The top of the 2025 NFL Draft cornerback class has been one of the most discussed throughout the pre-draft process. It is loaded with top-end talent, but its lack of overall depth could push up some fringe first-round prospects.
But how many could be drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft? Let’s take a look at who could make the over/under betting lines a difficult evaluation for punters.
How Many Cornerbacks Could Be Selected in the 2025 NFL Draft First Round?
History tells us the number of cornerbacks drafted in the first round is limited. An average of 3.66 were drafted in the first round over the last three seasons, with three, four, and four being selected in the previous three respective years.
That may be a historical number, but it is relevant to the 2025 NFL Draft. DraftKings has the over/under for the number of cornerbacks drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft set at 4.5, with the oddsmaker favoring the under at -295.
And the under appears to be the right play. Recent history evidences that the under is the atypical bet with only three cornerbacks considered first-round locks.
Two-way Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter is at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft cornerback rankings and is labelled a cornerback by most bookmakers. But bettors need to be careful.
If you are looking to lay a stake on cornerbacks, then read the small print before placing your bet. Some sportsbooks list Hunter as a corner, while others label him as a wide receiver, and some even specify that the total number excludes Hunter. Ensure you check with your bookmakers before placing your bet.
Moving on, Michigan Wolverines’ Will Johnson and Texas Longhorns’ Jahdae Barron are both considered first-round locks by analysts and sportsbooks alike.
That makes three. Where the fourth comes from is trickier. Kentucky Wildcats corner Maxwell Hairston has had a late rally among scouts and analysts to the point where he is now expected to go in the first round.
His odds have fallen to -280 to be selected in the first round. The Kentucky prospect lit up the 2025 NFL Combine, running a 4.28-second 40-yard dash to lead all participants in Indianapolis, and reports share that the NFL is enamoured with his potential.
The other possible first-round cornerback prospect is East Carolina Pirate Shavon Revel. A season-ending injury after just three games has limited his exposure during the pre-draft process, but the outstanding athlete is worthy of a first-round selection if he is back to full health.
We are not privvy to the medical notes, but if teams are comfortable with the injury concern, he is a real wildcard. Revel is currently +300 to be drafted on Day 1.
Whether Revel and Hairston both go in the first round is questionable. Both appear to be competing to be the fourth cornerback taken, and history tells us only one will make it on. But in a cornerback class that isn’t considered deep with perimeter corner talent, if teams are desperate for outside help, they will need to take one early.
Which Cornerbacks Could Be Selected in the 2025 NFL Draft First Round?
In our latest 3-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, four cornerbacks were taken in the first round, with an additional five going in Round 2.
This should showcase how tight the margins are. With teams drafting late in the first round who need cornerback help, such as the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and Green Bay Packers, it may be a tense night for anyone with cash on this line.
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Furthermore, eight cornerbacks feature in the top 50 prospects on CSN’s 2025 NFL Draft Top 300 Big Board, further showcasing the top-end talent at the position in this draft class.
- Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
- Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
- Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Other Potential Names
- Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
- Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
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