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NFL Draft 2021: 3 biggest late-round cornerback sleepers

By Sonny Martinez

Michigan State's Shakur Brown returns an interception during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.201024 Msu Rutgers 138a
Michigan State's Shakur Brown returns an interception during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.201024 Msu Rutgers 138a /
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Oct 27, 2018; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal cornerback Paulson Adebo (11) before the game against the Washington State Cougars at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2018; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal cornerback Paulson Adebo (11) before the game against the Washington State Cougars at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford (Projected round: 3-4)

If Paulson Adebo didn’t sit out the 2020 season, we’d likely be talking about a second-round pick. If teams decide to look past that, he very will still could be. There’s a reason he was on the Nagurski, Bednarik and Thorpe Award watch lists heading into last season.

The former Stanford standout had a good career over 20 games for the Cardinal: 97 tackles, eight interceptions and 27 passes defended. Adebo has good size for a cornerback at 6-foot-1 and the speed to keep up with some of the fastest receivers in a Pac-12 league where speed is everywhere. His ability to stay with the receiver is top tier with his dominant showing against Arizona in 2019 with two interceptions as his best showing.

As mentioned, his decision to sit out last year might come back to haunt him. Adebo didn’t get a chance to show his potential as an all-conference cornerback. Instead, he will have to lean on his play from two seasons ago and a pro day performance where he needs to have a great showing.

A player with the talent and athleticism of Adebo should have a starting spot in the NFL. Where (and when) he lands could have a lot to do with his lack of play last season.

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