As the NFL playoffs advance, many teams are already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, especially those in need of a talented cornerback for their secondary. With the discussion surrounding the top cornerbacks (CB1) in the draft class still ongoing, let’s take a look at which players are being considered among the best.
Our esteemed PFSN NFL Draft analysts, Ian Cummings, Jacob Infante, and Alec Elijah, are committed to providing valuable insights into the rankings of the top 10 cornerbacks for the 2026 NFL Draft class.
1) Mansoor Delane, LSU
Mansoor Delane continues to separate himself as one of the most complete defensive backs in the 2026 NFL Draft, offering a rare blend of intelligence, fluid athleticism, and versatility. Delane began his college career at Virginia Tech before putting the finishing touches on his résumé at LSU, seamlessly adapting to a more man-heavy system without sacrificing effectiveness.
What truly elevates Delane is his football IQ. He processes coverage concepts at an elite level, routinely diagnosing route combinations before they unfold. Quarterbacks often find themselves throwing into traps, as Delane shows instincts for reading intentions and jumping passing lanes with precise timing. His career production reflects that awareness, totaling 8 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles across his collegiate run.
2) Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the more fascinating evaluations at cornerback, blending elite instincts and ball skills with questions tied to health and projection. While his ACL recovery and long speed will be closely scrutinized, McCoy’s football IQ, instincts, and turnover production give him legitimate CB1 upside if his rehabilitation stays on track.
Athletically, McCoy moves with natural fluidity, allowing him to mirror receivers through breaks without sacrificing leverage. He shows rare spatial awareness when tracking the football, timing his leaps and high-pointing passes while maintaining body control through contact. In zone coverage, he operates with patience and precision, often appearing to give receivers space before closing in an instant to bait quarterbacks into costly throws.
3) Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Despite a modest build, Avieon Terrell brings a level of physicality that stands out on tape. He breaks down ball carriers with excellent mechanics, triggers downhill with urgency, and shows a rare willingness to stick his nose into the run game for a cover-first corner. His 8 forced fumbles reflect a defender who actively hunts the football rather than simply settling for tackles.
Terrell’s versatility in both man and zone schemes, combined with his electric return background, gives him added value at the next level. A three-year contributor at Clemson, Terrell proved he could do a little bit of everything in the secondary, finishing his college career with 90 solo tackles, 4 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions while consistently being trusted in high-leverage situations.
4) Colton Hood, Tennessee
Colton Hood quietly emerged as one of the more reliable defensive backs in the 2026 NFL Draft conversation after being thrust into a larger role at Tennessee. With Jermod McCoy sidelined, Hood was asked to step up against SEC competition immediately following his transfer from Colorado.
Hood’s game is built on sound fundamentals. He plays with disciplined footwork in his backpedal, transitions smoothly out of breaks, and is rarely caught out of phase in coverage. In both man and zone, he shows a firm grasp of leverage and positioning, allowing him to stay connected to receivers without relying on panic speed.
5) Keith Abney II, Arizona State
Keith Abney II has steadily built a strong case as one of the most technically refined cornerbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Abney’s tape is defined by elite footwork and recovery ability. His mirror-and-match technique is outstanding, allowing him to regain leverage with sudden, twitchy movements even when initially put at a disadvantage.
One of Abney’s most impressive traits is his ability to effectively manipulate leverage. Against bigger receivers, he consistently shrinks the field, using the sideline as an extra defender and forcing quarterbacks into low-percentage throws. With his combination of instincts, polish, and ball production, Abney profiles as a high-floor corner capable of contributing early in a variety of coverage schemes.
6) Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Ranked No. 2 on PFSN’s CFB Cornerback Impact Metric with an elite 96.2 impact score, Chris Johnson has established a strong reputation as one of the most instinctive cornerbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft. He shows an uncanny feel for quarterback tendencies, routinely baiting throws by presenting false windows before closing with sharp anticipation and timing.
At the line of scrimmage, Johnson uses a patient press technique, refusing to overcommit while leveraging the sideline as an extra defender against outside releases. His ball skills are evident on film, with multiple interceptions, some taken the distance, highlighting his ability to flip momentum in an instant.
7) D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
Despite a smaller frame, D’Angelo Ponds has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fearless cornerbacks of his class. The 5-foot-9 Indiana defensive back plays with an edge and urgency that consistently show up on tape, especially in high-leverage moments against top competition.
He tackles with authority, competes through contact, and refuses to be bullied by bigger receivers. His versatility across man and zone schemes, combined with a relentless competitive streak, makes him an ideal fit for teams that value instincts, speed, and calculated aggression on defense.
8) Will Lee III, Texas A&M
Will Lee III projects as a solid mid-round option in the 2026 NFL Draft for teams looking to add size, toughness, and competitive depth to their cornerback room. Lee plays with confidence and doesn’t shy away from challenging assignments. With experience in multiple coverage schemes and the ability to contribute on special teams, he provides immediate depth while continuing to refine his technique.
He posted a low 9% missed tackle rate, wraps up well in space, and consistently finishes plays when given the opportunity. He’s also a willing run defender, showing effort when engaging blockers and triggering downhill, even if that area of his game isn’t his calling card.
9) Chandler Rivers, Duke
Despite not being able to match the electricity of his 2024 campaign, Chandler Rivers could potentially be one of the diamonds in the rough in the 2026 draft class. While his size likely points him toward assuming a nickel role at the next level, his versatility, special teams value, and football character make him an attractive target in the mid-rounds.
Athletically, Rivers is a quick-twitch mover with fluid hips and explosive acceleration out of transitions. He mirrors receivers effectively in press coverage, staying in phase through stems and breaks without resorting to grabbing.
10) Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
With development, Brandon Cisse has the potential to become a true boundary corner capable of shutting down matchups on Sundays. From the very first play of his tape, it is evident that he has traits that translate well to the next level, especially in man coverage situations where his skills stand out the most.
Cisse’s quick lateral movement and powerful downhill speed enable him to react immediately to screens and perimeter runs, while still maintaining tight coverage against agile route runners. His long arms provide a significant advantage, as they increase his ability to disrupt passes at the catch point and reduce throwing windows for quarterbacks.
