For the Washington Commanders, talent is needed desperately across all three levels of Dan Quinn's defense.
While there have been a few bright spots this season, and even looking back to the fever dream that was 2024, overall, the lack of pop is overwhelmingly evident. Trey Amos looks like a hit on Day 2, but outside of him, questions continue to swirl surrounding Mike Sainristil and the future of the backend in D.C.
Things will undoubtedly change as boards adjust, sources share news, and the college football season concludes. But here are three early cornerbacks, one on each day of the selection process, that Commanders fans should keep on their radar as the campaign progresses.
Cornerback prospects for the Commanders to monitor in the 2026 NFL Draft
Day 1: Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy hasn't played a snap in 2025, yet he remains the consensus for NFL teams as the top corner available next spring.
While a torn ACL in January threw a wrench into his development, he's nearing full strength and could make an appearance for the Tennessee Volunteers before things are all set and done. It would also put many general managers at ease, as drafting a player on Day 1 that failed to play a snap in his final collegiate season is worrisome to say the least.
Overall, the injury concern remains minimal, and teams see McCoy as a high-level CB1 for a defense for a long time. He's clinical in coverage, has outstanding ball skills, and is a player who understands the finer nuances of the position in both man and zone that showcase one of the elite prospects in the entire class.
For the Commanders, who currently sit in the top 10, McCoy will be an option should they see fit. He would immediately become the most fundamentally talented corner Washington has had in the building since Josh Norman years ago.
Day 2: Daylen Everette, Georgia
A flat-out burner at the position, don't be surprised come NFL Scouting Combine time that Daylen Everette sits in the top five of the fastest 40-yard dash times run in Indianapolis. But make no mistake, he's much more than speed.
More of a zone than man corner at this point (needs refinement in press-man coverage), Everette's range, instincts, and trigger can put him in throwing windows initially thought to be vacant from opposing quarterbacks. He's a long, wiry defender at 6-foot-1, and should the necessary improvements come in his footwork and mirroring ability, he'll make an impact quickly at the NFL level.
Day 3: Tacario Davis, Washington
A few years ago, Tacario Davis was talked about as a late Day 1 pick. Now, a few seasons later and at a different program (Arizona transfer), his stock has slipped into the Day 3 bucket at this point in his evaluation.
As physically impressive a corner as you'll find in the class at 6-foot-4, Davis' change of direction ability is sensational for his size. His length can disrupt both timing at the line of scrimmage and beyond the contact window.
He needs work in press, where he can get grabby at times, and his footwork can be inconsistent downfield when triggering, but the traits are there for him as a scheme versatile talent to make an impact. For Quinn, Davis' body profile fits the archetype he loves in long, aggressive, Cover 3 corners.