Sept 22, 2012; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack cornerback David Amerson (1) during the game against the Citadel Bulldogs at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

The defensive backs took to the field on the final day of workouts and, as expected, they flashed.  Whether it was getting close to Chris Johnson’s 4.24 40 yard dash time or straight up stumbling whilst running, there were some moments of concern and some moments of triumph.  Let’s focus on the latter.  Here are the guys who improved their draft stock on Tuesday:

David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State

• One of the top rated corners entering the college football season, Amerson is showing why at the combine.  Amerson didn’t blow anybody away with his 4.44 40, his 15 reps on the bench press, or his vertical and broad jump, but he looked great in drills.  This guy will be mocked anywhere from the late first round to the third because of his tape and combine.  I see him as an early second rounder, but if he slips into the first round due to his combine work, don’t be shocked.

Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

• Milliner will likely be the top corner in the 2013 NFL Draft, and he deserves it.  Sure, he dropped a ball during drills, but the game tape speaks for itself.  Milliner did just enough by showing he has elite speed with a 4.37 40 time.  Teams won’t have anything to worry about knowing he’s the second fastest guy in the draft and that he can play ball.

Robert Alford, CB, Southeastern Louisiana

• I’ve been high on Alford for a while, so don’t be shocked he’s on this list.  I was really pleased watching his workouts though.  Alford was a top performer in the 40 (4.39), the bench press (17 reps), vertical (40 inches), and broad jump (132 inches).  This guy is going to go higher than a lot of people think.  Teams took notice of his consistency, now they just need to turn on the tape.

- Luke N. Sims

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This, my friends, is the real deal.  Meet Robert Alford.  Source: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Jags need some secondary help, and with the combine approaching there will be some good players rocketing up draft boards.  Will one of them be the next Darrelle Revis?  Possibly.  With the Jags likely spending their first round pick on a defensive linemen, let’s turn our attention to some later first round, second round, and third round prospects that could really make themselves prime targets for the Jags at cornerback.

Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

• Can Trufant do enough at the combine to be picked ahead of someone like Xavier Rhodes?  I don’t think he can, but that may be a good thing for the Jags.  Keep an eye on Trufant and see if he can make someone like Aaron Ross expendable to the Jags.  He may come off more impressive at the combine than his tackling has shown on the game tape.

Robert Alford, CB, Southeast Louisiana

• I know that GM Dave Caldwell just said he’ll be aiming for bigger school prospects, but Alford’s the real deal.  He dominated at Southeast Louisiana and could easily slide on draft day largely due to his relative anonymity.  Don’t expect eye-popping numbers from Alford at the combine, but look to see if he stays with his competition.  His game-speed is likely faster than his workout.  I’m high on Alford and would love to see him sitting around for the Jags in the second or third – if he gets that far.

Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

• A physical corner, Taylor could be a secondary enforcer for the Jags.  Of course, we all saw how well that worked out with Gene Smith’s pick of Rod Issac.  Taylor could impress with his athleticism at the combine but he needs work in his recovery speed and needs to become more fluid in his movements on the whole.  Watch to see if he shows off some less-developed skills at the combine and proves that hard work can change his game.

- Luke N. Sims

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The Jacksonville Jaguars need fresh bodies at a number of positions and the Senior Bowl offers an opportunity to look at players who could immediately contribute.  A big need for the Jaguars is at cornerback.  With Rashean Mathis, Aaron Ross, and William Middleton underperforming during the 2012 season, the Jaguars will look for fresh faces in 2013.  Some of those faces could be in the 2013 Senior Bowl.  Here are some guys you should keep an eye on.

Alford should get more attention than he could ever dream of while at the Senior Bowl this week.  Source: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Alford, CB, Southeast Louisiana 

• Alford won’t get much attention coming out of Southeast Louisiana, and that contributes to his projected third round selection.  Only the second Southeast Louisiana player ever invited to the Senior Bowl, Alford has potential that is getting noticed around league circles.  Alford is a quick player who doubles as a kick returner.  Alford had four interceptions in 2012 to go along with 39 tackles, five tackles for a loss, and 12 passes defended.  Alford could fit in immediately at special teams and could add to young talent like Mike Harris at the cornerback position for the Jags.

Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State

• McFadden has won first team all conference accolades in the past three seasons.  He isn’t a big frame cornerback like most of his Senior Bowl counterparts (5’10″) but plays faster and bigger.  Despite posting 46 passes defensed and seven interceptions over the past three seasons, McFadden is a mid-round projection.  Two of his interceptions this season were returned for touchdowns.  I like McFadden’s ability compared to some other bigger name corners and could be good value in the mid rounds.

Will Davis, CB, Utah State

• Of the cornerbacks at the Senior Bowl, Davis stands out as the best at being able to play on an island.  His abilities to play outside without needing support really frees up safety play in the middle and for the other side of the field.  Davis led the NCAA in passes defended during his senior season with an impressive 22.  He had five interceptions to go along with his 22 defenses.  Davis also contributed on 64 tackles this season.  Projected to go in the second or third round, Davis would not be a shocking reach pick for the Jaguars early in the second round.  Davis’ ability to matchup one-on-one on the outside could be invaluable for the Jaguars if his game can translate to the NFL.

Would any of these guys fit into the holes in the defensive backfield?  Anybody who would fit better?

- Luke N. Sims

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You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims