Writing The Ship: 2026 NFL Draft – Cornerback Rankings

The NFL draft is just over two weeks away. We are at the time of year where evaluators have watched all the players and now it is just a matter of stacking up their boards. Looking at each position and deciding who you like best relative to the others.

While I look at all of these players through the lens of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there are some that I like more than others who might not fit the Bucs needs as much. So this is not a. list of best fits, but just my rankings of players. However, based on what they are as players, it’s easy enough to draw conclusions as to who the best fits would be in Tampa.

With that said, here are my 2026 NFL draft Cornerback rankings

Honorable Mentions

Brandon Cisse – South Carolina

There are a lot of people who I respect who are higher on Cisse. He has great athletic tools and absolutely looks the part of a good NFL corner. However, there is something here that doesn’t click all the time. 

Lesser athletes get separation too often and that is due to mental or technical breakdowns. He’s a young player, so he still has time to put it all together and if he does then I can see the path to him being a really good player at the next level. 

Treydan Stukes – Arizona

Stukes is very fast and fluid. In terms of pure nickels, this is my top guy in the draft. However, he’s also a 6th year senior who has had some injuries in his past. Between his age and being less versatile, Stukes comes just short of my top ten even though I might like his tape a little more than some of the bottom guys who did make it.

Hezekiah Masses – California

Masses had a breakout year in 2025. He had 5 interceptions and 13 pass deflections thanks to his length and timing. He’s also someone who I think has looked good in everything he’s been asked to do, be it man zone or press. He’s a little on the leaner side at 179 lbs, but you wouldn’t know it when you watch him play. 

10) Malik Muhammed – Texas

If you like some physicality then this corner is for you. He attacks ball carriers as a run defender and does a nice job getting his hands on wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. I’m not sure he’s the overall talent of some other guys, but I like Muhammed’s versatility and floor a lot.

9) Colton Hood – Tennessee 

Hood reminds me a lot of former first round pick by the Detroit Lions, Terrion Arnold. Man coverage is a strength and zone coverage looks pretty good too. My concern here is that Hood can by an undisciplined run defender and a bit too physical down the field at times. If he can clean that up then this guy has potential to be a number one corner.

8) Chris Johnson – San Diego State

I like Johnson more in zone coverage as opposed to man coverage. I’m just not sure he plays with the twitched up agility that allows him to mirror receivers like other defenders do in this class. But if you’re looking for a smart corner who is a willing tackler and really good in zone coverage then this is a great option. 

7) D’Angelo Ponds – Indiana

Ponds had some of the best cornerback tape in all of college football. Every challenged he faced he rose to the occasion. If he wasn’t just 5 ‘9 and 180 lbs then he would probably be higher on my board.

6) Julian Neal – Arkansas

A press man coverage specialist, Neal is a problem at the line of scrimmage. Maybe it’s because I cover the Buccaneers, but I see a lot of Carlton Davis in his game. If that’s the case then Neal can be a number one corner on a championship team.

5) Will Lee – Texas A&M

Fast, fluid and twitchy. In terms of physical tools, I really like what Lee brings to the table. He also has good awareness and that translates to getting his hands on the football. This is the type of good, talented player that does well in the NFL and I don’t think he is being talked about nearly enough. 

4) Keith Abney – Arizona State

There is very little that I dislike about Abney and I believe that he is one of the best 25 players in the draft. A brilliant combination of athletic, disciplined and physical and it results in great play on the field. He could be a little more aggressive when trying to make plays on the ball, but overall this is a fantastic prospect.

3) Avieon Terrell – Clemson

Some see Terrell as a nickel, but I have no reason to believe that he can’t play outside. The brother of Atlanta Falcons corner AJ Terrell, Avieon brings the mindset of a pro. He’s every bit as physical as he is confident in his own abilities (which is a lot). If you like the type of cornerback that Jarie Alexander was for the Green Bay Packers, I believe you are getting that type of player here.

2) Jermod McCoy – Tennessee

An injury cost McCoy all of the 2025 season, but what he did is 2024 was very impressive. He’s a 6 ‘1 corner who just ran a 4.38 40 yard dash at his pro day. The ball skills and ability to mirror opponents in coverage is very impressive. This is the type of lock down cornerback prospect that can go in the top 10 of the draft.

1) Mansoor Delane – LSU

The best cornerback in college football last year was Delane. He just makes everything he does on the field look effortless. Ball skills, athletic ability, awareness, are all great. I’m not sure who will be drafted first between McCoy and Delane, but this kid has all the makings of a shutdown corner.