Editor's Note: The AJC will run a series of stories leading up to the NFL Draft focusing on a position as it relates to the Falcons' needs. Today's story focuses on cornerbacks.

Troy's Leodis McKelvin is considered one of the best cornerback prospects in this year's NFL draft. Yet, that's not who he is.

McKelvin is a plain ol' kid from Waycross. He bypassed going to one of those expensive pre-draft workout factories in sunny climates. Instead, he trained at school, where he could also take classes and earn his degree.

His most valiant attempt at bombast sounds like this: "I always knew I could play in the NFL, but when I first started off returning punts, I watched Devin Hester [of the Chicago Bears] on TV and saw what he did and knew I was doing the same thing. I figured I always had a chance to play cornerback in the NFL, but knowing I could do what he did, I knew I had an even bigger value to teams if I kept it up."

McKelvin's dual talents as a standout left cornerback and kick/punt returner have piqued the interest of the Falcons, who traded DeAngelo Hall to Oakland.

"It was very good," McKelvin said of his recent meeting with the Falcons. "I met everybody, the coaches and some other people. I had a personal workout, and that went really good. Everything was positive."

Acquiring McKelvin could be problematic for Atlanta. The Falcons hold the No. 3 overall pick, which is considered too high for McKelvin, but not by much. He is a projected top-10 pick.

The Falcons would have to use some of their three second-round picks to move into the first round to get McKelvin or trade back a few places from No. 3 to snatch the 5-foot-10, 190-pounder with 4.38 speed.

The New York Jets (No. 6), New England (No. 7) and Baltimore (No. 8) have expressed interest in McKelvin.

Do the Falcons want him enough to make the required moves, especially since this draft boasts a wealth of potential starting cornerbacks that could be available well into the second and possibly third rounds?

"It's definitely a strong draft in the corner group," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "There are a lot of very good athletes with good hips, good footwork, good transition — all the stuff that we're looking for, not to mention ball-skill ability. There's a good group of those cornerbacks who probably will fly off the board quite quickly."

Among the top-tier group: McKelvin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State), Aqib Talib (Kansas) and Mike Jenkins (South Florida).

Those who could be available to Atlanta in the second through fourth rounds: Brandon Flowers (Virginia Tech), Tracy Porter (Indiana), Antoine Cason (Arizona), Justin King (Penn State), Charles Godfrey (Iowa) and Reggie Smith (Oklahoma).

"It's a good year for corners," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said. "You've got depth well into the fourth or fifth round in terms of guys who are going to be nickel- and dime-back types."

Free-agent acquisition Von Hutchins lined up as the starting left cornerback at the Falcons' recent minicamp. He was opposite Chris Houston, who as a rookie last season finished as the starting right cornerback. Hutchins ideally would be used as a slot defender, a position secondary coach Alvin Reynolds said is vital in this scheme since it calls for nickel packages so frequently. A starting job could be up for grabs.

"I play with a chip on my shoulder," McKelvin said. "I always do. I feel like I could come in and contribute and get better and better with the minicamps and training camp. When the first game comes around, I'll be ready."