NFL draft: Defensive backs

TODAY

This is Day 6 of the Star Tribune's position-by-position preview for the NFL draft April 26-27 in New York City.

Sunday: Quarterbacks

Monday: Running backs

Tuesday: Receivers

Wednesday: Offensive linemen

Thursday: Defensive linemen

Today: Defensive backs

Saturday: Linebackers

THE CREAM

LEODIS McKELVIN, Troy

Leodis McKelvin didn't spend his collegiate career at a big-time program, but that has done nothing to lower expectations.

During his four seasons at Alabama-based Troy, McKelvin proved himself a top-notch cornerback and also had eight kick returns for touchdowns (seven on punts, one on a kickoff) to tie the NCAA Division I record.

But to find the exact moment the 5-10, 190-pound McKelvin emerged as an elite prospect, look to his junior season when, playing against Calvin Johnson, McKelvin limited Georgia Tech's star receiver to two receptions for 9 yards.

A few months later Johnson was taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft by the Lions. "I figured if he could go that high, I could definitely play in the league," McKelvin told ESPN.

McKelvin helped improve his stock during the NFL scouting combine in February when he ran a time of 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and a 4.10 in the 20-yard shuttle. This proved helpful after he missed the Senior Bowl because of a hamstring injury.

McKelvin, who ended up at Troy after running into academic problems at his high school in Georgia, almost certainly will step into the punt return role wherever he lands. Devin Hester's success returning kicks for Chicago is sure to influence how teams look at McKelvin.

"I can change field position," McKelvin told the Philadelphia Daily News. "I'm that guy."

AND THE CROP

1. DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE, TENNESSEE STATE

The Division I-AA product saw his stock soar following a standout performance at the Senior Bowl. Several NFL teams have fallen in love with Rodgers-Cromartie because of his size (6-2, 185), outstanding speed (4.29 in the 40) and potential upside.

2. MIKE JENKINS, SOUTH FLORIDA

Jenkins has the physical abilities to be atop this list, but off-the-field issues are sure to have an impact on where the speedy (4.38 in the 40) cornerback is selected. Jenkins has been arrested, suspended and criticized for his practice habits, and he didn't do himself any favors by skipping the Senior Bowl.

3. ANTOINE CASON, ARIZONA

Cason does not have the speed of McKelvin or Rodgers-Cromartie -- he ran a 4.45 in the 40 at the combine -- but he is thought to have the ability to be a shutdown corner and has drawn comparisons to Baltimore's Chris McAlister. Cason was durable in college, starting 46 games, and had 15 interceptions and two punt return touchdowns.

SLEEPER

TYRELL JOHNSON, Arkansas State

There are questions about how Johnson will do against NFL-level competition, but the strong safety is expected to go in either the second or third round. Considered a very smart player, he holds Sun Belt Conference records for tackles (363) and interception return yards (309).

PURPLE FEVER

The Vikings are likely to add a safety who can learn behind veteran starters Darren Sharper (32 years old) and Madieu Williams (26) and backup Michael Boulware (26). Sharper could be entering his final season, and the Vikings might want to groom someone to take his place. It also wouldn't be a surprise to see the Vikings take a serious look at a cornerback.

JUDD ZULGAD