Top 10 Cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft

By Jason Bolton April 21, 2025 11:38

The 2025 NFL Draft’s cornerback class blends generational talent with scheme-specific specialists, offering teams a mix of immediate starters and developmental projects. From Colorado’s two-way phenom Travis Hunter to Michigan’s shutdown ace Will Johnson, here’s how the top 10 cover men stack up based on film, stats, and scouting intel.

1. Travis Hunter (Colorado)

Hunter’s 2024 season solidified his status as the draft’s most unique prospect. The two-way star allowed just one touchdown across 39 targets while logging snaps at wide receiver, where he added 721 yards and five scores. His 83.0 man-coverage grade and 86.8 zone grade (per PFF) prove scheme versatility. “He’s the closest thing to Deion Sanders we’ve seen—except he might actually play both ways,” an AFC scout told The Athletic. At 6’0” and 185 pounds, his ball skills (seven career interceptions) and recovery speed make him a top-five lock.

2. Will Johnson (Michigan)

Johnson’s 6’2”, 195-pound frame and press-man dominance (zero touchdowns allowed since 2022) scream NFL readiness. He scored three defensive touchdowns off interceptions and thrives in recognizing route combinations. “He’s Richard Sherman with better hips,” Big Ten Network’s Gerry DiNardo said. Durability concerns (2024 turf toe injury) are offset by his 14 career pass breakups and physicality at the line.

3. Jahdae Barron (Texas)

Barron’s 5’11”, 190-pound build belies his tenacity. The nickel/slot hybrid allowed a 46.6 passer rating in zone coverage (10 PBUs + INTs) and thrives at disrupting timing. “He’s the best route-anticipator in this class,” ESPN’s Jordan Reid noted. Texas’ reliance on his versatility (72 tackles in 2024) could push him into the late first round.

4. Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame)

Morrison’s 6’0”, 190-pound frame and press technique (15 career PBUs) draw Darrelle Revis comparisons. Though his 2024 tape lacked consistency, his ability to pin receivers to the sideline remains elite. “He’s a coach’s dream in man-heavy schemes,” a Pac-12 defensive coordinator told Yahoo Sports.

5. Trey Amos (Mississippi)

Amos’ 6’1”, 195-pound frame and 4.38 speed make him a press-man specialist. He allowed just 8.1 yards per reception in 2024 and excels at redirecting routes. “He’s got ‘island’ potential if he cleans up his footwork,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said.

6. Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky)

Hairston’s 6’0”, 190-pound build and ball production (five INTs in 2024) stand out. His 4.42 speed and fluid backpedal make him a zone-coverage asset. “He’s a younger version of James Bradberry,” a Steelers scout told NFL.com.

7. Azareye’h Thomas (Florida State)

Thomas’ 6’2”, 195-pound frame and 4.45 speed cater to Cover 3 schemes. He allowed a 52.3% completion rate in 2024 and uses his length to contest 50-50 balls. “He’s a Day 2 steal for Seattle or Atlanta,” CBS’s Chris Trapasso predicted.

8. Shavon Revel Jr. (South Carolina)

Revel’s 5’11”, 188-pound frame and 4.41 speed make him a slot specialist. His 13 PBUs in 2024 highlight his quick-twitch reaction time. “He’s this year’s Taron Johnson,” a Bills staffer told The Athletic.

9. Darien Porter (Iowa)

Porter’s 6’4”, 200-pound frame and 4.38 speed are unicorn traits. Though raw in technique (just two career INTs), his length and downhill aggression suit Cover 2 schemes. “He’s a taller, faster version of Brandon Browner,” an NFC executive said.

10. Jacob Parrish (Kansas State)

Parrish’s 5’10”, 191-pound frame and 4.35 speed make him a nickel candidate. His seven PBUs in 2024 and feisty run support (50 tackles) could land him in Round 3. “He’s got the grit to stick as a slot starter,” a Chiefs scout noted.

The Wildcards

Nohl Williams (California): 6’0”, 199-pound press specialist with 4.43 speed but inconsistent hands (three dropped INTs in 2024).
BJ Adams (UCF): Man-coverage ace (86.4 PFF grade) limited by a back injury that cost him three games.

The Verdict
Hunter and Johnson headline a class that lacks depth at the top but offers Day 2 gems like Barron and Amos. As one NFC general manager summarized: “You’re either getting a future Pro Bowler or a solid starter—there’s no in-between.”