January 18th, 2026
The 2026 NFL Draft cycle is beginning to take shape as scouts revisit last season’s film and identify which defensive backs project as long-term NFL starters. This year’s cornerback class doesn’t yet feature a consensus top-ten lock, but it offers depth, versatility and several prospects who already look comfortable in pro-style systems.
This is the time of year when your phone never stays quiet. Fantasy alerts, group chat jokes, the occasional update about sweepstakes casino apps in Texas, and, most importantly, a steady stream of draft notifications ahead of April 23. If you are one of the fortunate ones, one of these coveted cornerbacks will be lining up for your team come kickoff in September.
Mansoor Delane, LSU’s Most Polished Senior
LSU’s Mansoor Delane enters the cycle as the most technically consistent senior in the class. He diagnoses route combinations quickly and stays balanced through transitions, rarely losing leverage. His tackling reliability gives him immediate value, and his reps in both press and off-man coverage make him one of the safest projections on the board. Coaches trust corners who minimize mistakes, and Delane already plays with the maturity of a Sunday starter.
Avieon Terrell, Clemson’s Relentless Competitor
Avieon Terrell has become one of the most widely praised underclassmen in the 2026 pool. He brings sharp footwork, fluid hips and a competitive streak that shows up on every rep. Terrell plays through receivers’ hands with control and confidence, and his ability to stay in phase despite not having prototype boundary size speaks to his instincts. If he maintains his current trajectory, evaluators see a player with legitimate first-round potential.
Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, Tennessee’s Dual Threat
Tennessee features two early-round candidates who have already attracted NFL attention. Jermod McCoy continues to build on a reputation for instincts, short-area twitch and production at the catch point. Even after managing injury recovery last year, his tape shows a defender who understands spacing and thrives in both man and zone concepts.
Colton Hood rounds out the Volunteers’ duo with boundary athleticism and improved discipline. His straight-line speed helps him match vertical routes, and his 2025 film displayed better patience, a trait that scouts highlighted as a key step in his development.
Rising Names With Day-Two Upside
South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse offers clean man-coverage technique and the fluidity to mirror early in the route. He rarely panics at the catch point and plays with the composure coaches prioritize in high-traffic situations.
San Diego State’s Chris Johnson profiles as one of the smarter zone corners in the class. His disciplined angles and anticipation consistently put him in position to break up throws without unnecessary contact. Both players project as potential value picks who could outperform their draft slot with the right schematic fit.
A Deep and Evolving Class
The 2026 cornerback group is built on depth rather than a single superstar. With a mix of polished seniors, rising underclassmen and system-specific talents, teams have multiple pathways to upgrade their secondary. As April approaches and tape continues to circulate, this class should only tighten, especially as pro days and spring evaluations reveal which prospects can separate themselves.