Ball-hawking Cornerbacks the Commanders Must Draft

Joe Whitt Jr. needs more turnovers

The appointment of Dan Quinn as head coach last January set some expectations about what the Commanders new defense would look like. Quinn first gained prominence as the defensive coordinator behind the Legion of Boom defense, which powered the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl win and a long run of playoff success in the 2010s.

Quinn’s defenses are known for heavy use of Cover-1 (man coverage) and Cover-3 (zone) schemes, and rely on long, physical defensive backs to shut down opposing receivers and generate turnovers. The original LoB featured corners Richard Sherman (6-3, 195 lbs) and Byron Maxwell (6-1, 207 lbs), who set a trend for what teams look for at the position which continues today.

These expectations were reinforced when Quinn’s secondary coach from Dallas, Joe Whitt Jr., was appointed as defensive coordinator. Whitt articulated his vision for the defense in his introductory press conference:

3-4, 4-3 … everyone plays the same coverages. Structure doesn’t matter. The main thing that matters is are we going to arrive violently and turn the ball over and disrupt these quarterbacks.

The reborn Commanders experienced unprecedented success in their first season under new management. But that was mainly due to the resurgent offense, led by rookie phenom Jayden Daniels. In the first season of the “recalibration” the defense was limited by personnel, with a particular weakness at CB, which the team struggled to address throughout the season.

In his first season at the helm, Whitt’s defense failed to deliver on a key element of his vision. The Commanders ranked 20^th in defensive turnovers and 26^th in interceptions. The inability to generate turnovers was clearly a source of frustration for a coach whose secondaries had ranked in the top 8 in generating turnovers in each of his three seasons with the Cowboys. It became a recurring theme in his comments to the media:

The Commanders traded for Marshon Lattimore in Week 10, allowing them to sideline underperforming starter Benjamin St-Juste. But that wasn’t enough. Even after the addition of Jonathan Jones in the offseason, and re-signing of Noah Igbinoghene, the team still lacks a clear CB2 to play opposite Lattimore and allow Mike Sainristil to move to his natural position in the slot. There is also a need for youth in the depth ranks.

It is a safe bet, as teams prepare for the draft, that Adam Peters’ wish list from his defensive staff includes long, physical defensive backs who can disrupt receivers and generate turnovers. In the first of two player roundups, I will take a look at ball-hawking cornerbacks who can help tip the turnover differential in the Commanders’ favor.

---

Pass Defense Stats

To help identify players of interest, I filtered PFF’s NCAA player database using three metrics of coverage performance, which I’ll list as MiBV Stats. Interception Rate and Pass Defense Rate helped identify CBs with exceptional ballhawking production or potential. Yards Per Coverage Snap was used to filter out CBs who make plays on the ball at the expense of giving up yardage in coverage.

Interception Rate (INT%)

This is simply the rate at which the player intercepted the ball, expressed as a percentage of targets in coverage. Correcting for playing time gives a clearer picture of how players compare to one another than raw interception counts. Since this metric will be unfamiliar to most readers, here are the ranges of values among 197 draft-eligible CBs who played more than 140 coverage snaps in 2024:

Max: 17.65%

Top 10%: 6.06%

Top Quartile: 3.92%

Median: 2.00%

Bottom 35%: 0

Pass Defense Rate (PD%)

Interceptions are fairly rare events, and not all CBs make them in a given season. Interceptions are usually proportional to pass breakups, which provide a better sample. To get a broader measure of CBs’ ballhawking potential, I also calculated PD%, which is simply interceptions and pass breakups as a percentage of targets. Ranges were as follows:

Max: 34.4%

Top 10%: 20.6%

Median: 11.6%

Bottom Quartile: 7.4%

Bottom 1.5%: 0

Yards Per Coverage Snap (Yds/Cov Snap)

This is a catch-all metric which measures how well CBs do at preventing receivers from gaining receiving yards. It measures the net effect of preventing targets, defending passes and preventing yards after the catch. It is an effective filter to weed out CBs who were too leaky in coverage to be effective, despite being good ballhawks. It is also a good metric to identify exceptional CBs who excel at lockdown coverage and taking the ball away.

Ranges are as follows:

Min: 0.345

Top 10%: 0.626

Median: 1.020

Bottom Quartile: 1.263

Max: 2.132

Classic Stats

For each player I also listed the usual CB stats – interceptions (INT), interceptions returned for TDs (INT TD) if any, pass breakups (PBU); reception rate, yardage, TDs and opposing QB passer rate (Rat) allowed in coverage.

---

Ball Hawking CBs Who Can Help the Commanders

The following players were selected for their exceptional ballhawking performance in college, or their potential to develop into ballhawks at the NFL level. I emphasized players who fit the Legion of Boom mold, but not exclusively.

This is a deep draft class for long, press-man corners, although some players who fit that description weren’t great ball producers. Quite a few players were cut for that reason, for giving up too much yardage in coverage (e.g. Shavon Revell, Denzel Burke, Quincy Riley) or having questionable scheme fit (Benjamin Morrison, Cobee Bryant).

Players are listed in order of their consensus ranks, using The Athletic’s consensus Big Board for the top 100, and the Mock Draft Database for players ranked 101 and beyond. MiBV stats are listed with rankings among the top 197 draft-eligible CBs in parentheses.

Early Rounds

Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Jahdae Barron, 5^th yr Senior, Texas

5-11, 194 lbs, 4.39 sec 40, RAS 8.80

Classic Stats: 5 INT | 9 PBU | 54.4% rec | 284 yds | 0 TD | 34.2 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 7.35% (14) | PD Rate 20.6% (19) | 0.525 Y/cov snp (11)

Consensus Rank: 15

Barron is a player that Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt will want if he lasts to pick 29. He played a hybrid CB/S role for the Longhorns in 2024, taking 679 snaps at boundary CB, 142 in the box, and 122 in the slot. He’s physical in coverage with the quicks and instincts to blanket receivers and make plays on the ball. He provides the versatility for Joe Whitt to position a playmaker anywhere he wants him in the secondary. Jahdae has been moving up draft boards. If the consensus board proves accurate, he might have moved beyond the Commanders’ reach.

Maxwell Hairston, Junior, Kentucky

5-11, 183 lbs, 4.28 sec 40, RAS 9.62

Classic Stats: 1 INT | 1 INT TD | 4 PBU | 54.5% rec | 262 yds | 0 TD | 78.2 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 4.54% (37) | PD Rate 22.7% (10) | 1.845 Y/cov snp (195)

Consensus Rank: 38

I’m not sure if Hairston is the type of player that Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt are looking for. But he can certainly help to increase the interception total. Hairston has a slim build and limited play strength, but he is a smooth mover with elite athleticism, route anticipation, and ball skills to make interceptions and run them back for TDs.

Hairston’s junior season was cut short by injury, limiting him to just 142 coverage snaps. His pre-injury stats aren’t that impressive, particularly his yardage allowed figures (262 yds/142 cov snaps). He was much better in coverage in 2023, with a stat line of 5 INT, 4 PBU and 1.00 Y/cov snp. That year, he led the SEC in interceptions, interceptions returned for TDs (2) and interception return yards (131). Altogether, he has made 6 interceptions with 3 returned for TDs in his last 20 games.

Azareye’h Thomas, Junior, Florida State

6-1.5, 197 lbs

Classic Stats: 1 INT | 5 PBU | 51.5% rec | 141 yds | 0 TD | 50.2 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 3.03% (73) | PD Rate 18.2% (32) | 0.395 Y/cov snp (2)

Consensus Rank: 39

I bent the rules slightly to include Thomas, because I suspect he will appeal to the coaches. He fits the prototype, as a long, physical man corner who wins by bullying receivers at the line and smothering them on their routes. To this point in his development, his game is more about preventing QBs from looking his way than making plays on the ball. Judging by Yardage Per Coverage Snap, he is the second best lockdown corner in the draft class. He does get to the ball (2 INT, 12 PBU in 3 seasons), and likely deprives himself of opportunities to make more interceptions by preventing targets. He has the physical tools to make plays on the ball. And at just 20 years old, there is plenty of time for him to develop his skillset with the Commanders.

Trey Amos, 5^th yr Senior, Ole Miss

6-1, 195 lbs, 4.43 sec 40, RAS 8.85

Classic Stats: 3 INT | 10 PBU | 51.6% rec | 280 yds | 2 TD | 54.5 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 4.84% (33) | PD Rate 21.0% (18) | 0.544 Y/cov snp (13)

Consensus rank: 51

Amos is another Legion of Boom prototype CB who is a legitimate ballhawk. He played three seasons in Lafayette with the Ragin’ Cajuns, before transferring to Alabama and then Ole Miss. He really increased his ball production in his final season, while still maintaining good containment in coverage. Amos is a well-built corner, who plays well in zone and man coverage. In man looks, he disrupts routes and the line and has good short area twitch to stick with receivers, and uses physicality to take opportunities away at the top of routes. He dispelled concerns about his long speed with a good showing at the Combine.

Darien Porter, 6^th yr Senior, Iowa State

6-3, 195 lbs, 4.30 sec 40, RAS 9.99

Classic Stats: 3 INT | 2 PBU | 29.4% rec | 70 yds | 0 TD | 4.7 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 17.65% (1) | PD Rate 29.4% (3) | 0.345 Y/cov snp (1)

Consensus rank: 81

Porter played WR for his first three seasons at Iowa State and converted to CB in 2022. He made his first start at CB in 2024, and broke out with an amazing display of elite ball productivity and blanket coverage, while still playing just 203 coverage snaps. Porter has elite size, length and speed for the position, combined with good awareness in coverage. He has limited experience in man coverage, but has the tools to master it quickly. Elite measurables and ball production in very limited opportunities make the 24 year old an intriguing option in the third round, where the Commanders currently do not have a pick. Perhaps concerns about his age or limited sample size will drop him to round 4.

Early Day 3

Photo by Mitchell Scaglione/LSU/Getty Images

Dorian Strong, 5^th yr Senior, Virginia Tech

6-1, 185, 4.5 sec 40, RAS 6.98

Classic Stats: 2 INT | 6 PBU | 46.6% rec | 408 yds | 1 TD | 61.6 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 3.45% (63) | PD Rate 13.8% (67) | 1.000 Y/cov snp (92)

Consensus Rank: 108

Strong’s coverage stats in 2024 were good, but not great, and represented a significant fall-off from his phenomenal numbers in 2023: 3 INT, 7 PBU, 9.1% INT rate, 30.3% PD rate, 0.229 Y/Cov Snp. Strong is disruptive at the line and sticky in man coverage. He plays with good instincts and anticipation to overcome average athleticism. He will need to develop better discipline and work on his run defense. He would add quality depth at CB, with upside to develop into a starter.

Nohl Williams, 5^th yr Senior, California

6-0, 199 lbs, 4.5 sec 40, RAS 7.02

Classic Stats: 7 INT | 1 INT TD | 9 PBU | 47.7% rec | 350 yds | 3 TD | 40.1 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 10.77% (5) | PD Rate 24.6% (6) | 0.654 Y/cov snp (25)

Consensus Rank: 116

Williams led the NCAA in interceptions in 2024. In addition to being the nation’s top ballhawk, he also excelled as a lockdown corner, holding his receivers to just 0.654 Y/cov snap, which placed him just outside the top 10% of CBs in coverage. His 2024 numbers were not a fluke, as he showed steady improvement in ball production every season in college. Williams is scheme versatile, with plenty of experience in press coverage. His excellent coverage instincts and ball skills make up for average athleticism. He would be another great depth addition, and might push for starting time early in his time in DC.

Zah Frazier, Junior, UTSA

6-3, 186 lbs, 4.36 sec 40, RAS 9.43

Classic Stats: 6 INT | 9 PBU | 46.2% rec | 246 yds | 1 TD | 35.8 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 15.38% (2) | PD Rate 28.2% (4) | 0.837 Y/cov snp (53)

Consensus Rank: 123

Frazier got his first start for the Roadrunners in 2024, and broke out in a major way, leading the American Athletic Conference with 6 interceptions and breaking up 9 passes. He has been a riser throughout the draft process and got further boosts with standout performances at the Shrine Bowl practices and NFL Scouting Combine. He has the tools to develop into a starting man coverage CB. But teams might question the growth potential of a 25 year old rookie. His consensus rank seems a little high to me, but there is a lot to like for a mid-Day 3 prospect.

Zy Alexander, 5^th yr Senior, LSU

6-1, 187 lbs, 4.56 sec 40, RAS 3.39

Classic Stats: 2 INT | 4 PBU | 43.5% rec | 204 yds | 2 TD | 53.2 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 4.35% (41) | PD Rate 13.0% (75) | 0.669 Y/cov snp (27)

Consensus Rank: 131

Zy might lack the freakish athleticism that Adam Peters seems to covet in Day 3 prospects, but his blanket coverage and eye to make plays on the ball will appeal to Joe Whitt. He is another long, physical, scheme versatile CB with good athleticism where it counts, just not in the Combine drills. He played three seasons with the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, before transferring to LSU for two more. He has been a consistent ball producer throughout his college career. In his final two seasons in the SEC, he intercepted four passes and broke up 9.

Late Day 3

Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images

O’Donnell Fortune, 5^th yr Senior, South Carolina

6-1, 185 lbs

Classic Stats: 3 INT | 2 PBU | 58.5% rec | 355 yds | 1 TD | 61.4 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 5.66% (23) | PD Rate 9.4% (123) | 0.910 Y/cov snp (74)

Consensus Rank: 210

Fortune is a long, fluid mover with burst and instincts to match receivers on routes and make plays on the ball. He lacks play strength, and will need time in an NFL strength and conditioning program to match better with big, physical receivers and get better in the running game.

Alijah Huzzie, 6^th yr Senior, UNC

5-10, 193 lbs

Classic Stats: 1 INT | 5 PBU | 46.8% rec | 284 yds | 1 TD | 64.5 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 2.13% (93) | PD Rate 12.8% (81) | 0.650 Y/cov snp (24)

Consensus Rank: 250

Huzzie is a compact, strong defender with short arms. He has good play strength and makes up for less non-ideal measurables with great pass defense. In 2024, he was better at shutting down receivers than taking the ball away. Over the previous two years, he had 9 interceptions and 22 pass breakups. Huzzie is also a strong run defender. In 2024, he made 33 tackles and 16 defensive stops, with 6 TFL.

Huzzie will earn playing time early in his NFL career returning punts. He is a homerun threat with the ball in his hands. Over the past 2 seasons at UNC, he returned 19 punts for 265 yds (13.9 Y/Att) and 2 TDs. He did not muff a catch in 36 punt returns in college.

Round 7/UDFA

Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

The coverage stats turned up a few interesting prospects who have largely escaped media attention. They might be worth a flyer in the late rounds or sign as UDFAs after the draft.

Jordan Oladokun, Senior, Bowling Green

5-11, 185

Classic Stats: 5 INT | 1 INT TD | 9 PBU | 42.6% rec | 219 yds | 0 TD | 18.4 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 8.20% (9) | PD Rate 22.9% (8) | 0.546 Y/cov snp (14)

Consensus Rank: 407

Oladokun led the Middle Atlantic Conference in interceptions in 2024, and returned one for a TD. Over the past two season he has dominated MAC receivers in coverage, recording 9 INT and 13 PBU. It seems odd that a player with his ball production and coverage stats has flown below the national media’s radar. He seems to have missed out on the spotlight given to his teammate Harold Fannin.

Cam Lockridge, 6^th yr Senior, Fresno State

5-11, 174 lbs

Classic Stats: 5 INT | 6 PBU | 46.9% rec | 308 yds | 1 TD | 34.6 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 10.24% (6) | PD Rate 22.4% (11) | 0.858 Y/cov snp (58)

Consensus Rank: 449

Lockridge led the Mountain West Conference with 5 INT in 2024, and did the same in 2022. He has 13 interceptions 23 pass breakups in the last four years, with 2 pick-sixes. Yet he has flown completely under the media radar.

B.J. Mayes, Senior, Texas A&M

6-1, 185 lbs, 4.58 sec 40

Classic Stats: 4 INT | 5 PBU | 54.3% rec | 224 yds | 2 TD | 53.5 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 11.43% (4) | PD Rate 22.9% (9) | 0.737 Y/cov snp (34)

Consensus Rank: 464

After impressive showings at Incarnate Word and UAB, Mayes transferred to Texas A&M for his senior year, where he showed he could make plays against SEC opponents. Mayes played slot corner for the Aggies. He has the feet and hips to mirror receivers in man coverage, with instincts and ball skills to intercept the ball, but has limited top end speed, and tends to gamble in coverage.

Ethan Robinson, Senior, Minnesota

6-0, 190 lbs

Classic Stats: 3 INT | 6 PBU | 56.3% rec | 376 yds | 3 TD | 76.4 Rat

MiBV Stats: INT rate 6.2% (18) | PD Rate 18.7% (29) | 0.860 Y/cov snp (59)

Consensus Rank: unranked

Robinson transferred from Bucknell for his senior year. He recorded 6 INT, 14 PBU over his final two seasons in college, but did not even make it onto a consensus board.

---