One Patriots CB Target for Each Round of NFL Draft

Some of the best cornerbacks in the draft are slotted to go early in the first round, including the Tennessee duo of Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood. But Johnson could potentially be the best one out of the bunch -- and he's only projected to go in the late first round or early second. The instinctive player returned two interceptions for touchdowns last season, and runs a 4.4 40-yard dash.

Round 2: D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana

The Patriots' need for a cornerback likely won't be as high as a first or second round pick, but a player like Ponds could be a fun add to the secondary. The undersized Ponds, who was a James Madison transfer, is fantastic in short areas and can use his speed to cover any wide receiver. Like Johnson, he has the ability to take any interception back for six points and can easily slide in as a starting nickel.

Round 3: Will Lee III, Texas A&M

The 23-year-old Lee originally began his career at the junior college level before jumping to Kansas State and Texas A&M. He had eight pass breakups in 2025, a team high, and had 10 the year prior. Primarily a boundary cornerback, Lee is much better in man coverage than he is in zone. There's times where he'll get burned in coverage, but he's a great developmental add to close day two.

Round 4: Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin

One of the top FCS prospects in this year's rookie class, Demmings is a great cover cornerback. He has solid ball production during his college career -- which included six interceptions the last two seasons -- and continued to put his name on the map for his athleticism. He'll be able to chip on special teams as a potential gunner, and can grow into a fourth or fifth corner for the Pats.

Round 5: TJ Hall, Iowa

Hall is a young prospect, and has dealt with injuries in the past, but the talent is there. He was Iowa's leader in pass breakups this past year (10), and recorded 47 tackles in 11 starts. He was a Third Team All-Big Ten corner who has fast game speed. At times, he gets caught up in man coverage, but could be a steal for the Patriots if he remains on the board in the fifth round.

Round 6: Preston Hodge, Colorado

Hodge had a great senior season for Colorado, where he broke up 13 passes as a perimeter defender. The Patriots have plenty of day three picks, including four in the sixth round, and could easily add to their depth here. Hodge -- a 23-year-old Texas native -- could also reunited with his former teammate, DeMario Douglas, who played with him at Liberty in 2022.

Round 7: Collin Wright, Stanford

One of Stanford's captains last season, Wright is a redshirt junior who started three seasons worth of games. The six-foot corner isn't the fastest player in the position group coming through the draft, but his range in coverage and ability to get physical will help him get into a camp. He'll have plenty of room to grow in an NFL defense, and could be a solid practice squad candidate for New England.