2025 NFL Draft: CB Rankings (Preseason Edition)

The NFL eagerly awaits the arrival of Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter and Michigan Heisman Trophy candidate Will Johnson, as these future game-changers get set to stake their claim atop the draft.

Ric Serritella

Jul 18, 2024

Volume XXIV Edition XII | 2025 NFL Draft CB Preview

In this edition of the All Access Football Newsletter:

Top 30 CB Prospects For 2025 NFL Draft
Latest Draft Trends & Dominators
CB On-Demand: Class of 2025 Ready To Swarm

2025 NFL Draft Preview Series: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DT | ER | LB

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INSIDE THE NUMBERS: DB FIRST ROUND PICKS

When combining cornerbacks and safeties, 20% of the NFL Draft first round consists of defensive backs on average. Since 2020, there has been an average of five defensive backs drafted on Day 1, down from previous decade (2010 - 2019), which averaged six.

Last decade was dominated by two of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history with Darrelle Revis (Jets; Patriots; Bucs; Chiefs) and Richard Sherman (Seahawks; 49ers). Revis would elevate his name to legendary status with greats such as Deion Sanders (Falcons; Cowboys; 49ers) and Darrell Green (Commanders), while Sherman would pave the way for a new era of 6-foot-plus corners who could run.

The title of best cornerback in the world right now would belong to Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets. The fourth overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft has lived up to the spicy billing and has left opposing receivers gasping for their water bottle. Gardner has given up just two touchdowns through his first two seasons and rarely saw balls thrown in his direction a year ago, seeing a measly 55 targets all season. His performance has earned him NFL All Pro honors in each of his first two seasons, something that not even the aforementioned Revis was able to accomplish.

The Class of 2025 looks poised to produce several new prominent lockdown cornerbacks, let’s dig in …

[AAF Founder Ric Serritella Joins Sports Rage Host Gabriel Morency On SIRIUSXM]

2025 NFL DRAFT PRESEASON BIG BOARD: CB

Due to the premium placed on wideouts, the reaction is to stockpile corners who can cover. In any given year, you will find more variety in cornerbacks than a box of Nerds. Based on modern-day trends, long, lengthy corners who can run fast tend to go high in the draft, while slot corners are usually not under consideration until Day 2 rolls around.

Athlete. That is the position listed on the Colorado school website for Travis Hunter. His numbers would seem to back that up, as Hunter is coming off an injury-shortened season in which he totaled 30 tackles, three interceptions, 721 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The Prime Time protege has taken a page out of his mentor’s playbook, excelling on both sides of the ball. However, when it comes to his NFL evaluation, Hunter has innate ball skills and a physicality that would be better-suited to specialize at corner.

The cornerback position might have the most star-laden potential of the 2025 NFL Draft, as it also includes Michigan standout Will Johnson who is being pushed as a Heisman contender. Of course, that feat was last accomplished by another Wolverines player in Charles Woodson (1997), who was selected No.4 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft. With his combination of size, speed, fluidity and pedigree, Johnson stands a shot to become just the second defensive back in history selected with the No.1 overall selection (Gary Glick in 1956).

One player who could rise up draft boards as the season wears on is Zy Alexander of LSU. An unranked prospect coming out of high school, Alexander started three seasons at Southeastern Louisiana. He made a seamless transition from the FCS-to-FBS, earning a starting role with LSU and emerging at their top lockdown corner through the first eight games before a season-ending injury. Alexander has 11 career interceptions at the collegiate ranks.

Travis Hunter, Colorado, Jr, 6001, 181, 4.52
Will Johnson, Michigan, Jr, 6020, 202, 4.44
Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame, Jr, 6000, 186, 4.45
Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech, rSr, 6000, 182, 4.37
Tacario Davis, Arizona, Jr, 6026, 195, 4.55
Denzel Burke, Ohio State, Sr, 5112, 193, 4.50
Davison Igbinosum, Ohio State, Jr, 6016, 190, 4.50
Daylen Everette, Georgia, Jr, 6012, 190, 445
Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky, Jr, 6006, 180, 4.50
Jordan Hancock, Ohio State, Sr, 6000, 190, 4.50
Jason Marshall Jr, Florida, Sr, 5117, 199, 4.50
Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon, rSr, 5091, 181, 4.55
Ephesians Prysock, Washington, Jr, 6032, 193, 4.52
Domani Jackson, Alabama, Jr, 6001, 192, 4.49
Zy Alexander, LSU, Sr, 6010, 188, 4.47
Cam Miller, Penn State, Jr, 6001, 183, 4.49
Gentry Williams, Oklahoma, Jr, 6000, 184, 4.40
Zemaiah Vaughn, Utah, rSr, 6021, 175, 4.48
Cobee Bryant, Kansas, rSr, 6000, 168, 4.50
Jahdae Barron, Texas, rSr, 5110, 195, 4.50
Keionte Scott, Auburn, rJr, 5103, 190, 4.45
Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin, rJr, 5095, 185, 4.45
Tony Grimes, UNLV, rSr, 6000, 189, 4.47
Fentrell Cypress II, CB, Florida State, rSr, 5115, 188, 4.55
Tahveon Nicholson, Louisville, Sr, 5092, 183, 4.50
Quincy Riley, Louisville, rSr, 5106, 187, 4.40
Trikweze Bridges, Florida, rSr, 6021, 199, 4.52
Justin Walley, Minnesota, Sr, 5110, 190, 4.45
Ra’Mello Dotson, Kansas, Sr, 6000, 184, 4.60
Clarence Lewis, Syracuse, rSr, 5106, 202, 4.54

2024 GLOBE BOWL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Team USA is now accepting player applicants for the 2024 Globe Bowl International World Championships. Participants will compete in games against Team Mexico at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (Aug 2-5) and Team Canada (Aug 22-24) in Toronto. Learn More Here

LINDY’S 2024 PREVIEW MAGAZINES NOW ON SALE

Now Available: AAF founder Ric Serritella was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Lindy’s Annual Football Preview Magazines once again. Get your copies of the longest running football guides still published. Available on newsstands across America, or order here.