Rivals Rankings Week: Who will emerge as the top CB in the 2024 class?

There are four cornerbacks ranked between No. 28 and No. 41 in the Rivals250 and none of them are five-stars. With so many of them bunched tightly together in the national rankings, who will emerge as the top cornerback in this class? The national recruiting analysts – Clint Cosgrove, Adam Friedman, Adam Gorney, Nick Harris and Ryan Wright – give their takes here.

Although it is hard to overlook the pure coverage ability of Bryce West and physical gifts of Charles Lester III, I see Georgia commit Ellis Robinson being the nation’s No. 1 corner prospect. Robinson is a special prospect who checks all of the boxes that you look for in a lockdown corner and he is talented enough to take an opponent’s top receiving threat completely out of the game. He has great feet, is extremely fluid in the hips, rarely gets out of phase with the receivers and his closing speed when the ball is in the air is phenomenal. There are few corners that you can put on an island against elite receiving talent without worry and that special quality sets him apart from the rest at this point.

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This race is far from over but at this point I think Robinson will probably end up as the top cornerback. His size, quickness, and coverage instincts give him the edge over the others vying for the No. 1 spot. Charles Lester is a gifted athlete and I really like the speed Bryce West brings to the table. These two will likely remain near the top of the rankings and don’t be surprised if somebody like Jaylen Mbakwe finds a way to push up the rankings as well.

What’s interesting about this cornerback class is they all have unique characteristics that set them apart so it comes down to preference more than anything. Charles Lester and Jaylen Mbakwe are phenomenal athletes who are also outstanding receivers. Ellis Robinson is the most physical of the bunch who is also twitched up athletically. Bryce West might win a footrace and is an all-around athlete. Kobe Black has outstanding length and versatility as well. Because of his physical presence and cover skills, I’m picking Robinson.

When evaluating cornerbacks, having a lengthy prospect that can lockdown any sized matchup will almost always reign supreme, and that’s what you get with Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star Ellis Robinson IV. The Connecticut native combines that length with adequate speed to play nickel or further back into the secondary, but his highest ceiling and worth comes on the boundary where he can match up with physical, big-bodied receivers with his rounded skill set. Aside from his physical attributes and athleticism, Robinson has already shown an adept ability to adjust to higher quality competition after making the move to IMG prior to his junior season and excelling as arguably the team’s top defensive back alongside fellow national recruits in both the 2023 and 2024 classes. One knock on Robinson’s profile could be his leanness, but once he’s able to get onto a college campus and develop physically, Robinson will be able to add the mass and strength to be a surefire candidate for All-American nods and high NFL Draft stock.

Rivals has it correct with Lester atop the board at cornerback. Lester is smooth in the secondary and his long arms, quick hips and blazing speed allow him to make his side of the field a “no fly zone.” The four-star is willing to put his reputation on the line competing on the 7-on-7 circuit with South Florida Express. Taking on top receivers at various tournaments already this year has done nothing to diminish his perch atop the 2024 cornerbacks.