I am tired of all this talk about Michigan’s Leon Hall being the top cornerback in the country. I think that’s absolutely false, and I think it’s way over-hyped. He is a good player, yes, but he’s not a great corner. The only corner in this draft that will be a “great player” is Texas’ Aaron Ross.

There are some great athletes at the cornerback position in this draft, but many are unpolished and don’t have the awareness you want in a defender. I look at Ross and see a player who understands the game. He’s a tremendous playmaker and covers the opposition like white on rice.

This past season, Ross won the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the top defensive back in the country. He didn’t win this award by some fluke, but some think the other two Thorpe Award finalists, Reggie Nelson (Florida) and Hall (Michigan), were the better players this past season.

I don’t believe that distinction.

You can’t deny that both Nelson and Hall are outstanding players. Nelson, who plays safety for the Gators, had a breakout season and solidified himself as a playmaker in the secondary. He’s a ball hawk, but statistically Ross had a better season.

Even though they play different positions in the secondary, I will compare their 2006 stats. Nelson finished with 51 tackles and six interceptions, while Ross recorded 77 tackles, six interceptions and a sack. Ross also scored a touchdown for the Longhorns on special teams.

In the long run I believe Ross’ worth to an NFL team becomes much greater than the value Nelson brings to the table. Ross is a versatile player who, in addition to playing at cornerback, could line up as a safety at the next level. I don’t believe Nelson could be a cornerback in the NFL.

The player that is receiving the most hype this off-season is Hall. He’s being mentioned as the top cornerback in the entire draft class, which I can’t believe. Hall is a great leader in the secondary and provides stability, but he lacks the quickness you want out of a corner. Hall’s excellent in coverage, but his lack of speed will hurt him at the next level and he will get exposed.

I think it’s safe to say that Hall had a disappointing senior season. His statistics were down from his junior year (61 tackles, four interceptions, and two sacks) to his senior year (45 tackles, three interceptions, and a sack). Hall was also exposed in the Rose Bowl as Dwayne Jarrett (11 receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns) had a field day against the All-American corner.

Ross, on the other hand, is still developing despite his age. Ross will be a 25-year old rookie when the 2007 NFL regular season begins. His age may detour some teams from drafting him, but his skills are not in question. Ross provides a team with a reliable defender, a special teams terror as a punt returner, and a solid leader in the locker room.

Statistics are statistics and sometimes there is no merit to compare a player to another, but I believe that Ross has all the qualities you want in an emerging defensive star. He has great size, instincts, and is still learning the position. If a team can overlook Ross’ age and utilize his skills in their defense – Ross will become the best cornerback in this entire draft.