PRESEASON '26 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS DEFENSIVE BACKS

These rankings are for my preseason top NFL Draftable players. Off course these ratings are subject to change by year end, but it will be fun to see what the season shows us. As in my Draft analysis, I use my own eyes and metrics to rate players.  I also break down some positions differently than most. I find this very important and the root cause of so many mistakes in the draft process. Even with all the advancements today many, many NFL executives and Draft analysts are still operating in caveman modes of years gone by and failing!! New for this season I've added a Comments section just for some added context clarifying my opinion on players. 

OUTSIDE CORNERBACKS

Not a strong class. Some potential  but right now I don't see a day 1 pick. Several day 2 prospects and  CB backup guys but not the class you want to see if your team needs CB help.

CLASSS GRADE D+

Rk     Player                       Sch       Ht       Wt      Comments      

1.Jermod McCoy         Tenn      6-0     193     Shows wild potential, 6 Int's last two seasons

2.Avieon Terrell           Clem    5-11   180     Size could be a problem,, has everything else . 12 PD's last season, no fear in run game.

3.Davison igbinoson OhSt      6-2     193     If he cures penalty problem he can top this list, long and strong, force vs run

4.Xavier Scott                 ILL       5-11   190     6 Int's and 17 PD's last two seasons, solid in run support

5.Domani Jackson       Ala        6-0     195     Needs consistency to move up, has the tools.

6.Daylen Everette        Ga         6-1     190      Well coached, needs to live up to abilities, 

7.AJ Harris                    PennSt  6-1     184     Improved as year went by, needs to improve ball skills

8.Mansoor Delane       LSU       6-0     191     Look for improvement on career 6 Int's, excellent against run.

9.Will Lee                      TxA&M    6-1     189      16 PD's last two seasons, needs improvement in run  defense.

10.Jyaire Hill                 Mich      6-2     185     Lanky, nice athlete, needs work in run game, ball skills improving.

Others to watch:

Tacario Davis Wash, Cormani McClain Fla, Thadeus Dixson NCar, Jontez Williams IoSt, Colin Wright Stan, Treydan Stukes Az, Elliot Washington PennSt, Marcus Allen NCar

SLOT CORNERBACKS

Same story here, some potential if a player has a big season he could elevate to day one but not likely, of course some GM will see that different, AND BE WRONG!! Some definite day two prospects here.

CLASS GRADE C

Rk     Player                       Sch       Ht       Wt      Comments      

1.DJ McKinney               Col       6-0     180     Really stepped up last season, long, nice quickness, solid in run game, nice ball skills.

2.Jermaine Mathews OhSt  5-11    189     Look for him to take the next step, he started some last season, should have more.

3.Smith Snowden         Ut      5-10    180      More improvement coming for this well coached, tough, quick player

4.D'Angelo  Ponds       Ind      5-9      170       Don't let size fool you, 5 Int's and 21 PD's last two seasons, fearless, tough.

5.Amari Jackson      BostC   5-10     188      Numbers suffer due to being avoided, watch him, kid can play.   

6.Ceyair Wright             Neb     6-0     180      Tough, hard nosed player who belongs inside where his abilities can be best utilized.

7.Deshaaun Lee          Iowa    5-10    187      Very well coached player, should really step up with more PT.

8.Christian Gray         NDme  6-0      187      Solid CB, needs to be inside though, lacks long speed but instincts are excellent.

9.Kaylin Lee                   Aub    5-11    178       Tough, gritty, great quickness, ball skills very good.

10.Ricardo Hallman  Wisc    5-9      190      Strong, tough player , needs some work but will be a Special Teams Demon   

Others to watch:

Theran Johnson Ore, Jalen Gulbeau Tx, Chandler Rivers Dk, Chris Johnson SDSt, Ahmari Harvey GT.

STRONG SAFETY

Solid but not spectacular group, I see 4 to 6 potential starters here, no superstars, solid pro's for sure.

CLASS GRADE B-

Rk     Player                       Sch       Ht     Wt      Comments      

1.Dillion Thieneman    Ore      6-0    207    210 tackles last two seasons, 6 Int's in '23, will start day one.

2.Kalil Barnes                Clem     6-0    195    This rating may change, he MUXT improve his run game support, coverage, great.

3.AJ Haulcy                       LSU    5-11   215    Over 250 tackles, 7 Int's 13 PD's last three seasons. He could top this list by seasons end,

4.Jalon Kilgore              SCar     6-1    211     5 Int's last season, 11 PD's last two seasons, he will shine in lead roll now.

5.Randon Fontenette Vand    6-2    220     Undersized LB or SS? I say SS, 7 PD's last season shows promise.

6.Matthew Bailey          ILL        6-1    215     93 tackles, 2 FF last season, needs coverage work though.    

7.R Spears-Jennings   Okl       6-1    214    Playing FS, lacks coverage skills for position. 2.5sacks and 4 FF show he belongs here. 

8.Jordan Castell            Fla        6-2    217    Great size, very athletic, 9 PD's last season, has all the tools for next step.

9.VJ Payne                      KanSt    6-3    205    Very long, great athlete, needs to take the next step.

10.E McNeil-Warren    Tol        6-3     202    Great size, quickness, speed, fearless, needs to live up to ability, he's close.

Others to watch:

Jalen Catalon Mo, Kamari Ramsey USC, Keon Sabb Ala, Isaac Smith MissSt, Amare Ferrell Ind, Shyheim Brown FlaSt, Dalton Brooks TxA&M, Isaiah Nwokobia SMU, Miguel Mitchell Ark.

FREE SAFETY

The top 2 here should be day one picks with Downs being the RARE Safety with not just Top 5 pick ability and in the conversation for #1 OVERALL!! After that it's an athletic group with a few College CB's mixed in where they belong.

CLASS GRADE

Rk     Player                       Sch       Ht     Wt      Comments      

1.Caleb Downs             OhSt     6-0    205     One of the best players in all of CFB, In conversation for #1 OVERALL.

2.Micheal Taaffe            Tex      6-0    190     I like him better than most, I see a sure day one pick, find the ball, you see him there.

3.Bud Clark                       TCU    6-2     185    11 Int's 13 PD's last three seasons, solid in run defense, nice day two pick.

4.Jeremiah Cooper     IoSt     5-11   190     Undersized but 18 PD's and 7 Int's last two seasons, excels in coverage.

5.Zakee Wheatley     PennSt   6-3   198      Great vs run, 95 tackles, if coverage improves he will move up.

6.Devin Moore                Fla        6-3    199     Has all the tools, needs to stay healthy and show that ability, I'm betting he does.

7.Rod Moore                  Mich     5-11   198    If healthy he may rise, if not he may fall. It's all on him.

8.Ty Benefield              BoiSt     6-2     204    Active and athletic in run game, coverage skills need improvement.

9.Jeadym Lukus          Clem     6-2     200     7 PDs's shows promise, nice athlete, versatile.

10.Jacobe Johnson     Okla     6-2    205      Another great athlete with all the tools who needs to stay healthy

Others to watch:

Tao Johnson Utah, Xavion Alford AzSt, Joenel Aguero Ga, DeVonta Smith NDame, Terry Moore Dk, Devin Grant Syra, JJ Johnson NCSt, Daniel Harris Ga, Jordan Lovett Ky, Gunner Maldonado KanSt.