As the New Orleans Saints prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, we take a look at the top 10 ranked players at various positions. The 2026 NFL Draft big board rankings are reflective of Bucky Brooks' top five prospects by position, ESPN's NFL Draft "Best Available" list, plus other consensus draft boards. To keep track of the latest NFL mock drafts for the Saints, check out Mock Draft Monday. Part of the Saints Path to the Draft presented by Cox.
Mansoor Delane earned 1st-Team Associated Press All-American and 1st-Team All-SEC honors in 2025 after recording 45 tackles, two interceptions and a team-leading 11 pass breakups in 11 starts at LSU. He previously earned 3rd-Team All-ACC honors at Virginia Tech in 2024 after leading the team with four interceptions in 12 starts. Delane started all 13 games for Virginia Tech in 2023 after earning Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition in 2022 while recording eight pass breakups in eight games with four starts. He finished his collegiate career with 191 tackles, eight interceptions and 27 pass breakups.
Mansoor Delane's Combine Results
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 187 | Arms: 30 | Hands: 8 7/8
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Delane is the #8 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (CB1) and is Bucky Brooks’ 2nd-ranked CB on his By Position 1.0. Delane did not participate in athletic testing at the 2026 Combine but measured similarly to former 2-time Pro Bowl CB Casey Hayward.
Lance Zierlein on Mansoor Delane:
"Delane is one of the top cornerbacks in a CB-rich draft. He excels in press coverage, altering release timing with punches and slides. Smooth hips and efficient footwork keep him connected in man coverage, while his processing allows for quick transitions in off-man and short zone looks. He has good top-end speed for vertical phasing but is inconsistent turning to find the football. While he locks in on the route at times, he’s rarely oblivious to the quarterback’s actions, allowing him to slam catch windows shut and play the football. He played through a core muscle injury for much of the 2025 season and still performed at an elite level. Delane’s emergence over the past two years might be indicative of what’s to come, as he’s shown lockdown potential."
Jermod McCoy earned 2nd-Team Associated Press All-American and 2nd-Team All-SEC honors in 2024 after recording 44 tackles, four interceptions and a team-leading nine pass breakups in 13 starts at Tennessee. He previously played one season at Oregon State in 2023, appearing in 12 games with five starts and recording 31 tackles and two interceptions as a true freshman. McCoy did not play during the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL in January before returning to practice on a limited basis later in the year. He finished his collegiate career with 75 tackles, six interceptions and 16 pass breakups.
Jermod McCoy's Combine Results
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 188 | Arms: 31 1/4 | Hands: 9
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 14
McCoy is the #13 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (CB2) and is Bucky Brooks’ top-ranked CB on his By Position 1.0. McCoy did not participate in athletic testing at the 2026 Combine (torn ACL recovery) but measured similarly to former 4-time Pro Bowl CB Xavien Howard.
Lance Zierlein on Jermod McCoy:
"McCoy is a toolsy outside corner with CB1 flashes, but an ACL tear robbed him of a much-needed third season. Hips and feet are smooth, allowing for quality lateral transitions and efficient gathers to match hard-breaking curls. He’s athletic in his recoveries but average acceleration leaves him chasing too often on go routes. More focused, physical press disruption should make the rep easier to control. He’s opportunistic with strong ball skills at the catch point. His route squeeze and zone awareness should improve with more reps. We should expect McCoy’s athletic traits and instincts to help him make up for lost time once he gets into camp."
Avieon Terrell earned 3rd-Team Associated Press All-American and 1st-Team All-ACC honors in 2025 after recording 48 tackles, nine pass breakups and five forced fumbles in 12 starts at Clemson, tying for third in the FBS in forced fumbles. He previously earned 2nd-Team All-ACC recognition in 2024 after totaling 58 tackles, 12 pass breakups and two interceptions in 14 starts. Terrell appeared in 13 games with five starts as a freshman in 2023. He finished his collegiate career with 125 tackles, three interceptions, 25 pass breakups and eight forced fumbles.
Avieon Terrell's Combine Results
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 186 | Arms: 31 | Hands: 8 5/8
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: 34
Broad Jump: 10-3 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 17
Avieon Terrell is the #30 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (CB4) and is Bucky Brooks’ 4th-ranked CB on his By Position 1.0. Avieon is smaller but tested similarly to his older brother, Falcons CB A.J. Terrell Jr.
Lance Zierlein on Avieon Terrell:
"Avieon shares the same bloodlines and coverage temperament as his brother, A.J., a first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2020. Avieon Terrell is an athletic, fluid mover with clean transitions and enough speed to stay in phase on most vertical routes. He’s most effective in press-man coverage, where he mirrors releases with timing and discipline, staying crowded to the route. He concedes 50/50s to bigger targets at times, but is a constant catch irritant with good technique on all three levels. He can play wide or inside and is willing in run support, but he lacks ideal size. Terrell projects as an early starter thanks to his polish, ball skills and coverage versatility."
Colton Hood earned 3rd-Team All-SEC honors in 2025 after recording 50 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one interception and eight pass breakups in 12 starts at Tennessee. He previously played at Colorado in 2024, appearing in all 13 games with one start and recording 24 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups while part of a cornerback rotation. Hood redshirted at Auburn in 2023, appearing in four games as a reserve. He finished his collegiate career with 77 tackles, three interceptions and 14 pass breakups.
Colton Hood's Combine Results
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 212 | Arms: 32 | Hands: 9 3/4
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: 35
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: 4.28 | Bench Press: DNP
Colton Hood is the #26 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (CB3) and is Bucky Brooks’ 3rd-ranked CB on his By Position 1.0. Hood measured and ran similarly to 2-time 1st-Team All-Pro and 2015 DROY Marcus Peters.
Lance Zierlein on Colton Hood:
"Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value."
Brandon Cisse started all 12 games for South Carolina in 2025 and recorded 27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception and five pass breakups after transferring from NC State. He previously appeared in nine games in 2024 at NC State, totaling 28 tackles and five pass breakups, after playing in 13 games as a reserve and on special teams in 2023. Cisse finished his collegiate career with 65 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups.
Brandon Cisse's Combine Results
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 189 | Arms: 30 3/4 | Hands: 8 1/2
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: 41
Broad Jump: 10-11 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Brandon Cisse is the #37 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (CB5) and is Bucky Brooks’ 5th-ranked CB on his By Position 1.0. Cisse measured and jumped similarly to Cowboys 2003 5th overall pick Terence Newman.
Lance Zierlein on Brandon Cisse:
"Teams will be willing to take a chance on Cisse’s explosive athleticism and upside, but a refinement runway might be needed to smooth some of the rougher edges. He’s scheme-versatile in coverage and is an A-rated run supporter. Work ethic and athletic testing will work in his favor. However, a lack of instincts and break anticipation could cost him in coverage against quality route runners. His press will become a more effective weapon with technical work and his route recognition should improve with more reps. Cisse’s traits and competitiveness are clear selling points, but a lack of on-ball production and coverage consistency create a more volatile floor."
Chris Johnson earned 2nd-Team Associated Press All-American honors and was named Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year and 1st-Team All-Mountain West in 2025 after recording 49 tackles, four interceptions and nine pass breakups in 11 starts at San Diego State, returning two interceptions for touchdowns and finishing with 146 interception return yards. He previously earned Honorable Mention All-Mountain West recognition in 2024 after totaling 67 tackles, one interception and three forced fumbles in 12 starts. Johnson appeared in all 12 games as a reserve and on special teams in both 2022 and 2023. He finished his collegiate career with 152 tackles, six interceptions, 14 pass breakups and five forced fumbles.
Chris Johnson's Combine Results
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193 | Arms: 30 5/8 | Hands: 9 7/8
40-yard Dash: 4.4 | 10-yard Split: 1.54 | Vertical Jump: 38
Broad Jump: 10-6 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 17
Johnson (4.40) tied for the 3rd-fastest 40-yard dash among CB at the 2026 Combine; still .16 slower than former 2,000-yard RB Chris Johnson (then-record 4.24 in 2008).
Lance Zierlein on Chris Johnson:
"Scheme-versatile cornerback prospect with average size and the ability to play inside or outside. Johnson is consistent in mirroring the release from his pedal and rarely labors when transitioning with route breaks. While many college corners lean on lax officiating to grab and maul, Johnson stays disciplined. He trusts his footwork and technique to remain tight to the route. He attacks the catch point with run-through force and is a tenacious wrap-up tackler who can quickly end plays. Big receivers can steal some high-points, but not enough to cause concern. Johnson’s coverage versatility, toughness and athleticism should make him an early starter for a coverage-hungry team."
D’Angelo Ponds earned 2nd-Team Associated Press All-American and 1st-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 after recording 61 tackles, two interceptions and a team-leading 10 pass breakups in 15 starts for national champion Indiana while earning Defensive MVP honors in both the Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl. He previously earned 1st-Team All-Big Ten recognition in 2024 after totaling 55 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass breakups in 13 games with 12 starts. Ponds began his career at James Madison, earning Freshman All-American and 2nd-Team All-Sun Belt honors in 2023 after leading the team with 13 pass breakups. He finished his collegiate career with 167 tackles, seven interceptions and 32 pass breakups.
D'Angelo Ponds' Combine Results
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 182 | Arms: 29 3/8 | Hands: 9 5/8
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: 43.5
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle:DNP | Bench Press: DNP
D'Angelo Ponds (5’ 8 5/8”) was the only defensive player under 5’ 9” tall at the 2026 Combine, however, Ponds (43.5”) also recorded the highest vertical among all DBs at the 2026 Combine (tied with LB Sonny Styles for the highest among all defenders). Ponds measured and tested similarly to another former All-Big Ten performer known for playing bigger than his size: 2007 Defensive Player of the Year Bob Sanders.
Lance Zierlein on D'Angelo Ponds:
"Ponds is a productive perimeter cornerback trapped in a smaller body, but he’s not lacking in confidence or coverage tenacity. He’s tremendously competitive and winning seems to follow him at each stop. He matches press releases with good slide quickness and has the speed to stay in-phase as routes travel vertically. Eye discipline, instincts and trigger quickness fuel his zone work and catch disruption. Size limitations will likely push him to nickelback, where mismatches against bigger bodies and physical challenges from run games will test his playmaking/durability. Ponds is a likely Day 2 pick who will be an above-average starting nickelback in the NFL."
Davison Igbinosun earned 2nd-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 after recording 53 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups in 14 starts at Ohio State. He previously earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition in both 2023 and 2024, including a 2024 season in which he started all 16 games for the national champions and led the team with nine pass breakups while tying for the team lead with two interceptions. Igbinosun began his career at Ole Miss in 2022, earning Freshman All-American recognition after starting 10 games. He finished his collegiate career with 194 tackles, four interceptions and 25 pass breakups.
Davison Igbinosun's Combine Results:
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 189 | Arms: 32 7/8 | Hands: 9 1/8
40-yard Dash: 4.45 | 10-yard Split: 1.58 | Vertical Jump: 34
Broad Jump: 10-0 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Lance Zierlein on Davison Igbinosun:
"Igbinosun is an iron man with 53 career starts, fitting the mold of a press corner with good size and long arms. He uses heavy hands and strength to reroute receivers, staying tight on most vertical routes. However, hip tightness, disjointed footwork and average route recognition make pattern-matching a chore in larger spaces or in off-man coverage. Improving his technique and getting him to trust it will be critical in reducing penalties. He is tough, strong and a willing run defender. Traits raise the ceiling to CB2 in a zone-heavy scheme, but his floor as an average backup might be a more likely outcome."
Keionte Scott earned 2nd-Team All-ACC honors in 2025 after recording 64 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, five sacks and two interceptions in 14 games with 12 starts at nickel for Miami. He previously played three seasons at Auburn from 2022–24, starting 23 games and recording 115 tackles and nine pass breakups while ranking third in the FBS with a 14.8-yard punt return average in 2023. Scott began his collegiate career at Snow College, earning Junior College All-American honors in both 2020 and 2021. He finished his collegiate career with 179 tackles, 19.0 tackles for loss, six sacks, three interceptions and 14 pass breakups.
Keionte Scott's Combine Results
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 193 | Arms: 31 3/8 | Hands: 9 5/8
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Keionte Scott is the #45 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (CB6). Scott did not participate in athletic testing at the 2026 Combine but measured similarly to the 2025 NFL rookie leader in INTs Xavier Watts (5).
Lance Zierlein on Keionte Scott:
"Scott’s play style and tackle production resemble that of a Will linebacker. He’s edgy and urgent near the line with an ability to slip or play off of blocks. He can snuff out run plays before they get started. Scott lacks ball production due to inconsistent break anticipation and route squeeze, but he can twitch-and-trigger to close windows, wrap and finish. He keeps yards after contact to a minimum. Scott’s blitz talent off the edge makes him a value-added rusher. He’s an older prospect and needs to play in a scheme that allows him to keep his eyes forward, but Scott’s football character should make him a team favorite as a starting nickelback."
Keith Abney II earned 1st-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 after recording 44 tackles, one sack, two interceptions and a team-leading 12 pass breakups in 12 starts at Arizona State while tying for the team lead with two forced fumbles. He previously led the team with nine pass breakups and tied for the team lead with three interceptions in 14 starts in 2024. Abney appeared in eight games as a reserve and on special teams in 2023. He finished his collegiate career with 98 tackles, six interceptions and 21 pass breakups.
Keith Abney II's Combine Results
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 187 | Arms: 30 | Hands: 9 3/4
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 15
Lance Zierlein on Keith Abney II:
"Feisty boundary corner with the makeup to slide inside and become a problem for offenses as a pro nickelback. Abney’s coverage IQ and competitiveness are loud on tape. He pairs impressive instincts and recognition with the ball skills of a receiver. He’s physical in press, but he loses ground and picks up penalties when it hits the third level. His top-end speed and closing quickness from depth are average. He’s also average in mirroring a shifty release, so rookie reps inside could be a little bumpy. Abney profiles as a zone-match nickelback with a physical press presence."
