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With Rod Woodson entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend, Scouts Inc. takes a look at the top five cornerbacks playing in the NFL today.
1. Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders -- Simply the best; the Raiders' opponents don't even challenge Asomugha anymore. It just isn't worth it, even when he is matched up against an offense's No. 1 wide receiver, which is often the case. One of the things that really sets Asomugha apart is his size. He is tall (6-2) and long-limbed. Players with that type of build simply should not be able to move and change direction like Asomugha does. He can neutralize the smaller, quicker guys in the Steve Smith mold or he can do combat with big, physical Terrell Owens types who often outmuscle their opponents. If someone does catch a pass against Asomugha, as a fundamentally sound wrap-up tackler, he is extremely quick to put the receiver on the ground. Asomugha will not post great stats, but he eliminates one side of the field and allows the rest of the Raiders' defense to play 10-on-10 against the offense, often with the best wide receiver out of the picture. He is worth every penny of the contract that he recently signed with the Raiders.
2. Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos -- Yes, he is getting up in age and might be slightly past his prime, but with a somewhat respectable pass rush, he would be the one player on this list who could challenge Asomugha for the top spot. While Asomugha was clearly the top choice, Bailey was the clear No. 2. Still, we would be remiss if we did not mention his recent injury history. He has had groin and elbow injuries over the past two years, which at his age (31) cannot be taken lightly. He played hurt last year and was a liability in coverage. But before the injury, he was nearly unbeatable. The putrid Denver pass rush also had an impact on his play. A lack of pressure will make any corner look worse than he truly is. Bailey is a bigger corner who isn't afraid to throw his body around against big wideouts or in the running game. He is going to the Hall of Fame if he doesn't play another snap, but expect him to rebound in a big way this season.
3. Darrelle Revis, New York Jets -- Revis is the puppy of the group, but he has an extremely bright future. He was superb under Eric Mangini, but with Rex Ryan taking over and bringing his aggressive defensive tendencies to the Jets, Revis' talents should be showcased even more. But, like Asomugha, Revis is far better than his other defensive backfield mates in coverage and may not see a ton of passes. He has excellent hands and is very dangerous once he gets the ball. He's also an accomplished return man. His route-reading ability and feel for opposing wide receivers will only improve as he is a bright young man who takes his craft very seriously. Although he has good size and more growth potential, some of the bigger, more physical wideouts in the league can give him a hard time. But don't expect that to be the case much longer.
4. Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles -- The consummate playmaking, read-and-react zone cornerback, Samuel simply makes a lot of plays. Samuel has benefited from being on many very good defenses that put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but you can't deny his ability to bait quarterbacks, read the route and utilize his ball skills, which are exceptional. Samuel is very fluid in all his movements, yet explosive and decisive when attacking the football. He breaks up a lot of passes and consistently gets his hands on the football. Samuel has 20 interceptions in three seasons. Expect that pace to continue.
5. Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers -- Woodson and Al Harris make up one of the top cornerback duos. With its switch to a 3-4 scheme this season, Green Bay should be going to more zone coverages as opposed to its typical man-to-man schemes. Woodson should have little problem with the change and is adept at playing tight man, loose man or zone. Remember, this is a Heisman Trophy winner, and while his remarkable athleticism may not be what it once was, he is still a very impressive specimen. Woodson also has shown the ability to play safety if needed, much like another Woodson who is being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Safety would be a likely spot for him to end his career while still flourishing as a playmaker in the secondary.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
1. Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders -- Simply the best; the Raiders' opponents don't even challenge Asomugha anymore. It just isn't worth it, even when he is matched up against an offense's No. 1 wide receiver, which is often the case. One of the things that really sets Asomugha apart is his size. He is tall (6-2) and long-limbed. Players with that type of build simply should not be able to move and change direction like Asomugha does. He can neutralize the smaller, quicker guys in the Steve Smith mold or he can do combat with big, physical Terrell Owens types who often outmuscle their opponents. If someone does catch a pass against Asomugha, as a fundamentally sound wrap-up tackler, he is extremely quick to put the receiver on the ground. Asomugha will not post great stats, but he eliminates one side of the field and allows the rest of the Raiders' defense to play 10-on-10 against the offense, often with the best wide receiver out of the picture. He is worth every penny of the contract that he recently signed with the Raiders.
2. Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos -- Yes, he is getting up in age and might be slightly past his prime, but with a somewhat respectable pass rush, he would be the one player on this list who could challenge Asomugha for the top spot. While Asomugha was clearly the top choice, Bailey was the clear No. 2. Still, we would be remiss if we did not mention his recent injury history. He has had groin and elbow injuries over the past two years, which at his age (31) cannot be taken lightly. He played hurt last year and was a liability in coverage. But before the injury, he was nearly unbeatable. The putrid Denver pass rush also had an impact on his play. A lack of pressure will make any corner look worse than he truly is. Bailey is a bigger corner who isn't afraid to throw his body around against big wideouts or in the running game. He is going to the Hall of Fame if he doesn't play another snap, but expect him to rebound in a big way this season.
3. Darrelle Revis, New York Jets -- Revis is the puppy of the group, but he has an extremely bright future. He was superb under Eric Mangini, but with Rex Ryan taking over and bringing his aggressive defensive tendencies to the Jets, Revis' talents should be showcased even more. But, like Asomugha, Revis is far better than his other defensive backfield mates in coverage and may not see a ton of passes. He has excellent hands and is very dangerous once he gets the ball. He's also an accomplished return man. His route-reading ability and feel for opposing wide receivers will only improve as he is a bright young man who takes his craft very seriously. Although he has good size and more growth potential, some of the bigger, more physical wideouts in the league can give him a hard time. But don't expect that to be the case much longer.
4. Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles -- The consummate playmaking, read-and-react zone cornerback, Samuel simply makes a lot of plays. Samuel has benefited from being on many very good defenses that put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but you can't deny his ability to bait quarterbacks, read the route and utilize his ball skills, which are exceptional. Samuel is very fluid in all his movements, yet explosive and decisive when attacking the football. He breaks up a lot of passes and consistently gets his hands on the football. Samuel has 20 interceptions in three seasons. Expect that pace to continue.
5. Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers -- Woodson and Al Harris make up one of the top cornerback duos. With its switch to a 3-4 scheme this season, Green Bay should be going to more zone coverages as opposed to its typical man-to-man schemes. Woodson should have little problem with the change and is adept at playing tight man, loose man or zone. Remember, this is a Heisman Trophy winner, and while his remarkable athleticism may not be what it once was, he is still a very impressive specimen. Woodson also has shown the ability to play safety if needed, much like another Woodson who is being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Safety would be a likely spot for him to end his career while still flourishing as a playmaker in the secondary.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
