NFL Draft 2021: 3 biggest late-round cornerback sleepers

1. Shakur Brown, CB, Michigan State (Projected round: 4-6)

Shakur Brown just keeps getting better and better. His size is the primary drawback against him at 5-foot-10, but there’s no denying the drive that Brown has and sometimes that’s all you need.

Had Brown not some lost time in 2019 due to injury, there’s no telling how much better he could have been. Last season was Brown’s best, intercepting five passes while accounting for 25 tackles. He was a first-team All-Big Ten cornerback last season and was one of the lone bright spots on a 2-5 Michigan State team. He went from a decent defender to someone that just draws your attention when watching.

There’s some risk as well. As good as 2020 was, it was basically half a season as one of the country’s best. Is that the real Brown or was last season’s production just a flash in the pan?

Brown will need some time at the next level. He won’t be a day one starter, but if he’s drafted by a team with a solid veteran corner that can give him some pointers to improve his game, good things can come.

Don’t sleep on Brown’s ability to return punts as well. He was Special Teams Player of the Year in high school in his region in Georgia. He can also catch passes in the offense, so to see him become a slot receiver at the next level wouldn’t be a total shock.