Top five emerging NFL cornerbacks

Darrelle Revis is the best cornerback in the NFL. In fact, as I showed in my Midseason Top 50, I feel that Revis is the best defensive player in the game today. But he is a one-of-a-kind player at the cornerback position. Right now, the demand for corners who can play man coverage is greater than ever -- everyone wants a Revis. We have seen how such cover men can slow down fantastic offenses like New England's, and we are also seeing bigger man corners being put on this new breed of athletic tight ends -- in the Jermichael Finley or Aaron Hernandez mold -- with more regularity.

With the rules of the game favoring the offense so much in the passing game, the cornerback's job is more difficult than ever. Usually, the only time a cornerback's name is called is when he gets beaten for a big play, is being picked on, or commits a pass-interference penalty. It can be a thankless job. But those in the know understand the value of great corner play. Below is a list of some of the youngsters at the position who are starting to emerge.

Note: I didn't list other young cornerbacks like Brandon Flowers, Johnathan Joseph, Brent Grimes, Vontae Davis and others because, to me, these guys have already emerged.

To see the full rankings of the top five emerging CBs, sign up for ESPN Insider.

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Matt Williamson

ESPN.com

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