Packers Draft: Top 5 cornerback targets

Florida State Seminoles cornerback Ronald Darby (3) in game action against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ronald Darby, Florida State

Darby is the definition of an upside pick. Justing going off the stat sheet, his college résumé looks pedestrian at best.

He only recorded two interceptions and 16 pass breakups in three seasons. He didn’t flash a lot of playmaking ability at Florida State, but many scouts don’t seem concerned with this, citing that many quarterbacks didn’t throw his way.

However, on film, Darby shows good ability to stick with his man, change direction, and blanket receivers downfield. Overall, he held up better in coverage than his FSU counterpart, P.J. Williams, who is also considered an early-round prospect.

Darby uses his blazing 4.38 speed to track receivers across the field and keep them from beating him deep. He doesn’t allow receivers to get behind him and rarely gives up big plays.

Darby only has average size (5-11, 193) for the position and could improve in run support, but he does play physical, especially when the ball is in the air and he needs to battle the receiver to deny the reception.

Darby is still relatively young at the position and his game remains raw, but teams will look to draft Darby for his ability in coverage and his tremendous potential at the position.

The Packers may get an opportunity to take Darby at the end of the first round, and although I don’t like him as much as Collins or Johnson for Green Bay, he would still give them another speedy corner to anchor their secondary.

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