Ranking the top 50 NFL cornerbacks for 2021

Shutdown corners are hard to find

Pass rushers and cornerbacks are the lifeblood of NFL defenses. While the league is teeming with elite edge rushers, there are only a handful of shutdown corners. There are far more elite wide receivers and possibly even more elite quarterbacks than All-Pro-caliber corners in pro football. It’s a position teams rely on heavily but are rarely satisfied with.

Today we’ll look at the 50 best cornerbacks in the NFL. A large portion of these rankings came from the NFL Top 200 series, which recently wrapped up. However, I made a few adjustments for injuries and outside issues. On these rankings, the tier a cornerback finds himself in is more important than his assigned overall number.

Please reach out to me with any comments, suggestions, or questions on Twitter @Sam_Teets33.

The Superstars

1. Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers

Alexander was the best shutdown cornerback in the NFL last year. The All-Pro only allowed two touchdowns and about 375 yards when targeted. Quarterbacks going Alexander’s way completed just over 50.0% of their throws for passer ratings below 70.0.

Alexander was the highest-ranking cornerback on the NFL Top 200.

2. Jalen Ramsey, Los Angeles Rams

Ramsey is arguably the most physically gifted cornerback in the NFL. He rarely falls outside of the top three cornerbacks on any ranking, despite facing All-Pro wide receivers nearly every week. Ramsey’s unique blend of agility, size, and speed make him a matchup nightmare for offenses.

3. Xavien Howard, Miami Dolphins

Howard led the NFL in interceptions (ten) and passes defensed (20) last year. It was his second interception title in three seasons. During his three healthy years, Howard has 21 interceptions and 45 passes defensed. According to Pro Football Reference, the All-Pro gave up four touchdowns in 2020 but held quarterbacks to a 48.3 passer rating.

Elite Options

4. Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens

Humphrey isn’t an elite cover corner compared to the three players ranked ahead of him. However, the 25-year-old is always around the ball and making plays. He forced a league-leading eight fumbles last season to go along with 2.5 sacks, an interception, and 11 passes defensed.

5. James Bradberry, New York Giants

Bradberry had a breakout season one summer after leaving Carolina. The Pro Bowler intercepted three passes and swatted away 18 more during his debut season with the Giants. Pro Football Focus selected Bradberry as a Second-Team All-Pro for his impressive performance.

6. Tre'Davious White, Buffalo Bills

White entered the NFL as a first-round pick in 2017 and still blew all expectations away. The LSU product has 15 interceptions and 54 passes defensed in his career. White didn’t have his best performance in 2020, but history says he’ll bounce back with an elite campaign this season.

Pro Bowlers

7. Darious Williams, Los Angeles Rams

Williams emerged as a star for the Rams last season, giving Los Angeles the best cornerback duo in the NFL. Williams intercepted four passes and defensed 14 others on roughly 824 defensive snaps. The former undrafted free agent allowed a passer rating below 62.0 when targeted and held quarterbacks to a completion percentage below 55.0%.

8. Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns

Injuries prevent Ward from climbing into the league’s elite cornerback tier. He’s missed 11 games since entering the NFL, and there’s no sign of his availability improving in 2021. When healthy, Ward is an up-and-coming star. According to Pro Football Reference, the Ohio St. product hasn’t allowed a passer rating over 80.0 for a season yet.

9. Bryce Callahan, Denver Broncos

Callahan only has ten games under his belt since joining the Broncos in 2019. However, they were ten masterful starts. Pro Football Reference claims the 29-year-old only allowed quarterbacks to complete 54.4% of their throws against him for a 47.8 passer rating this past season. Callahan played roughly 655 defensive snaps in 2020.

10. Marcus Peters, Baltimore Ravens

Unfortunately, Peters suffered a torn ACL in Baltimore’s Thursday practice. I decided to keep him on the list as an acknowledgment of his skill. Peters flip-flopped between All-Pro and average during the first six years of his career, but the 28-year-old amassed 31 interceptions, 86 passes defensed, and seven defensive touchdowns along the way.

The Ravens benefited heavily from pairing Humphrey with Peters over the past two seasons. They’ll have to move forward without the turnover machine.

11. J.C. Jackson, New England Patriots

Jackson stepped into some large shoes last year when Stephon Gilmore went down with an injury. The former undrafted free agent made his case as one of the game’s best cornerbacks, intercepting nine passes and breaking up 14 more. He has 17 interceptions in 22 starts.

12. Carlton Davis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Davis intercepted a pass in Tampa Bay’s season opener against Dallas and held his own against the Cowboys onslaught. He also broke up three passes, asserting himself as Tampa Bay’s best defensive back once again. Davis had four interceptions and 18 passes defensed last year.

13. Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots

The Patriots placed Gilmore on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) ahead of their season opener. The former Defensive Player of the Year battled inconsistent play and injuries last year. Hopefully, he returns from the PUP list healthy and ready to get back to his All-Pro form.

Gilmore only falls this far because we’re not sure when he’ll regain his full health.

Above Average

14. Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dean faced nearly ten targets in Week 1 against the Cowboys, and it wasn’t his best performance. The Auburn product had successful campaigns in 2019 and 2020 where he held receivers to below 800 receiving yards in 27 games.

15. L'Jarius Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs

Sneed only started six games during his nine appearances as a rookie. Kansas City played the 2020 fourth-round pick primarily in the slot, but the team plans on moving him outside this season. Sneed recorded three interceptions, seven passes defensed, and two sacks last year.

16. Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints

Lattimore peaked during his first two seasons in the league, but he’s still a solid coverage option. Based solely on last year, he probably doesn’t deserve a spot in the top 20. Lattimore allowed seven touchdowns in 2020, but there’s always a chance he finally rebounds.

17. William Jackson III, Washington Football Team

Jackson has three quality seasons four years into his NFL career. Quarterbacks completed below 53.0% of their pass attempts against Jackson last year. He only has three career interceptions but is stepping into a crucial position as Washington’s best cornerback.

18. Joe Haden, Pittsburgh Steelers

Haden didn’t get the extension he wanted from the Steelers this offseason. The 32-year-old is coming off arguably the best three-year of his career, since 2012-14. He’s held quarterbacks to passer ratings below 82.0 since 2018. However, his age could lead to a sudden decline.

19. Byron Jones, Miami Dolphins

Jones was an All-Pro in 2018 and got paid for it in 2020 by the Dolphins. Unfortunately, the former first-round pick heavily disappointed during his first season in Miami. He allowed a completion percentage over 60.0% and a passer rating over 100.0. However, we know Jones has the potential to act as a lockdown corner.

Occasionally Above Average

20. Steven Nelson, Philadelphia Eagles

Nelson peaked with the Steelers in 2019, but he was still a decent corner in 2020. Philadelphia got the former Chief for a steal once Pittsburgh cut him. Nelson hasn’t allowed a completion percentage over 60.0% since at least 2017.

21. Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos

Surtain was the most polished cornerback in the 2021 draft class, and he’s received great reviews from Denver’s Pro Bowl defenders and coaching staff. If he sees enough snaps, Surtain could have a tremendous rookie season. 

22. Jason Verrett, San Francisco 49ers

Quarterbacks posted a passer rating just above 76.0 when targeting Verrett last year. The former Pro Bowler lost three years consecutively to injuries before starting 13 games last season and showing why he was once one of the game’s most promising corners.

23. Adoree' Jackson, New York Giants

Injuries robbed Jackson of 13 games last season, and the 25-year-old hasn’t played over 1,000 defensive snaps since his rookie season. Jackson handled himself well in coverage when he was healthy, but it’s impossible to predict when the injury bug will strike.

24. Shaquill Griffin, Jacksonville Jaguars

In his third season with Seattle, Griffin took a step in the right direction before a disappointing 2020 campaign where he allowed six touchdowns. At his peak, Griffin is an above-average corner.

Aging Veterans and High-End Second Options

25. Richard Sherman, Free Agent

Sherman went through a lot late in the offseason, and no teams seem in a rush to sign him. Two years ago, Sherman was one of the four best cornerbacks in the game. The future Hall of Famer could still perform well if he decides to play football this year.

26. Xavier Rhodes, Indianapolis Colts

Vikings fans were happy when they parted ways with Rhodes in 2020, but the 31-year-old revived his fading career in Indianapolis. The defensive scheme fits Rhodes well, and he rode it to two interceptions and 12 passes defensed.

27. Kyle Fuller, Denver Broncos

Fuller led the NFL in interceptions in 2018 and was an All-Pro. He hasn’t come close to matching that production in the past two years. Reuniting with Vic Fangio in Denver could spur a resurgence in Fuller’s career, but a complete return to dominance seems unlikely.

28. Darius Slay, Philadelphia Eagles

Slay was an All-Pro in 2017, but he’s experienced a steep decline since then. Last season, quarterbacks completed 76.7% of their passes against the former Lion for a 111.9 passer rating. Slay only cracks the top 30 because there’s a slim chance he rebounds.

29. Kenny Moore II, Indianapolis Colts

Moore operates primarily in the slot for Indianapolis, but he’s capable of stepping outside occasionally. In 2020, he amassed two sacks, four interceptions, and 13 passes defensed.

30. Bradley Roby, New Orleans Saints

Houston recently traded Roby to the Saints. I guess the Texans thought he’d play too well and ruin their chance at the top pick in next year’s draft. Roby started ten games in 2020.

31. Caleb Farley, Tennessee Titans

Injury concerns caused Farley to fall to 22nd overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, he’s the most physically gifted corner to enter the league since Ramsey in 2016.

32. Patrick Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Peterson shouldn’t appear this high on the list based on his performance last season. I’m banking on the 31-year-old recapturing some of his former glory in Minnesota.

Average Contributors

33. Kendall Fuller, Washington Football Team

Fuller’s career is a rollercoaster, but he intercepted four throws last year. Pro Football Reference claims the 26-year-old allowed an 84.1 passer rating when targeted.

34. Janoris Jenkins, Tennessee Titans

Jenkins is almost 33 years old, but he’s still an effective football player. The former Pro Bowler intercepted three passes and swatted away 12 others last year.

35. Donte Jackson, Carolina Panthers

Jackson intercepted three passes in 2020 for the second year in a row. He also set a career-high in passes defensed while allowing a sub-80.0 passer rating in coverage.

36. Ronald Darby, Denver Broncos

Darby allowed over 700 yards in coverage last season, but quarterbacks completed under 55.0% of their attempts for a passer rating in the 80s when targeting him.

37. Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers

Carolina made Horn the top cornerback taken in the 2021 NFL Draft. The physical South Carolina product opens his career against the New York Jets.

38. Greg Newsome II, Cleveland Browns

The Browns plan on starting Newsome against Kansas City in Week 1. It’s a daunting task for this year’s 26th overall selection, but he’s up to the challenge.

39. Troy Hill, Cleveland Browns

Hill possesses inside-out versatility, but he primarily operated in the slot last year. He intercepted three passes and scored three defensive touchdowns.

40. Trae Waynes, Cincinnati Bengals

Waynes missed the entire 2020 season, and he’s already ruled out for Week 1. The Bengals are still waiting to cash in on their free agent investment.

41. Mike Hilton, Cincinnati Bengals

Hilton is one of the game’s best slot corners and played a significant role in Pittsburgh’s dominant defense over the past two years.

Potential for Volatility

42. Desmond King II, Houston Texans

King was one of the game’s top slot corners in 2018. He even earned First-Team All-Pro honors as a defensive back. He hasn’t intercepted a pass since then.

43. Cameron Dantzler, Minnesota Vikings

Dantzler is the highest-ranked corner from the 2020 draft class on this list. He made ten starts and intercepted two passes as a rookie.

44. Chidobe Awuzie, Cincinnati Bengals

Awuzie missed half of last season while suiting up for the Cowboys. He’s about as average of a starter as you can find in the NFL.

45. Casey Hayward Jr., Las Vegas Raiders

Hayward turned in several star performances with the Packers and Chargers, but he allowed three touchdowns and over 600 yards in coverage last season. Hayward turned 32 on Sept. 9.

46. Byron Murphy, Arizona Cardinals

Murphy plays in the slot for Arizona, but he’s the team’s best cornerback entering 2021. The Washington product is only 23 years old.

47. Chris Harris Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

Harris was once an All-Pro and one of the game’s best cornerbacks. Unfortunately, he’s performed far below his standards since the start of 2019.

48. Trayvon Mullen, Las Vegas Raiders

Mullen fluctuated between slightly above and below average during his first two seasons with the Raiders. The Clemson product needs a big third year to secure his future as a starter. 

49. Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys

Diggs was one of the most impressive players from the 2020 cornerback class. He made 11 starts for Dallas and snagged a lucky interception against Tom Brady in Week 1.

50. AJ Terrell, Atlanta Falcons

Terrell had an up and down rookie season that saw him allow over 900 yards in coverage. However, he showed enough flashes to inspire hope for improved play in 2021.

Others Considered

Bashaud Breeland, Minnesota Vikings

Justin Coleman, Miami Dolphins

Kristian Fulton, Tennessee Titans

Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears

Jeffrey Okudah, Detroit Lions

Brian Poole, New Orleans Saints

Nickell Robey-Coleman, Detroit Lions

Asante Samuel Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

Jimmy Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Cameron Sutton, Pittsburgh Steelers

Ahkello Witherspoon, Pittsburgh Steelers