As the NFL evolves and passing attacks become more sophisticated, being skilled at stopping an opposing team's aerial assault becomes more important. Ask the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or any of pro football's other 31 franchises.

It has also become increasingly difficult to do so.

With every rule change, the game increasingly favors offenses. League offices and fans want more scoring and fewer punts. Defensive coordinators and the guys on this list see things differently.

The only scoring they want to see comes by way of a pick-six. Write these names down if you haven't already. Might any of these guys be the next great Buccaneers cornerback? Make no mistake. Todd Bowles squad certainly has need at the position. 

One can never tell how each round of the NFL Draft might unfold, but if you're placing wagers on which cornerback comes off the board first, Mansoor Delane is as good a prospect as any to place your money on.

He might be the cream of the crop in this class at the position. He earned a First-Team All-SEC nod this season. He finished his run with the LSU Tigers with 45 tackles, an interception, 11 passes breakups, and was a unanimous All-American honorable mention. 

Another of the SEC's great cornerbacks. Brandon Cisse played very well for the South Carolina Gamecocks in his final NCAA season. His teammates and coaches are certainly sad to see him go. 

He'll make an NFL team happy with his six-foot, 189-pound frame. He had 27 tackles last season. Add that to an interception, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble. 

Avieon Terrell's older brother, A.J. Terrell, is already playing in the NFL. The younger sibling earned First-Team All-ACC honors with the Clemson Tigers in 2025. 

One thing worth mentioning is he is also five feet eleven inches tall. He weighs 186 pounds, so he probably grades as a slot corner at the professional level. 

Will Lee III earned 50 tackles, one interception, and eight pass breakups for the Texas A&M Aggies in 2025. He loves man coverage. He's a bump-and-run guy who has no issues with sticking his head in to make a tackle. 

He's quicker than fast. It will be interesting to see how he rises or falls in the draft process. For now, we'll grade him as one of the top five cornerbacks in this class.

Jermod McCoy might have ranked higher on this list had he played this season for the Tennessee Volunteers. No worries. His 2024 tape was so good that he's still expected to be a first or second-round draftee. 

His teammate, Colton Hood, is pretty good too. Both could be drafted late in Round 1 or early sometime in Round 2. 

Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!