaker with the size, athleticism and aggression to move around and make an impact at a variety of alignments. Ramsey can win at the catch point, make tackles in the box, blitz and even return kicks. Likely the top athlete in the class." - Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com

2. Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida

5’10” | 204 lbs.

2015 stats:

33 tackles, 4 INT, 1 FF

Scouting Report:

"While scouts have voiced some concerns about Hargreaves' size and recovery speed, you won't find anyone who doesn't admire his competitiveness and consistency of production. Hargreaves has a level of suddenness and explosiveness in his movements that should always have him near the ball. With top-notch ball skills and exceptional instincts that drew praise from Alabama's Nick Saban, Hargreaves possesses the football makeup to become a Pro Bowl cornerback." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

3. Mackensie Alexander, Clemson

5’10” | 190 lbs.

2015 stats:

23 tackles, 5 PD

Scouting Report:

"Where He Wins: Highly competitive corner despite his size 5’10/195 lbs. Plays with confidence at the line of scrimmage or off, and wants to attack the catch point. Seems aware of the football as well as his receiver/assignment. Can limit yards after the catch due to his tackling skills, and is not just a force player on the outside on runs." - Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com

4. William Jackson III, Houston

6’0” | 189 lbs.

2015 stats:

43 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 5 INT, 23 PD, 1 FR

Scouting Report:

"Tall cornerbacks with length who can run and play the football are usually in high demand and that could be the case for Jackson as well. While he has the traits for the position, the league is turning into small and fast or big and strong at the receiver spot and handling those two elements could take a year or two for him to improve in before he becomes a full-­time starter." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

5. Eli Apple, Ohio State

6’1” | 191 lbs.

2015 stats:

33 tackles, 7 PD, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR

Scouting Report:

"Highly recruited two­-year starter who is entering the draft as a draft eligible redshirt sophomore. Apple's size and strength allows him to compete against physical receivers, but he also has the talent to mirror and match as a man defender. Covering for longer could be challenging early on after playing with talented defensive fronts who ravaged quarterbacks. Apple will have to learn to trust his feet rather than grabbing so often or he'll find that quarterbacks and refs will find him often." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Click here for profiles of more than 150 prospects, including a scouting report and video interviews with each player. Video analysis provided by NBC Sports and Rotoworld NFL Draft expert Josh Norris.

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