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Which 5 NFL cornerbacks will have the league on lock in 2023?

By Loyal Ricks Jr

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 08: Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 08, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 08: Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 08, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Shutting down opposing receivers is the perfect job description for an elite NFL cornerback. They work isolated on an island with small margins of error against the league’s best receivers. Justin Jefferson, Davante Adams, and Tyreek Hill feast on inexperience to add points to the scoreboard. Limiting offensive production earns respect from peers and recognition as a lockdown corner.

On Tuesday, ESPN released a poll with input from executives, coaches, and players ranking the top 10 cornerbacks in the league. It caused Sauce Gardner and Asante Samuel to exchange their thoughts on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/pick_six22/status/1678853177632800778

Trash-talking is a defensive back’s second language. Differences in opinion happen, but statistics do not lie. Here are a few of the best cornerbacks according to last season’s statistics via Pro Football Focus.

NFL
NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Darius Slay – Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Cornerback #5: Darius Slay

Jonathan Gannon’s defense played an integral role in the Eagles’ success last season. In 2022, Philadelphia ranked third in defensive rating (85.3) and fifth in pass coverage (86.6). Offenses struggled to complete passes down the field, while receivers failed to create separation.

Darius Slay thrived in the Eagles’ secondary. He limited big plays down the field, holding receivers to an 11.9-yard depth of target average. Slay earned more interceptions (3) than Sauce Gardner, and Patrick Surtain II last season. He ranked 10th in pass snaps played among cornerbacks and will continue to be an X-Factor for the Eagles in 2023.

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