List of the most famous (American) football cornerbacks in the history of the sport, listed by popularity with photos of the players when available. PFF Rankings: The NFL's top 25 cornerbacks ahead of the 2020 NFL season Which corners do you love? Ranking the best cornerbacks from the 2022 NFL season Top 10 cornerbacks of all time | The TwinSpires Edge Gil Brandt's greatest NFL punters of all time From Marquette King to Sammy Baugh, the NFL has a long history of legendary punters. Bradberry looks like his Carolina self instead of how he looked in New York, and the result has been shutdown play. Teamed up with fellow standout cornerback Lester Hayes, Haynes and the Raiders won Super Bowl XVIII while shutting down the Redskins' talented receiving duo of Charlie Brown and Art Monk. And without Carlton Davis or Antoine Winfield Jr. at various points throughout the season, its been up to Jamel Dean to step up. 2023 NFL Draft order: Complete list of every pick Despite their challenges, cornerbacks continue to be a vital part of an NFL team. 17) Trent McDuffie, Kansas City Chiefs Bouye, and Marshon Lattimore, among others. This includes the likes of Deion Sanders, Darrell Green, Rod Woodson, Wilie Brown and Charles Woodson. Antoine Winfield 5. Check out some of the best photos from the 2023 NFL Draft! Green retired at age 42 with 54 career interceptions. Big fan of New York football? Darius Slay has been a nightmare for opposing passers, with one of the highest rates of pass breakups in the NFL when targeted. The league's top prospects stepped into the NFL Photo studio for Draft portraits. One of the most consistent cornerbacks in NFL history, LeBeau was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. With all the mock drafts With the 2023 NFL Draft only 16 days away its time to update our Would love your thoughts, please comment. Levis gets rid of the ball in a hurry and it's the high-octane scheme that you see many NFL teams attempting to mimic." ?Charles Woodson INT compilation?#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/AWOtn8ANho. Top 10 Washington Redskins CBs of All Time By Clark Boinis | Jul 28, 2020, 2:18pm 1. Look for a bounce-back season from White, who's aiming for a Week 1 return from injury. The cornerback position is one of the toughest positions in the NFL. The NFL Draft is a spectacle for everyone involved. Mel Blount was undoubtedly a greek god-like CB for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s and 1980s. Martin is one of the best running backs of all time because he blended good ability with outstanding durability and versatility. DeAngelo Hall 3. Safeties and cornerbacks are counted on to cover the most elite athletes on the other team's offense and, in the crucial moments of games, make plays that can be the difference between winning and losing. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. In 94, he ousted a personal best three pick-sixes. In addition, Woodson was a six time First Team All-Pro and led the NFL twice in interceptions. 102 overall pick to close out the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday. It's finally here: the 2023 NFL Draft is upon us and the next generation of pro football talent is ready to take the next step, moving up from the ranks of college football's best to realize their dreams and become the next faces of the NFL. NFL cornerback rankings ahead of Week 11: Sauce Gardner, Patrick He has deep downfield speed, patience at the line of scrimmage, and plays physically without incurring flags. By the time . April 28, 2023 1:13 am ET . After trading up for the second time Friday night, the Broncos selected Iowa defensive back Riley Moss, adding another piece to a . 1, ascending young stars, aging but still proficient corners, and a mean tiebreaker from . For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Trevon Diggs is playing better at cornerback than he was last year when he earned All-Pro consideration and led the league in interceptions. The players have spoken. Blackmon was ranked as Dane Brugler's No. NFL Draft Bible, What Kiper says: "I'm hearing Houston will take an edge rusher, either Anderson or Tyree Wilson, unless it throws everyone a curveball. Players ranked 100-51 were revealed Sunday over the course of five hours, with each one-hour episode unveiling a new set of 10 honorees. 32) Kendall Fuller, Washington Commanders. Speed, awareness, intelligence, and flash. Darrell Green 2. The former Patriot is a physical corner who plays the ball tremendously well (league-high 24 takeaways since 2019). 1 player on Kiper's big board and is still projected to be a high first-round selection despite the star player's legal issue from this offseason relating to the car accident that killed two people. Bailey cracked three first-team All-Pro nods & made eight Pro Bowls in Denver. Arguably the greatest cover cornerback of all-time, less than average tackling skills drop Sanders to third on this list. Hes answered the call. Sherman, who the Seattle Seahawks selected in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft has solidified his name as one of the games top cornerbacks year in and year out. Please check your email for a confirmation. MORE: Sauce Gardner Named Defensive Rookie of the Year. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Cornerbacks All-Time Honorable Mention Ty Law Team (s): New England Patriots, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs & Denver Broncos NFL Draft Bible, What Kiper says: "He's going to make some mistakes, but he has experience playing in a pro-style offense and is ahead of the curve in going through progressions and reading defenses. Even if he doesnt, hes a quality player. 90-81. Check out the game's 16 best of all time, as ranked. Williams was a three-time first-team All-Pro & he made eight Pro Bowls. The Detroit Lions Hall of Famer and great, Lem Barney was as good as any player to play the game over the history of the NFL. 28)Marcus Peters, Baltimore Ravens Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes goes to the Washington Commanders at No. 16. Patrick Surtain II has been quite literally living up to his name as an elite cornerback and has helped the Denver Broncos maintain their position as a top-tier defense even after trading away their star edge rusher. When thinking about your prototypical type of cornerback Darrell Green might not get looked at based on his 5 ft 9 inch stature in size. He is a sticky defender and QBs tend to stay away from him due to his physical play. This includes the likes of Deion Sanders, Darrell Green, Rod Woodson, Wilie Brown and Charles Woodson. NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker 2023: Eligible Players, Salaries, and How It Works. ", Scouting report:"One of the most twitchy and fastest pass rushers that we've seen come off the edge in quite some time. The former All-Pro (2020), two-time Pro Bowler and NFL forced-fumbles leader (2020) proved once against he's a lethal talent at the position, despite the losses around him. He also reached a milestone in his career as he now has the most interception return yards in NFL history with 1,541, surpassing Hall of Famer Rod Woodson (1,483). While this limited his statistics, his play didnt go unnoticed earning him nine Pro Bowl appearances, named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1976 and was named a First Team All-Pro in back to back seasons.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); If it wasnt for his move to safety, the Pittsburgh Steelers great cornerback Rod Woodson could be debated as the top cornerback of All-Time. 5 overall. Episode 8 of the "Top 100 Players of 2022" airs on Sunday, revealing notable NFL siblings in the players' list between Nos. His success showcased as he earned two First Team All-Pro honors, led the NFL in interceptions in two different seasons and was named to five Pro Bowl teams. The Most Hated Players In The NFL Right Now, Every Athlete Signed To Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports, Ranked, The Coolest Players in the NFL Right Now, Ranked. . Woodson ranks third All-Time with 71 career interceptions and holds the record for most interceptions returned for a touchdown with 12 over his career. Amazon Prime has taken a notice in his personality as he will work with Tony Gonzalez on their pre-game, half-time, and post-game show on Thursday nights. There was nothing the great Charles Woodson could not do on the football field on both sides of the football. He's coming off a career year, posting 77 tackles, four INTs, 16 passes defensed, nine tackles for loss and a forced fumble. On the defensive side of the ball, Woodson was one of the greatest cornerbacks to play the game and one that had a knack for the ball while also having the physical tools to shut down any of the great wide receivers to play during his career. Sherman, who helped lead Seattle to their first Super Bowl title in 2013, broke up the potential game-winning pass that enabled the Seahawks to get past the defending conference champion 49ers in that year's NFC title game. Top 10 Washington Redskins CBs of All Time - Sports Articles You won't want to miss a moment of the 2023 season! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-banner-1-0'); It is hard to not mention Dick Night Train Lane as one of the greatest cornerbacks of All-Time with some debate as to how high he could land on the list of the Top 10 Cornerback All-Time list. NFL's best players ever at every defensive position - ESPN Fred Smoot 8. NFL The Top 50 NFL Cornerbacks of All Time Reid Brooks May 13, 2010 50. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. He made three first-team All-Pro nods & three second-team All-Pro nods. Hes already turned in high-level performances both years of his career. Colts: Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents 45. Sanders and the Cowboys defeated the Steelers in that year's Super Bowl. On this day 50 years ago, the Steelers drafted Mel Blount in the third round at 53rd overall in the 1970 NFL Draft. Lists to get you through all the long, boring, miserable, non-football hours until kickoff. It's that time of year again, when NFL players cast their votes to identify the best in the league heading into the 2022 NFL season. Humphrey sneaks into the final spot here over New Orleans' Marshon Lattimore, who had a down year in 2021 and allowed seven touchdowns in coverage. Despite the solid number, Haynes lost out on additional statistics based on his ability to shut down the opposing teams top stars and forcing teams to not throw his direction. Blount was a key part of the Steelers defensive units that are considered to be one if not the greatest defenses of All-Time. James is the more physically gifted player. 2 on the board, followed by Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young at No. Our resident cover man, Jason McCourty, ranks his top 10. "Night Train," quite simply, was way ahead of his time. With today's high-flying NFL offenses, it's a golden era for pass catchers. After a stellar career in New York that including. The former Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams standout cornerback was named to the NFL in 2014. Williams was selected for eight Pro Bowl teams and as a First Team All-Pro three times. Dick Night Train Lane Was out there committing assaults pic.twitter.com/RiPsQElr7j. Despite a recent off-field issue, its clear that hes a very passionate and kind individual. After suffering a torn ACL midway through the season, Chidobe Awuzie was unable to contribute to a Bengals defense that ended up needing someone as talented as him to finish out their playoff run. White tore his ACL in Week 12 last season and missed the Bills' postseason run. NFL.com senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history. In 1982, he made second-team AP. Ward isn't the flashiest player on this list but he knows how to get the job done. Quarterbacks apparently feel more comfortable throwing his way than they do when it comes to a lot of other guys on this list, and that's why he's able to make so many big-time plays for the Dolphins. Over the past decade, CBs like Darrelle Revis (also known as Revis Island), Charles Woodson, and Champ Bailey have caused a plethora of agony against opposing offenses. the all-time FBS . Seasons:2002 , 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, Seasons:2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, Seasons:1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, Seasons:1965, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960. Who Is The Best Wide Receiver In The NFL Right Now? Woodson earned many accolades over his career including being named Defensive Player of the Year in 1993, AFC Player of the Year in 1993 and being selected to 11 Pro Bowl teams. The Commanders filled a significant need Thursday by adding the drafts top defensive playmaker in Forbes. Which 10 players make up Nos. In a down year, Jalen Ramsey was still one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. During his playing days, the Lions CB was named to seven Pro Bowl teams, led the NFL in interceptions, received two First Team All-Pro honors and was the 1967 Defensive Rookie of the Year. His 68 career interceptions rank fourth All-Time. He has an NFL-high 27 interceptions since entering the league in 2016, and he is one of two players with at least five picks in three of the last four seasons, joining J.C. Jackson. Top 10 Best Cornerbacks in NFL History The Top Ten 1 Deion Sanders Deion Luywnn Sanders, Sr. is a former American football and former American baseball player, who works as an analyst for CBS Sports and the NFL Network. 40 and 31. Over the past decade, CBs like Darrelle Revis (also known as Revis Island), Charles Woodson, and Champ Bailey have caused a plethora of agony against opposing offenses. 24) Cameron Sutton, Pittsburgh Steelers David Carr enlists the help of his brother, Raiders QB Derek Carr, to provide their ranking of the five best active NFL brother duos heading into the 2022 season. Aside from shutting down opposing receivers, he showcased fantastic run-stopping ability and is scheme neutral he can succeed at whatever is asked of him. Vote up the best current cornerbacks in the NFL below and help deide which cornerback isat the top of their class. A nine time Pro Bowler, two time All-Pro and the 1976 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Haynes retired with 46 career interceptions. In advance of the finale, Adam Schein provides his own personal top-10 list. You can see Mel Kiper's complete final 2023 mock draft here. Though he doesn't always make the splashy plays, White has been a consistent defender in coverage throughout his career, as he has allowed the second-lowest passer rating in coverage (64.2) since 2019, per PFF (min. David Carr constructs his own ranking of the top 10 cornerbacks, but All-Pro . Next Gen Stats: Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes 2nd-ranked CB in draft What Kiper says: "He's going to be their face of the franchise for years to come, though they need to focus on putting talent around him. In fact, Brugler projected Blackmon as a potential fifth- or sixth-round pick. Nonetheless, not needing each to be successful, the Top 10 Cornerbacks All-Time all had the ability to shut down opposing wide receivers and tight ends. Which team had the most players ranked? QB Power Rankings 2023: Where Do Rookies Bryce Young, C.J. When it comes to current cornerbacks, few hold down the CB position better than players like Jalen Ramsey, Xavier Rhodes, and Casey Hayward. As rule changes have altered the style of play, it has even gotten more difficult for defenses to play the game without having to worry about a penalty being called. From breaking up passes to making tackles on receivers, the top NFLcornerbacksplay an important role on the field. MORE:Who Are the Highest-Paid Cornerbacks in the NFL in 2023? Bouye, and Marshon Lattimore, among others. Howard might have the best ball skills in the NFL. ", 8. This list of the top cornerbacks in American football includes all the greats from both the NFL and college football. As a rookie in 1952, Lane picked off 14 passes while returning two of them for touchdowns. The Top Ten Greatest NFL Cornerbacks of all Time - Wizard of Odds After joining the Los Angeles Rams in 1952, Lane set the record for most interceptions in a season as well as by a rookie with 14. 20-11? Williams will start the season on IR I imagine, but he will play next year and he makes a lot of sense in the 3rd/4th round if he falls. Before Patrick Peterson mopped the floor against opposing signal-callers, Williams was a QBs worst nightmare in AZ. Week to week, Diggs is doing an excellent job creating tough passing windows and contributing to one of the top defenses in the league by being a demon in coverage. 10. The 20th-round draft pick was the NFL's best receiver from 1958-1960 and remarkably steady through 1966, earning six Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro honors. Here is every player who has ever held the position of New York Giantsstarting cornerback. Like Slay, Bradberry has length and speed and knows how to use it, though his quickness and instincts are just a tick below Slays. His physical talent stands out immediately; its not just that players that large shouldnt be able to move with that speed or agility, its also that he does it with such fluidity and ease that it looks effortless. The 49ers have had elite play at all three levels of the defense, so its difficult to fully appreciate the great players that play alongside Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Talanoa Hufanga. A ten time Pro Bowler, Renfro earned All-Pro honors after picking off a career best 10 passes in 1969. He also made eight Pro Bowls as a shut-down CB. Reed, New York Jets 19) Tyson Campbell, Jacksonville Jaguars 20) Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers 21) Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks 22) Desmond King II, Houston Texans 23) Kader Kohou, Miami Dolphins 24) Cameron Sutton, Pittsburgh Steelers The Hall of Fame cornerback was named First Team All-Pro seven times, made seven Pro Bowl teams and led the NFL twice in interceptions. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson Land? More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | All Teams, Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Facebook. While his style might not transition into the rules of the modern game of football, it worked during his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Episode 7 of the "Top 100 Players of 2022" airs on Sunday, revealing two productive QB-pass catcher combos in the players' list between Nos. Woodson, who retired with 65 career interceptions over 18 NFL seasons, made the Pro Bowl during his final NFL season after picking off five passes at the age of 39. The importance of defending the pass forces fans to ask, who are the best cornerbacks in the NFL in 2023? The Best Quarterbacks In The NFL Right Now. Terrell Buckley 1 of 51 49. and "Who are the best cornerbacks of all time ?" Deion Sanders Cornerback and Punt returner from Fort Myers, Florida, USA Age: 55 Teams: Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers Share this article 402 shares share tweet text email link Bryan Manning. Copyright 2019-2023. Theyve gotten more than their moneys worth as hes turned into a zone-coverage maven that didnt allow a touchdown all season, doesnt allow yards after the catch and made life difficult for even some of the best receivers in the NFL. 30) Patrick Peterson, Minnesota Vikings The focus of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been Brady and his level of play, but the defense is incredibly underrated and has been driving their wins when they come. Surtain is one of the best cornerbacks to come into the league over the last half-decade. Cornerbacks Mike Haynes and Lester Hayes visited HQ to reflect on their legacy in a Raiders uniform. Some of these men are considered to be the best cornerbacks to ever play the game, and if you're looking for a specific football player you can look for them by using the "search" function on this list. 2023 NFL Draft: CB Mekhi Blackmon drafted No. 102 by Minnesota Vikings pic.twitter.com/PXh5LHpMES. A true game . 19) Tyson Campbell, Jacksonville Jaguars Unlike some of the other cornerbacks on this list, Stephon Gilmore shadows players like an old-school shutdown corner. With NFL+, stay connected throughout the rest of the NFL offseason with special content from Training Camp, Hall of Fame, and more! NFL Network's "Top 100 Players of 2022" -- voted on by the players themselves -- comes to a conclusion on Sunday night. Michigan lands commitment from OL Jake Guarnera With that in mind, Maurice Jones-Drew provides his ranking of the top 10 QB-pass catcher duos heading into 2022. *Lets not forget that he was also a talented Kick Returner. The New York Jets Sauce Gardner is the best cornerback in the NFL today. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Cornerbacks All-Time. Who Are the Highest-Paid Cornerbacks in the NFL in 2023. Sadly, Bailey never won a Super Bowl ring. While with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-1996), he forced 20 fumbles and scored six defensive TDs. Shawn Springs 7. Over his career Green recorded 1,159 career tackles, 54 interceptions and six touchdowns. Ranking the NFL's Top 10 Cornerbacks in League History Adam Lazarus March 27, 2012 A year ago, the top free agent on the open market was soon-to-be former Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi. Green, who was considered the fastest player during his time and also considered to be one of the fastest players to play in the NFL used his speed to make him the great he was on the field. Terrell in completion percentage allowed on the outside last season, per PFF. The defensive side of the ball is filled with a difficult task each week during the NFL schedule in stopping opposing offenses from scoring. The 10 Best Centers in NFL History - Bleacher Report So, is Sauce Gardner the second coming of Revis? Note: This is a ranking of the top cornerbacks from the 2022 season (regular and playoffs) only. Vikings draft Mekhi Blackmon: Minnesota finally adds much-needed cornerback