2026 NFL Draft DB Rankings: Big Board, Tiers & Predictions

Ranking the top 10 defensive backs available in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. / Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The best overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft is a defensive back. April's class is loaded with instant starters and contributors at cornerback and safety, with 22 accounting for our top 100 prospect rankings. From boundary corners to nickels and high-impact safeties, NFL teams will be able to find their preferred flavor.

After previously ranking linebackers and defensive tackles on defense, we've also scouted and assessed the top 10 defensive backs available in the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s a versatile, exciting group. The following prospects particularly stand out.

2026 NFL Draft: Top 10 Defensive Backs

1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is the best overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. The versatile safety triggers downhill with physicality and intentional violence. Downs reads the game at an incredibly high level, allowing him to make consistent plays on ball carriers. He'll make an immediate impact on an NFL defense.

2. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy did not play during the 2025 season due to a torn ACL suffered in January. He'll be more than a full calendar year removed from the injury once the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around, and we're placing faith in his recovery. McCoy was elite throughout the 2024 campaign, putting high-level coverage traits on film. A well-balanced skill set is present through athleticism and high-end technique.

3. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Mansoor Delane was the best cornerback on a college football field in 2025. Coverage instincts are evident on tape as Delane took a huge step forward at LSU after previously playing at Virginia Tech. He notched two interceptions and a career-high 11 pass breakups. He'll thrive as a boundary cornerback in both man and zone concepts in the NFL.

4. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, Avieon Terrell is unsurprisingly a natural at the position. Some NFL scouts see a nickel corner at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, but Terrell should be allowed an opportunity to prove his athleticism and coverage smarts will hold up just fine on the boundary.

5. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Colton Hood is still developing coverage instincts, but his athleticism is truly off the charts. Hood approaches every rep with physicality and confidence. The Tennessee cornerback displays terrific lateral explosion on tape, consistently staying in-phase while playing physical man coverage.

6. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman could be a big-time NFL Combine riser. Don't be shocked if his name begins surfacing in first-round mock drafts after the upcoming week in Indianapolis. Thieneman is super big, long, and athletic, and he's versatile enough to wear multiple hats for a defense, both as a coverage and run-stopping expert.

7. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

South Carolina's Brandon Cisse is athletic and physical when deployed in press-man coverage. Cisse is active with his hands to disrupt wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. The technical aspects of his game are currently a little inconsistent, as he'll be tasked with improving his instincts and patience at the next level.

8. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a heat seeking missile. The Rockets standout triggers downhill with outstanding closing speed and creates legitimate pop as a tackler. McNeil-Warren is a physical tone setter around the line of scrimmage and could play a Nick Emmanwori-like role for an NFL defense next season.

9. D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

D'Angelo Ponds is a nickel-only prospect at 5-9, 173, but he'll be a competitive playmaker for an NFL defense. He's extremely versatile with elite instincts in coverage. Ponds left college football as a National Championship winner, and with 31 career pass breakups and seven interceptions. The Miami, Florida native will continue to rack up ball production at the next level.

10. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson is a technically proficient defender in coverage. He's an easy mover who is savvy and athletic while staying in-phase with his assignment. Johnson made quarterbacks regret testing him in coverage this past season by recording four interceptions and eight pass breakups.