The cornerbacks kicked off the second of on-field drills at the 2026 Combine, and we saw some solid performances from prospects projected to be selected at various points in the NFL Draft. As we explore the prospects who “won” the day, we saw a few players that we previewed ahead of the Combine, and a few new names that could be found on Day 3 of the Draft.
Here are the top prospects from the cornerback group at this year’s NFL Combine and how they’d fit in on the Detroit Lions roster.
Avieon Terrell, NB, Clemson (5-foot-11, 186)
Terrell didn’t
partake in any of the measurables, but during on-field drills, he was terrific and stood out. With fast feet and elite body control (something I wrote down multiple times in my notes), Terrell showed the ability to open his hips and explode out of breaks. He gains speed quickly and pushes for more at every turn. He showed tremendous ball skills, turning and locating with ease, and properly using his arms to catch the ball away from his body. Terrell was also smooth in stringing together change-of-direction skills, settling in quickly, phasing down, and exploding out of cuts.
D’Angelo Ponds, NB, Indiana (5-foot-9, 182)
Ponds did not run the 40-yard-dash, but he did jump, leading the group with a 43.5-inch vertical. In on-field drills, Ponds very much looked like a nickel corner, but the broadcast noted that he could also play on the outside and compared him to Lions’ free-agent Amik Robinson, a comparison I align with. He showed off quick hip flips, plus body control, and kept his weight low, allowing him to transition more easily. His lateral quickness was also on display, taking powerful steps to get to the sideline. And finally, his ball skills were above-average, putting his head down to chruned out distance, then locating the ball quickly, and catching the ball with a pop in his hands.
Jadon Canady, NB, Oregon (5-foo-10 1/2, 181)
Canady didn’t participate in measured activities, but in on-field drills, he was fluid through his hips, showing off very quick feet and elite transitions, including a really good downhill break. Most of his skills pointed to his ability to play inside in the NFL, which I suggested in my Combine preview article. While he did get turned around on deep balls, that won’t be his game at the next level, and he was able to consistently do so when maintaining his line. The Lions reportedly met with Canady at the Combine, according to MLive’s Kory Woods.
Hezekiah Masses, CB, California (6-foot-1, 179)
Masses is an outside corner who will likely be drafted early on Day 3, but he’ll have a chance to slip into Day 2 after a strong performance. His 4.46 official 40-yard-dash was a great time for him, and his speed showed up in every drill. In addition to Masses showing off his long speed, he dropped with speed, kept his frame consistently under control, easily flipped his hips, and was smooth and light on his feet. Overall, Masses was a very efficient mover, accelerated with power, and had good ball skills throughout the drills. His height hurts his ability to sink his hip and change direction, illustrating he may be an outside-only corner, but with solid upside. The Lions also reportedly had an informal meeting with Masses at the Combine.
Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin (6-foot-1, 193)
When studying prospects, Demmings’ ability to be a Day 1 gunner on special teams first caught my eye, but his 4.42 40-yard-dash, 43-inch vertical, and 11-foot-0 broad jump made me sit up in my seat. When he transitioned to on-field drills, we saw good technique and form, with easy movement skills and great change-of-direction skills. Demmings’ transitions were smooth, he accelerated very quickly, and maintained great balance, staying on his line during drills. His length also showed up when catching the ball, snatching the ball away from his frame. He’s currently projected to be a late Day 3 pick, but it’s hard to ignore how he performed, and his stock should be on the rise.
