A couple of days ago I took a look at the 2017 receivers size vs. speed comparisons. Today it’s all about their counterparts, the defensive backs.

Having great size combined with top end speed is a rarer commodity among the 2017 combine invited defensive backs than seen in the receiving group. Just three defensive backs make the top right quadrant above the median in size and speed: Waterloo Warriors Jordan Hoover, Carleton Ravens Nate Hamlin and my top rated defensive back Dondre Wright from Henderson State.

Two AUS defensive backs turned in disappointing speed numbers at small statures as seen in the bottom left quadrant while the top left quadrant is best described as being the home to plenty of potential, with little of it realized as of yet.

If Ottawa Sooners receiver Malcolm Carter is the most intriguing mixture of size and speed at a skilled position, Manitoba Bison’s Akeeno Williams is not far from behind. I very, very rarely feel as though a prospect is worth cheering for but I want the best for Akeeno.

After leaving Grimsby, Ont. for the University of Manitoba, Williams played as a receiver but was switched to defensive back for the 2016 season. Manitoba head coach Brian Dobie admitted some regret in making the late career switch for Williams, wishing he could have given Williams a better chance to adapt to the requirements of the position.

Akeeno Williams holds the same raw, unrealized potential as St. FX defensive lineman Kay Okafor while both might have the highest ceiling if and when the light comes on.

The bottom right quadrant is full of legitimate CFL players. Tunde Adeleke ran the fastest 40-yard dash of the CFL combine season with an electronic 4.58 while measuring in larger than I expected. Robert Woodson and Harland Hastings are both solid pro prospects with Woodson’s ball skills and natural hip movement lending itself to a more promising long-term outlook.

The 2017 defensive back class is among the strongest seen in the last ten years while maintaining speeds competitive across all eras: