2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board: Cornerbacks

Central Arkansas cornerback Robert Rochell

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board has been rolled out during the next week by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with safeties:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

THREE TO WATCH

Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas:
Playing tonight in their second game of the season are the Central Arkansas Bears and their star cornerback Robert Rochell. At 6-2, 195 pounds and with long arms, the Shreveport, Louisiana native possesses prototypical press-man cornerback size. NFL teams that heavily employ man-to-man or cover-3 schemes will in particular value Rochell’s physical stature, his willingness to get up at the line of scrimmage (LOS) to challenge wide receivers, his fluidity turning to run up field, and his ball skills to make plays. The first-team All-American in 2019 was very productive in the passing game, recording a career-best five interceptions and 13 passes broken up.

Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF:
Nickel back is one of the most demanding positions on the football field and UCF’s Aaron Robinson displays the skillfulness to handle all that is thrown his way. From understanding inside routes, outside routes, leverage, blitz responsibilities and run fits, the Alabama transfer put on a clinic in 2019 while recording 54 tackles, 10 passes broken up and three interceptions. The Deerfield Beach, Florida native possesses excellent route recognition, the athleticism to match steps in man-to-man coverage, the ability to elevate up to make a play on the ball, and the hands to come down with it. Not one to shy away from contact, Robinson works to shed blocks and is a solid wrap tackler in space.

Rodarius Williams, CB, Oklahoma State:
As a rare four-year starting cornerback in the Big 12, there isn’t much Rodarius Williams hasn’t seen. In the Cowboys’ quarters-style defense, Williams is oftentimes locked-up outside with a wide receiver, where he likes to get up in either press or bump-and-run technique. Standing at 6-0 and 187 pounds, the Shreveport, Louisiana native possesses the size and length to match up with most wide receivers, and his experience leads him to be able to remain square in coverage, read the route, break on the ball and reach in to knock away. Though not a trained killer as a tackler, the redshirt senior who’s started every game in his career does just enough to get ball carriers down.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: CORNERBACKS