The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy highlights the top 10 cornerbacks in this year’s NFL Draft, drawing from ratings and discussions with league insiders.
1. Mansour Delane, LSU, 6-0, 187
Delane showcased his skills during press interviews. He can handle under throws and in-break routes well. A solid tackler in run defense, he impressively did not give up a touchdown last season and avoided penalties. However, he may need to adjust his hip movements to shift directions quickly.
2. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee, 6-1, 188
With a commendable record of four interceptions in 2024, McCoy could have ranked higher if he’d played last season. His quick reading of plays and spatial awareness in a zone system stand out. After recovering from a torn ACL in early 2025, he appears to be back to full strength. He can be prone to penalties downfield at times.
3. Colton Hood, Tennessee, 6-0, 193
Hood’s pathway has taken him through three schools in three years, but he stepped up to fill McCoy’s role effectively by making 4.5 tackles for loss. While he has a safety’s mentality in run defense, quick receivers may pose a challenge. They may catch him off guard in man-to-man coverage.
4. Chris Johnson, San Diego State, 6-0, 193
Johnson is exceptional at reading quarterbacks, evident in his two interception returns for touchdowns, achieved during outside zone coverage. He can switch between inside and outside positions easily and is a formidable tackler. He’s one of the most athletic players seen at the NFL Combine, even though there were moments during games where he seemed outmaneuvered.
5. Avion Terrell, Clemson, 5-11, 186
Coming from a lineage of football talent—his brother AJ was a first-round pick—Terrell brings energy to the field. He’s well-suited for slot positions with smooth footwork, having recorded eight forced fumbles and 21 deflected passes since 2024.
6. Brandon Cisse, South Carolina, 6-0, 189
Cisse primarily excelled in man-to-man coverage without much outside support, reflecting in his limited games played in 2025. He has potential as an impactful blitzer and is a dependable tackler, although there are concerns regarding his speed and ball-tracking ability. His average of 41 defensive snaps per game is quite telling.
7. D’Angelo Pond, Indiana, 5-9, 182
Pond’s height may raise eyebrows, but a 43.5-inch vertical leap at the combine suggests otherwise. He faces tough battles in one-on-one situations, especially against agile opponents in the slot. His acceleration is an asset on special teams, contributing to four career touchdowns.
8. Keionte Scott, Miami, 5-11, 193
As a 25-year-old rookie, Scott is versatile enough to shift from nickel back to safety. He’s a tactical player, contributing significantly with 13 tackles for loss last season. When not rushing, he effectively limits yards after receptions through smart positioning.
9. Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State, 6-2, 189
A lanky fourth-year starter, Igbinosun has experience across both the Big Ten and SEC. He’s effective at disrupting passes but can be vulnerable to play-action fakes, having drawn penalties frequently—16 times since 2024—which may become more challenging at the NFL level.
10. Chandler Rivers, Duke, 5-9 1/2, 185
With a high football IQ, Rivers sometimes anticipates receiver routes. He adeptly manages under throws, showing promise in special teams roles. There’s debate, though, about how he’d fare against larger receivers in the run game, given his extensive experience with over 3,500 snaps.
A Rising Talent
Ephesians Prysock, Washington, 6-3, 196.: Prysock is a promising player who excels on both edges. He leverages his length and speed to disrupt passing plays but has been known to react a bit slowly at times. He also contributes significantly on special teams.
Injury Concerns
Devin Moore, Florida State, 6-3, 198.: Moore’s injury history includes multiple shoulder issues, groin surgery, back problems, and a concussion that curtailed his last three seasons. While he clocked in a respectable 4.5 seconds for the 40-yard dash, he missed on-field drills leading up to his pro day.
Small School Standout
Charles Demings, Stephen F. Austin, 6-1, 193.: Demings had an impressive late-season showing, securing four interceptions. With a career total of 35 passes defended, his experience lies more in track than football. He has the capability to alter a receiver’s route with his jamming technique.
