CB Ranks: Revis on top

Woodson, Bailey still rank among best; Webb, Grimes deserve more love

Originally Published: August 20, 2012
By Matt Williamson | ESPN Insider

After watching games and breaking down film, Scouts Inc., in conjunction with ESPN.com's Matt Williamson, has evaluated and graded more than 2,500 NFL players heading into the 2012 season. Here's how the top cornerbacks stacked up.

Note: No rookies were included in this exercise. Age refers to player's age at start of the 2012 season on Sept. 5.

Because of the rules favoring the passing game, playing cornerback now is more difficult than ever. Still, every team is looking for physical, press-man corners who they can align on the opponent's No. 1 wide receiver, while Cover 2-type cornerbacks are in less demand than in previous years.

Also, now more than ever, the slot cornerback position needs to be considered as a starter. And slot corners are often asked to handle different responsibilities than their teammates on the outside, as they often face smaller, quicker wide receivers who have more space to operate -- but also can align against a very athletic tight end. Slot corners also can't be lacking for physicality, as they align close to the ball and are often asked to contribute in the running game or as blitzers.

Darrelle Revis is clearly the top player at the CB position, but there is a bevy of young cover men who do not get the recognition that they deserve from most fans. Lardarius Webb and Brent Grimes aren't household names, but both rank among the top five cornerbacks in the game.

Two cornerbacks who need to be mentioned from this list are Charles Woodson and Champ Bailey, as their sustained excellence at a position that demands so much from a speed and movement standpoint is truly remarkable. Woodson and Bailey are all-time greats who still are playing at a very high level.

1
Darrelle Revis
94
AGE: 27
DOB: 7/14/85
HT: 5-11
WT: 198
POS: CB
Tkl 52
Solo 41
Sack 0
FF 0
Int 4
Player Analysis

Revis continues to be one of the most durable and productive perimeter defenders in the league and had another excellent season in 2011. He has adequate size, outstanding athleticism and deceptive strength.

MORE ANALYSIS

His anticipation and his ability to jump routes is excellent and enables him to make big plays. Many offensive coordinators will create game plans that work the opposite side of the field to negate his potential game-changing performance.

CLOSE ANALYSIS

2
Nnamdi Asomugha
86
AGE: 31
DOB: 7/6/81
HT: 6-2
WT: 210
POS: CB
Tkl 40
Solo 35
Sack 0
FF 0
Int 3
Player Analysis

Asomugha had a solid season in his first year in Philadelphia. He is one of the biggest and most athletic perimeter defenders in the league. He uses his length and strength to reroute receivers.

MORE ANALYSIS

He can be explosive in transition and shows excellent range defending the run as well as the pass. Asomugha, a nine-year veteran, brings experience and a physical presence to the Eagles' secondary.

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3
Johnathan Joseph
84
AGE: 28
DOB: 4/16/84
HT: 5-11
WT: 191
POS: CB
Tkl 44
Solo 40
Sack 0
FF 1
Int 4
Player Analysis

Joseph brings a good combination of size and speed to the position and gives the Texans a shutdown corner who can defend one side of the field with minimal help over the top. He can extend the cushion with a fluid, quick-footed pedal and flips his hips with ease and no restrictions.

MORE ANALYSIS

He is quick in transition and drives on the ball thrown in front of him with a good burst to close. He is a solid run-support corner who is a reliable tackler both in the hole and in space.

CLOSE ANALYSIS


To see the rest of the Scouts Inc. cornerback rankings -- and get access to rankings for every NFL player -- you must be an ESPN Insider.

Matt Williamson

ESPN.com
  • Hosts "Football Today" podcast
  • Joined ESPN in 2005
  • Was an NFL and college scout for the Cleveland Browns

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