The AFC West has quickly become one of the best divisions in football. One of the reasons why is because of the overwhelming amount of talent on both sides of the ball.
Today, we are taking a look at the five best cornerbacks in the division, ranking them from 5-1. So without further ado, let us begin.
5. Gareon Coney, Raiders
At one point during the 2018 season, it seemed like a lock that Gareon Conley was on his way out of Oakland. The former first-round pick from 2017 struggled to stay on the field, and when he did play, his performance was shaky, at best.
But in the second half of the season, Conley quickly turned into one of the league’s best cover cornerbacks. He locked up receivers like Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, etc. Heading into Year 3, Conley looks poised to rise up this list and establish himself as the best cornerback in the AFC West.
4. Kendall Fuller, Chiefs
A relatively new player to the division, Kendall Fuller of the Chiefs quickly established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the division in 2018. He started 15 games for Kansas City, recording a career-high 12 pass deflections and two interceptions.
At just 24-years old, Fuller is still a player on the rise in the AFC West. With his ability to play on the outside and in the slot, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him top this list by the end of the 2019 season.
3. Casey Heyward, Chargers
Deciding who the best cornerback in the division is tough. But choosing between the two Chargers’ cornerbacks is difficult, as well.
Coming in at No. 3 is Casey Hayward Jr., who has been a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Chargers. While he had a somewhat down season last year, Hayward is still considered one of the best 10 cornerbacks in all of football.
At 29-years old, Hayward’s best football may be behind him. But he is still one of the best outside cornerbacks in all of the NFL.
2. Desmond King, Chargers
Desmond King of the Los Angeles Chargers has quickly become of the most versatile defenders in the entire NFL. His ability to play on the outside, in the slot, and at safety makes him a valuable weapon.
King has quickly become one of the league’s best slot cornerbacks, finishing the season of 90.9 in the slot, according to Pro Football Focus.
With a few more years of consistent play, King not only could top this list but could routinely be in the conversation as the league’s best cornerback.
1. Chris Harris Jr, Broncos
No cornerback in the league has been as underrated as Chris Harris Jr. of the Denver Broncos. For years, he was thought of as just a “slot cornerback” who excelled at taking away the quick, shifty receiver. However, he has proven to be much more than that.
According to Pro Football Focus, no cornerback has had a lower passer rating when targeted in the slot than Harris. Even better, no cornerback in the division had a lower passer rating when targeted than Harris.
Given his versatility, toughness, and ability to take the ball away, Harris remains the best cornerback in the division, and it isn’t particularly close.
