More and more, when talking about the NFL cornerbacks, Darrelle Revis’s name always pops up. Revis is truly the ‘greatest of the great’, when it comes to cornerbacks. Widely considered to be the best ever to play the position, Revis’ career includes 7 Pro Bowls, 4 first team All Pros and a Super Bowl title.
We can even throw in a Defensive Player of the Year award and his four appearances on the NFL’s All Decade Team. Not to mention his spot in NFL Hall of Fame once he retires. He’s the perfect combination of strength, intelligence and athleticism and without a doubt the number one in the list of the greatest cornerbacks of all time for me.
Patrick Peterson is one of the best cornerbacks of this era. His combination of size, agility, and length is remarkable. He’s developed into a top-tier cornerback since being drafted 5th overall in 2011. He’s the definition of shut down corner, regardless of who the opposing quarterback is.
Richard Sherman is probably one of the most physically gifted cornerbacks ever. He’s big, strong, has a great mindset, and there’s no doubt he’ll go down in NFL history as one of the greatest. He’s one of the few shutdown corners in the game; capable of covering any receiver and shutdown any passing attack.
Chris Harris Jr.’s stats are just as impressive as the others, even if they are a bit overshadowed by the star power of Revis, Patrick Peterson, and Richard Sherman. Harris was one of the league’s top defensive players since entering the league, constantly shutting down wide receivers week in and week out.
The fact is, no one can deny that these four guys are without a doubt some of the greatest cornerbacks to ever set foot on an NFL field. From their lockdown coverage down to their ability to change a game on one play, they all embody some traits of the perfect cornerback.
But there are a few other greats who have shown talent, youth, and determination reign supreme when taking on the role of shutdown corner.
Players like Jalen Ramsey, Marshon Lattimore, and Denzel Ward have all made their presence felt in the NFL and have proven, that with the right dedication and resources, any cornerback can be marked to be one of the best in the game.
Let’s not forget Aqib Talib, who is still looking sharp out on the field. He has the ball skills down pat, and that combined with his experience and toughness make him a force to be reckoned with when it comes to shut down cornerbacks.
Stephon Gilmore has managed to establish himself as a force this season. After having a great season with the Patriots, Gilmore is certainly making waves and has solidified himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He is great in man-to-man coverage and has yet to be overshadowed by any of the opposing wide receivers.
Lastly, you have the veteran, Brent Grimes. Though aged, he is still a beast on the field. He’s seen it all and faced all kinds of quarterbacks and opposing teams, but still gets the job done consistently despite his age.
These are just a few of the diamonds among the rough, and you can surely tell the bright talent of these cornerbacks that make them so worth watching. Every game they are on the field they are able to do something that puts them up there as one of the best.
Of course there are many other capable cornerbacks out there, but any fan or even non-fan of the game can agree on the strength and skill of the players on the list. It’s always nice to watch them make plays and show that they have earned their spot as the best cornerbacks in the NFL. So make sure to catch some of these greats, you might be surprised at what they can do.