2013 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Cornerbacks – Revis, Sherman, Peterson the NFL’s Best Corners

2013 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Cornerbacks – Revis, Sherman, Peterson the NFL’s Best Corners: While quarterback is probably the toughest position to play on offense, the same can be said for the cornerback spot on the defensive side of the ball. After all, a good corner has to have speed, agility and strength to be able to stay with and react to NFL receivers that keep getting bigger and faster. Not surprisingly, corners have also been getting bigger and faster in recent years, and many players at the position are routinely topping the six-foot mark. In fact, both All-Pro cornerbacks from a year ago were more than 6’0” tall. On that note, here is a closer look at the top cornerbacks in the NFL heading into the 2013 season.

1.      Darrelle Revis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Although he needed season-ending knee surgery last year, it is tough to imagine the game’s most dominant corner losing all that much. After all, Revis has basically eliminated half the field his entire NFL career thanks to his combination of physical play at the line and elite man-to-man cover skills. In an age when offenses throw the ball more than ever before and receivers are bigger and faster than ever before, Revis shuts down an opponent’s best receiver on a weekly basis.

2.      Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks

While he doesn’t possess blazing speed, Sherman uses his physical play and 6’3”frame to bully opposing receivers. He also routinely gains the proper position by dominating at the line of scrimmage. Last year, Sherman finished second in the NFL with eight interceptions while his 24 passes defended led the league. Meanwhile, he has already totaled 12 picks and 41 passes defensed in his two years as a pro. Sherman will also dish out plenty of punishment in support of Seattle’s run defense, but his claim to fame is his man-to-man shutdown ability in coverage.

3.      Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals

After a promising rookie year in 2011, Peterson emerged as one of the dominant corners in the NFL last season. He finished the year fourth in the NFL with seven interceptions, and he also added 17 additional passes defensed. With his 6’1” frame, Peterson has the size to handle the league’s big receivers, but he also has top-level speed that allows him to create turnovers and be a playmaker when he gets the ball in his hand. In fact, he has four special teams touchdowns in his career. Peterson could be a little better at the line, but his speed and coverage skills more than make up for his minor flaws.

4.      Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears

Tillman has always been one of the toughest, most aggressive corners in the league, and he routinely ranks among the leaders in tackles for his position. In fact, he has topped 70 tackles in each of the last six years and has topped 80 tackles in three straight seasons. Meanwhile, Tillman has dramatically improved his coverage skills recently and has become one of the best in the league at creating turnovers. In the last two seasons alone, Tillman has recorded six interceptions, five defensive scores, 14 forced fumbles and 28 passes defensed.

5.      Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns

He may not have the size of some of the other top corners, but Haden does have speed to spare and a nasty attitude. His first three seasons in the NFL have resulted in nine interceptions and nearly 50 passes defensed, and he has averaged more than 60 tackles per year. Haden flies around the field, dishing out big hits to whoever has the ball. Meanwhile, his excellent speed allows him to make plenty of plays in coverage. As long as his four-game suspension for off-the-field issues was a one-time thing, Haden should remain one of the top corners for years.

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