Ranking every cornerback in the NFC South, from Mike Hughes to Jaycee Horn

USA Today

09-07-2025

Out with the old, in with the new
Furthering our NFC South rankings, we now turn to the defensive backfield -- specifically the cornerback room -- where several top-tier talents have departed over the past eight months. While the division still features a few established names among the league's best, much of the spotlight this season will be on younger players stepping into starting roles for the first time. Development, depth, and scheme fit will be critical factors in determining who rises and who gets exposed. Teams that can quickly groom their new starters may gain a real edge in divisional play.
Here's how the NFC South cornerbacks stack up heading into the 2025 season:
8. Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons
A former first-round pick who struggled to find stability early in his career, bouncing from team to team, has begun to find his footing in Atlanta -- playing his best football this past season.
7. Isaac Yiadom, New Orleans Saints
Yiadom returns to New Orleans this season after his breakout 2023 campaign, where he posted one of the highest forced incompletion rates in the league.
6. Mike Jackson, Carolina Panthers
A physical corner with impressive size, Jackson made his presence felt last season -- finishing third in the league with 12 pass breakups.
5. Zyon McCollum, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A tremendous talent with rare physical traits, McCollum played the best football of his young career last season, recording 13 pass breakup -- good for second-most in the NFL
4. Kool-Aid McKinstry, New Orleans Saints
A polished young corner whose greatest asset is his patience. His ability to consistently stay in phase throughout a route will be a trait that could soon set him apart from his peers.
3. Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dean is a seasoned, physical boundary corner known for his reliability, durability, and consistency in coverage. While not a flashy player, he brings stability to the back end of Tampa Bay's defense.
2. A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons
A technically sound press corner with elite mirror skills, Terrell led the league last season with 14 pass breakup -- further cementing his status as one of the NFL's top cover guys.
1. Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers
When healthy, Jaycee Horn is one of the most physically gifted corners in the league. Coming off a breakout 2024 season with 13 pass breakups and his first Pro Bowl nod, the former top-10 pick finally lived up to his potential.