Sportsvival’s scouting team continues its comprehensive evaluation of the 2026 NFL Draft, applying our trademark blend of film study, athletic profiling, and translatable‑traits analysis. Cornerback remains one of the most volatile yet valuable positions in the modern NFL, and this year’s class offers a strong mix of polished technicians, high‑ceiling athletes, and versatile coverage defenders who can fit multiple schemes.
Our evaluations emphasize movement efficiency, man‑coverage competency, zone instincts, ball production, and long‑term developmental trajectory. With several prospects returning from injury, transitioning into new defensive systems, or emerging into full‑time roles, this board reflects both current tape and projected NFL growth. As always, rankings will continue to evolve through Combine testing, pro days, and late‑cycle film review, but this serves as Sportsvival’s early, definitive snapshot of the 2026 CB class.
SPORTSVIVAL TOP 10 CORNERBACKS - 2026 NFL DRAFT
1. Jermod McCoy- Tennessee
Ht/Wt: 6′0″, 193 lbs
Projected Round: Round 1
One of the most technical corners in the class with strong instincts and long‑speed traits, McCoy is widely viewed as a Day 1 NFL starter when healthy. His ACL recovery will be a key Combine focal point. Could go behind Delane because of injury concerns...if not for injury he was a definite top 5 pick in draft.
2. Mansoor Delane - LSU
Ht/Wt: 6′0″, 190 lbs
Projected Round: Round 1
Delane offers outstanding coverage technique and competitive physicality. He’s been named a top prospect by multiple draft analysts and has lockdown ability in both man and zone concepts.
3. Avieon Terrell - Clemson
Ht/Wt: 5′11″, 180 lbs
Projected Round: Round 1–2
A fluid athlete with elite movement skills and ball awareness, Terrell profiles as an early starter in coverage packages with zone and press competence.
4. Brandon Cisse - South Carolina
Ht/Wt: 6′0″, 190 lbs
Projected Round: Round 2
Cisse combines length and competitive hands in man coverage and has drawn strong developmental grades from draft evaluators.
5. Colton Hood - Tennessee
Ht/Wt: 6′0″, 195 lbs
Projected Round: Round 2
Hood has drawn praise for his press‑man role and diagnostic ability in coverage, earning a Day 2 projection in multiple draft rankings.
6. Davison Igbinosun - Ohio State
Ht/Wt: 6′2″, 195 lbs
Projected Round: Round 2–3
Igbinosun’s length and range particularly help in zone schemes, and his physical profile gives him a clear starter timeline.
7. Keith Abney II - Arizona State
Ht/Wt: 6′0″, 190 lbs
Projected Round: Round 3
Abney offers grit, technique, and versatility, particularly as a man‑to‑man defender in multiple coverage looks.
8. Malik Muhammad - Texas
Ht/Wt: 6′0″, 190 lbs
Projected Round: Round 3
Muhammad blends positional flexibility with strong instincts in short‑to‑intermediate coverage, a useful trait for hybrid coverage roles.
9. Domani Jackson — Alabama
Ht/Wt: 6′1″, 196 lbs
Projected Round: Round 3–4
Jackson brings impressive recovery speed and length, making him appealing as an outside defender with press competence.
10. D’Angelo Ponds- Indiana
Ht/Wt: ~5′9″, 170 lbs
Projected Round: Round 3–4
Ponds is a playmaker with strong ball skills and instincts, and while undersized, his productivity and quick‑zone competence give him nickel appeal.
(photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated)