Nfl Draft 2026 Preview: Seahawks Cornerback Options At Every Draft Range

With only four selections in the upcoming draft, the Seattle Seahawks will need to be precise in how they approach roster building. This is not a prediction of what Seattle will do, but rather an exercise based on consensus draft boards and realistic value ranges across the class.

The goal here is to identify cornerback options at each level of the draft who align with Seattle’s scheme, tendencies, and current roster construction.

First round targets

Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee

Hood plays the position with a tone-setting mentality. He thrives in press-man, using a disruptive punch to control releases early and reassert himself at the catch point. His ability to impact both the beginning and end of reps stands out—he consistently challenges receivers through contact and positioning.

He has enough vertical speed to stay in phase and does a strong job closing space on in-breaking routes from both press and off alignments. In zone, he shows discipline, though route exchanges can still create hesitation.

What elevates his projection in Seattle’s scheme is his physicality. Hood plays through contact, finishes plays with authority, and contributes in run support like an extra defender in the box. The instincts and technique still need refinement, but the mentality and traits fit perfectly in a press-heavy system.

Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson

The brother of A.J. Terrell, Avieon brings a similar coverage temperament—fluid, technically sound, and consistently disruptive at the catch point.

He is an athletic mover with smooth transitions and enough long speed to stay in phase vertically. Terrell is at his best in press-man, where his timing and discipline allow him to mirror releases and stay attached through the route stem. He’s also comfortable playing inside, giving him alignment versatility.

He competes well at all three levels of the field and is active in run support, but size remains the primary concern in the NFL. Against bigger receivers, he can concede positioning in contested situations, which raises questions about full-time outside usage at the next level.

Even with that limitation, his polish, instincts, and ball skills project him as an early contributor.

Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State

Johnson is one of the premier zone corners in this class and had a top 30 visit with the Seahawks. His ability to read the quarterback, understand spacing, and position himself within coverage makes him consistently impactful underneath and in intermediate areas.

He took a major step forward in his final season, gaining significant momentum across draft boards. However, the level of competition remains a legitimate concern when projecting his transition.

From a value standpoint, No. 32 might be slightly high relative to consensus. That said, he is unlikely to fall past the mid-second round. If Seattle views him as a fit—and isn’t planning a trade down—this is likely where they would need to pull the trigger.

Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina

Cisse brings a physical SEC profile with the tools to compete on the boundary. He plays through contact, challenges at the catch point, and has the strength to deal with bigger receivers.

His game still requires technical refinement, particularly in footwork and consistency through routes, but the traits are there. He projects as a developmental outside corner with starting upside in the right system.

Second round targets

D’Angelo Ponds | CB | Indiana

Ponds is one of the most intense defensive players in the class. His play style mirrors the edge and competitiveness of Devon Witherspoon—constantly involved, aggressive, and disruptive. He plays bigger than his 5’9” size suggests, attacking the ball and contributing in run support. However, his frame will be a limiting factor in the NFL, particularly against larger receivers on the outside.

His best role projects inside, where his energy, instincts, and playmaking ability can be maximized.

Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State

Abney is a feisty boundary corner whose long-term value likely comes inside as a nickel defender. His coverage IQ stands out immediately—he processes quickly, recognizes concepts, and plays with the instincts of a receiver when attacking the football.

He is competitive and physical in press, but that aggressiveness can work against him downfield, where he may lose positioning or draw penalties. His top-end speed and recovery burst are average, and sudden releases can give him trouble.

Early NFL reps could be uneven, particularly if asked to play outside, but his traits align well with a zone-match nickel role where his awareness and toughness can shine.

Third round targets

Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas

Neal is a late-developing corner with the size, length, and strength teams covet in press coverage. He brings a physical presence both at the line of scrimmage and in run support, where his tackling ability stands out.

His game is still raw from a technical standpoint. He would benefit from a more assertive approach in press to better control releases, and his overall technique needs refinement before he’s ready for consistent NFL reps.

While his long speed is average, that becomes less of an issue in zone-heavy looks, where his length and physicality allow him to close throwing windows. Neal’s traits give him a high ceiling, but development and scheme fit will determine whether he reaches it.

Daylen Everette | CB | Georgia

Everette, who has already had a Top 30 visit with the Seahawks, enters the league with extensive experience in a pro-style defensive system. A smooth athlete with good size and length, he started 41 games at Georgia, including multiple high-pressure matchups. He plays with patience in press, forcing wide releases, and does a strong job staying in phase through route breaks.

He is a physical presence and brings reliability in zone coverage, but his athletic limitations show up in recovery situations. He lacks true make-up speed and sudden acceleration, which can leave him trailing when beaten early. Still, his experience, physicality, and zone awareness make him one of the safer projections in this range.

Tacario Davis | CB | Washington

Davis stands out immediately from a physical standpoint and may be the closest archetype in this class to Riq Woolen (size and speed). With most of Seattle’s current cornerbacks measuring 6’0” or below, his size offers something different.

He is more disruptive than productive, using his length and strength to reroute receivers and shrink passing windows. However, refined route runners can create separation due to his average change-of-direction ability.

His length allows him to impact plays in deep zone and function effectively in space, and there is even some projection potential toward a hybrid or safety role. He fits best in a zone-heavy system where his physical tools can be maximized.

Hezekiah Masses | CB | California

Masses brings a ball-hawking mentality that translated into elite production, leading the FBS in passes defended with 13. He plays with his eyes forward, reading the quarterback and attacking throwing lanes aggressively.

He shows the ability to mirror releases and disrupt timing at the line, while also demonstrating a natural feel for contesting passes at optimal angles. However, his aggressive style can lead to penalties when routes break unexpectedly.

His Combine performance lacked explosiveness, which adds some concern when projecting his athletic ceiling, but his competitiveness and instincts remain strong selling points. Can be a good option to replicate Chris Johnson in round 3.

Sixth round targets

Thaddeus Dixon | CB | North Carolina

Dixon is a perimeter corner with the size and functional athleticism to operate in multiple coverage schemes. He shows early-route stickiness in press and does a good job anticipating breaks when playing off coverage.

However, his lack of top-end speed becomes an issue against vertical threats, forcing him to rely heavily on positioning and leverage. He must become more disciplined in maintaining that leverage to avoid giving up explosive plays.

He doesn’t excel in any single area but is well-rounded enough to compete for a backup role. Dixon played well in the Senior Bowl.

Devon Marshall |CB| NC State

Marshall was one of the most productive cornerbacks in college football in 2025, finishing with 2 interceptions and 15 pass deflections, the latter leading the FBS.

After transferring from Villanova, he developed into a full-time starter and showcased strong playmaking ability. Despite being undersized he compensates with physicality, fluid movement, and competitive toughness.

He is effective in both man and zone, showing the ability to match routes, maintain positioning, and process spacing concepts. His aggressive play style can occasionally lead to lapses in discipline, particularly against double moves, and he can improve consistency at the catch point.

Overall, he projects as an immediate rotational contributor with legitimate starting upside over time.

Final thoughts

Even with limited draft capital, the Seattle Seahawks have access to a deep and stylistically diverse cornerback class.

From press-heavy boundary defenders in Round 1 to instinctive nickel options and productive late-round value, the board offers multiple pathways to reinforce a secondary that remains central to Seattle’s identity.