NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks ranks Top 5 nickelback prospects in 2024 NFL Draft

We know the league covets a fearless, speedy cornerback along with the safeties who can play the run as easily as the pass. But there is a separate DB category for the NFL Draft.

Since so many teams use three-receiver sets, opposing defenses often turn to five defensive backs. The fifth back, or nickelback, needs all the DB traits. And he is basically considered a starter who could face the offense’s best receiver.

Bucky Brooks, a draft analyst for NFL Network, studied the best nickelbacks available. He compiled a list of names, noting the seismic shift for the need for this position. While the list does not include the biggest DB names in the NFL Draft, it still gives us a scorecard for this key position.

1. Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Although DeJean primarily played corner at Iowa, he can definitely handle safety or nickel. His completion rate was below 50 percent. Most mock drafts place him late in the first round.

Here is how Brooks sees him. He writes, “DeJean is a Swiss Army Knife with experience at corner, slot and safety. He is a dynamic athlete with the ball skills, instincts and awareness to routinely produce splash plays.”

2. Mike Sainristil, Michigan

Want to talk versatility? Sainristil came to Michigan as a receiver. Now he is a very talented DB who played a big role in Michigan’s national title run.

Brooks writes, “Sainristil is a plug-and-play slot defender with exceptional instincts and awareness. The receiver-turned-defensive back is a natural playmaker with a game that could make him an NFL star in this role as a young player.”

3. Max Melton, Rutgers

Melton ran a sizzling 4.39 in the 40 at the Combine and posted a vertical of 40.5 inches. Both those numbers are appealing to the folks who draft in the NFL.

Brooks writes “Melton is a gritty defender with the speed, quickness and athleticism to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage. He utilizes an aggressive bump-and-run technique that forces quarterbacks to throw into tight windows.“

4. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia

Overall, Lassiter is one of the best corners available in the NFL Draft. He did not do the speed and agility drills at the combine. But he impressed with his on field drills.

Brooks writes “Lassiter is a versatile cover corner with the ability to play inside or outside in a diverse scheme, that requires players to utilize an expansive skill set.” Versatility is always a plus.

5. Daequan Hardy, Penn State

Hardy definitely turned heads at the combine when he ran a 4.38 and jumped a 42.5 in the vertical. Plus, with the Nittany Lions, he had an excellent return game.

Brooks writes, “Hardy is a two-phase playmaker with the potential to make an immediate NFL impact as a slot corner and punt returner. As an instinctive cover man with outstanding speed and burst, the Penn State product is a big-play machine with intriguing potential.”

Brooks also adds a sixth nickelback for NFL teams to consider during the draft. It’s Jarrian Jones from Florida State. Remember that the draft is April the 25th through the 27th. To read more of Brooks’ analysis, click it here.