NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

5 most disrespected players in the NFL in the 2022 season

By Michael Johnson

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after being hit in the head by Eric Weddle #20 of the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter of the game in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after being hit in the head by Eric Weddle #20 of the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter of the game in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
NFL
NFL, Xavien Howard, Miami Dolphins (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Xavien Howard, CB, Miami Dolphins

When you think of shutdown corner, the first name that comes to mind is Jalen Ramsey. Ask who the No. 2 corner in the NFL is, and you’ll likely hear J.C. Jackson’s name come up. After a spectacular season, Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs is at the forefront of NFL fans’ minds. However, the name that should come up as the No. 2 best corner in the league is Xavien Howard. Aside from a season where he got injured, Howard has been one of the most dominant corners in the NFL.

Howard intercepted at least four passes in four of the last five seasons. He led the league twice in interceptions in 2018 (seven) and 2020 (10). The former Baylor Bear is a three-time Pro Bowl corner who does his best work at the line of scrimmage. Howard is a technician in press coverage with excellent patience and eyes. His late-game heroics helped the Dolphins win close games.

At 6-1, 203 pounds, Howard’s ability to press allowed the Fins to run zero coverage, freeing up the safety to work in the box as a spy against mobile quarterbacks, like they did against the Ravens in their Thursday Night victory last season. Howard wasn’t only disrespected by Madden with an 89 rating, but the NFL Top 100 had him ranked below Trevon Diggs. The disrespect has to stop.

Home/NFL