The Top 10 Cornerbacks In The NFL For 2024
Cornerback is undoubtedly one of the hardest positions to play in all of football. The top cornerbacks have to guard the best wide receivers in the world each and every game. This proves that pass defense continues to be one of the most important parts of football because it's a passing league, which means having good cornerbacks is a must. These are the top 10 cornerbacks in the NFL for 2024.
Note: Height and Weight numbers are from pro-football-reference.com
Honorable Mentions
Derek Stingley Jr., HOU
Marlon Humphrey, BAL
Christian Gonzalez, NE
Marshon Lattimore, NO
Kendall Fuller, MIA
10: Devon Witherspoon, SEA, Age: 23
6'0", 185 lbs | College: Illinois
In his rookie year, Devon Witherspoon showed his versatility with the Seahawks. He is a good tackler and his physicality helps him shut down receivers whether he's lined up on the outside or in the slot. When he was drafted in 2023, the Seahawks selected him number five overall, which was a shock to many fans, but it turns out he was the right pick. Expect another excellent year from Witherspoon under new coach Mike Macdonald.
2023 Stats: 14 G, 79 Tackles, 1 INT, 16 PD, 1 FF, 3.0 Sacks
Accolades: 1x Pro Bowl
9: Denzel Ward, CLE, Age: 27
5'11", 190 lbs | College: Ohio State
Denzel Ward is the best cornerback on arguably the best defense in the NFL, and Ward is one of the main reasons. Ward isn't much of a tackler which is why he doesn't rank higher, but coverage is his strong suit. He has also dealt with multiple injuries including several concussions which is scary, but when he's on the field, he's awesome. Ward and the Browns are looking to continue their defensive dominance in 2024.
2023 Stats: 13 G, 34 Tackles, 2 INT, 11 PD, 1 FF
Accolades: 3x Pro Bowl
8: Jaire Alexander, GB, Age: 27
5'10", 196 lbs | College: Louisville
At his best, Jaire Alexander is as good of a cornerback as anyone else in the NFL. The problem is, he has dealt with several injuries and has only played 27 games over the last three seasons. The Packers need help on defense and one of their main needs is for Alexander to stay healthy. Alexander should be performing at the best of his abilities under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley in 2024.
2023 Stats: 7 G, 27 Tackles, 0 INT, 5 PD, 1 FF
Accolades: 2x Pro Bowl
7: Charvarius Ward, SF, Age: 28
6'1", 196 lbs | College: Middle Tennessee State
Charvarius Ward is coming off the best season of his career as he led the NFL in passes defended with 23. Ward is a physical corner which is good, but it sometimes leads to him getting penalized. He continues to prove himself as a true shutdown cornerback in the NFL and he's one of the most important pieces on the 49ers defense. He's also a good tackler, which is mainly due to his physicality.
2023 Stats: 17 G, 72 Tackles, 5 INT, 23 PD, 1 FF
Accolades: 1x Pro Bowl, 1x SB Champ
6: L'Jarius Sneed, TEN, Age: 27
6'1", 192 lbs | College: Louisiana Tech
L'Jarius Sneed is starting a new chapter with the Tennessee Titans after an excellent year with the Chiefs as he was a big part of them winning back-to-back Super Bowls. He also didn't allow a touchdown last season which is unbelievable. Sneed is one of the most penalized cornerbacks in the NFL, but everything else he does makes up for his penalty problems. Sneed was a great add for the Titans and the Chiefs will miss him greatly.
2023 Stats: 16 G, 78 Tackles, 2 INT, 14 PD
Accolades: 2x SB Champ
5: Trent McDuffie, KC, Age: 23
5'11", 193 lbs | College: Washington
Trent McDuffie was selected by the Chiefs in the first round in 2022 after they used the first round pick from Miami in the Tyreek Hill trade to trade up for him. McDuffie is coming off an All-Pro season which included an unbelievable performance in the Super Bowl against the 49ers. McDuffie mainly lined up in the slot last season and that's where he's at his best. He's simply all over the field at all times and is a nightmare for opposing offenses.
2023 Stats: 16 G, 80 Tackles, 0 INT, 7 PD, 5 FF
Accolades: 1x All-Pro, 2x SB Champ
4: Jalen Ramsey, MIA, Age: 29
6'1", 208 lbs | College: Florida State
Jalen Ramsey played well in the 10 games he appeared in in 2023 after dealing with a meniscus tear. However, Ramsey was not utilized properly last season as he should be lining up all over the field, but Vic Fangio restricted him from playing at his full potential. New defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver will bring out the best in Ramsey in 2024. Ramsey is one of the best cornerbacks ever, and he's still got plenty left in the tank.
2023 Stats: 10 G, 22 Tackles, 3 INT, 5 PD
Accolades: 7x Pro Bowl, 3x All-Pro, 1x SB Champ
3: Jaylon Johnson, CHI, Age: 25
6'0", 196 lbs | College: Utah
Jaylon Johnson was absolutely shutdown last season and was arguably the best cornerback in coverage all year. Johnson was just rewarded with a massive contract extension which was well deserved. The Bears are looking to put together a great season after drafting Caleb Williams, and their defense is in good hands with Jaylon Johnson leading the secondary.
2023 Stats: 14 G, 36 Tackles, 4 INT, 10 PD, 1 FF
Accolades: 1x Pro Bowl
2: Sauce Gardner, NYJ, Age: 24
6'3", 190 lbs | College: Cincinnati
Sauce Gardner made the All-Pro team for the second time in two years, but 2023 was technically a "down year" for Gardner compared to his rookie year. Gardner is going to be in the running for the NFL's best cornerback for many years. He is arguably the best player on the Jets defense which includes Quinnen Williams and Quincy Williams. Gardner is a great mix of height, speed, and coverage instincts which is incredibly valuable.
2023 Stats: 16 G, 57 Tackles, 0 INT, 11 PD, 1 FF
Accolades: 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year, 2x Pro Bowl, 2x All-Pro
1: Patrick Surtain II, DEN, Age: 24
6'2", 202 lbs | College: Alabama
Much like Sauce Gardner, Patrick Surtain II had a down year compared to the year before, but it was still an excellent year. Surtain is tall and long with great instincts and coverage skills which makes him irreplaceable. He is one of the very few bright spots on a rebuilding Broncos team and it's safe to assume Denver is going to do their best to keep him long-term. It is no surprise that Surtain has become this good considering he learned from his father who was an All-Pro cornerback himself.
2023 Stats: 17 G, 69 Tackles, 1 INT, 12 PD
Accolades: 2x Pro Bowl, 1x All-Pro
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
Comments