A “Too Early” Look at the 2026 NFL Cornerback Class

The 2026 NFL Draft cornerback class doesn’t contain the same depth as recent classes, but there are plenty of prospects that will turn scouts’ heads as the 2025 NCAA season approaches. Draft Nation will continue to track the class of eligible athletes, but here’s a sneak peek at the top players at the corner position to monitor: 

Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)

McCoy may possess the best overall coverage skills in this class of corners. He’s got size at 6'0" to cover bigger receivers but the “quicks” to stay with smaller wideouts too. He’s a playmaker and not afraid to get his nose dirty, tallying 44 tackles last season. He also added 13 passes defended and 4 interceptions, which brought him first-team All-SEC honors. 

McCoy did suffer an ACL injury earlier this January 2025, which puts a big question mark on what he can bring to the Vols upcoming campaign, but there’s no doubt that once he’s recovered, he will be a first-round talent.

Avieon Terrell (Clemson)

If you looked twice at the last name, it’s for good reason. Avieon is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell and plays with his brother’s skill and speed. In 2024, he defended 14 passes and forced 3 fumbles, and he loves to be around the ball. 

As a prospect, he moves well and might have the best hands of all the defensive backs in this class. Terrell has a shot of being the first corner off the board during next April’s draft. 

Malik Muhammad (Texas)

Muhammad might be the fastest of the first-round corners when it is all said and done. He combines that speed with size, standing 6’0”, allowing him to play with larger receivers. He’s got smooth hips and breaks on the ball well with great closing speed. Playing at Texas, Muhammad will be versatile at the next level, allowing coaches to move him outside to cover X receivers or play him against more shifty flankers. 

A.J. Harris (Penn State)

One of the more physical athletes in this class, Harris has the size (6'1" and 191 pounds) and speed to excel at the next level. He’s great at challenging receivers at the line of scrimmage, but has the speed to close if he gets beat off the line. At State College, he’s played well in both man coverage and zone, so his future defensive coordinators will love his versatility.  

Jyaire Hill (Michigan)

Hill is the wildcard of this class. He’s big (6'2") but runs a sub-4.40 forty time. He can be physical at the point of attack and stick to receivers in and out of routes. He may not be the household name that the other prospects bring with them, but Hill reminds Draft Nation of former Steelers corner Ike Taylor with better hands.