2025 NFL Combine: Ranking Travis Hunter and the top five cornerback prospects ahead of the combine

Travis Hunter is widely regarded as the top cornerback prospect in the 2025 draft class. At 6ft 1in and 185 pounds, he boasts impressive speed and length, making him a tough challenge for receivers in press coverage. His outstanding ball skills and ability to bait quarterbacks into costly mistakes set him apart as a standout in zone coverage. With a natural instinct for creating turnovers and disrupting passing lanes, Hunter is a highly sought-after prospect for teams in need of a dynamic playmaker in the secondary.

Hunter showed significant improvement as a defender in 2024 compared to his 2023 campaign, with his exceptional ball skills setting him apart from the rest of the pack. This versatility also makes him a contender for the top receiver spot in this draft class. He notched four interceptions and broke up 11 passes last season—all while logging substantial snaps on offense. In the NFL, Hunter may ultimately need to choose between focusing on wide receiver or cornerback full-time, though a hybrid role isn't out of the question.

Standing at 6ft 2in and weighing 202 pounds, Will Johnson brings a rare blend of size and agility to the table. His smooth change-of-direction skills allow him to mirror elite receivers effectively, while his versatility lets him thrive across various coverage schemes, including slot assignments.

Johnson's seamless transitions and keen understanding of leverage make him a dependable defender in both man and zone coverage. Though refining his press technique and improving tackling consistency would elevate his game, his physical tools and sharp football IQ solidify him as a top-tier prospect.

NFL teams will be drawn to Johnson's combination of size, speed, refined technique, and knack for making plays on the ball. A standout for the Wolverines in both man and zone coverage, his versatility is highly prized in a league where defensive schemes constantly shift.

He'll need to prove his turf toe injury, which sidelined him for much of the season at Michigan, is fully behind him, but if his medicals check out, he’s likely to secure a spot as a Top 15 draft pick.

Like Revel, Benjamin Morrison has flown under the radar during this draft cycle, largely due to a season-ending injury early in 2024. Despite that setback, Morrison remains a refined cornerback prospect, boasting natural fluidity, sharp instincts, and the versatility to thrive in various defensive schemes.

While he may not possess the elite athleticism of Revel, his smooth movement and high football IQ make him a smart, dependable defender.

If fully recovered from his hip injury, Morrison has the potential to step in and make an immediate impact as an NFL starter.

Though his ceiling might not be as high as some of the other top cornerbacks in this year’s class, his floor is arguably the most stable.

Jahdae Barron has drawn attention for his disruptive presence in the slot, consistently breaking up timing routes and showcasing sharp instincts in coverage. His blend of physicality and agility allows him to effectively match up against a wide range of receivers.

With an impressive ability to read plays and react quickly, Barron has become a key component of Texas' defense, and his skill set seems tailor-made for the NFL level.

Among this draft class, Barron might be the most NFL-ready nickel corner. His size and physical edge stand out on tape, and his instincts in both pass coverage and run support make him a strong candidate for the role.

His 40-yard dash time at the Combine will be crucial, as some scouts have raised concerns about his top-end speed.

At 6ft 3in and 193 pounds, Shavon Revel Jr. brings an enticing mix of size and speed to the table. His length and athletic prowess make him a tough assignment for opposing receivers, with clear upside as a press-man corner. Though viewed as a developmental talent, his raw tools and strong character suggest that, with proper coaching and experience, he could evolve into a key asset in an NFL secondary.

Revel Jr. stands out as a high-upside prospect, boasting a rare blend of length, instincts, and elite athleticism. If not for the ACL injury he suffered in September, there's a good chance he'd be projected as a top-10 pick in this draft class.

His evaluation is further complicated by his time in the relatively modest AAC conference with the East Carolina Pirates, raising questions about the level of offensive competition he faced.

There's a fair comparison to be made between Revel and Quinyon Mitchell, who faced similar doubts last year regarding his competition level and skillset. Yet, Mitchell silenced critics with a dominant season, establishing himself as a shutdown corner and eventually lifting the Lombardi Trophy.