2026 NFL Draft Stock Up
Evan Johnson, CB, BYU
Johnson was a solid corner for the Cougars during the 2025 season. He was reliable in coverage and produced some huge plays for his defense. In 2025, Johnson had 47 tackles with five interceptions and seven passes broken up. It was a big improvement over 2024 when he had 16 tackles with two interceptions and one breakup. At 6-foot, 185 pounds, Johnson has adequate size for the NFL. He could get consideration as an outside or slot cornerback.
Collin Wright, CB, Stanford
Wright had a solid season with the Cardinal\, showing steady ability in coverage. In 2025, Wright had 33 tackles with four passes broken up and one interception. Wright had quality production in previous seasons, including 45 stops, five breakups, and three interceptions in 2024. He had 61 tackles with five breakups and an interception in 2023. Wright (6-0, 195) was versatile over his career with the Cardinal, showing the ability to play outside or move inside in the slot. He could be a solid backup corner with the upside to grow into a bigger role.
Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal
In 2025, Masses had a productive season for the Bears, totaling five interceptions, 12 passes broken up, and 47 tackles. The previous three seasons, Masses played at Florida International and had some quality years in South Florida before transferring to Cal. Masses earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Jalen McMurray, CB, Tennessee
The Volunteers were poised for a loaded secondary, but Jermod McCoy missed the season with an injury. However, Kolton Hood and Jalen McMurray stepped up to form a good tandem for Tennessee. In 2025, McMurray totaled 54 tackles with three passes broken up. During his college career, McMurray totaled 18 passes broken up but only one interception. McMurray (6-0, 187) could be a solid corner candidate for the NFL.
Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
Demmings played well enough against weaker competition to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl. In 2025, Demmings had 18 tackles with four interceptions and five passes broken up. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Demmings has good size for the NFL. If he does well in pre-draft workouts, Demmings could be a riser.
Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
Taaffe had a strong season for the Longhorns and was a solid defender. He did a nice job helping in the ground game, totaling 70 tackles. Taaffe had two interceptions and one pass broken up. The previous season, Taaffe had 78 tackles with two interceptions and 10 passes broken up. Taaffe (6-0, 189) needs to get stronger to tackle in the NFL.
Deshon Singleton, S, Nebraska
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Singleton has good size for the NFL, and he had a solid 2025 season for the Cornhuskers. Singleton totaled 70 tackles with two interceptions and four passes broken up. Singleton could be a mid-round backup that contributes on special teams while seeing if he can develop into a larger role.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Some team sources said they had Muhammad as a day-three prospect, but many cornerbacks get drafted early because of the importance of the position. Scouts say that Muhammad would fit best in a zone scheme, and he does not fit well to be a man-cover corner in the NFL. They also think Muhammad might get paid to go back to Texas next season. In 2025, Muhammad has 30 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, and four passes broken up.
