The cornerback position is arguably the hardest to play in football and a premium position. Teams with good cornerback play tend to have very successful defenses, but scheme fit is very important for this position, plus traits go a long way in the scouting process.
This is a position that's been fairly successful for the FCS in recent years. Since 2020, eight cornerbacks have been drafted, with a few key players who have carved out solid careers. The 2022 class was particularly special, with four prospects who ended up being starters in the NFL.
Decobie Durant (South Carolina State) was drafted 142nd overall by the Los Angeles Rams, totaling 61 games played and 7 INTs in his career. Zyon McCollum (Sam Houston) was drafted 157th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, totaling 60 career games and 3 INTs. DaRon Bland (Sacramento State) and Christian Benford (Villanova) have also both played over 50 games with 7+ career INTs.
The 2027 class has an opportunity to see multiple corners drafted due to their size, athletic traits, and production. A good season by any of these prospects will build momentum after two FCS cornerbacks were selected last year.
Height:5114
Weight:173 lbs
2025 Stats:46 tackles, 28 solo, 2.5 TFLs, 2 INTs, 8 passes defended (11 games)
Strengths
Strong zone-diagnostic skills with advanced spatial awareness
Quick trigger once he identifies the route concept
Excels in Cover 2, effectively sinking underneath vertical routes before driving on shorter concepts
Physical run defender who willingly takes on perimeter blockers
Very good stopping power as a tackler
Height:6020
Weight:180 lbs
2025 Stats:44 tackles, 32 solo, 7.5 TFLs, 2 INTs, 8 passes defended, 3 FFs (12 games)
Strengths
Good overall athleticism with scheme versatility
Good reactive athleticism to adjust to receivers
Good anticipation allows him to challenge throws early
Physical at the catch point, making receivers work through contact
Versatile enough to function in multiple coverage structures
Height:6006
Weight:192 lbs
2025 Stats:49 tackles, 21 solo, 1.5 TFLs, 9 passes defended (12 games)
Strengths
Fluid transitions when opening and turning to run
Scrappy coverage temperament through routes
Quality length helps compensate for average explosiveness
Uses length effectively to challenge receivers at the catch point
Reliable run defender on the perimeter
Height:6001
Weight:205 lbs
2025 Stats:42 tackles, 33 solo, 1 TFL, 2 INTs, 7 passes defended, 1 FF (12 games)
Strengths
Good size for the cornerback position
Quality downhill burst when triggering on underneath throws
Can overwhelm receivers with physicality at the line and throughout routes
Size and strength create matchup potential against TEs and bigger receivers
Offers positional flexibility between outside corner and potential inside matchup role
Height:5115
Weight:181 lbs
2025 Stats:23 tackles, 15 solo, 1.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 3 passes defended (12 games)
Strengths
Adequate zone awareness with a functional understanding of spacing
Balanced backpedal with generally smooth movement
Competes aggressively at the catch point
Maintains competitive effort when initially beaten
Generally positions himself well against the run
Torian Roberts (Princeton)
Byron Davis (Tennessee State)
Dev Holman vs. Kentucky (Sep. 5)
Jhamal Shelby vs. Kansas State (Sep. 5)
Jhamal Shelby vs. Sam Houston (Sep. 19)
Olatunde Mkparu vs. Army (Sep. 5)
Derrick Jones vs. Wyoming (Sep. 12)
Best Man-Cover CB:Dev Holman
Best Zone-Cover CB:Dev Holman
Best Press CB:Dev Holman
Best Ball Skills:Dev Holman
Best Route Recognition:Damien Henderson
Best Long Speed:Dev Holman
Best Closing Burst:Damien Henderson
Best Feet:Dev Holman
Most Physical:Damien Henderson
Best Tackler:Dev Holman
Highest Ceiling:Dev Holman
Most NFL-Ready:Dev Holman
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/fcs as Summer Scouting: Top FCS CB Prospects To Watch In The 2027 NFL Draft .
