Cornerbacks to Watch for the 2026 NFL Draft 🏈

As we gear up for summer scouting for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, let’s spotlight ten cornerbacks who are emerging as noteworthy prospects. This isn’t a ranking but a curated list of players to keep an eye on!

1. Jermod McCoy - Tennessee 🎓

Jermod McCoy has been turning heads as the standout corner for the Tennessee Volunteers. After transferring from Oregon State, he showcased his skills with an impressive 89.6 coverage grade last season, positioning him among the elite returning cornerbacks in the Power Four. His four interceptions tied for second in the same group, proving his ability to make game-changing plays.

With incredible ball skills and agility, he scored an astonishing 99.9 on the Game Athleticism Score metric. However, his journey has encountered a hurdle; an ACL tear in January has left his status for the upcoming season uncertain.

2. Avieon Terrell - Clemson 🌟

Following in the footsteps of his brother A.J. Terrell, who was a first-round pick in 2020, Avieon Terrell is set to carve his own path in the NFL Draft. He’s been impressive as a run defender, ranking fourth among cornerbacks with a remarkable 90.7 run-defense grade in 2024. His ability to force turnovers is commendable too, as he recorded three forced fumbles, tying for second among his peers.

Though he stands at just 5-foot-11 and weighs 180 pounds, Terrell plays with physicality and speed, making him a formidable opponent in man-to-man coverage.

3. Malik Muhammad - Texas 🤘

Despite the departure of a first-round talent, the Texas Longhorns have Malik Muhammad returning for his junior season. In terms of value, only three returning Power Four cornerbacks have outperformed him in the last two years. His ability to impact plays is evident with 17 forced incompletions, all while being targeted only 12.1% of the time in coverage.

While not known as an elite athlete, Muhammad excels with his instincts and is adept at closing in on receivers, making him a player to watch.

4. A.J. Harris - Penn State 🦁

A.J. Harris began his career at Georgia but made a significant impact after transferring to Penn State. He demonstrated why he was a top recruit in high school, ranking among the nation’s most valuable cornerbacks according to wins above average metrics. He allowed just 0.76 yards per coverage snap during his sophomore season, showcasing his remarkable skill set.

Harris excels in both outside and slot coverage, boasting great instincts in zone defense, alongside technical refinement that makes him a versatile asset.

5. Jalon Kilgore - South Carolina Gamecocks 🐔

Jalon Kilgore is likely to become one of the best slot cornerbacks in the draft pool. With a solid combination of size (6-foot-2, 219 pounds) and speed (recorded over 23 mph last season), he brought his game to new heights. His five interceptions ranked him among the top cornerbacks in the Power Four, alongside achieving a 74.6 run-defense grade.

6. D.J. McKinney - Colorado Buffaloes 🦬

Following in the footsteps of the notable Travis Hunter, D.J. McKinney has stepped up as a key player for Colorado. His debut season yielded a commendable 75.3 coverage grade, allowing only a 58.1 passer rating when targeted. He snagged three interceptions and forced seven incompletions, proving his reliability in the secondary.

Standing at 6-foot-2, McKinney possesses the length and adequate speed essential for a successful cornerback.

7. Mansoor Delane - LSU 🐅

After transferring to LSU from Virginia Tech, Mansoor Delane brings competitive fire and intelligence to the field. Although he hasn’t reached the heights of his impressive freshman year, he remains a notable player with consistent run-defense grades exceeding 70.0 in all his seasons. Delane showcases fluidity in coverage and is adaptable in both man and zone schemes.

8. D’Angelo Ponds - Indiana Hoosiers 🟠

D’Angelo Ponds might not be the most physically imposing at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, but he plays with heart and has consistently ranked among the best cornerbacks. His time at Indiana has solidified his reputation, and his average PFF grade of 91.8 over two seasons stands for itself. Ponds is fearless in both coverage and run defense, earning a reputation that belies his stature.

9. Chandler Rivers - Duke Blue Devils 🔵

Chandler Rivers had a breakout performance last season, tying with a notable player for the top PFF grade among Power Four cornerbacks (90.7). He displayed versatility that allows him to shine both as an outside corner and a nickel defender. Rivers is especially keen at reading quarterbacks, making him effective in zone coverage. Last season, he recorded nine pressures, displaying his ability to contribute as a blitzer.

10. Tacario Davis - Washington Huskies 🎉

Tacario Davis entered last season as a projected first-round candidate but faced challenges, leading to a drop in performance with a coverage grade of 61.7. Despite this setback, his elite length (6-foot-4) and potential could allow him to bounce back after transferring to Washington, where he will reunite with head coach Jedd Fisch.

As the summer scouting kicks off, keep an eye on these promising cornerbacks! Each one brings unique qualities that could impact their teams and possibly elevate them to the next level in the NFL. Happy scouting! 🌟