There's a very misguided notion traveling through the grapevine these days that places a significantly lower value on the cornerback position. And that notion is based simply on rules changes which have further limited the amount of contact defensive backs are allowed to make with wide receivers. But, in reality, that line of thinking couldn't be further from the truth. If anything, it is even more important to find quality players at the position than ever before.

Sure, the new rules make it tougher for a defensive back to completely shut down his assignment, but that's no reason to assume the position has lost importance. Cornerbacks still have to cover. They just aren't given as much liberty with the bumping and grabbing after the first five yards as they had been allowed before the crackdown last season.

The changes also lead to a thinking that cornerbacks who play with a physical style are less attractive these days, and there is some significance to that deduction. However, that generalization would apply almost exclusively to the guys who rely heavily on their ability to manhandle receivers as their primary means of defending the pass.

A guy like Miami's Antrel Rolle, who happens to be a physical player, quickly comes to mind simply because numerous "experts" have lowered his value for the above reasons. The problem is, he doesn't fall into that category. He is a big, strong guy, and he uses his size and strength to his advantage, but he also has the speed and closing ability needed in today's game. He also possesses the versatility that should allow him to play inside against the slot or on the outside against deep-threat wide receivers. Overall, he is more athletic than he is given credit for and, in my opinion, is the best corner prospect in the draft.

Some might argue that West Virginia's Adam "Pac Man" Jones is the better pro prospect, but I suspect many that have him ranked higher than Rolle are overrating him because of his speed. Granted, Jones has great play-making potential as a corner as well as a return man, and he deserves to be selected early in the draft, but his size is somewhat of a concern.

Overall, Rolle is the better total package at cornerback, and if forced to choose between he and Jones, I wouldn't have to think twice before selecting.