Detroit Lions 2026 Cornerback Mock Draft

Another day, another Detroit Lions mock draft. After covering offensive tackles, interior offensive line, edge rushers, and linebackers, I am now turning my focus to cornerbacks. This draft is full of dynamic cornerbacks who could make an immediate impact in Detroit. There is no such thing as having too many good cornerbacks, especially in today’s NFL. Let’s dive right into my Detroit Lions 2026 Cornerback Mock Draft.

Lions Have Been Trying To Improve Their Cornerback Room For Years

General Manager Brad Holmes has made improving the Lions’ cornerback group an ongoing priority. He has used plenty of capital trying to shore up the position. In just the last three years, the Lions have traded for Carlton Davis III, used 2024 first and second-round draft picks on Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and signed expensive free agents Cam Sutton and D.J. Reed.

The results have been mixed, at best, so there is still work to be done. Sutton was a disaster. He was released after only one season due to serious domestic abuse accusations. Not to mention his lackluster play. Arnold, who mixed flashes of his talent with penalties and inconsistent play as a rookie, did not meet expectations in 2025. After his terrific camp made it look like a breakout season was on its way, Arnold continued his up-and-down play and flags before shoulder injuries ended his sophomore campaign after only eight games. Rakestraw barely saw the field in his eight games as a rookie due to a hamstring injury. He then missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a serious shoulder injury in August. Davis played very well during his lone season in Detroit before signing a lucrative deal with the New England Patriots. Reed was then signed to replace Davis. The former New York Jets star started strong until a hamstring strain derailed his season in Week 4. Reed was not the same player after his Week 12 return.

Will the Lions continue to invest in the all-important position? I wouldn’t bet against it. It’s time to find some cornerbacks who can stabilize the Lions’ secondary.

Round 1, Pick 17: Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

If not for a torn ACL that cost him the entire 2025 season, Jermod McCoy would probably be a top-5 pick. His 2024 tape at Tennessee was that good. If CB-needy teams opt for safer picks like Mansoor Delane or Avieon Terrell, the Lions could pounce on McCoy. The Volunteer excels in man-coverage, making him a perfect fit for Kelvin Sheppard’s defense. He is ultra-athletic, with fluid hips that help him mirror wide receivers downfield. He also displays premium ball skills and is a solid tackler. At 6’0″and 193 pounds, McCoy has plenty of size to hold up against physical WRs. For a team like the Lions, who desperately need a shutdown corner, McCoy could instantly become CB1. There is obviously risk in picking anyone coming off a major injury, but McCoy’s talent is undeniable. His medical reports at the Combine will go a long way in determining how early he is selected.

Round 2, Pick 50: Chris Johnson, San Diego State

Johnson, a 6-foot, 195-pound Senior from San Diego State, is a solid Day-2 selection. He can play both man and zone coverages, and his reliability in run support will endear him to Lions’ Head Coach Dan Campbell. Johnson is a prospect with a high floor. While not as fast as some other CB prospects (4.55 forty), Johnson’s elite instincts and ball-hawking ability bring a lot to a defense. His 2025 season saw him accumulate four interceptions (including two returned for TDs), nine PBUs, and his 92.0 PFF Defensive Grade tied for first in all of FBS. Johnson can also play in the slot if needed, and could be a core special-teams player as a gunner. His well-rounded abilities make him a quality addition for the Lions.

Round 4, Pick 118: Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State

Igbinosun is yet another highly regarded Cornerback prospect coming out of Ohio State. At 6’2, 195 pounds, this Buckeye has loads of experience and plays with physicality. He excels in man coverage, making him a perfect fit for Detroit. Igbinosun’s 2025 season saw him cut his penalties down to five after racking up 16 the year prior. He brings exceptional run support from the CB position, and his ideal size and length play perfectly on the outside. I would be shocked if Detroit doesn’t bring him in for a Top-30 visit before the draft. He has all of the traits necessary to succeed in the NFL. Igbinosun is everything the Lions look for in a cornerback, and I fully expect him to be wearing Honolulu Blue in 2026.

Round 5, Pick 155: Xavier Scott, Illinois

Xavier Scott is a versatile cornerback who can play either outside, in the slot, or even at Safety. At 5’11, 190 pounds, he probably projects better in the slot for Detroit. If the Lions lose Amik Robertson in free agency, Scott could quickly earn himself a role as a rookie. Detroit will love his aggressive tackling and ability to break up passes. Scott is a high-character player with a relentless motor. He does show a tendency to give WRs too much space to bait quarterbacks into throws, which sometimes leads to easy completions. However, Scott’s versatility and fluid movement could make him a perfect target for the Lions in the middle of the draft.

Round 6, Pick 186 (Via Cleveland): Tacario Davis, Washington

Tacario Davis, a press-man coverage specialist, has size you just can’t teach. At 6’4 and 200 pounds, the former wide receiver is often compared to Seattle’s Riq Woolen. His elite size and physical playstyle make him a perfect CB prospect for the Lions to develop. His aggression in run tackling adds to his high ceiling. Though he lacks top-end speed, Davis uses his giant frame to disrupt receivers on their routes and win jump-ball situations. Despite needing to cut down his penalties, Davis’s size makes him an extremely interesting prospect for Detroit.

Round 6, Pick 203 (Via Jacksonville): Domani Jackson, Alabama

Jackson, a former track star, has blazing speed that NFL coaches crave. Clocked at 4.28 in the forty, he will bring amazing upside to any team that drafts him. He has an ideal size of  6’1 and 196 pounds. Jackson is best in man-coverage and a willing run stopper. Though his athletic traits are off the charts, the technical aspects of his game need development. He has not yet shown the ability to create turnover, and his pass breakups are low. His instincts also need to improve, and if they do, Jackson can become a starter down the line. His elite athleticism will always have a home in the NFL, and the Lions would be wise to bet on his overall game eventually reaching its ceiling.