2027 Watchlist Check-In: Defensive Backs

There's plenty of talent on our watchlist, and we're breaking down the entire list. In our last <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2027-rankings-january-update/">rankings update</a>, we saw a host of players who rose after initially being listed on the watchlist. In this spring series, we're evaluating every player on our 2027 watchlist. Who knows? Maybe some of these guys make their mark in the next rankings update. Next up, the defensive backs.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 Watchlist Defensive Backs</h2>   Editor's Note: If you want more information about how a player ends up on our watchlist, check out my <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/2027-watchlist-edge-rushers/">2027 Edge Rushers Check-In</a>, where I went in-depth on the mechanics behind our watchlist feature.   We're dropping two positions a day this week, one on each side of the ball. Here's every 2027 defensive back on the watchlist.    Beam could reasonably be ranked as a wide receiver after averaging over 20 yards per reception for Hibriten in 2025. Still, we like him best as a versatile defensive back who can line up all over the defense. Hibriten had the biggest turnaround of any team in the state, and Beam was a huge part of that resurgence in 2025. He can win with athleticism, but also with technique and proper positioning.     Cannon School has a bit of a reputation for putting out quality defensive backs, and Ford could be the next. He's a corner, but what really stands out on film is his ability to set the edge against the run, which is somewhat of a lost art in the days of the spread offense.     Wright has been on our radar for a number of years, but a transfer to White Oak helped him break through in 2025. Despite his size, he has great length, and his speed allows him to break on balls when quarterbacks think receivers are open. We expect the ball production to tick up next season in what could be a huge senior year.     After a couple of transfers, Wilkes settled into a role on Corvian Community's defense in 2025. Wilkes is a long corner with plenty of speed. He just needs to continue to refine his technique, something we think will happen this offseason.     Originally on our watchlist as a receiver, Archible broke into Garner's rotation at corner this season and played well. He has fantastic length and recovery speed, meaning he rarely gets beaten deep, and he's able to jam receivers in press coverage.     Anytime a guy can crack the rotation on a defense as deep as Providence Day's, it's noteworthy. Eich can absolutely fly, and the positional versatility to play either deep safety or outside corner should excite college coaches. He has excellent ball skills and is likely a spring addition to our rankings.     Freeman has great zone awareness and will make plays on balls thrown outside of his primary coverage area. He broke into the rotation as a junior, and given Garner's defensive back depth chart, we think he could earn more playing time as a senior.     Sykes didn't play much as a junior, but when he got on the field, he was excellent. I like his coverage skills and recovery speed, as he shows good hips and footwork in man coverage on film. He's also a willing run defender and a guy I think could make some noise as a senior.     Hawes had a breakout season for New Hanover and now moves to Laney, where I'm interested to see if he plays a similar box safety role. At times, he played almost like a 4-3 outside linebacker, but with plus coverage skills and an ability to match up with backs and tight ends. He isn't afraid in the running game, and he's a guy whose game we're growing to love.    This is the time of year when we have the most time to dive into film, re-evaluate prospects, and change our minds about players. Send your film on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>), so I can evaluate you. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo Code Helms30 is good for 30% off your first billing cycle.

There's plenty of talent on our watchlist, and we're breaking down the entire list. In our last rankings update, we saw a host of players who rose after initially being listed on the watchlist. In this spring series, we're evaluating every player on our 2027 watchlist. Who knows? Maybe some of these guys make their mark in the next rankings update. Next up, the defensive backs.