Projected Texas A&M football defense depth chart post-spring football

Projecting Texas A&M football’s spring defensive depth chart: Cornerback

1st unit: BJ Mayes, Tyreek Chappell
2nd unit: Dezz Ricks, Will Lee
3rd unit: Jayvon Thomas, Bravion Rogers

This one has been so tough to nail down. I've gone back and forth on the starters several times, but I'm currently of the mind that Chappell will eventually win out at one of the corner spots.

Let's start with what I feel most sure of: I think BJ Mayes will be one of the starters. I absolutely love his tape from UAB, and he held his own against Georgia in the Blazers' toughest game of the year. The guy is a real player—one who could hear his name called in the NFL draft next year.

Where I'm torn is with the Chappell-Ricks-Lee triumvirate. Lee fits the mold of an Elko corner the best, but is a little inexperienced and can shy away from contact at times. Ricks hardly saw the field last year, but is head and shoulders above almost everyone in this group when it comes to pure athleticism. Chappell nearly transferred, but brings three years of experience—including one under Elko—to the table.

In the end, I think that experience wins out. I do think, though, that we see a good mix of Lee and Ricks in the lineup given those other factors.

Thomas and Rogers are both guys who have high ceilings, but struggled when forced into the lineup last year. I need to see more development out of them before I think they get on the field consistently. However, if those two are your third-stringers, you're in a great place.