NFL Combine 2013: Top defensive backs invited

Defensive backs will continue to be a premium in the aerially focused offensive world of the NFL, and the position's group takes the field on the last day of NFL Combine workouts by themselves, in full focus for scouts and teams.

Let's take a look at five defensive backs to watch at the Combine, in no particular order:

- Dee Milliner. A first-team All-American in 2012 for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Milliner is a physical corner with the speed to catch up should a receiver get past him around the line of scrimmage. He could be the first secondary player to go in the draft, according to SB Nation's mock draft by Dan Kadar, who has Milliner going at No. 6 overall to the Cleveland Browns.

Milliner will need to work on his backpedaling skills, as the technique isn't taught at Alabama, so that could be a focus at the Combine.

- Xavier Rhodes. Rhodes, the former Florida State Seminole, is another corner who prefers jamming receivers around the line. A willing tackler against both the passing and running games, Rhodes will probably fare better in a system that allows him to play on an island.

- Kenny Vaccaro. In Kadar's mock, Vaccaro is the first safety to go off the board with the 21st pick by the Cincinnati Bengals. Strong in coming up against the run or in blitzing situations, the former Texas Longhorn will need to show that his downfield coverage techniques are ready for the speedy slot receivers and athletic tight ends of the NFL.

- John Cyprien. Out of Florida International, Cyprien doesn't have the big college platform, but his reputation as a heady free safety that can deliver punishing hits is making his name one to know as the draft nears. His speed, as with any defensive back, will be tested at the Combine, especially in regards to playing against deep throws.

- Tyrann Mathieu. After being dismissed by the LSU Tigers before the 2012 season and undergoing substance abuse treatment, Mathieu will likely need to answer questions about his off-field rehabilitation, but his ability to completely alter the course of a game, be it via a turnover or special teams play, during his time at LSU can't be ignored. His size, along with his aforementioned recovery, will be in focus at the Combine.

Here's a look at the cornerback prospects working out at the Combine:

Milliner, Dee CB Alabama

Rhodes, Xavier CB Florida St. Scouting Report

Banks, Johnthan CB Mississippi St.

Trufant, Desmond CB Washington

Alford, Robert CB Southeast Louisiana

McFadden, Leon CB San Diego St.

Taylor, Jamar CB Boise St.

Wreh-Wilson, Blidi CB Connecticut

Amerson, David CB N.C. State

Webb, B.W. CB William & Mary

Poyer, Jordan CB Oregon St. Scouting Report

Mathieu, Tyrann CB LSU

Slay, Darius CB Mississippi St.

Davis, Will CB Utah St.

Simon, Tharold CB LSU

Ryan, Logan CB Rutgers Scouting Report

Hawthorne, Terry CB Illinois

Commings, Sanders CB Georgia

Anthony, Marc CB California

Adams, Johnny CB Michigan St.

Bushell, Adrian CB Louisville

Johnson, Josh CB Purdue

Swanson, Daxton CB Sam Houston St.

Reid, Greg CB Florida St.

Hayden, D.J. CB Houston

Sweeting, Rod CB Georgia Tech

Gratz, Dwayne CB Connecticut

Wooten, Khalid CB Nevada

McGee, Brandon CB Miami

Robey, Nickell CB USC

Williams, Steve CB California

Edwards, Mike CB Hawaii

McCray, Demetrius CB Appalachian St.

Hester, Aaron CB UCLA

Webster, Kayvon CB South Florida

And here are the safeties attending the Combine:

Vaccaro, Kenny SS Texas

Reid, Eric FS LSU

Cyprien, John FS Florida International

Swearinger, D.J. SS South Carolina

Elam, Matt FS Florida

Wilcox, J.J. FS Georgia Southern

Williams, Shawn SS Georgia

Thomas, Phillip SS Fresno St.

Jefferson, Tony FS Oklahoma

Motta, Zeke SS Notre Dame

Thomas, Shamarko SS Syracuse

Evans, Josh FS Florida

Williams, Duke FS Nevada

Boyett, John SS Oregon

McDonald, T.J. FS USC

Wolff, Earl SS N.C. State

Hyde, Micah FS Iowa

Rambo, Bacarri SS Georgia

Slaughter, Jamoris SS Notre Dame

Lester, Robert FS Alabama

McDougald, Bradley FS Kansas

Starling, Jawanza SS USC

Miles, Rontez FS California (PA)

Johnson, Keelan SS Arizona State

Stafford, Daimion SS Nebraska