2025 NFL Draft: Scouting the Cornerbacks

Corners talk the most — and this class backs it up.

The 2025 draft has corners with speed, length, hips, and serious swagger. Whether it’s sticky man coverage, zone instincts, or ball production, this group has some future CB1s and a few lockdown specialists rising fast.

We’ve dug into the tape and ranked the top corners in the class — press monsters, off-man technicians, and versatile DBs who can handle any coverage.

Subscribe now to stay ahead of the draft curve — safeties are next, and the secondary is getting deep.

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1. Travis Hunter (Colorado)

Grade: 1st Round

Travis Hunter is an exceptional, dynamic athlete who excels both as a cornerback and wide receiver, making him a rare two-way player. His length, fluidity, and explosiveness allow him to cover a lot of ground quickly, and his ball skills are elite, both in coverage and as a pass catcher. He has shown impressive mental acuity, able to read plays and react to the ball with great awareness. As a cornerback, his ability to track passes and high-point the ball is remarkable. However, Hunter’s frame is a bit lean, and his physicality could be challenged by more powerful NFL athletes. His technical skills, while improving, are still catching up to his athletic gifts. His tendency to bait quarterbacks and his occasional undisciplined movements can lead to mistakes. Durability concerns have also cropped up with injuries to his ankle and liver during his college career. Still, Hunter’s raw talent, competitive mentality, and leadership make him an exciting first-round prospect, with the potential to be a game-changer on both offense and defense at the next level.

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2. Will Johnson (Michigan)

Grade: 1st Round

Will Johnson is a tall, fluid cornerback with the physical tools to succeed at the NFL level. His footwork is clean, and he excels in off-coverage, showing impressive ability to maintain phase with receivers, particularly in zone coverage. Johnson’s anticipation and ability to drive on the ball make him a threat for interceptions, and he’s comfortable in both press and off-man coverage. However, his average speed could be a concern against top-tier NFL receivers, especially on double moves. Johnson also tends to get a little too patient in coverage at times, which can result in conceding space. His tackling is solid, though he isn’t always the most aggressive at attacking the ball carrier. Despite these areas for improvement, Johnson’s physicality, high football IQ, and impressive college production have him pegged as a potential Day 1 starter, capable of becoming a key player in an NFL secondary.

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3. Jahdae Barron (Texas)

Grade: 1st Round

Jahdae Barron is a fluid athlete with excellent body control and quickness, making him a tough matchup in coverage. His versatility stands out, as he has the ability to play both outside and in the slot. Barron excels in zone coverage, where his awareness and ability to read the quarterback allow him to make plays on the ball. He’s also effective as a tackler in space and is known for his playmaking skills, including scoring multiple touchdowns off turnovers. However, Barron’s lack of elite height and size makes him vulnerable against taller, physical receivers. He also has some trouble with deep ball recognition, and quicker route runners can give him issues with separation. Despite his size limitations, Barron’s athleticism, play recognition, and ability to make plays on the ball make him an intriguing prospect, with the potential to be a valuable starter in the NFL.