Former NFL CB Bucky Brooks now works for NFL.com as a draft analyst. He breaks down a ton of tape. Today, Brooks, who also works for the NFL Network, listed his top five NFL cornerbacks, and here is his list . . .
1) Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks: Say what you want about Sherman thriving in the Seahawks’ Cover 3 scheme, but there isn’t a cover corner playing at a more consistent level than the three-time first-team All-Pro. As a long, rangy defender with exceptional patience and awareness, Sherman rarely misses jams at the line and his accurate hand placement prevents receivers from running straight lines down the field.
2) Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals: Credit Peterson for bouncing back from a subpar 2014 to reclaim his status as one of the top cover corners in the NFL. The ultra-athletic corner not only played with better intensity and focus this past season, but he appeared to clean up some of the technical flaws that led to his inconsistent performance in ’14.
3) Aqib Talib, Denver Broncos: It’s a shame Talib’s bush-league antics occasionally detract attention away from his spectacular game, but savvy observers appreciate his toughness, versatility and instincts as a CB1. The ninth-year pro is a rare cover corner capable of blanketing WR1s utilizing press technique or clueing the quarterback (keying on the three-step drop) from an off alignment.
4) Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers: The bodacious cover corner became a household name after notching four interceptions and 19 passes defensed in 2015. Norman is an exceptional ballhawk with outstanding instincts. He aggressively jumps routes and throws in his area, exhibiting superb route recognition and diagnostic skills while executing his unorthodox shuffle-slide technique.
5) Marcus Peters, Kansas City Chiefs: The 2015 Defensive Rookie of the Year is already earning rave reviews inside league circles for his competitiveness, savvy and versatility as a CB1. The No. 18 overall pick from last April possesses a rare combination of size, agility and stop-start quickness that allows him to suffocate opponents utilizing bump-and-run, bail or off technique.
