Overview: "What we are seeing now is because of the wide-open offenses, and increasing number of pass attempts at the college level, we get more opportunities to evaluate [cornerbacks]. We get to evaluate them in space, we get to evaluate them as a zone player, as a man player, but probably most importantly, you get to evaluate them as an open field tackler."
-- Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher
The top 10 defensive backs
1. Eric Berry, Tennessee, safety, 5-foot, 11 5/8 inches, 211 pounds: Over the past 10 years, only five safeties have been taken in the top 10 of the draft. Berry won the Jim Thorpe award and was a three-year team captain.
2. Joe Haden, Florida, cornerback, 5-10 3/4, 193: Played quarterback in high school but started as a true freshmen at cornerback. Benched pressed 225 pounds, 18 times at the combine.
3 Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State, 5-10, 194: Began to turn heads with a fine showing at the Senior Bowl. Did not compete at the NFL scouting combine because of a right hamstring injury.
4. Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama, 5-10, 196: A former high school running back who originally signed with Vanderbilt. Has been impressive during his interviews and workouts after deciding to leave school early.
5. Earl Thomas, S, Texas, 5-10 1/4, 208: Has had two left shoulder operations, but is a rugged defender and strong hitter. He displayed great cover skills as a senior.
6. Chris Cook, CB, Virginia, 6-2, 212: Big and rangy cornerback who could go to Minnesota in the first round. He was a team captain last season.
7. Taylor Mays, S, USC, 6-3, 230: Is huge for his position, but might be converted to linebacker. Was a four-year starter.
8. Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State, 5-11, 190: Has the reputation for not being physical in run support. He was involved in an academic cheating scandal at FSU.
9. Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers, 5-11, 196: His twin brother, Jason, plays for the Tennessee Titans. He was named the team's defensive most valuable player.
10. Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State, 5-11, 195: Talented player who was kicked off the team for the Cotton Bowl after missing curfew. Also, is a good kickoff returner.
Other NFL prospects: safeties -- Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech; Nate Allen, South Florida; Cody Grimm, Virginia Tech; Reshad Jones, Georgia; Myron Rolle, Florida State; Nick Polk, Indiana and Major Wright, Florida; cornerbacks -- Javier Arenas, Alabama; Akwasi Owusu-Anshah, Indiana (Pa.); Jerome Murphy, South Florida; Trevard Lindley, Kentucky; David Pender, Purdue; Dominique Franks, Oklahoma.
Five teams in need: Cleveland, Green Bay, Dallas, Minnesota and Houston.
Five teams not interested: New York Jets, Falcons, Cincinnati, Buffalo and San Diego.
Falcons' view: The Falcons signed cornerback Dunta Robinson to a six-year, $57-million contract. They also made some offseason decisions at the safety position and want to see what William Moore can do this season. He was a second-round pick last season, but was injured and played in only two games on special teams.
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