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NFL Draft 2017: Top Prospects from Michigan

By Erik Schlitt

Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) celebrates with teammates after he scores a touchdown on an interception in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26). Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive back: Jourdan Lewis, Jeremy Clark, Channing Stribling, Delano Hill, Dymonte Thomas

Here’s Lance Zierlein’s comments on Lewis, whom he ranks at #8 on his Top 10 corner back list:

"Lewis belongs on this list, but keep in mind that with his smallish frame (listed at 5-10, 175), the senior’s draft stock will likely face a firm ceiling. Lewis might be too small to play outside in the NFL, but his ball skills won’t be in question after pulling off a whopping 20 passes defensed and two interceptions last season. Lewis’ quick-twitch athleticism and kick-return ability could help counter worries about his size."

Jourdan Lewis, corner back, is another favorite of PFF who rank him as the 7th best player in college football, Sports Illustrated ranks him 14th. Thrown at 90 times last season, opposing quarterbacks didn’t seem to learn their lesson as Lewis went on break Michigan’s record for passes defended with 20. Lewis is a pure cover corner in college but some NFL teams will want him to push inside to a nickel role because of his size.

The NFL is a passing league and quality corner back’s hold incredible value. Lewis has an opportunity to be near the top of most draft boards. A team willing to bet on skill over size could find themselves a tremendous defensive weapon this April.

Tall and long corner backs are in vogue in today’s NFL since teams like Seattle have successfully featured them in their defense. Jeremy Clark, is a former safety that Jim Harbaugh converted to corner back in 2015. At 6’3 1/4″ Clark fits the Seattle mold. As does Channing Stribling, who measures in at 6’1″. Fitting the profile won’t be enough to make it in the NFL, but another year of experience in a press corner system should defiantly help their cause.

Who gets that experience has not yet been decided. Both will be fighting for the starting position opposite Lewis this season. With intense competition at their position, Clark and Stribling will have to raise their game to find playing time.

Next: Michigan Football ranked No. 5 by PFF

Strong safety Delano Hill and free safety Dymonte Thomas have flashed in rotational roles in previous years but as starters in 2016 they will need to improve their consistency.  On a defense that features several NFL caliber players, they will have to step up their game in order to draw the attention of NFL scouts.

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