The 10 Best Cornerbacks in the NFL
By Jason McIntyre
Who is the best cornerback in the NFL? It depends whom you ask and what stats you look at. A few big names missed this list entirely (like Richard Sherman, who is 30 and coming off an Achilles injury), but the 3rd most important position in the NFL is loaded with young stars.
10. Josh Norman, Washington Redskins
Was elite with the Panthers, but hasn’t been as much of a shutdown corner in Washington. Norman gave up three TDs last season and had no interceptions. Then again, QBs targeted him the least in the NFL, throwing his way just 49 times.
1. Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars
After just two years in the NFL, and the age of 23, Ramsey is the best cornerback in football. He gave up 0 TDs last season, and had five interceptions, and the Jags had the NFL’s #1 pass defense. His ceiling really is Rod Woodson or Deion Sanders.
9. Darius Slay, Detroit Lions
‘Big Play’ Slay led the NFC with eight interceptions last year, but he also gave up three TDs and ranked 28th among cornerbacks in yards allowed per game (43).
8. Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals
After being an elite shutdown cornerback for several years, Peterson gave up four TDs last year, and tumbled down the list a little. He was #1 in yards-per-game allowed in 2017, but ranked as only the 49th rated cornerback per Pro Football Focus.
7. Marcus Peters, LA Rams
Ran hot and cold in 2017 – see his meltdown against the Jets – but ultimately finished Top 10 among CBs in passer rating (5th), yards per game (7th) and interception rate (4th).
6. Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints
The 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year gave up just one TD in 13 games, and was #2 among CBs in passer rating allowed (48.1).
5. Chris Harris, Denver Broncos
One of the few true inside/outside cornerbacks in the NFL, Harris gave up just 26.3 yards per game last year, 3rd best in the NFL. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares without Aqib Talib on the other side.
4. Casey Hayward, LA Chargers
Pro Football Focus not only had Hayward as the best cornerback in the NFL last season, but the 2nd best grade since Darrell Revis in 2009. He permitted just 42.7 percent of passes thrown his way to be caught, per PFF.
3. AJ Bouye, Jacksonville Jaguars
The best free agent signing in 2017, Bouye vaulted the Jaguars defense from promising to terrifying. Statistically, Bouye has a case as the best corner in the NFL, and he didn’t give up a TD in the regular season.
2. Xavier Rhodes, Minnesota Vikings
With what he has done to the likes of Odell Beckham, Julio Jones, AJ Green and Antonio Brown in recent match ups, Rhodes has a strong case as the #1 cornerback in the NFL. I can already hear Marvin Jones: “What about Thanksgiving?” Rhodes must cut down on the penalties this season (nine; Hayward had one, per PFF).