The 2024 Senior Bowl is stacked with talent, and the cornerback group is as good as any. With potential first-rounders in the 2024 NFL Draft and traits-heavy players looking to excel with all eyes upon them, it’s all to play for with this exciting group.
Which cornerbacks should you watch in this year’s Senior Bowl?
Senior Bowl CB Rankings
The 2024 NFL Draft cornerback class is strong and deep. That goes for the group traveling to Mobile, Alabama, to play in the Senior Bowl. There are many quality names and prospects who could jump up draft boards with a strong week.
1) Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Quinyon Mitchell has had an impressive four-year career at Toledo and looks every inch a first-round pick. His field vision, anticipation, and awareness have all been displayed alongside top-tier physical tools.
Those traits have transferred into a productive career with the Rockets. Mitchell has tallied 123 total tackles (7.5 for a loss), six interceptions, 45 passes defensed, and two touchdowns — an impressive stat line.
However, it’s worth mentioning that a substantial portion of that production came from one eye-popping performance against Northern Illinois in 2022 when Mitchell had four interceptions and two touchdowns.
That isn’t to take anything away from the Toledo standout. He’s one of the top corners in this class, but he must demonstrate consistency to impress NFL scouts and earn his Day 1 billing.
2) Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
Another player in action at the 2024 Senior Bowl garnering legitimate first-round attention is Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Rakestraw was exceptional with the Tigers as a man coverage corner, erasing some of the top receivers in the country. He is built to play the boundary in the NFL, with a lanky frame and long arms.
Rakestraw also shows the physical profile of a true lockdown corner. His explosive movements, instant change of direction, and flexible body control allow him to stick with routes. Meanwhile, his anticipation and awareness lock him into an even higher floor at the next level.
3) Kalen King, Penn State
Kalen King’s name isn’t spoken about with the top of this group like he has been in the past, but he still looks like a solid Day 2 option.
King shows good ball tracking, instinctive route coverage, and the intelligence to be scheme versatile. At 5’11” and 185 pounds, however, he’s small for an NFL perimeter corner, and his lack of long speed and hip shifts show up on deep routes.
There is a lot of wasted movement on tape that could be exposed in the pros.
4) Caelen Carson, Wake Forest
If you are a predominantly man coverage team looking for a physical corner who plays with high energy, Caelen Carson is a player worthy of Day 2 consideration.
MORE: Top Linebackers at the 2024 Senior Bowl
Carson has twitchy short-area explosiveness, and his active footwork gives him a great change of direction and sharp ball-tracking instinct. However, there are questions about his long speed and how he may fair against shiftier opponents. Those matchups will be something to watch during Senior Bowl practice sessions.
5) Mike Sainristil, Michigan
A former wide receiver, Mike Sainristil has only turned his hand to the other side of the ball in the last two years, and in 2023, he was able to showcase his full next-level potential.
Instantly, those WR traits stand out. Sainristil’s intelligence to jump routes and anticipate cuts is exemplary. Meanwhile, he also boasts the change of direction and athletic traits needed to play the game at a high level.
Sainristil is small — 5’10”, 182 pounds — but mighty. The Michigan CB hits you like a freight train, and that aggressive play style has seen him be productive.
Sainristil is a see-it-and-go type player. The flashes will come with some misses, but he will proactively hunt the ball and act on his impulses.
Other CBs To Watch at the Senior Bowl
- Josh Newton, TCU
- D.J. James, Auburn
- Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri
- Johnny Dixon, Penn State
- Khyree Jackson, Oregon
- Max Melton, Rutgers
- Cam Hart, Notre Dame
- Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State
- Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn
- Andru Phillips, Kentucky
- Jaylin Simpson, Auburn
- Elijah Jones, Boston College
All the 2024 NFL Draft resources you need — the draft order, the top QBs, the Top 100 prospects, and the full 2024 Big Board — right at your fingertips at Pro Football Network!