ESPN ranks cornerback units for all 32 teams after the 2024 NFL draft (2024)

Tim Weaver

May 29, 2024 3:00 am PT

Cornerbacks in the NFL have the hardest job in team sports, requiring a special combination of athleticism, football IQ and grit – and even the very best in the world rarely have three good years in a row at this level. If that’s not enough, the rules are also against them. Geared towards offensive production, today’s game allows wide receivers to get away with all kinds of shenanigans without getting flagged and also gives opposing quarterbacks an absurd advantage on under-thrown passes that wind up as horrible DPI calls.

That unmatched level of difficulty just makes it even more important to have multiple quality options on your roster. It’s not enough to have one or even two reliable starters anymore. The quality and depth of the entire unit matters. The Seahawks seem to know this, as they and the rest of the handful of teams that typically draft better than the field all made significant investments at this spot.

While the Seahawks didn’t use an early pick on a top corner prospect, they did add two more promising backups to pair with solid veterans Artie Burns and Mike Jackson in Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James. There’s also Riq Woolen, a maybe-could-be-star-some-day who oozes potential, even if he doesn’t always live up to it. The crown jewel of this unit is the lanky and tenacious Devon Witherspoon, who sews destruction everywhere he lines up but raises the most hell from the slot. Witherspoon has All-Pro potential and might even be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate some day down the line if he improves his tackling.

All together, this is a relatively strong group heading into the 2024 season. Let’s see how they rank compared to the rest. Here’s how Mike Clay at ESPN ranked each team’s cornerback unit after the draft.

Ranking the top 32 linebackers after the 2024 NFL draft

1. New YorkJets

Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Jets cornerbacks Sauce Gardner (left) and D.J. Reed…

Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Jets cornerbacks Sauce Gardner (left) and D.J. Reed (4) before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

2. Miami Dolphins

Nov 19, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) celebrates after his…

Nov 19, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) celebrates after his interception against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

3. Cleveland Browns

Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates his interception with…

Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates his interception with teammates in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

4. Dallas Cowboys

Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) and cornerback Trevon Diggs…

Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) celebrate after Diggs intercepts a pass against the Washington Commanders during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tennessee Titans

Newly acquired cornerback for the Tennessee Titans L'Jarius Sneed fields questions at his press conference at…

Newly acquired cornerback for the Tennessee Titans L'Jarius Sneed fields questions at his press conference at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Tuesday morning, April 2, 2024.

6. Detroit Lions

Lions cornerbacks Amik Robertson, left, and Terrion Arnold run off the field after the organized team…

Lions cornerbacks Amik Robertson, left, and Terrion Arnold run off the field after the organized team activities in Allen Park on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

7. Chicago Bears

Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33) steps in front…

Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33) steps in front of Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) to intercept a pass before returning the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN ranks cornerback units for all 32 teams after the 2024 NFL draft (2024)

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