2026 NFL Draft Cornerbacks to Watch: Avieon Terrell & A.J. Harris Headline a Versatile Class

The journey to the 2026 NFL Draft begins now.

As we gear up for another exciting college football season, Football Scout 365 is launching our Summer Scouting Series—a preview of the top NFL Draft prospects at each position heading into the 2025 college football season. These early evaluations serve as a watchlist, not final rankings, designed to guide our in-season scouting, film study, and big board updates.

In this breakdown, we evaluate the Top 2026 NFL Draft cornerbacks to watch entering the 2025 college football season. We break down current grades, ceiling projections, and scheme fits for elite defenders like Avieon Terrell, Malik Muhammad, and more.

Understanding Our Summer Scouting CB Tiers: Grading by Ceiling Potential

During the summer scouting period, each cornerback is evaluated based on their current grade and projected ceiling ahead of the 2025 college football season. These tiered projections help us identify not only who a player is today, but who they could become with growth in key areas like man coverage technique, zone awareness, ball production, and tackling reliability.

For example, a player currently graded as a Mid-Level Starter may show High-End Starter or even CB1 potential, depending on their traits and developmental trajectory. This framework is essential for projecting how prospects could rise—or fall—during the 2025 season and into the 2026 NFL Draft cycle.

Top 2026 NFL Draft Cornerbacks to Watch

High-End Starter Potential

NFL Draft Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

A player with the tools and technique to become a reliable NFL starter within a few years. While not flawless, they have the upside to flirt with elite-level play if developed properly.

Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Analysis: Avieon Terrell is a twitchy, physical press-man corner with elite route recognition and tackling ability. He posted 58 tackles and a top-5 Power Five run defense grade in 2024. His short-area quickness and technique allow him to mirror effectively and finish through contact. While not a size outlier, he’s a refined boundary corner with CB1 upside.

Malik Muhammad, Texas

Analysis: Muhammad is a reliable, scheme-versatile cover corner with strong short-area quickness and instincts. He allowed just a 62.0 NFL passer rating in 2024 while flashing man and zone proficiency. Though ball production is modest, he plays with timing and physicality. He projects well in Cover 1 and match quarters systems.

A.J. Harris, Penn State

Analysis: A former 5-star recruit, Harris delivered in his first year as a starter with 48 tackles, 5 PBUs, and an INT. He thrives in man-match and zone concepts while offering plus run support. His size, foot quickness, and versatility fit modern NFL schemes. Harris is a poised, plug-and-play boundary defender with Day 2 value.

Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Analysis: McCoy led the SEC in pass breakups and interceptions among underclassmen before a January ACL tear that could see him miss early time in 2025. He excels in zone with elite anticipation and ball skills, while also showing press-man upside. His awareness and IQ stand out on film. If healthy, he’s a high-floor CB prospect with strong Day 1 potential.

Jyaire Hill, Michigan

Analysis: Hill emerged as Michigan’s top corner in 2024 with 7 PBUs, 2 INTs, and 46 tackles. He brings a physical press-man game with ideal length and solid recovery speed. While still raw in technique and anticipation, his tools flash on the perimeter. He fits best in Cover 1 or Cover 3 press schemes.

Mid-Level Starter Potential

NFL Draft Projection: 4th–5th Round

Dependable and scheme-versatile with upside. Not elite athletically, but offers strong instincts and foundational traits.

Daylen Everette, Georgia

Analysis: Everette is a long, physical corner with strong zone instincts and SEC pedigree. He posted two interceptions in the conference title game and earned All-SEC honors. While man coverage transitions need work, he competes well at the catch point. He projects as a CB2 in Cover 3 or quarters systems.

DJ McKinney, Colorado

Analysis: McKinney broke out in 2024 with 62 tackles, 9 PBUs, and 3 interceptions across 840 snaps. A long-press corner, he allowed just a 58.1 passer rating in coverage. With Travis Hunter gone, he’ll be tested as Colorado’s CB1. He fits Cover 1 or Cover 3 roles with rising Day 2 potential.