2026 Senior Bowl Defensive Backs To Watch: Potential first-round pick headlines one of the deepest position groups in Mobile

Here are the top names to watch in Mobile when it comes to the defensive backfield.

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer
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Sep 6, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) celebrates after a play against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium.
James Snook-Imagn Images

The 2026 Senior Bowl kicks off this week in Mobile, Alabama and the excitement is nearing it’s peak. With a couple of shifts in scheduling and a draft class that is as wide open as ever, the three days of practice in Mobile are being met with tons of anticipation.

So to prepare you for one of the biggest weeks of the pre-draft process, A to Z Sports NFL Draft has you covered with previews and names to watch for every position. I’ll go through the corners and safeties that you should keep your eye on in Mobile.

Corners to watch at the 2026 Senior Bowl

In a draft class that lacks the high-end talent and later depth that we have become accustomed to, you would think that finding three corners to watch in Mobile would be easy, but that’s far from the case, especially when seeing who headlines the list.

Chris Johnson, San Diego State

Johnson has been a lockdown corner at the college level. He’s the kind of player you just put on an island and play the rest of your defense around him. Johnson won’t blow anyone away with his measurables, but when you turn on the tape, you see an anticipatory athlete who effortlessly covers every blade of glass. A week of locking down opposing wide receivers could cement his place in the first round.

Chandler Rivers, Duke

Rivers is smaller but highly instinctive with a nose for the football. There is a lot of Mike Hilton and Mike Sainristil to his game. He’s best suited as a slot corner at the next level, but if your team runs a lot of nickel, he may be the name to watch.

Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin

It’s not the Senior Bowl if there isn’t a small school standout who receives his shot to shine. This year, that’s Charles Demmings. He dominated at the FCS level and has the length, ball skills, and change of direction that will catch the attention of decision-makers.

Safeties to watch at the 2026 Senior Bowl

The safety class in the 2026 NFL Draft is headlined by Caleb Downs. However, the pecking order has yet to be sorted behind Downs and there is one player in Mobile who could be the second safety off the board in April.

Kamari Ramsey, USC

Kamari Ramsey is a versatile piece on the backend of a defense. He has experience as a nickel and as the centerfielder in single high looks. To me, he’s the kind of player who you’re reading recaps next week about, detailing how he was all over the field, making plays on the ball in team drills, and holding his own in the 1-on-1 sessions.

Zakee Wheatley, Penn State

Wheatley is the kind of player whom you take a swing on later in the draft and bet on his obvious traits and experience to work out. I see Wheatley as a physical presence who can run the alley and make plays on the ball carrier as he collapses downhill at 6-3 and 200 pounds.

For more Senior Bowl previews and everything of note in Mobile for the week, keep it locked on A to Z Sports NFL Draft.

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