Cornerback is an interesting position in the National Football League. You are expected to be good; every team wants a lockdown player on the outside like Deion Sanders, but at the same time, you are going up against six foot plus wide receivers. The receivers coming into the league nowadays can easily hit 40 inches in their vertical jumps and run the 40 yard dash in 4.27-4.4 seconds. They are freaks of nature, so if you’re starting a team today, who should you want as your lockdown corner?
Honorable Mentions-
Jason McCourty- Titans
Brent Grimes- Dolphins
William Gay- Steelers
Ladarius Webb- Ravens
10. Keenan Lewis, New Orleans Saints
The Saints defense was absolutely atrocious in 2012. The unit ranked dead last in yards per game against, and second last in total points against. A couple things changed that offseason, Rob Ryan took over as defensive coordinator, and Keenan Lewis signed as a free agent. Lewis took this defense over as his own, and shined in Ryan’s defense. His physical play halted receivers in their tracks, and with the help of some other pieces in New Orleans, turned the defense around. Lewis finished the season with 9 passes deflected and 4 interceptions.
9. Brandon Boykin- Philadelphia Eagles
Boykin is a smaller corner, at 5’10”, and plays as a slot defender. The slot corner is becoming more important, and more popular in the league with flashy slot receivers like Randall Cobb and Wes Welker. Boykin made big play after big play for the Eagles last season, most notably, sealing the NFC East title with a pick of Kyle Orton. Boykin is one of the best young corners, and contributes in a big way for an otherwise average defense. Boykin finished the season with 16 passes deflected and 6 interceptions.
8. Tramon Williams, Green Bay Packers
Surprised to see this name here? Don’t be. Williams was terrific last season. Williams made big plays for the Pack in 2013, and was their most consistent, and healthy, player in their secondary. Williams didn’t have the flashy stats like Verner or some of the other top players, but statistics aren’t everything. With 83 combined tackles, Williams was an integral part in leading the Packers to the playoffs last year. He did miss 10 tackles last season, but with the injuries in the secondary, the Pack might not make the postseason last year without him. He finished the season with 11 passes deflected and 3 interceptions.
7. Prince Amukamara, New York Giants
The former first round pick out of Nebraska finally put it all together last season for the G-Men. He stayed healthy for a full season, and what a season it was. He only allowed 2(!!) touchdowns on receivers he was covering. He was around the ball constantly, finishing the year with 85 combined tackles, one of only two corners to have that many. His physicality and ability to win at the line of scrimmage turned him into a terrific cover corner for Big Blue. Amukamara finished the season with 14 passes deflected and 1 interception.
6. Aqib Talib- Denver Broncos
When thinking about Talib’s 2013 season, one game stands out- against the Saints. Jimmy Graham had ONE game the entire season where he didn’t record a reception, and that was against Talib. He dominates bigger receivers like Graham with his lanky arms and big frame. As long as you’re not asking Talib to turn his hips and sprint downfield to cover DeSean Jackson, he is a great corner. Talib has the ability to be a top-five corner, maybe the move to Denver will etch out the inconsistencies in his game. He finished the season with 14 passes deflected and 4 interceptions.
5 Alterraun Verner- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Verner was apart of one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL last year, with youngster Jason McCourty. Some things stand out about Verner’s play: 1. He doesn’t play press coverage usually, which is where he differs from players like Lewis and Amukamara- you’re not going to see him jamming receivers at the line. 2. In the Titans defense, he doesn’t have an assigned receiver, he exclusively plays the right side.
So a lot of the time, he played lesser receivers. That doesn’t take away from his talent, however. Verner is a sound football player, only missing 8 tackles in over 1,000 snaps. His footwork also made him one of the best zone defenders in the league. Verner finished the season tied with the most passes deflected, with 22, and added 5 interceptions.
4. Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals
When one thinks about Deion Sanders, they think about the flash, the big plays, the speed, the talent. Patrick Peterson may just be this generation’s Deion Sanders. He is one of the best pure cover corners in the league, going face to face with the opposing teams number one receiver every week.
You can count on him to run downfield with just about any receiver in the game, and to be sound in coverage. Peterson, paired with Antonio Cromartie and Tyrann Mathieu, could be the best secondary in the league this season, challenging the Seahawks. Peterson finished the season with 13 passes deflected and 3 interceptions.
3. Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns
In two games against the Browns in 2013, AJ Green had a total of 58 yards. This was almost all due to one man, Joe Haden. Haden has the potential to be the best corner in the league, and maybe when he gets some help on defense, and an offense to score them points, he will be. He does have inconsistencies, like everyone does, with 8 missed tackles last year. Haden comes off the ball great, and is a sound tackler. He's young, and has a lot of potential- making the pro bowl already in his career. By this time in the next year or two, expect him to be on the top of this list. Haden finished the season with 20 passes deflected and 4 interceptions.
2. Darrelle Revis, New England Patriots
Three years ago, it was a clear cut decision that Revis would be number one. An ACL tear, and a move to sunny Tampa Bay, and things have changed. Revis is still elite, no doubt about it, but he isn’t the best in the game right now. His footwork is still some of the best in the game, and his coverage skills are as elite as it gets. He is great in open space as well, not shying away from contact. A move to New England and a season with Coach Belichick will surely gain his respectability back. He finished the season with 11 pass deflections and 2 interceptions.
1. Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks
No surprise here. None. Sherman’s the best in the game, period. He’s simply the best corner in coverage in the league, and that’s shown by his 8 picks last year. It’s not the number that proves that, per say. It’s the fact that quarterbacks know exactly where he is, and he’s still able to make plays. He can turn and run, step-for-step, with almost anyone in the league. The play against San Francisco will always be remembered as to why he screamed in Erin Andrews face on live television, but that is one of the best plays you’ll see in a corner, ever. Sherman finished the season with 16 passes deflected and lead the league with 8 interceptions.