Three Cornerbacks Risers to Watch Post the 2026 NFL Combine

The 2026 NFL Combine once again proved that cornerback is one of the most scrutinized positions in Indianapolis. For defensive backs, it’s not just about straight-line speed, but it’s skills like transitions, balance, body control, and the ability to mirror. This year’s corner group featured several strong performances, but three prospects clearly elevated their draft stock: Toriano Pride Jr. (Missouri), Avieon Terrell (Clemson), and Chandler Rivers (Duke).

Toriano Pride Jr., CB — Missouri

• Combine Highlight: 4.32 40-yard dash (fastest in his CB group)
• Scouting Grade: 6.9 (Starting Outside Corner with Man-Cover Traits)
• Updated Round Projection: Round 2

Pride delivered one of the most explosive performances of the entire defensive back workout. His 4.32 forty-yard dash was the fastest among his cornerback group, instantly validating his deep-speed profile. But his workout was more than just a stopwatch win.

In drills, Pride displayed fluid hips, clean transitions, and excellent body control. He flipped and ran without stiffness, stayed balanced at the top of routes, and looked comfortable accelerating out of breaks. His movement efficiency matched his testing speed, which is a critical indicator for teams projecting man coverage ability.

Evaluation: Pride profiles as an outside corner who can play in press-man and match vertical threats. His elite speed and smooth change-of-direction ability likely pushed him firmly into early Day 2 consideration, with the upside to sneak into late Round 1 conversations if teams prioritize pure coverage traits.

Avieon Terrell, CB — Clemson

• Combine Highlight: Elite mirroring and directional discipline (did not run 40; will test at Pro Day)
• Scouting Grade: 6.8 (Plug-and-Play Slot Corner)
• Updated Round Projection: Round 1

Terrell chose not to run the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis and will post his official time at Clemson’s Pro Day. Still, his on-field performance was among the cleanest in the group.

Throughout drills, Terrell showed outstanding ability to mirror receivers, staying square and balanced without overextending. Notably, when transitioning and breaking in certain drills, he didn’t drift outside the hash marks, demonstrating elite spatial awareness and controlled footwork. His direction changes were sharp and efficient, and he consistently maintained leverage.

In ball drills, especially the flip and high-point work, Terrell displayed excellent hands and timing, finishing plays naturally rather than fighting the ball.

Evaluation: Terrell looks like a “plug-and-play” slot defender at the next level. His instincts, body control, and technical polish suggest he could compete for sub-package snaps immediately. Once he runs at Pro Day, his stock could climb even higher.

Chandler Rivers, CB — Duke

• Combine Highlight: 4.40 40-yard dash
• Scouting Grade: 6.7 (Competitive Slot Corner with High Football IQ)
• Updated Round Projection: Round 3

Rivers may be compact at 5’8”, but he showcased NFL-ready traits throughout the workout. His 4.40 forty-yard dash came with no wasted movement, reinforcing the efficiency and quickness visible on tape.

In positional drills, Rivers looked confident and technically sharp. His transitions were tight, and he showed the ability to break on the football without losing balance. What stood out most was his instinctive play style and his ability to process quickly and trust what he sees.

While his size will likely limit him to slot duties, Rivers’ high football IQ and ball skills make him an attractive option in sub-packages. He competes at the catch point and understands route concepts, which is critical for inside defenders.

Evaluation: Rivers projects as a reliable nickel corner who can contribute early. His athletic testing, combined with mental sharpness, solidified his status as a strong Day 2 or early Day 3 candidate.