Early projection: Top 10 cornerbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft

With the 2026 NFL Draft wrapped up, the attention has shifted to the 2027 draft. The 2027 cornerbacks are shaping up to be strong and versatile.  

This group features multiple CB1 prospects who will go in the first round, corners who could be an impact player, and transfers who could break out this fall. However, rankings will change significantly leading up to next April.

Here are the current top 10 cornerbacks.

1. Leonard Moore (Notre Dame) (6-foot-2, 195 pounds)

Moore stands out as the clear top cornerback in this class and a potential top-10 pick. He posted five interceptions and shut down opposing quarterbacks when thrown to his side. His length, ball skills, and shutdown ability against top receivers (like Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith) make him a rare talent. 

2. Ellis Robinson IV (Georgia) (6-foot, 180)

Robinson will be another top corner in the 2027 class. He has very good hip fluidity, transition ability, and foot speed to stay vertical. His coverage tools are near elite and could rise even higher with a full starting season in 2026. 

3. Chris Peal (Syracuse) (6-1, 200)

Peal transferred from Georgia, showcasing solid production in a starting role, displaying press-man ability, length, and zone instincts. His athletic profile and coverage versatility make him a strong riser in the 2027 class. 

4. Kelley Jones (Mississippi State) (6-4, 195)

Jones is another prospect who locked down his area and held opposing quarterbacks to a low completion percentage. Jones brings an ideal size, an elite wingspan, and physicality. As a defense leader, his production and length give him a high floor as a press-man corner.

5. Zabien Brown (Alabama) (6-foot, 192)

Brown flashes high-end playmaking with good athletic ability near the boundary. He has had some consistency issues, but the ceiling is first-round caliber if he cleans up his technique and his coverage reaction time. 

6. Jamari Sharpe (Indiana) (6-1, 187)

Sharpe thrived in 2025, opposite of 2026 selectee D'Angelo Ponds, showing reliability in big games against elite wide receivers in the Big Ten. He possesses good athletic ability and is a versatile boundary option with significant development upside. 

7. Jay'Vion Cole (Arizona) (5-10, 181)

Jay'Vion Cole is a Cal Poly (FCS) transfer who's expected to be one of the top additions during the transfer portal. Cole's ball skills and coverage stand out despite the lower level of competition. He brings very good quickness and instincts, potentially making him a nickel standout with Day 2 upside. 

8. Brice Pollock (Texas Tech) (6-foot, 195)

Pollock transferred from Mississippi State to Texas Tech. His production, ball skills, and leadership in coverage made him a key piece in Texas Tech’s secondary and will continue to be so in 2026. In a strong corner class, he adds to the talent. 

9. OJ Frederique Jr. (Miami) (6-foot, 180)

Frederique has the prototypical boundary-corner frame, with good length and physicality at the point of attack. He fits the mold of a reliable, physical NFL corner with starting upside. Teams looking for a sticky outside option who can handle man coverage and contribute immediately will value his production and experience. 

10. Eli Bowen (Oklahoma) (5-9, 185)

Bowen has consistently improved each season despite being smaller. He possesses elite athletic ability with quickness that suits outside/zone coverage, showcasing elite acceleration and change-of-direction. Some view him as a Day 3 sleeper with upside if he posts a full, healthy 2026 season, tests well with nickel potential at the next level.