NFL · 9 hours ago

2026 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper’s New Top 10 Cornerback Rankings

John Canady

Host · Writer

Just Missed: Julian Neal, Arkansas
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 200

Previous Rank: 11

Julian Neal quietly put together a strong campaign with 55 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. His size and physical presence give him an intriguing upside as a developmental option.

Julian Neal's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 203 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 32 3/4"
Julian Neal's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.49
- 10-Yard Split: 1.59
- Vertical Jump: 40”
- Broad Jump: 11’2”
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.13
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.2
- Bench Press: 16
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
2026 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper Jr. Top 10 CBs
As the NFL offseason moves into its next phase, legendary draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has delivered his definitive March 30 update to the 2026 cornerback rankings. While the elite tier remains a point of emphasis for NFL front offices, this latest refresh signals significant movement among the "next wave" of defensive backs fighting for Day 1 and Day 2 capital.

Big Board Risers and Sticky Coverage

The most notable shift in this update sees San Diego State standout Chris Johnson vaulting two spots up the rankings following a ball-hawking 2025 campaign that featured four interceptions. This rise comes as two other prospects slide down the board, highlighting the razor-thin margins in this year's secondary class. Despite the shuffling, the top of the board remains elite, with two cornerbacks firmly entrenched in Mel’s Top 25 Big Board. From Tennessee’s physical Jermod McCoy to LSU’s instinctive Mansoor Delane, here is the current state of the 2026 cornerback market according to Mel Kiper Jr.
1) Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 193

Previous Rank: 1

Mel's Big Board: 16

Even after missing the 2025 season with an ACL injury, Jermod McCoy remains firmly on the radar after a breakout 2024. He’s a physical corner who thrives in press coverage, using his strength and competitiveness to disrupt receivers early in routes. Teams will be monitoring his recovery closely, but the upside is still clear.

Jermod McCoy's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 188 lbs.
- Hand: 9"
- Arm: 31 1/4"
Jermod McCoy's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: 14
Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.
2) Mansoor Delane, LSU
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 190

Previous Rank: 2

Mel's Big Board: 17

Mansoor Delane delivered a productive 2025 season with 45 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, consistently finding ways to impact the ball. He shows strong instincts in coverage and plays with the awareness needed to handle multiple schemes at the next level.

Mansoor Delane's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 187 lbs.
- Hand: 8 7/8"
- Arm: 30"
Mansoor Delane's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
3) Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 180

Previous Rank: 3

A true playmaker, Avieon Terrell filled up the stat sheet with 48 tackles, 9 pass breakups, 5 forced fumbles, and 3 sacks. His versatility stands out, as he can impact the game in coverage, as a blitzer, and against the run, making him one of the more dynamic defensive backs in the class.

Avieon Terrell's Measurements
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 186 lbs.
- Hand: 8 5/8"
- Arm: 31"
Avieon Terrell's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: 34 inches
- Broad Jump: 10'3"
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: 17
4) Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 190

Previous Rank: 4

Brandon Cisse showed flashes of high-end ability with 27 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 1 interception, and a forced fumble. He has the athletic tools and closing burst to make plays, and continued development could unlock more consistency.

Brandon Cisse's Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 189 lbs.
- Hand: 8 1/2"
- Arm: 30 3/4"
Brandon Cisse's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: 41 inches
- Broad Jump: 10'11"
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
5) Colton Hood, Tennessee
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 195

Previous Rank: 5

With 50 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 1 interception, and a forced fumble, Colton Hood proved to be a steady contributor in Tennessee’s secondary. His physical nature and willingness to engage make him a reliable option on the outside.

Colton Hood's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 193 lbs.
- Hand: 9"
- Arm: 31 3/8"
Colton Hood's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.44
- 10-Yard Split: 1.58
- Vertical Jump: 40.5”
- Broad Jump: 10’5”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: 14
6) Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 185

Previous Rank: 8

Chris Johnson was one of the more productive ball hawks, finishing with 48 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, a forced fumble, and a sack. His ability to track the ball and capitalize on opportunities stands out on tape.

Chris Johnson's Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 193 lbs.
- Hand: 9 7/8"
- Arm: 30 5/8"
Chris Johnson's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.4
- 10-Yard Split: 1.54
- Vertical Jump: 38 inches
- Broad Jump: 10'6"
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: 17
7) D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
Height: 5-foot-9 | Weight: 170

Previous Rank: 6

Despite being undersized, D'Angelo Ponds produced at a high level with 60 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble. He plays with urgency and instincts, showing the ability to stick with receivers and compete at the catch point.

D'Angelo Ponds's Combine Measurements
- Height: 5'9"
- Weight: 182 lbs.
- Hand: 9 5/8"
- Arm: 29 3/8"
D'Angelo Ponds's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: 43.5”
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
8) Chandler Rivers, Duke
Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 185

Previous Rank: 7

Chandler Rivers turned in a consistent season with 59 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble. He processes quickly in coverage and does a solid job staying in position to contest throws.

Chandler Rivers's Combine Measurements
- Height: 5'9.5"
- Weight: 185 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 29 3/8"
Chandler Rivers's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.4
- 10-Yard Split: 1.55
- Vertical Jump: 39”
- Broad Jump: 10’10”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
9) Keionte Scott, Miami
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 192

Previous Rank: 9

Keionte Scott brought physicality and production with 64 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. He’s active around the ball and contributes in multiple phases of the defense.

Keionte Scott's Combine Measurements
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 193 lbs.
- Hand: 9 5/8"
- Arm: 31 3/8"
Keionte Scott's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
10) Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 195

Previous Rank: 10

With 52 tackles, 6 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, Davison Igbinosun offers ideal size and length for boundary coverage. He competes well at the catch point and has the tools to match up with bigger receivers.

Davison Igbinosun's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 189 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 32 7/8"
Davison Igbinosun's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.45
- 10-Yard Split: 1.58
- Vertical Jump: 34”
- Broad Jump: 10’0”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Just Missed: Julian Neal, Arkansas
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 200

Previous Rank: 11

Julian Neal quietly put together a strong campaign with 55 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. His size and physical presence give him an intriguing upside as a developmental option.

Julian Neal's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 203 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 32 3/4"
Julian Neal's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.49
- 10-Yard Split: 1.59
- Vertical Jump: 40”
- Broad Jump: 11’2”
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.13
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.2
- Bench Press: 16
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
2026 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper Jr. Top 10 CBs
As the NFL offseason moves into its next phase, legendary draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has delivered his definitive March 30 update to the 2026 cornerback rankings. While the elite tier remains a point of emphasis for NFL front offices, this latest refresh signals significant movement among the "next wave" of defensive backs fighting for Day 1 and Day 2 capital.

Big Board Risers and Sticky Coverage

The most notable shift in this update sees San Diego State standout Chris Johnson vaulting two spots up the rankings following a ball-hawking 2025 campaign that featured four interceptions. This rise comes as two other prospects slide down the board, highlighting the razor-thin margins in this year's secondary class. Despite the shuffling, the top of the board remains elite, with two cornerbacks firmly entrenched in Mel’s Top 25 Big Board. From Tennessee’s physical Jermod McCoy to LSU’s instinctive Mansoor Delane, here is the current state of the 2026 cornerback market according to Mel Kiper Jr.