It seems like we're navigating an NFL era where standout cornerbacks are a rare breed. Diving into last year's NFL top-100 list, which is player-voted, only six cornerbacks made the cut.
For context, 10 running backs and 16 receivers were featured. Each of these cornerbacks was a former first-round pick, with three selected in the top-10, averaging a draft position of 13th overall.
Interestingly, Devon Witherspoon, PFF’s top-graded cornerback for 2025 and a top-10 pick himself, didn’t make the list. Neither did Sauce Gardner, a former #4 overall pick who was traded to the Colts for two first-round picks. Including these two talents would lower the average draft position of the group to between 10th and 11th overall.
This highlights how challenging it is to find elite cornerbacks without early draft picks. The evolution of the NFL's passing game and rule changes might be shifting the cornerback role from playmakers to more of a damage-control position, impacting its perceived value.
In recent years, NFL interception leaders have often been safeties, not cornerbacks, which might influence how teams like the Seahawks approach the draft. Without a high pick, they might focus on finding good scheme fits rather than reaching for a cornerback early.
The Seahawks, under Mike Macdonald, leaned heavily on zone coverage, using it 77.5% of the time during their Super Bowl-winning season. Here's a look at some of the top college zone cornerbacks based on grading:
- Devon Marshall: 99%
- D’Angelo Ponds: 98.1%
- Jermod McCoy: 95.2%
- Hezekiah Masses: 93.1%
- Chris Johnson: 90.8%
And those with lower grades:
- Mansoor Delane: 61%
- Malik Muhammad: 59.6%
- Brandon Cisse: 53.2%
Analyzing passer ratings when targeted in zone (lower is better):
- Julian Neal: 55.1
- D’Angelo Ponds: 55.4
- Devon Marshall: 56.0
Coverage yards conceded per snap in zone also provides insight:
- Jadon Canady: 0.677
- Avieon Terrell: 0.670
- Devon Marshall: 0.647
This data, alongside the NFL top-100 list, suggests that finding a cornerback who fits the Seahawks' scheme might be possible later in the draft. Players like Chris Johnson are expected to go early, but talents like Chandler Rivers and Hezekiah Masses could be available at #64 or even #96, offering similar value.
The draft is about understanding talent tiers and acting accordingly. While the Seahawks might pick a cornerback early, there’s a strong case for addressing other positions first and using the depth at cornerback to their advantage.
John Schneider’s interest in Noah Igbinoghene, a former first-round pick, suggests they believe in their ability to develop talent, which could allow them to wait on drafting a cornerback. They’ve had success with players like Josh Jobe, so why not Igbinoghene?
The draft class offers depth at cornerback, making it a position they don't need to prioritize immediately. Keep an eye on Jadon Canady, who shows promise as a slot cornerback and might even transition to safety. His versatility and field intelligence make him a compelling prospect.
Here are some scouting notes on Canady:
- A quality slot cornerback, standing 5-10, 181lbs with 30-inch arms.
- Displays excellent vision and field awareness, adept at reading plays.
- Strong mid/deep coverage, quick decision-making, and impressive field IQ.
- Shows good closing speed and resilience in coverage.
- Tackling is solid, with only six missed tackles in 2025.
- Recorded two interceptions and allowed just one touchdown last season.
- Versatile enough to potentially play safety due to his tenacity and awareness.
- Teams completed only 17 of 37 targets against him, with just two penalties in 2025.
- Transferred from Tulane to Ole Miss to Oregon, clocked a 4.38-4.42 forty at his pro-day.
The Seahawks have options, and with a deep cornerback class, they can afford to be strategic in their approach.