2026 Defensive Backs
2026 CORNERBACKS
NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION CORNERBACKS
95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Looking for 8/10-year career at elite level Top 5 player at position yearly. Perennial Pro Bowler. Likely Hall of Fame career. Elite at all phases, excels in all phases of pass coverage, absolute shut down in Man and his Zone is the one the other team will not throw nearby. He must want to cover the other team's best WR and must shut down his portion of the field. Must possess elite level quickness and speed to run with any WR> MUST be just as dominant in run game when called upon. Looking for a LB mentality playing on the edge. Must have complete understanding of coverage audibles and misses NOTHING!! High character, one of the faces of the Franchise, defensive team leader, likely team Captain no injury concerns. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career. Top 5/8 players at position yearly. Numerous Pro Bowls expected 8+ year career at top level. Likely a few more with another team. In HOF discussion. Must excel at all aspects of the game, dominant in pass coverage, excels at both Man and Zone and be elite at one, must have elite quickness and top end speed, must be completely committed to run defense and be effective, shows complete understanding of the defense, rarely misses the correct audible, team leader, character very important no injury concerns 1st Round pick
85-89 Solid at the position 5/8-year career at top level. Player should finish in top half of players at position most years. Perhaps a Pro Bowl or two. Consistently very good and occasionally great. Must be solid in all phases of pass coverage and can excel at one. Must have at least elite quickness or top end speed. Looking for a player at least willing and competent in Run game. Can at least handle the defensive calls and audibles, has an understanding of all coverage schemes. Very solid and dependable player but the team will be looking for replacement after about 5 years. 2nd round through Mid 3rd round
80-84 Flaws that can be overcome/Injury concerns 4/6 year career max at best level in most cases with some patience, good coaching, and personal work ethic. Looking for CB3 and CB4 players here with upside. Possible specialist in Man or Zone coverage. Player must at least show interest and effort in run defense. Player must at least be able to make basic audible calls. Likely a quality back up/role player for several years, potential to become starter for few years but the team will always be looking for a better option. Often living on the bubble year to year. Draft Mid 3rd/Late 4th round
75-79 Player developmental possibilities, with limited skills or injury concerns. 3/5 year career, one contract with drafting team, then several years of living on the bubble. Could have great size/speeed and unrealized potential. Possibly excells at at least one aspect of the position. Could carve out a longer career as a backup or special teams ace. Another reason for this rating could be major injury concerns, other reason would lack of dominant NFL skills With intense work ethic player could evolve into solid back up/special teams/role player even start. Will play for multiple teams over career. Draft Late 4th/5th round
70-74 Back up /specials teams. Could be receiving this rating due to injury concerns lack of fit or scheme in college career or simply lack of physical attributes. Could develop a role and possibly into more depending on patience and work ethic. Player must at least show ability to line up defense, make some basic calls. Must be a special teams ace to stick around long. Player likely will not finish rookie contract with drafting team if it's more than 2 years. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
65-69 Developmental Practice squad player,could develop into role player with tenacity and patience, has basic skill set needed for position, must be able to play special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career.Draft late 7th round / Priority Free Agent (PFA)
60-64 Player for Training camp or Practice Squad Likely will only be active when a team desperately needs a body could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week. 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
Under 60 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangables worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 can make more of this. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon.
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
2026 OUTSIDE CORNERBACKS
This year I will continue to split up the CB position, with evolution the NFL game has created a need for both outside and inside CB's with both requiring specific skills. Sucess at one does not automatically guarantee success at the other.
2026 OUTSIDE CORNERBACK OVERVIEW:
CORNERBACKS/CLASS GRADE B+
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
***************************************************************
2025 SLOT CORNERBACKS
A continued new position in 2020 and all years to follow, NFL execs would do themselves a favor if they adopted this as well. Today's NFL with at least 3 WR's on the field most downs this has become an actual position and one I believe should be evaluated and drafted for. Short area quickness and "twitch" are both vital as well as effective tackling skills. Slot WR's can vary widely from larger framed leapers to diminutive "water bug' types so versatility is paramount to excelling at this position. Many players are of the smaller and quick mode, but you will also see a few larger players who I believe their skill sets fit better here. While these players will be valuable pieces of the defense, on the field quite often and at times entire games rarely will you find a player I consider solid 1st round value.
2026 SLOT CORNERBACK OVERVIEW:
SLOT CORNERBACKS/CLASS GRADE
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
***************************************************************
NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION SAFETY
95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Looking for 8/10-year career at elite level Top 5 player at position yearly. Perennial Pro Bowler. Likely Hall of Fame career. Elite at all phases, excels in all phases of pass coverage, his area of of the field is "no mans" land and is the one the area the other team will not throw near, must have CB Man ability with Safety size along with excellent ball skills. MUST be just as dominant in run game. Looking for a LB mentality playing on the back end. Must have complete understanding of coverage audibles and misses NOTHING!! High character, one of the faces of the Franchise, defensive team leader, likely team Captain no injury concerns. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career. Top 5/8 players at position yearly. Numerous Pro Bowls expected 8+ year career at top level. Likely a few more with another team. In HOF discussion. Must excel at all aspects of the game, dominant in pass coverage, shuts down his area of the field of the field and is excellent in man coverage as well, must be completely committed to run defense and be effective, shows complete understanding of the defense, rarely misses the correct audible, team leader, character very important no injury concerns 1st Round pick
85-89 Solid at the position 5/8 year career at top level. Player should finish in top half of players at position most years. Perhaps a Pro Bowl or two. Consistently very good and occasionally great. Must be solid in all phases of pass coverage and can excel at one. Looking for a player who embraces the Run defense . Can at least handle the defensive calls and audbles, has an understanding of all coverage schemes. Very solid and dependable player but the team will be looking for replacement after about 5 years. 2nd round through Mid 3rd round
80-84 Flaws that can be overcome/Injury concerns 4/6 year career max at best level in most cases with some patience, good coaching, and personal work ethic. Looking for solid backup players here with upside. Possible specialist in Man or Zone coverage. Player could be an excellent run defender. Player must at least be able to make basic audible calls. Likely a quality back up/role player for several years, potential to become starter for few years but the team will always be looking for a better option. Often living on the bubble year to year. Draft Mid 3rd/ Mid 4th round
75-79 Player developmental possibilities, with limited skills or injury concerns. 3/5 year career, one contract with drafting team, then several years of living on the bubble. Could have great size/speeed and unrealized potential. Possibly excells at at least one aspect of the position. Could carve out a longer career as a backup or special teams ace. Another reason for this rating could be major injury concerns, other reason would lack of dominant NFL skills With intense work ethic player could evolve into solid back up/special teams/role player even start. Will play for multiple teams over career. Draft Mid 4th/5th round
70-74 Back up /specials teams. Could be receiving this rating due to injury concerns lack of fit or scheme in college career or simply lack of physical attributes. Could develop a role and possibly into more depending on patience and work ethic. Player must at least show ability to line up defense, make some basic calls. Must be a special teams ace to stick around long. Player likely will not finish rookie contract with drafting team if it's more than 2 years. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
65-69 Developmental Practice squad player, couldcould develop into role player with tenacity and patience, has basic skill set needed for position, must be able to play special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Draft late 7th round / Priority Free Agent (PFA)
60-64 Player for Training camp or Practice Squad Likely will only be active when a team desperately needs a body could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams' ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week. 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
Under 60 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangibles worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 can make more of this. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon.
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning their character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must vet, weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also, could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field, you are costing your team $$$$
STRONG SAFETY.
This position it is a MUST to excel in run support, being fearless, confident at the same time having the athletic ability to cover the RB's and the increasingly athletic TE's as well as WR's moving through their zone. .
2026 STRONG SAFETY POSITION OVERVIEW
STRONG SAFETY RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE C-
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
***************************************************************
FREE SAFETY:
The last line of the defense. These players require a versatile skill set. Not only do they have to cover half the field, or more they need to have CB cover skills, the tackling mentality of a SS. Having nice length make this spot easier but numerous smaller players have found great success here. I like taller college CB's to make this move sooner rather than later, but NFL execs and coaches are stubborn and frankly STUPID and refuse to accept this reality, they would rather to continually stuff round pegs into square holes!
2026 FREE SAFETY POSITION OVERVIEW
FREE SAFETY RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE A+
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value