Tim Weaver
May 29, 2024 3:00 am PT
Cornerbacks in the NFL have the hardest job in team sports, requiring a special combination of athleticism, football IQ and grit – and even the very best in the world rarely have three good years in a row at this level. If that’s not enough, the rules are also against them. Geared towards offensive production, today’s game allows wide receivers to get away with all kinds of shenanigans without getting flagged and also gives opposing quarterbacks an absurd advantage on under-thrown passes that wind up as horrible DPI calls.
That unmatched level of difficulty just makes it even more important to have multiple quality options on your roster. It’s not enough to have one or even two reliable starters anymore. The quality and depth of the entire unit matters. The Seahawks seem to know this, as they and the rest of the handful of teams that typically draft better than the field all made significant investments at this spot.
While the Seahawks didn’t use an early pick on a top corner prospect, they did add two more promising backups to pair with solid veterans Artie Burns and Mike Jackson in Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James. There’s also Riq Woolen, a maybe-could-be-star-some-day who oozes potential, even if he doesn’t always live up to it. The crown jewel of this unit is the lanky and tenacious Devon Witherspoon, who sews destruction everywhere he lines up but raises the most hell from the slot. Witherspoon has All-Pro potential and might even be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate some day down the line if he improves his tackling.
All together, this is a relatively strong group heading into the 2024 season. Let’s see how they rank compared to the rest. Here’s how Mike Clay at ESPN ranked each team’s cornerback unit after the draft.
Ranking the top 32 linebackers after the 2024 NFL draft
1. New YorkJets
Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Jets cornerbacks Sauce Gardner (left) and D.J. Reed…
Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Jets cornerbacks Sauce Gardner (left) and D.J. Reed (4) before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
more
2. Miami Dolphins
Nov 19, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) celebrates after his…
Nov 19, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) celebrates after his interception against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
more
3. Cleveland Browns
Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates his interception with…
Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates his interception with teammates in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
more
4. Dallas Cowboys
Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) and cornerback Trevon Diggs…
Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) celebrate after Diggs intercepts a pass against the Washington Commanders during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
more
5. Tennessee Titans
Newly acquired cornerback for the Tennessee Titans L'Jarius Sneed fields questions at his press conference at…
Newly acquired cornerback for the Tennessee Titans L'Jarius Sneed fields questions at his press conference at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Tuesday morning, April 2, 2024.
more
6. Detroit Lions
Lions cornerbacks Amik Robertson, left, and Terrion Arnold run off the field after the organized team…
Lions cornerbacks Amik Robertson, left, and Terrion Arnold run off the field after the organized team activities in Allen Park on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
more
7. Chicago Bears
Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33) steps in front…
Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33) steps in front of Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) to intercept a pass before returning the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
more
8. New Orleans Saints
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 24: Marshon Lattimore #23 of the New Orleans Saints knocks away…
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 24: Marshon Lattimore #23 of the New Orleans Saints knocks away a pass intended for Samori Toure #83 of the Green Bay Packers during the second quarterat Lambeau Field on September 24, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
more
9. Buffalo Bills
Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas (31) reacts against…
Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas (31) reacts against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
more
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) celebrates with cornerback Darius…
Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) celebrates with cornerback Darius Slay (2) and linebacker Christian Elliss (53) after his interception against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
more
11. Seattle Seahawks
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 29: Devon Witherspoon #21 and Tariq Woolen #27 of the Seattle Seahawks…
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 29: Devon Witherspoon #21 and Tariq Woolen #27 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrate a stop during the second quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lumen Field on October 29, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
more
12. San Francisco 49ers
Dec 15, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) rushes past…
Dec 15, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) rushes past San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (38) during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
more
13. Green Bay Packers
Nov 27, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) acknkowledges the crowd…
Nov 27, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) acknkowledges the crowd against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
more
14. Baltimore Ravens
Oct 20, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf (14) is defended by…
Oct 20, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf (14) is defended by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the second qaurter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
more
15. New England Patriots
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (6) prepares for a…
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (6) prepares for a game against the Philadelphia Eagles during the warm-up period at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
more
16. Denver Broncos
Nov 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) celebrates with linebacker…
Nov 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) celebrates with linebacker Kenny Young (41) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) and linebacker Malik Reed (59) after scoring a touchdown on an interception in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
more
17. Los Angeles Rams
Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs the ball…
Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs the ball ahead of Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (11) during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
more
18. Houston Texans
Nov 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) celebrates cornerback Steven…
Nov 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) celebrates cornerback Steven Nelson (21) defensive play against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
more
19. Kansas City Chiefs
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) celebrates with Trent…
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) celebrates with Trent McDuffie (22) after recovering a muffed punt against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
more
20. Indianapolis Colts
Dec 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) leaves the field…
Dec 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) leaves the field after being defeated by the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Scheer-USA TODAY Sports
more
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sep 25, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) against the Green…
Sep 25, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) against the Green Bay Packers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
more
22. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) is introduced before the first quarter of the NFL Week…
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) is introduced before the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
more
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (32) spikes the ball after picking up a fumble against the…
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (32) spikes the ball after picking up a fumble against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Jaguars edged the Ravens 28-27. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]Jki 112722 Nfl Ravens Jags 66
more
24. Carolina Panthers
Oct 2, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) during pregame activity…
Oct 2, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) during pregame activity against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
more
25. Minnesota Vikings
Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) celebrates his interception…
Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) celebrates his interception with safety Camryn Bynum (24) against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
more
26. Los Angeles Chargers
Oct 9, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) and cornerback…
Oct 9, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) celebrate after an interception during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
more
27. Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) reacts against the…
Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 34-11. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
more
28. Atlanta Falcons
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant (27) and cornerback A.J.…
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant (27) and cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) during warmups against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
more
29. Las Vegas Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 14: Cornerback Jack Jones #18 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates…
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 14: Cornerback Jack Jones #18 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates scoring a touchdown after an interception with cornerback Nate Hobbs #39 against the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 63-21. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
more
30. Washington Commanders
Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (13) reacts after the Arizona…
Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (13) reacts after the Arizona Cardinals had an incomplete pass during the 4th quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
more
31. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) during rookie mini-camp in Tempe on May 10, 2024.
32. New York Giants
Dec 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) celebrates…
Dec 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) celebrates after a play during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
more