The cornerback position is arguably the hardest to play in football and a premium position. Teams with good cornerback play tend to have very successful defenses, but scheme fit is very important for this position, plus traits go a long way in the scouting process.This is a position that's been fairly successful for the FCS in recent years. Since 2020, eight cornerbacks have been drafted, with a few key players who have carved out solid careers. The 2022 class was particularly special, with four prospects who ended up being starters in the NFL.Decobie Durant (South Carolina State) was drafted 142nd overall by the Los Angeles Rams, totaling 61 games played and 7 INTs in his career. Zyon McCollum (Sam Houston) was drafted 157th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, totaling 60 career games and 3 INTs. DaRon Bland (Sacramento State) and Christian Benford (Villanova) have also both played over 50 games with 7+ career INTs.The 2027 class has an opportunity to see multiple corners drafted due to their size, athletic traits, and production. A good season by any of these prospects will build momentum after two FCS cornerbacks were selected last year.Damien Henderson (Harvard)Height: 5114Weight: 173 lbs2025 Stats: 46 tackles, 28 solo, 2.5 TFLs, 2 INTs, 8 passes defended (11 games)StrengthsStrong zone-diagnostic skills with advanced spatial awarenessQuick trigger once he identifies the route conceptExcels in Cover 2, effectively sinking underneath vertical routes before driving on shorter conceptsPhysical run defender who willingly takes on perimeter blockersVery good stopping power as a tacklerDev Holman (Youngstown State)Height: 6020Weight: 180 lbs2025 Stats: 44 tackles, 32 solo, 7.5 TFLs, 2 INTs, 8 passes defended, 3 FFs (12 games)StrengthsGood overall athleticism with scheme versatilityGood reactive athleticism to adjust to receiversGood anticipation allows him to challenge throws earlyPhysical at the catch point, making receivers work through contactVersatile enough to function in multiple coverage structuresJhamal Shelby (Nicholls)Height: 6006Weight: 192 lbs2025 Stats: 49 tackles, 21 solo, 1.5 TFLs, 9 passes defended (12 games)StrengthsFluid transitions when opening and turning to runScrappy coverage temperament through routesQuality length helps compensate for average explosivenessUses length effectively to challenge receivers at the catch pointReliable run defender on the perimeterOlatunde Mkparu (Bryant)Height: 6001Weight: 205 lbs2025 Stats: 42 tackles, 33 solo, 1 TFL, 2 INTs, 7 passes defended, 1 FF (12 games)StrengthsGood size for the cornerback positionQuality downhill burst when triggering on underneath throwsCan overwhelm receivers with physicality at the line and throughout routesSize and strength create matchup potential against TEs and bigger receiversOffers positional flexibility between outside corner and potential inside matchup roleDerrick Jones (Northern Colorado)Height: 5115Weight: 181 lbs2025 Stats: 23 tackles, 15 solo, 1.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 3 passes defended (12 games)StrengthsAdequate zone awareness with a functional understanding of spacingBalanced backpedal with generally smooth movementCompetes aggressively at the catch pointMaintains competitive effort when initially beatenGenerally positions himself well against the runSleeper Prospects To Know:Torian Roberts (Princeton)Byron Davis (Tennessee State)Biggest Games To Watch In 2026:Dev Holman vs. Kentucky (Sep. 5)Jhamal Shelby vs. Kansas State (Sep. 5)Jhamal Shelby vs. Sam Houston (Sep. 19)Olatunde Mkparu vs. Army (Sep. 5)Derrick Jones vs. Wyoming (Sep. 12)Early FCS CB Superlatives:Best Man-Cover CB: Dev HolmanBest Zone-Cover CB: Dev HolmanBest Press CB: Dev HolmanBest Ball Skills: Dev HolmanBest Route Recognition: Damien HendersonBest Long Speed: Dev HolmanBest Closing Burst: Damien HendersonBest Feet: Dev HolmanMost Physical: Damien HendersonBest Tackler: Dev HolmanHighest Ceiling: Dev HolmanMost NFL-Ready: Dev HolmanFollow FCS Football Central on social media for ongoing coverage of FCS football, including on X, Facebook, and YouTube.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow