Yahoo Sports’ “Football 301” podcast had a deep discussion on defensive prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. This class of defensive backs is full of intriguing players, though as hosts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald pointed out, very few are “perfect” blue-chippers, with most showing clear strengths but notable blemishes.

The NFL’s move toward more split-safety, zone-heavy defenses has reshaped what teams need in a DB. No longer is prototype size and length a mandatory ticket in the first two rounds; now, smarts, quickness and versatility open the door for players who, five years ago, might have been overlooked.

This 2026 class may lack an undisputed Jalen Ramsey or Sauce Gardner, but it offers a raft of smart, athletic and competitive defensive backs ready to fill starting roles — and potentially develop into more. With team needs and schemes more varied than ever, expect many of these names to contribute (if not star) on Sundays for years to come.

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Mansoor Delane, LSU

A transfer from Virginia Tech, Delane is widely seen as a top-tier zone corner. Tice raved about his “play recognition” and “ball skills,” emphasizing how Delane closes quickly on underneath routes and brings “twitch” to the position. While he doesn’t possess elite length or overwhelming speed, Tice and McDonald agree he’s a high-floor starter. He may not erase top receivers like past top-10 picks, but Delane brings versatility and reliability.

The closest comp: A.J. Terrell, a smart, adaptable, and productive corner capable of shining in zone coverage and holding his own in man.

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Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

If there’s a player with the raw materials to become an upper-echelon shutdown corner in this group, it’s McCoy. McDonald pointed out his rare combination of length, speed and youth (he’s only 20). The catch: His 2025 season was lost to an ACL injury, so the NFL will be banking on pre-injury tape and projections. Still, McCoy “moves like one of those top guys,” Tice said, and if healthy, could outperform his eventual draft slot.

Avieon Terrell, Clemson

The younger brother of A.J. Terrell, Avion is slightly smaller and less explosive, but he’s feisty, polished and disruptive at the catch point. He’s an ideal CB2 or slot corner, capable of making smart plays, tackling in space, and providing much-needed versatility. Tice compared him to a “Diet Coke version of Devon Witherspoon” — that is, not quite as dynamic, but reliable and scheme-versatile.

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Colton Hood, Tennessee

One of the best testers at the scouting combine, Hood combines quickness, length and physicality. His press-man technique and willingness to tackle stand out, although McDonald wants to see expanded lateral agility and more consistency in man coverage. Still, Hood offers a competitive streak reminiscent of Carlton Davis and could develop into a high-end starter if he cleans up some technical concerns.

2026 NFL Draft individual big boards: Nate Tice | Charles McDonald

Keionte Scott, Miami

A slot specialist, Scott plays fast, smart and aggressive. He’s seemingly always around the ball. McDonald spotlighted his turnarounds at Miami and his standout pro day, describing him as a “high-floor starter.” Age (as a 25-year-old rookie) is a concern, but he brings the football IQ and big-play experience teams love in Day 2 picks.

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Chris Johnson, San Diego State

Late in the process, Johnson became one of Tice’s favorite “riser” candidates. A smooth, efficient mover, Johnson shines in man coverage with the balance and mirror ability reminiscent of a veteran. While he may lack elite upside, he’s a classic plug-and-play CB2— especially appealing to teams who need a steady presence opposite an established CB1.

Domani Jackson, Alabama

Jackson’s journey from hyped high school recruit, to struggling at USC, to starter at Alabama is a reminder of how development and fit matter. While not a shutdown corner, he brings size, speed and pedigree. McDonald called him a potential “draft riser,” a high-upside dart throw who has the physical tools to stick as a starter or versatile backup.

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D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana

Though undersized, Ponds epitomizes the new breed of versatile, feisty corners whose awareness and ball skills can outweigh physical limitations. He drew comparisons to Antoine Winfield Sr., illustrating a willingness to tackle and disrupt despite subpar measurables.