Top DBs (2026 Draft)

Similar to the WRs, DBs are one of my favorite position groups to watch and analyze. They have one of, if not the hardest jobs in football. That is more aimed at CBs, but safeties don’t have it easy either. Watching a talented DB play is like watching Picasso paint. It’s art that should be admired. Because none of us could ever do what they do. Now, who’s on the list?

1.    Caleb Downs (S, OSU)

Easy number one here. The Field General. Caleb Downs. I have been hearing his name for over a year, and I finally understand why. Downs is a high IQ player. That term is thrown around a lot, but Downs is truly that. He's been directing traffic while diagnosing plays since last year. He is explosive, flies to the ball, and constantly has his eyes up. He is ridiculous in coverage and constantly is disrupting the ball from getting where it wants to go. He is also versatile in the box, coming up for blitzes and stopping the run before it goes anywhere. Downs only knocks are his tackling form, as he doesn’t always wrap and wants the highlight. He also almost exclusively worked out of 2 high looks. There are questions with his versatility there. I have no questions. Take Caleb Downs that’s my final thoughts.

2.    Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)

Most likely the best CB prospect in this draft, but that’s depending on who you talk to. Delane’s tape was fantastic. He has great hands in coverage, his eyes stay up, and his hips swing open and closed at will. Delane also shows his anticipation as he constantly is baiting QBs into throws they shouldn’t be making. He only allowed 2 catches over 20 yards in his season at LSU. And ZERO TDs. Zero. Delane, like a lot of young CBs, needs work tracking the ball deep in coverage, and there is concern about his smaller frame. I have no real issues with any of this, Delane is a dog. You will see that on his tape, and you will see that in the NFL to whichever team takes him.

3.    Jermod McCoy (CB, Texas)

One of the two fantastic CB prospects out of Texas is Jermod McCoy. McCoy is a fundamental CB. He is a good tackler, constantly has his hands in the play, and tracks the ball well. He shows good play recognition, is fluid in his movements, and is probably the second-best press cover corner in this draft. His buddy Colton Hood takes the number #1 spot there. McCoy has two glaring issues. One is that he tends to get a little grabby downfield. That leads to the yellow laundry being thrown out a bit. And he has legitimate injury history. He missed his entire Junior season after suffering an ACL back in January of 2025. So, there are questions about his durability, but he looks to remind everyone why he was the consensus #1 overall CB prospect before his injury.

4.    Colton Hood (CB, Texas)

And here’s number #2 out of Texas. Colton Hood. I’m a big fan of Hood and think he has a chance to be the steal of defensive backs. Hood is by far, the best press cover corner in the draft. It's his bread and butter. He stays square and jams a WR at the line, then opens nicely to stay in stride. He has great ball skills, is fluid in his movements, and has great closing speed. He is also one hell of a competitor, and I think that will go miles for him in the NFL. Hood tends to get lost on run plays though and needs to clean that up and get his nose in the play. He also only started for a year, so I’m sure there are questions about how far he can go as a true starter. But give him the opportunity and see if he ever lets it go. I don’t think he will.

5.    Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)

There is a reason I had the Vikings taking Thieneman to replace Harrison Smith if he decides to retire. He looks like a mix of Smith and Reed Blankenship. He is fast and gets over the top well. Thieneman is disruptive in coverage. That’s actually an understatement. He makes coverage look easy for a safety. He is scheme versatile, violent in the box, and has a true pursuit of the ball carrier. Thieneman can get his eyes caught in the backfield, especially on play action. There is improvement needed in man coverage, and his angles need some work. But he’s still in your face or involved in the play every time. He’s a motor and teams will shortly see that.