Cotton Bowl 2021: Top 4 2022 NFL draft prospects to watch

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Oct 8, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Coby Bryant (7) intercepts the ball against the Temple Owls in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati

If you like a pro on pro matchups, Coby Bryant versus Jameson Williams is one to watch in this game. This season, Bryant, who won the Thorpe Award, is arguably the best cover corner prospect this draft season. In this draft, fellow corner Ahmad Garner is also a top prospect, but Bryant is the alpha.

Bryant is your favorite corner’s favorite corner. The Cleveland native has the temperament you want from a defensive back. Bryant is an aggressive fearless player with amnesia. Bryant uses the sidelines as an ally when covering deep routes and can run with any wide receiver in the country.

Since Bryant will contend with Alabama speedsters Jameson Williams and Ja’Correy Brooks, he’ll need that asset.

Compared to other defensive backs in this draft, like LSU corner Derek Stingley Jr. and Washington corner Trent McDuffie, Bryant is just as good if not better. Stingley has lots of tools but has just one year of tape. McDuffie is solid but a bit on the small side.

Bryant is as close to a finished product as you can get transitioning from college to professional. He is a day one plug-and-play starter in the league.

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