Plenty of eyes will be watching the quarterbacks, running backs and receivers at the 2026 NFL Combine – and for good reason. Those positions will dominate the fantasy football landscape and the discussion in general, in a world where everyone wants to score points.
But what about the defense? They deserve some time in the spotlight as well.
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Luckily for the defenders of the group, they will have that time to shine and earn a little respect for the less-appreciated side of the ball. That is especially true for the defensive backs, who can be just as quick and just as impressive as their offense counterparts.
A total of 54 defensive backs were invited to the NFL combine this year, one of the last stops before hearing their names called at the draft in April.
Here’s a look at which defensive backs are invited to the NFL combine this year plus USA TODAY Sports’ Ayrton Ostly provides his top 10 rankings at the position in 2026:
DBs at the 2026 NFL combine
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Keith Abney II, Arizona State
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Marcus Allen, North Carolina
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Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
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Tacario Davis, Washington
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Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin
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Thaddeus Dixon, North Carolina
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Ahmari Harvey, Georgia Tech
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Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
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Chris Johnson, San Diego State
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Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
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Latrell McCutchin Sr., Houston
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Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
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Toriano Pride Jr., Missouri
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Ephesians Prysock, Washington
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DeShon Singleton, Nebraska
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Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma
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Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State
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Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
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2026 NFL Draft: Top DBs
1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Scouting report: Downs won’t go No. 1 overall because of the position he plays. The Buckeyes’ star defensive back is one of the best safeties in recent memory. He offers impressive athleticism, coverage skills, run defense and general football IQ to be a true defensive weapon in multiple ways. He can be a force multiplier for a defense and creative playcaller.
2. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Scouting report: Don’t let his lean frame (6-foot-1, 187 pounds) fool you. Delane is a technician at the cornerback spot with impressive savvy for a player his age. Quarterbacks actively avoided him in the SEC; he was targeted just 35 times in 11 games and allowed just 13 receptions for 147 yards all season. There are concerns about his frame in run defense but the coverage acumen is off the charts.
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3. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Scouting report: McCoy didn’t play in 2025 due to an ACL tear in January and that could impact where he lands if medicals do not check out. If he’s cleared, he’ll be potentially the first cornerback off the board. His fantastic athleticism is paired with ideal outside cornerback size (6-foot, 195 pounds) and scheme versatility. His ball skills should translate to the NFL as well.
4. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Scouting report: Terrell, the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, is another Clemson defender who could hear his name called in the first round. He’s slightly undersized at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds but makes up for it with a tenacious, disruptive mentality. He didn’t record an interception in 2025 but that’s not his limit as a turnover creator: he recorded a career-best five forced fumbles.
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5. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Scouting report: As to be expected at South Carolina, Cisse is an outstanding athlete at 6-foot and 190 pounds. That elite athleticism will give him a high floor to overcome lapses in coverage. He broke out in his lone season with the Gamecocks with just 18 receptions on 38 targets in 2025. He did allow 20.1 yards per reception in coverage, though.
6. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Scouting report: Don’t overlook his small school career. Johnson is scheme-versatile with ideal size for outside cornerback, great vision, and NFL-caliber athleticism. Fluid hips to keep in position at all times. Willing tackler in the running game. Great ball production in 2025; allowed just a 16.1 passer rating when targeted.
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7. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Scouting report: Teach-tape level tackler with impressive speed and football IQ. May need to bulk up at the NFL level but improved in both coverage and run defense in 2025. Alignment versatile prospect who can line up in the box, nickel or deep safety without cause for concern.
8. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Scouting report: Took on a bigger role with teammate McCoy sidelined with injury in 2025. Solid size at outside corner. Understands positioning and leverage in man coverage. Explosive enough to make plays on the ball when taking chances. Performs best in Cover 2 for zone schemes. Improved his tackling immensely in 2025.
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9. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Scouting report: Elite athleticism and traits to be a versatile safety at the NFL level. Sure tackler who dishes out hits in run defense but could use better understanding of fits. Not proven as a solo single-high defender. Very good ball production (11 PBUs, 5 INTs in three seasons).
10. Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Scouting report: One of the best contested catch cornerbacks in the class. Alignment versatile with a track background to help him outside or at the nickel. Good footwork with physical playing style. Can get a bit grabby and that may hurt him more in the NFL.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL combine: Downs, Delane lead DB invitees and rankings