Welcome to the definitive top 20 cornerback rankings for the 2024 season! While it is my first year providing this list, I have spent countless hours combing through data and film grinding. My goal is to provide you with valuable information so that you can be better educated on the top pass defenders in the NFL. Here is the first iteration of the 2024 NFL cornerback rankings.
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Honorable Mentions
Martin Emerson, Cleveland Browns
Jonathan Jones, New England Patriots
Rasul Douglas, Buffalo Bills
Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers
Isaac Yiadom, San Francisco 49ers
These cornerbacks finished right outside of the top 20 cornerback rankings. These guys showed enough flashes of talent that they should be mentioned, but they were unable to put together enough consistency on Sundays to make the top 20. Keep an eye on these names to possibly climb the list!
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No. 20 – Cam Taylor-Britt, Cincinnati Bengals
Last season, Cam Taylor-Britt made a strong impression on the Bengals when he forced four interceptions last season. The loss of Chidobe Awuzie will add more stress to an already suspicious secondary.
No.19 – Terrion Arnold, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions finished 27th in passing yards allowed per game last season, and fixing that issue was a high priority in the offseason. Terrion Arnold is an incredibly physical corner that racked up over 60 tackles in the SEC playing under Nick Saban.
His physical style will pair perfectly with head coach Dan Campbell and safety Brian Branch.
No. 18 – Stephon Gilmore, Minnesota Vikings
Stephon Gilmore played last year for the Dallas Cowboys and played at an outstanding level. He defended 600 routes and allowed only 56 receptions over the season. Now he’s with the Minnesota Vikings, where he will be tasked with replicating the success he’s earned throughout his career.
No. 17 – Darious Williams, Los Angeles Rams
After two seasons in Jacksonville, Williams is back with the Rams, and he could be ready to make a big jump in his career. Williams finished second to only Charvarius Ward in passes defended in 2023. The Rams entire defense will be under a microscope with the loss of Aaron Donald, Williams could be ready to make the jump to superstar status and could climb the cornerback rankings this season.
No. 16 – A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons
A.J. Terrell made big history with the new contract he recently signed. He earned 65.8 million guaranteed, the most ever given to a cornerback on a four-year deal. He’s exceptional when asked to play man coverage.
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No. 15 – Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys
Trevon Diggs missed all of 2023 due to a torn ACL, and DaRon Bland stepped up in his place and made the top cornerback rankings list. Now, in a cruel twist of fate, DaRon Bland will be out for at least the first 6-8 weeks of the season rehabbing from a stress fracture in his foot.
Diggs will need to channel his all-pro performance from 2022, or he will slide off the cornerback rankings quickly.
No. 14—Kool-Aid McKinstry, New Orleans Saints
Maybe I’m just drinking the Kool-Aid (I couldn’t resist), but McKinstry is an incredibly strong prospect from Alabama, going to a Saints team loaded with talented defensive backs such as Tyrann Mathieu and Marshon Lattimore. McKinstry can grow into the next star cornerback for New Orleans.
No. 13 – Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos
Aside from the Bo Nix hype, there isn’t much to get excited about in Denver, but Patrick Surtain has quietly built up his reputation as an elite cornerback. Surtain had 12 games where he held his opposing receiver to 50 yards receiving or fewer. If the offense can remain on the field for longer stretches, he could improve from last season.
No. 12 – Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks
I’m very excited to see what Mike Macdonald brings to this new look Seahawks defense. Devon Witherspoon played well in his rookie season, but we will see him all over the field in 2024 and Macdonald will move players all over the secondary and line of scrimmage to create mismatches. Witherspoon will be a must see TV on Sundays.
No. 11 – Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots
Christian Gonzalez put together some strong performances before suffering a season ending shoulder injury. In his four games, he posted a PFF defense grade of 80.8 out of 100. It could be a bit premature to put him up this high, this early, but I cannot deny the talent that he put on display in his shortened season.
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No. 10 – Derek Stingley, Houston Texans
Stingley has yet to play a full season in his two years in the league, but when he is active, he’s proven to be highly effective.
He allowed an incredible 71.6 passer rating on throws made at his coverage. If he can stay healthy, he’ll finish the season inside the top five.
No. 9 – Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns
Denzel Ward deserves all the accolades. Did you know that he hasn’t given up more than 45 catches in any season of his career yet? He’s arguably one of the best run defenders as well.
No. 8 – Trent McDuffie, Kansas City Chiefs
It’s easy to go back and think about Super Bowl 58 between Mahomes and Purdy. But that game set the stage for Trent McDuffie, who limited Deebo Samuel to three receptions on 11 targets. McDuffie is an ascending player.
No. 7- L’Jarius Sneed, Tennessee Titans
After allowing 73 receptions in his coverage in 2022, Sneed bounced back, allowing 42 receptions on 80 targets in 2023. Sneed is now in Tennessee with Chidobe Awuzie and the new look Titans team.
No. 6 – Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers
Jaycee Horn played well in six games, but he would miss most of the 2023 season due to a severe hamstring strain. So far, Horn has played in only 22 games in his three-year career, making this season pivotal for his prospects.
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No. 5 – Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers
Joey Porter Jr. held the following receivers to under 40 yards last season: Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, and Ja’Marr Chase. He’s another elite corner that can ascend to the top of the list if he continues to build on his strong play.
No. 4 – Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers
Ward finished inside the top five in interceptions (five) and pass breakups (23). He played through a core injury last season and finished as a top five corner. If he remains healthy, he could be even better in 2024.
No. 3 – Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins
Jalen Ramsey had a torn meniscus, which cut into the 2023 season, but once he returned to the lineup, his impact was felt. There was only one game where he allowed more than 50 receiving yards in 2023. He’s still an elite cornerback, and hopefully we can see him active for all 17 games.
No. 2 – Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears
Jaylon Johnson was PFF’s No. 1 graded cover corner in 2023, and the addition of Montez Sweat on the defensive line only increased his efficiency. Johnson allowed a 33.3 passer rating on throws at his coverage.
Jaylon Johnson is a name to remember when you are setting your fantasy lineups. He is a player you do not want your receiver to face off against.
No. 1 – Sauce Gardner, New York Jets
Sauce Gardner has cemented his legacy as an elite corner in the two seasons of his career so far. Per PFF, Gardner has allowed only 76 receiving yards during the fourth quarter and overtime in his career. He is the most complete cornerback in the NFL today.
For more articles from Jonathan, click here – FastDraft Fantasy – Must Draft Fantasy Sleepers in Best Ball (playerprofiler.com)
