Only two spots remain as we are close to wrapping up our 2019 NFC South positional rankings here at Falcons Wire. After examining the division’s best quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive tackles, defensive ends and linebackers, only the cornerback and safety positions remain.
Today we will tackle corner, where the top two candidates gave us a very tough decision.
1. Desmond Trufant – Falcons
2018 Stats: 66 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 12 PD, PFF grade: 69.5
2018 was a rough year for Atlanta’s secondary but Trufant made the best of a bad situation. Never one to put up eye-popping interception totals, Trufant is nevertheless fantastic in coverage and consistently underrated by the national media. He’s probably the No. 1 tackling corner in the NFL, a trait often undervalued by analysts. After a dominant performance in Week 7, Pro Football Focus pointed out Trufant has the highest tackling percentage (97.5%) of any corner in the league since 2015. He may not be able to hold off Marshon Lattimore for the top spot much longer, however, considering Trufant’s consistent body of work we’re giving him the nod.
2. Marshon Lattimore – Saints
2018 Stats: 59 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INT, 12 PD, 4 FF, PFF grade: 78.3
Even though he’s No. 2 on this list, Lattimore definitely has the most upside of any corner in this division. He was solid in 2018 but didn’t have the same type of impact he did during his phenomenal rookie season. Lattimore allowed a completion percentage of 66 and a passer rating of 97.5 last year. His role has grown for New Orleans and corners tend to really hit their stride year three. Lattimore has the potential to be one of the best corners in the entire league – he just needs to become more consistent in coverage and not flirt with so many pass interference flags.
3. James Bradberry – Panthers
2018 Stats: 70 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 15 PD 1 FF, PFF grade: 66.4
Bradberrry has been serviceable and at times, a really good starting corner for Carolina. He’s especially had some great moments shutting down elite receivers one on one in individual games. However, his biggest problem has been consistently producing from week to week. Bradberry’s 15 total passes defensed in 2018 was the high mark for his short career so far. Even if Bradberry doesn’t ever take his game to an elite level, he’s a competent starter with room to become a top-10 cornerback some day.
4. Eli Apple – Saints
2018 Stats: 75 tackles, 2 INT, 14 PD, 1 FF, PFF grade: 65.0
Now out of the New York spotlight, Apple has been a pleasant surprise for New Orleans. In 2018, he put up career-highs in tackles, interceptions and pass deflections while playing opposite of Lattimore. His presence has strengthened a rejuvenated Saints defense, who nearly got to the Super Bowl last season. Apple’s future looks bright as continues to polish his game and become more of a play-maker. It’s safe to say he may be another former first-round pick the Giants gave up on too early. At 23, Apple may just be scratching the surface of what he can be.
5. Donte Jackson – Panthers
2018 Stats: 74 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 4 INT, 9 PD, 1 FF, PFF grade: 65.0
As a rookie, Jackson quickly showed he could make plays at the professional level. His speed is elite for the position and he showed an ability to make plays on the ball with four interceptions. Jackson’s not very polished, as few rookie corners are. Plus, he relied a little too much on his athleticism to get by but he looks to have an extremely bright future. If Jackson can cut down on his mental mistakes, he may Carolina’s best defensive back for years to come.
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