Without a steady pass rush, NFL teams must count on back-end defenders to keep tight defense for long periods of time. Even though some cornerbacks can manage the increased responsibilities, this isn’t ideal.
In today’s game, the finest cornerbacks can shut down an entire side of the field, limit elite receivers in one-on-one situations, and force turnovers.
Interceptions will be racked up by some of the best cover men, but don’t get hung up on that statistic. For a full evaluation, pay attention to pass breakups, allowed completion percentages, allowed passer ratings, and yards surrendered per reception.
1. Marlon Humphrey & Marcus Peters.
Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey work nicely together. Since 2019, they’ve ranked first and second in forced incompletions while playing man coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.
Humphrey doesn’t jump many interceptions routes, but he can handle lead wide receivers on an island and get his hands on the ball. Each of the last two seasons, the 24-year-old has allowed three touchdowns and has a passer rating below 85. Humphrey allowed 8.6 yards per reception during his All-Pro 2019 season.
Humphrey can also make open-field tackles and force turnovers when necessary for the Baltimore Ravens. He led the league in forced fumbles (eight) in 2020, a remarkable accomplishment for a cornerback. Humphrey also led the team with 70 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Peters isn’t a great open-field tackler, but he’s the best ball hawk in the league. Since 2015, the two-time All-Pro has had the most interceptions (31). He allowed a passer rating of less than 79 in 2019 and 2020.
Humphrey covers in the big holes when Peters isn’t at his finest, but they’re still upper cornerbacks with the ability to affect the game with forced fumbles and interceptions.
2. Stephon Gilmore and JC Jackson
Stephon Gilmore had an injury-plagued 2020 season that finished with him being placed on injured reserve due to a partially torn quad. Despite this, he was named to his third straight Pro Bowl after allowing a 57.1 percent completion rate and one score in 11 games.
Gilmore was a holdout after failing to show up for the New England Patriots’ mandated minicamp. The team will have to make a difficult decision because the four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro will be entering his age-31 season after a major injury that necessitated surgery. When healthy, he’s still a top-tier defender.
J.C. Jackson doesn’t have any Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors to his name, but his coverage metrics indicate that he’s a developing talent at cornerback.
Since 2019, Jackson has thrown 14 interceptions and allowed a 46.8 passer rating, according to Pro Football Focus. In that time frame, both marks rank first in the league. He has yet to play at least 85 percent of defensive snaps in his three seasons. In 2020, the 25-year-old started 11 of the team’s 16 games.
3. Xavien Howard & Byron James
Xavien Howard chose a good time to negotiate a new contract.
Howard was named to his first All-Pro team in 2020 after leading the league with interceptions (10) and pass breakups (20). He has had the most interceptions (18) since 2018, according to Pro Football Focus.
Howard’s ability to consistently force turnovers makes him a crucial member of the Miami Dolphins defense. On a new deal, he’ll most likely reset the cornerback market.
Last season, Byron Jones had more coverage lapses than in previous seasons. When quarterbacks targeted him, they had a 108.0 passing rating. Jones also allowed 17.6 yards per reception, which was much more than the 14.0 yards per reception he allowed in 2018 and the 14.0 yards per reception he allowed in 2019. (11.6).