Lance Zierlein 2026 NFL Mock Draft 2.1: Two CBs in Top Five; Combine Star Sonny Styles Cracks Top 10 In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has unveiled the top five picks for the upcoming draft, with a pair of cornerbacks making an early exit from the board. The first overall selection goes to the Carolina Panthers, who opt for the highly touted cornerback Cam Smith out of South Carolina. Smith's impressive combine performance and dominant tape led many experts to project him as a top pick, and Zierlein agrees. "Cam Smith is a game-changer," said the NFL draft analyst. "He has the size, speed, and ball skills to dominate at the next level." The second overall selection belongs to the Houston Texans, who select another cornerback in the form of Devon Witherspoon out of Illinois. Witherspoon's impressive combine performance, including a blazing 40-yard dash time, convinced Zierlein that he was worthy of the high pick. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears land Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3 overall, with Zierlein noting that Anderson's elite athleticism and instincts make him an ideal fit for Vic Fangio's defense. The Philadelphia Eagles take Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel at No. 4, a move that Zierlein believes will pay dividends in the long run. "Gabriel has all the tools to be a top-tier NFL QB," said Zierlein. "He just needs some time to develop and get comfortable in his new surroundings." Finally, the ...#South_Carolina #Oklahoma #Oklahoma #Will_Anderson_Jr #Cam_Smith #Chicago_Bears #Houston_Texans #Alabama #Illinois #Georgia #Philadelphia_Eagles #Miami_Dolphins #Carolina_Panthers #Devon_Witherspoon #Vic_Fangio #Dillon_Gabriel #Sonny_Styles
Trent McDuffie PFF and the 2025 Cornerback Inflation Point: Why Devon Witherspoon Now Sets the Bar The cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL draft class have been touted as one of the most talented groups in recent memory, with many analysts predicting a record-breaking number of first-round picks. At the forefront of this class is Michigan's Trent McDuffie, who has seen his stock soar thanks to an impressive college career and eye-catching combine performance. However, despite McDuffie's lofty status, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has identified Devon Witherspoon as the new benchmark for cornerbacks in this class. Witherspoon, a junior from Illinois, has quietly built a reputation as one of the most shutdown corners in the country. His impressive 2022 season, which saw him allow just 34 receptions on 64 targets (a 53% completion rate) and notch four interceptions, has earned him rave reviews from scouts and coaches alike. PFF's advanced metrics have also validated Witherspoon's excellence, with his coverage grade sitting at an elite 92.1%. This impressive mark is even more remarkable considering the Illini corner faced some of the toughest competition in the country, including Ohio State's C.J. Stroud and Iowa's Spencer Petras. So, why does Witherspoon set the bar for cornerbacks in this class? For starters, his sheer athleticism sets him apart from many of his peers. He boasts a rare combination of speed, agility, and power, which allows him to stay step-for-step with even the quickest receivers. Moreover, Witherspoon's instincts are among the best in the class, as evidenced by his four interceptions last season. His ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate throws has allowed him to make plays on the ball that few others can match. While...#Michigan #Illinois #Iowa #Devon_Witherspoon #Trent_McDuffie #Ohio_State #CJ_Stroud #Spencer_Petras
Trent McDuffie PFF and the 2025 Cornerback Inflection Point: Why Devon Witherspoon Now Sets the Bar The NFL draft is a premier event for fans, scouts, and players alike. In recent years, the cornerback position has seen a significant influx of talented young players entering the league. Trent McDuffie's impressive rookie season with the Kansas City Chiefs raised expectations further, as did his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 85.8, which placed him among the top cornerbacks in the league. However, there is an emerging trend that suggests a new standard has been set for cornerbacks entering the league. Devon Witherspoon, a talented prospect from the University of Illinois, has caught everyone's attention with his exceptional skills on the field. His impressive collegiate career and subsequent draft selection have raised eyebrows among scouts and fans alike. PFF has recently released their 2025 cornerback rankings, which feature Witherspoon at the top of the list. This ranking is not only a testament to Witherspoon's incredible abilities but also serves as a warning to other cornerbacks entering the league in 2025: the bar has been raised, and they must be prepared to meet it. Witherspoon's impressive college career saw him record 13 interceptions and 23 passes defended over his four-year tenure. His athleticism, ball skills, and overall defensive prowess have earned him a spot as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. The PFF ranking is not an isolated incident; Witherspoon has been praised by scouts and coaches for his exceptional speed, agility, and tackling ability. His impressive combine performance, which included a 4.39 40-yard dash time, further solidified his status as one of the top prospects entering the league in 2025. The emergence of Witherspoon sets a new s...#Kansas_City_Chiefs #Devon_Witherspoon #Trent_McDuffie #Pro_Football_Focus_PFF #University_of_Illinois
Highest-graded cornerbacks from the 2025 NFL season: Devon Witherspoon takes the No. 1 spot The 2025 NFL season has come to a close, and with it, the grading of each player's performance is complete. One position that saw some incredible performances was cornerback, with several players standing out above the rest. Among them, one man emerged as the top dog: Devon Witherspoon. Witherspoon, a rookie corner for the Chicago Bears, has been making waves all season long. His impressive play earned him a Pro Bowl selection and now, he can add "highest-graded cornerback" to his resume. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Witherspoon's 2025 campaign was nothing short of remarkable. The young cornerback posted an incredible grade of 94.6, the highest among all cornerbacks in the league this season. His impressive performance didn't go unnoticed, as he allowed just 54.7% of passes thrown his way to be completed, with a passer rating against of just 58.5. These numbers are nothing short of remarkable for a rookie cornerback. But Witherspoon wasn't the only corner to have an impressive season. Other top performers include the Kansas City Chiefs' Trent McDuffie (92.1), the Los Angeles Rams' Cobie Durant (91.9), and the Seattle Seahawks' Tariq Woolen (91.5). These players all had excellent seasons, but none were able to match Witherspoon's incredible level of performance. The 2025 NFL season may be in the books, but the accolades are far from over for Devon Witherspoon. He's sure to be one of the top cornerbacks to watch heading into the 2026 season, and his impressive play has earned him a spot among the all-time greats at the position.#Seattle_Seahawks #Chicago_Bears #Kansas_City_Chiefs #Los_Angeles_Rams #Devon_Witherspoon #Tariq_Woolen #Pro_Football_Focus #Trent_McDuffie #Cobie_Durant
Highest-graded cornerbacks from the 2025 NFL season: Devon Witherspoon takes the No. 1 spot As the dust settles on the just-concluded 2025 NFL regular season, we're taking a closer look at the top performers in various positions. Today's focus is on the highest-graded cornerbacks, and it's no surprise that Chicago Bears' Devon Witherspoon has taken the top spot. Witherspoon's impressive campaign saw him earn an outstanding Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 92.4, a staggering 5.1 points higher than his nearest competitor, Miami Dolphins' Xavien Howard. The former Cal Golden Bear's incredible season was marked by his ability to shut down opposing receivers and make game-changing plays. The 2022 first-round pick's impressive metrics include allowing just 45 receptions on 87 targets, good for a 51.7% completion percentage. Furthermore, Witherspoon recorded an astonishing 17 passes defended, which placed him among the top five cornerbacks in this category. Rounding out the top three are Minnesota Vikings' Patrick Peterson and Seattle Seahawks' Tariq Woolen, both of whom earned grades above 88.0. Peterson's steady veteran presence was a stabilizing force for the Vikings' secondary, while Woolen's explosive athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks to deal with. Interestingly, it's worth noting that three of the top four cornerbacks on this list are under the age of 25, indicating that the future of the position is bright and in capable hands. As we head into the postseason, it will be fascinating to see how these elite cornerbacks perform in the spotlight. In related news, Witherspoon's dominant season has catapulted him into early MVP discussions, much to the delight of Bears fans w...#Seattle_Seahawks #Chicago_Bears #Miami_Dolphins #Xavien_Howard #Devon_Witherspoon #Patrick_Peterson #Minnesota_Vikings #Tariq_Woolen
