Top 10 NFL cornerbacks in 2022: Jalen Ramsey is not No. 1

Top 10 NFL cornerbacks in 2022: Jalen Ramsey is not No. 1: NFL quarterback David Carr gives his assessment of the best ten cornerbacks coming into the 2022 NFL season. Carr’s rankings can be found below.

Marlon

Despite a subpar year in 2021 and seven touchdowns allowed in coverage, Humphrey beats out New Orleans’ Marshon Lattimore for the final slot on our list. Humphrey was sidelined for the remainder of 2021 due to a ruptured pectoral muscle, which had a significant impact on the Ravens’ defensive output. Baltimore’s scoring differential during Weeks 1-13 and 14-18 was roughly five points per game. When it comes to slot cornerbacks, he ranks second only to A.J. Terrell in PFF’s rankings of the top outside cornerbacks, and he’s not afraid to show it.

Tre’Davious White

After injuring his ACL in Week 12 of the 2013 season, White did not play in the Bills’ postseason campaign. One interception and six tackles were all he had in 11 games before his injury. When it comes to coverage, White has been a reliable player throughout his career, allowing the second-lowest passer rating (64.2) since 2019, according to PFF (min. 100 targets). The physical nature of his play keeps quarterbacks away from him. Injured White is hoping to make a return in Week 1 of this season.

Denzel Ward

In spite of his lackluster appearance on this list, Ward is a proven performer who understands exactly what he’s doing. His ability to cover No. 1 receivers with excellent footwork and technique is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Ward has allowed the sixth-lowest completion percentage among cornerbacks with at least 100 targets since 2018: 53.9 percent.

This offseason, he signed a hefty contract extension, but his health remains an issue because he hasn’t played a complete season yet. The ballhawk has accumulated 10 interceptions and 50 pass deflections in his first four seasons, and if he can remain healthy, he could be on the verge of his best season yet.

Jaire Alexander

As the league’s highest-paid cornerback, Alexander is hoping to reclaim the form he showed before sustaining a season-ending knee injury in 2021. In his final season, he had the lowest quarterback rating (52.9) and fewest receiving yards (335) among all cornerbacks, including the playoffs, in 2020, his last season in which he was totally fit and active.

With his speed, ball skills, and mastery of pass concepts, he is a huge play waiting to happen every week, shutting down No. 1 receivers with sticky coverage. The Packers’ defence should benefit from the return of one of their leaders and continue to build on their progress from last season.

Kenny Moore

With 12 interceptions from the slot since the start of 2018, Moore has been one of the NFL’s most productive slot cornerbacks since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Indy’s opportunistic defence relies on his instincts, production, and adaptability, so his desire for a new contract is understandable.

Patrick Surtain II

In the last half-decade, Surtain has been one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. When he has to pivot and run with receivers, the second-year pro doesn’t panic. As a rookie, he allowed the second-lowest passer rating in coverage (69.7) according to PFF. His athleticism and confidence are two of the reasons he burst out (among 42 players with at least 75 targets in coverage). Surtain is confident that the Broncos’ roster will continue to improve and that he will have an even better season in Year 2 as a result.

A.J. Terrell

After a dismal debut season, Terrell hoped to bounce back in 2021. The mission was successfully completed. Second, only to Jalen Ramsey’s 86.3 PFF coverage grade in 2021, the third-year player received PFF’s second-highest coverage grade (85.6) out of 133 cornerbacks with at least 150 covered snaps.

With Dean Pees’ scheme, he flourished because he was able to confuse quarterbacks pre- and post-snap with a variety of looks. In coverage, he allowed just 200 receiving yards and a 43.9 completion percentage. He has become one of the best players in his position because of his increased self-confidence and comfort level. A defence that was tied for 29th in scoring last season will be his new challenge.

Xavien Howard

He’s one of the top ball handlers in the league. His 27 interceptions since he joined the league in 2016 are an NFL-high, and he is one of only two players in the last four seasons to have at least five interceptions in three of those seasons. Howard doesn’t have the same intimidating aura as Jalen Ramsey or Michael Jackson, for whatever reason. Dolphins’ quarterbacks appear to be more at ease throwing to him than many of the other players on this list, which is why he has so many big-time plays.

Howard is an exception to the rule when it comes to cornerbacks losing track of receivers while the ball is in the air. He is always aware of where the ball is and where the receiver is. He’s a well-rounded athlete who has a good grasp of route principles and can anticipate what’s to come.

Jalen Ramsey

Ramsey doesn’t always accompany the opposing team’s greatest receiver, but he’s always in the vicinity of the play. Pro Bowler is exceptional at spotting developing routes and knowing exactly where he needs to be. A cornerback like Ramsey can cover more ground than any other defensive back, even a safety.

He had 77 tackles, four interceptions, 16 pass deflections, nine tackles for loss, and a forced fumble in his best season yet, and he’s looking to build on that success. A Pro Football Focus grade of 86.3 was bestowed upon him for his coverage work (first among cornerbacks with a minimum of 120 coverage snaps). Returning to practise following shoulder surgery, Ramsey is ready to lead Los Angeles’ star-studded defence.

J.C. Jackson

Brandon Staley, who is now the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, was the Rams’ defensive coordinator in 2020 and had a real No. 1 cornerback in Jalen Ramsey. My guess is the Chargers were motivated in part by this when they signed free agent wide receiver Vincent Jackson to a $82.5 million, five-year contract this offseason. Ex-Patriot cornerback J.J. Watt is a powerful defender who excels on the football field (league-high 24 takeaways since 2019).

Even if a receiver has a stride on Jackson, quarterbacks are afraid to throw to him because he’ll be out of bounds. According to PFF, Jackson has allowed a league-low 46.3 passer rating among the players who have had at least 100 targets in coverage since 2019. After finishing 29th in points allowed in 2021, his arrival will have a significant impact on the Chargers’ defense.

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