2025 NFL Draft: Top Three Cornerback Prospects

It is a massive week in the world of football. Beginning on Thursday, the annual NFL Draft will take place. Prospects will wait to hear their name called and begin their journey as professional football players. For all of the players entering the draft, their lifelong dream has been to get to this point and help an NFL franchise reach the pinnacle of success on the gridiron. Hoisting the coveted Lombardi Trophy.

In the case of the cornerback position, many big-name players from college football are expected to be available, headlined by Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter. While Hunter will most likely be the first defensive back off the board, there are plenty of others as well that could be worthy of being the top defensive back taken. Let’s take a look at the top three cornerback prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Will Johnson, Michigan

While all the talk has been on Hunter, there have been legitimate conversations about Johnson being the first overall pick. A key player on Michigan’s 2023 national championship-winning team, Johnson enters the NFL as arguably one of the most pro-ready prospects.

Known for his elite ball-hawking skills and the ability to read a quarterback, Johnson finished his three-year college career with 68 tackles, 19 passes defended, and 9 interceptions– three of those were pick-sixes. A physical player, Johnson excels in pass coverage and is the type of guy who can line up on anybody. Although he did miss seven games last season due to an injury and also missed his Pro Day due to an injury, Johnson has certainly done enough to warrant top prospect consideration.

Jahdae Barron, Texas

The Longhorns were oh so close to making an appearance in the national title game with their defense being a major reason why. Barron, who broke out in 2024, finished the season having made 67 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and picked off 5 passes. He recorded a sack as well.

One thing that could separate him from all the rest is his balanced play style. He Not only excels in man-to-man coverage but also possesses a knack for reading quarterbacks out of zone. He may not be the biggest guy out there, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 194 pounds, but he is fast (one of seven corners to have run a sub 4.4 40) and has tremendous technique that makes up for it. Barron may not be the biggest name at the position, but whoever drafts him will be very happy with who they’re getting.

Travis Hunter, Colorado

This one goes without saying, but Hunter is not only the top cornerback, but he may be the best overall prospect. A two-way player who started at wide receiver and cornerback throughout his college career, Hunter’s 2024 season was a historic one. He led college football in snaps played while his strong performance on both sides of the ball led to him being the first defensive player since Charles Woodson in 1997 to win the Heisman.

Recording 1,258 receiving yards with 15 touchdowns while intercepting 4 passes, breaking up 11, and forcing a fumble on defense, Hunter became the first player in college football history to win both the Biletnikoff Award and (top receiver) and the Bednarik Award (top defensive player) in the same season. While Hunter is unlikely to play both ways in the pros and could be looked at as a pure cornerback, he will bring star power wherever he ends up.

Final Thoughts Heading Into the 2025 NFL Draft

While defensive back may be a top-heavy position, the best players at the position could all become superstars in this league. Not often is defensive back viewed as a highly touted position but for this year’s class, that could change. All three of these guys may end up being major stars in the NFL.