Top 10 Best Cornerbacks in the NFL Today 2023
Based on Overall Talent and Production Throughout the 2022-23 Season
In today’s NFL, all rules favor the offense. Cornerback has become one of the hardest positions to play and a thankless job for a lot of players. These are the best cornerbacks in the NFL today based on overall talent and their production throughout the 2022-23 season.
It’s rare for the top 10 to stay the same; this past season was no different. There was a rise and fall of many of the top cornerbacks making it one of the most interesting positions to rank.
Top 10 Best Cornerbacks in the NFL Today 2023 – #10 Stephon Gilmore
#10 – Stephon Gilmore
His team may have sucked, but this was a very impressive season for Stephon Gilmore. It was only three seasons ago that he won the Defensive Player of the Year award, and now at 32 years old, he lacks that same elite athleticism. That didn’t stop him from returning to his status as one of the league’s top cornerbacks.
What makes him so special is his ability to play either side of the field, usually shadowing the opposing team’s best wide receiver. He is fearless, and it shows with his style of play. Stephon Gilmore loves putting hands on his matchup. He is extremely physical and savvy when it comes to disrupting the QB-to-WR timing.
I was extremely impressed with his play this season. You look at the Colts’ four wins, and he had a massive part in each of them. He made some big plays in the biggest moments. I hope he finds his way on a competing team next season because he surely deserves it.
Top 10 Best Cornerbacks in the NFL Today 2023 – #9 Tariq Woolen
#9 – Tariq Woolen
All the attention was on rookie Sauce Gardner this season, but Tariq Woolen deserves a similar amount of hype. Not only did he prove himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, but he was also one of the fastest players in the league.
This man is an athletic freak. At 6’4″, 210 pounds, Tariq Woolen ran a 4.26 40-yard dash time at the 2022 NFL combine. I’m still scratching my head wondering how this man slipped all the way to the 5th round of the NFL draft. For him, nothing like a chip on your shoulder.
His 6 interceptions this season were tied for the most in the NFL. Just like his frame would suggest, he is a physical cornerback with tremendous ball skills.
While he struggled in the post-season, that doesn’t overshadow his impressive 2022-23 season. The Seahawks found a diamond in the rough with Woolen. It wouldn’t shock me at all if he develops into the best cornerback in the NFL, considering his athletic measurables.
Top 10 Best Cornerbacks in the NFL Today 2023 – #8 Patrick Peterson
#8 – Patrick Peterson
It wasn’t long ago that Patrick Peterson was considered one of the fastest players in the NFL. At 32 years old, he is not that same player. The beautiful thing about the Cornerback position, is once players start slowing down at an older age, they need to adapt. Patrick Peterson is now one of the most technically sound and smartest cornerbacks in the NFL.
Not only did he have 5 interceptions and 15 pass deflections, Patrick Peterson also became a sure tackler. The 32-year old frequently jolted downfield for big plays. It was the best tackling season of his career finishing with a career high in tackles. The advanced metrics are also on his side.
While the Vikings had a disappointing finish to their season, he’s used to it spending most of his career with the Cardinals.
