AFC West positional rankings: Which team has the best cornerbacks?
By Grant Tuttle
Grant Tuttle’s AFC West positional rankings continue with a closer look at the division’s talent at cornerback.
The AFC West has lost some serious talent in the defensive backfield this offseason. That being said, the division still has some very good talent at cornerback.
Historically, the AFC West has had excellent players at this spot, with players such as Champ Bailey, Willie Brown, Emmitt Thomas, and Charles Woodson. It is fair to say that the AFC West is not the best division in regard to cornerback play, but it’s certainly a serviceable position.
This article is not written for what position each corner specifically plays. Rather, it is written and judged by what corner is the most talented on each squad.
Reminder: This post assumes that all players are healthy and can play.
No. 1 Cornerbacks
1. Casey Hayward, Los Angeles Chargers
With the departure of Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib, Casey Hayward becomes the number one corner in the AFC West. Hayward is a great player and the Chargers were lucky to nab him. Signed in 2016, many wondered if Hayward was a quality starter in the NFL. He was signed in the second wave of free agents and the Chargers struck gold. He is one of the best pure cover guys in the National Football League. However, he will have his hands full with the talented pass catchers in the AFC West.
2016-2017:
40 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 22 passes defensed, 4 interceptions
Prediction:
47 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 25 passes defensed, 5 interceptions
2. Chris Harris Jr., Denver Broncos
Chris Harris now assumes the role of the Denver Broncos number one corner. Aqib Talib did an admirable job at that position for years shutting down half of the field while Harris got the other side. Denver is hopeful that Chris Harris can be dominant against top receivers in the AFC West such as Tyreek Hill and Keenan Allen with Bradley Roby getting the nod as the number two guy.
2016-2017:
40 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 7 passes defensed, 2 interceptions
Prediction:
41 tackles, 1 sack, 0 forced fumbles, 10 passes defensed, 3 interceptions
3. Kendall Fuller, Kansas City Chiefs
In a wild offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs traded Marcus Peters to the Los Angeles Rams and brought in Kendall Fuller in exchange for Alex Smith. Fuller is regarded by many to be the best slot corner in the NFL. Fuller is a young up-and-coming player who looks to bring quickness and press cover skills to the secondary.
2016-2017:
55 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 10 passes defensed, 4 interceptions
Prediction:
58 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 10 passes defensed, 3 interceptions
4. Gareon Conley, Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are hopeful that Conley will live up to expectations. The Oakland Raiders drafted Conley in 2017, despite the red flags that surrounded him. Looking forward to Gareon Conley’s rookie season, the team sustained a setback when Conley was held out of competition because of an injury to his shin. With an offseason of rehab and work with the team, Conley looks to help improve the worst defensive secondary in football. To me, he is the only player for the Raiders in the defensive backfield that provides hope for the future. He may have his hands full with the AFC West’s talent with pass catchers.
2016-2017: (2 games)
7 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 1 pass defensed, 0 interceptions
Prediction:
36 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 9 passes defensed, 2 interceptions