Washington Redskins: Which cornerbacks are worth the No. 13 pick?

Jaire Alexander – Louisville

If the Washington Redskins are looking for an immediate starter at the nickel cornerback position, then Louisville’s Jaire Alexander could fit the bill. But at the No. 13 pick? That remains to be seen.

Alexander projects well in that position, and for several reasons. His size is comparable to that of the Washington Redskins’ former starting slot cornerback, Kendall Fuller. At 5-foot-11, 192, Alexander possesses adequate length, and he uses such length to make plays on the ball. He’s not afraid to throw himself around on the field, and when he goes for the ball, he has a wide range that isn’t easily bested.

Alexander is able to stay with his man, using innate lateral quickness to keep his feet under him. His rare explosive athleticism allows him to recover when he’s out of position, and make spectacular plays when he’s in position.

Unfortunately, during his final season with the Cardinals, Alexander didn’t often have the chance to be in position. He was often sidelined by injuries, and in the end, he only started six games.

Alexander has the traits to succeed in the NFL, but he has many areas in which he can improve, as well. He needs to bulk up on his 192-pound frame, and he needs to be more aggressive when engaging run blockers. But as far as pass protection goes, he’s ready for the next level, and that view is reflected by other draft analysts as well.

So this is all nice. But is Alexander worth the No. 13 pick? Some will tell you he is. A very small ‘some’. For our purposes here, however, Alexander is not. He’s a fringe first-round player as it stands. If he wows teams at the combine, that could change. But for now, his talents are bested by the players above him, and his injury proneness makes him a risk too great to take for the Washington Redskins.

Verdict: Not worth the No. 13 pick

My Grade for Alexander: Round 1-2