No Fly Zone: Ranking the Top 10 Cornerbacks in the NFL Today
As one of the top-paid positions in the NFL, cornerbacks are asked to do a lot of different things. For one, they need to be extremely agile and fluid in their movements, as one misjudged turn could cost their team a score. Secondly, they need to be able to stop the run if it gets to the sideline. In the NFL today, it is crucial to have a true number one corner on the roster. Here are the ten best, the to-dogs, and why they rank where they do.
1. Pat Surtain II - Broncos
As the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, it is no surprise that Pat Surtain II lands at number one on this list. His ability to absolutely shadow opposing receivers is remarkable, and it is often against the offense’s top weapon. Surtain II has long arms that help him break up passes from a distance, and his press-coverage skills are off-the-charts. He is already a superstar at just 25 years old and is now paired with Denver’s first-round selection, Jahdae Barron. This will allow PS2, a nickname he earned due to his video game-like ability to shut down anyone, to travel more, meaning he will line up wherever the opponent’s top wideout is pre-snap. This Denver defense is filled with top-notch talent, and it all starts with the leader in the secondary, Pat Surtain II.
2. Derek Stingley Jr. - Texans
Derek Stingley Jr. was one of the most impressive players in football last season, and although he was a Pro Bowler in 2024, he is still being overlooked. His closing speed is the best in the NFL, as his break on the ball is extremely impressive. He has elite ball skills, too. The former LSU Tiger and top-three pick has lived up to every expectation set for him, as he recorded 10 pass-breakups and five interceptions in 2024. Expect a significant leap in 2025.
3. Marlon Humphrey - Ravens
At first glance, this might seem a little high for Marlon Humphrey, but his tape is incredible. Baltimore decided to move him into the slot full-time this year, and boy, did it benefit their defense. Humphrey is an extraordinary tackler, as he is often seen blowing up outside runs and shedding blocks at a very high rate. He is also amazing in press coverage, where he can use his strength and physicality that he has possessed ever since he entered the league. He is the heart and soul of the Ravens’ defense, a true leader and captain, as well as a guy who can make a big play at any point in the game. He is the definition of consistency, whether he is asked to play the boundary or inside; he is always going to deliver.
4. Sauce Gardner - Jets
Sauce Gardner looks like he was built in a lab to play the outside corner position. His tall, lean frame combined with his exceptionally long arms makes him a PBU machine. He led the league in forced incompletions last year and has the ability to play deep or in press. He is very handsy, sometimes getting flagged, but when he gets in a groove, he might just be the hardest corner to fool across the NFL.
5. Trent McDuffie - Chiefs
Trent McDuffie is not the biggest, fastest, or strongest, but he plays the cornerback position with such technicality and precision. He has mastered the craft of giving just enough cushion to fool the quarterback into throwing his way, and as soon as the ball is thrown, he turns his incredibly fluid hips and breaks on the ball. He is the best deep-coverage corner in the league and has really impressive instincts. He often goes under the radar, but he has seemingly started to make a name for himself as one of the top corners in the league because of his ability to cover whoever, whenever the Chiefs ask him to do so.
6. Christian Gonzalez - Patriots
Christian Gonzalez is a very well-rounded corner. He has improved mightily in the run game, but makes his money as a true shadow-corner. He mirrors his wideouts’ moves, and it is very fun to watch. He high-points the ball at the right time every time, and his long, lanky frame helps him contain receivers throughout their route. The Patriots added Carlton Davis III in free agency, too, giving Gonzalez more cushion and freedom as the number one corner on the roster.
7. Jaylon Johnson - Bears
Jaylon Johnson is so good in coverage that he is not targeted as often as the other guys on this list. This leads to some subpar stats, which might deter people from thinking he is a top corner in the league, but his ability to shut down any receiver at any time is incredible. He is also a great run-defender. The Bears have an extremely underrated secondary, and it is headlined by Johnson.
8. Jaycee Horn - Panthers
Jaycee Horn is one of the more physical corners in the game, but he does so without being flagged. His sneaky hand-fighting techniques help him lock down opposing number one options because it allows him to use his 200-pound frame to his advantage. Horn is also one of the best tackling corners in the league, boasting an 80.9 PFF run-defense grade this past season. Horn’s kryptonite is injured. If he is on the field, he is undoubtedly a top-ten defensive back in the league.
9. Charvarius Ward - Colts
Charvarius Ward signed with the Colts this offseason, and the move is going to benefit him big time. One reason the move is great for the ex-Niner is because of how often the Colts play zone defense. The move also pairs him with Kenny Moore II, one of the best slot corners in the league. This allows Ward to play deep, where he is most comfortable, with little consequence because Moore II will be underneath. Ward’s closing speed is elite, and he has extremely fluid hips that help him on posts and go-routes.
10. Devon Witherspoon - Seahawks
Devon Witherspoon was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and at the time, people thought it was a bit of a reach. These critics could not have been more wrong. Witherspoon is the definition of a steady, strong slot corner. His 90.0 run-defense grade ranked third amongst all NFL corners, per PFF. He is a big-play generator, forcing fumbles and blowing up screens often. He possesses some really impressive power in his press skills and tackling prowess.
