NFL's top 20 CBs: Patrick Surtain II has a firm grip on the top spot while young bucks continue to climb up the ranks
With WR talent at an all time high, it's never been more critical for NFL teams to have game changers in their CB room. And across the league, multiple have shown they can compete with even the best of the best WRs in the NFL. From the reigning defensive player of the year, Patrick Surtain […]
With WR talent at an all time high, it's never been more critical for NFL teams to have game changers in their CB room. And across the league, multiple have shown they can compete with even the best of the best WRs in the NFL. From the reigning defensive player of the year, Patrick Surtain II, to multiple young players who continue to take significant steps towards stardom. Watching the top WRs and CBs go to war is simply cinema. Which is why, here at A to Z Sports, we thought it was only fitting to follow our top 20 WR rankings with our top 20 CBs. With WR talent at an alplease l time high, it's never been more critical for NFL teams
In order to find the official consensus 2025 A to Z Sports NFL positional rankings, 16 of our staff members ranked their Top 20 CBs in order.
If a player was ranked 1st, they received 20 points. Ranked 2nd? 19 points. And so on, down to 20th where players received just one point. Why use this method? If we simply used the average ranking, we may errantly include outliers that were ranked too highly by just one or two staff members.
This method allowed us to find a more true collaborative consensus that properly represented where the majority of our staff felt players belonged in overall positional rankings from 1st to 20th in the NFL.
1. Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos
Highest Ranking: 1
Lowest Ranking: 2
"There is no doubt that the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is the best in the league at his position, and he has been for some time now, despite the fact that he has only been in the NFL for four seasons now. However, last year it was more noticeable because the Denver Broncos finally put a great defense around him. Even at 25 years old, Surtain is only getting better at the position. If he weren't the best cornerback in the league, we wouldn't have guys like Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy talking about PS2 to Chad Ochocinco as if he were Thanos himself.
There isn't much you can do to gameplan around PS2, and most of the time, he wins his matchup. And if he doesn't win his matchup, it's usually against a top wide receiver in the league, and it's usually a tossup. Surtain played significant snaps at just about every single defensive back position last season, too, whether it be in the slot, wide corner, or even a few at safety and in the box, where he guarded tight ends like Brock Bowers. There's no doubt that he's the best in the league and could win the DPOY again." – Justin Churchill
2. Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans
Highest Ranking: 1
Lowest Ranking: 7
"Stingley endured some struggles and injuries as a rookie in 2022, but over the past two seasons, he has established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He posted 54 total tackles, five interceptions, and 18 passes defensed in 2024, and also allowed the lowest passer rating in the league at 39.6. The Texans rewarded Stingley with a three-year, $90 million contract extension during the offseason, making him the second-highest-paid CB of all time. With C.J. Gardner-Johnson now in the fold for Houston's secondary, Stingley could be even more dangerous with quality safety help over the top." – Nick Roesch
3. Sauce Gardner, New York Jets
Highest Ranking: 1
Lowest Ranking: 6
"Sauce Gardner is now the highest paid corner in the NFL for a reason. He is one of the true elite shut down corners in the game. The former defensive rookie of the year, two-time Pro Bowler, and two-time first team All-Pro had a down season last year on the leaderless and rudderless Jets. And almost any other defensive back in the NFL would take his “down year” as one of their best. He doesn’t get a lot of interceptions, having only three in his career, but that is because quarterbacks simply don’t throw at him. In three years, he has only given up three touchdowns." – Mike Antoniou
4. Trent McDuffie, Kansas City Chiefs
Highest Ranking: 3
Lowest Ranking: 7
"McDuffie will be criticized for his 5-foot-11 and 193-pound size, but he’s one of the most technically sound players on this list. Where the 24-year-old McDuffie differs vastly from his counterparts is his versatility. In 2022 and 2023, the Chiefs utilized him in the slot, where he became a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators. He quickly became one of the elite cover men in the league, allowing very little separation between him and opposing receivers. Where his skills really came alive in those first two seasons was as a weapon for Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz packages, producing four sacks, six forced fumbles, and 10 QB hits.
He timed and disguised those blitzes with Emmy-worthy acting abilities. He's made it clear that he's not afraid to get his nose dirty with an open field tackle. During the 2024 NFL season, a year in which he lined up out wide more than in any single season of his career, McDuffie met the challenge with coverage excellence. He produced two interceptions and 13 passes defended while locking down opposing receivers. He has two championships under his belt and two All-Pro selections to go along with his dominant play on the field. While he’s expected to receive more opportunities in the slot in 2025, no matter where he aligns, the Chiefs know precisely what they’re getting out of him." – Charles Goldman
5. Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots
Highest Ranking: 2
Lowest Ranking: 9
"Christian Gonzalez earning top-five honors is very well deserved, considering the immense impact he had on defense last season despite the New England Patriots' struggles. His rookie year came to an end due to a season-ending injury. But in 2024, he was able to lock down many of the league's top receivers, and for the longer passing plays, it wasn't his fault that the Patriots didn't have someone to play opposite him last year. Last season, he finished with 59 tackles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and 11 passes defended. This is going to be a huge year for Gonzalez, who finally has the pieces around him to focus on his own game and cement himself as an elite cornerback." – Sophie Weller
6. Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears
Highest Ranking: 3
Lowest Ranking: 11
"Jaylon Johnson cracking the Top-10, and nearly landing in the Top-5, speaks to the unseen impact of his game a casual fan might not see at first glance. When you watch a Bears' game, it's hard to notice Johnson on the field, which is a good thing for a player at his position. Opposing quarterbacks and offensive play-callers are simply terrified to go his direction, and even when they do, they pay the price. Johnson is a true lockdown cornerback for the Chicago Bears who earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods by allowing just three touchdowns while coming away with six interceptions in coverage. Under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's man-heavy scheme, Johnson will finally get his wish in being able to match up one-on-one with opposing #1 receivers and further prove how dominant of a player he can be." – Kole Noble
7. Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns
Highest Ranking: 4
Lowest Ranking: 16
"Denzel Ward is an example of consistency, and the Cleveland Browns know exactly what they’re getting from him each and every season. Since being selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Ward has recorded at least two interceptions and double-digit pass deflections every year. A four-time Pro Bowler, the only real knock on his career has been the games he’s missed due to concussions and soft tissue injuries.
The former Ohio State standout has played in at least 12 games every season, though he’s missed more than one game each year — except last season, when he appeared in 16. Ward is as reliable as they come when it comes to being a sticky cover corner. The Browns trust him to hold his own on an island against anyone." – Brandon Little
8. Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh Steelers
Highest Ranking: 5
Lowest Ranking: Unranked
"Jalen Ramsey may not be the undisputed top two corner that he once was with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the fact that he's headed into year 10 (his age-31 season) and is still seen as a top 10 corner in the league speaks to his legacy and ability at this stage of his career. A Pro Bowler and the best defender on the team for the majority of his two years in Miami, Ramsey is no longer an island corner. He has now become and will be fully formed into a versatile chess piece that plays all three positions in the defensive backfield in Pittsburgh. The breadth of knowledge and the physical skillset it takes to do so point to why he is still one of the best in the game." – Rob Gregson
9. A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons
Highest Ranking: 5
Lowest Ranking: 18
"Cornerback is a volatile position, and Terrell had a relatively down season under Jimmy Lake in 2024. However, he will only be 27 and can still be a top cornerback in coverage. To do so, he will have to adapt to a new defensive scheme under Jeff Ulbrich. Last year, Terrell allowed an 84.5 passer rating when targeted, which included two interceptions. His issues include an inability to tackle and help the run game, but any defensive coordinator can live with that if a player is as good at erasing opposite wide receivers as the former first-round pick is." – Wendell Ferreira
10. Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens
Highest Ranking: 6
Lowest Ranking: 14
"Humphrey displayed the positional flexibility needed to age gracefully as an NFL corner. He played nearly 450 snaps in the slot last season amid some mid-season changes for the Ravens and helped Baltimore flip the script on their pass defense. He logged an impressive 6 interceptions while allowing a passer rating of 61.2 on 83 targets in 2024; impressive metrics for a corner regardless of whether you're playing inside or out.
He did log 11 penalties and logged some extra missed tackles down the stretch in 2024 — if he cleans those up, he could be even higher on this list next year." – Kyle Crabbs
11. Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks
Highest Ranking: 6
Lowest Ranking: 17
"Witherspoon’s deserved credit here makes sense, and you could argue he should be a spot or two higher as well. Coming off two Pro Bowls in a row, Witherspoon has locked down a key role in a Seahawks defense that pushes their defensive backs to their lengths – physically and mentally. Witherspoon’s impact, particularly in the slot, reaches past the passing game, too. The CB achieved a 90.0 run defense grade via Pro Football Focus a season ago. All in all, Witherspoon is a pillar for a defense ready to prove they’re one of the NFC’s elite." – Adam Holt
12. Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles
Highest Ranking: 1
Lowest Ranking: 2
"Just like his fellow secondary teammate Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell wasted no time adjusting to the NFL. As a rookie, he quickly made his presence felt, limiting opposing quarterbacks to just two touchdowns all season while racking up 46 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and two interceptions. His standout performance earned him a top cornerback grade from PFF (79.2) and a spot as a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist. Mitchell has already shown that he’s not just capable, he’s one of the league’s rising elite defenders." – Kelsey Kramer
13. Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers
Highest Ranking: 1
Lowest Ranking: 2
"Jaycee Horn landing in the top 15 despite only playing in 14 or more games once in his career is a testament to how talented he is when on the field. This past year, he was able to play a career high 15 games and recorded a career high 13 pass deflections and an interception. Horn will turn 26 years old during this season and got a massive 4-year $100 million contract this offseason. The Panthers believe Horn is just now entering his prime and locked up their CB1 for the foreseeable future. Now it's Horn's time to show he not only deserves his placement in this ranking but also that this time next year he will be talked about in the same breath as the elite of the elite at the CB position." – Destin Adams
14. D.J. Reed, Detroit Lions
Highest Ranking: 9
Lowest Ranking: 19
"The Lions upgraded from Carlton Davis when they got Reed, and they managed to do it at a cheaper rate too. He’s not as physical of a corner as Davis, but he doesn’t have to be. He’s covers with finesse and can stay with most receivers. Even though he’s on the smaller side, he’s able to cover bigger receivers. The one big knock on him is that, while he’s not super physical, he’s got a knack for getting caught with penalties." – Mike Payton
15. Byron Murphy Jr., Minnesota Vikings
Highest Ranking: 9
Lowest Ranking: 18
"When the Vikings signed Byron Murphy Jr. ahead of the 2023 season, they knew they were getting a player who can play in the slot and kick outside. They also got him at a bargain price, since injuries had marred his time with the Arizona Cardinals.
What the Vikings ended up getting was a player who would become the cornerstone piece of their secondary. He plays both inside and outside for the Vikings with the slot being his home in nickel situations. Don't get it twisted though, he still thrives on the outside, and the Vikings believe their CB3 on the outside is a better strategy than having that player in the slot. In his two years, Murphy has secured nine interceptions, including six this past season when he was named a Pro Bowl Games starter for the NFC. At only 27 years old, he's just entering his prime in his seventh season, and he's on a great defense under Brian Flores. By the end of the season, expect Murphy to finish much closer to the top 10 than at 15." – Tyler Forness
16. Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles
Highest Ranking: 9
Lowest Ranking: Unranked
"There's no question that Cooper DeJean has quickly established himself as one of the league's top young talents, thanks to his rare versatility and immediate impact. In his rookie season, he racked up 51 tackles, six pass breakups, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries. One of his best moments came on his 22nd birthday when he capped off the year with a 38-yard pick-six in Super Bowl LIX. A former Iowa star, DeJean’s production, freaky athleticism, and clutch play-making have made him a rising star in every phase of the game." – Kelsey Kramer
17. Christian Benford, Buffalo Bills
Highest Ranking: 7
Lowest Ranking: Unranked
"Bills Mafia quickly fell in love with star CB Christian Benford, and it's not hard to see why. The talented (should be All-Pro) CB joined the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 draft. Benford, a former sixth round pick from Villanova, immediately made his presence felt, earning the #2 spot on the CB depth chart next to Tre White, surprising the fanbase by outperforming former first-round pick Kaiir Elam. Outside of an injury that took him out for the latter part of his rookie season, Benford has shined with the Bills.
Over the past few seasons, Benford has appeared in 30 games with 4 interceptions, 20 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, and even a sack to boot. Put simply, the Buffalo Bills are a much better defensive football team when Christian Benford is on the field. Brandon Beane's mantra of draft, develop, and re-sign worked in the team's favor as Benford inked a massive 4-year, $69M contract extension. Benford has not only established himself as a fan favorite, but he's also secured his place as one of the very best CBs in the entire NFL, all on a team-friendly deal which sets the organization up for long-term success. From 6th round pick to one of the very best in the entire league, maybe #17 is a bit too low." – Adam Zientek
18. Charvarius Ward, Indianapolis Colts
Highest Ranking: 9
Lowest Ranking: Unranked
"The Colts were much more active in the early stages of free agency this offseason than what we've seen from them in recent years. One of their biggest moves, of course, was here signing of former 49ers and Chiefs CB Charvarius Ward. Ward instantly becomes the Colts' top CB, and the team and Ward himself have already shared their excitement for him to travel with the opposing team's best WR. The Colts being willing to allow this tells you how special of a player they believe Ward is. Last year was a tough year for Ward and his family, as he had to deal with one of the worst things a person could experience: the loss of a child. Ward wanted and needed a change of scenery, and now that he has it, he and the Colts both believe he will show the NFL that he is still a top 10 CB in the league." – Destin Adams
19. Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks
Highest Ranking: 11
Lowest Ranking: Unranked
"In the first year of Mike Macdonald's scheme in Seattle, Woolen showed promising growth throughout the season that has him poised for a strong 2025 season. Five of the six touchdowns he was credited with in coverage came before Week 10. It's a contract year for Woolen in this season as well, which is always a good omen for strong play. Woolen's length and linear speed allow him the potential to blanket any receiver if he technique is right, which Seattle must hope is further developed along with his discipline on the perimeter if he's going to rise these ranks after this season." – Kyle Crabbs
20. Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys
Highest Ranking: 12
Lowest Ranking: Unranked
"It just feels like Trevon Diggs is either going to jump right back into the Top 15 conversation or fall from the Top 20 permanently this year. He's entering a decisive year on his contract, and with DaRon Bland on deck, the Cowboys have to decide if they'll part ways with him next year or not. To prove himself, Diggs will have only a portion of the 2025 season as he's expected to miss the start of the season.
In coverage, Diggs remains one of the league's best. He needs to be a more consistently physical player when tackling in space, but as long as he sticks to top receivers, Diggs remains a Top 20 cornerback." – Mauricio Rodriguez
Other players receiving votes
- Jaire Alexander, Ravens (6)
- Travis Hunter, Jaguars (5)
- Garrett Williams, Cardinals (3)
- DaRon Bland, Cowboys (3)
- Kyler Gordon, Bears (3)
- L'Jarius Sneed, Titans (3)
- Kamari Lassiter, Texans (2)
- Carlton Davis III (2)
- Marshon Lattimore (2)
- Nate Wiggins, Ravens (2)
- Jourdan Lewis, Jaguars (1)
- Will Johnson, Cardinals (1)
- Jahdae Barron, Broncos (1)
- Kenny Moore II, Colts
- Darius Slay, Pittsburgh Steelers (1)
- Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Tennessee Titans (1)
- Demmondre Lenoir, San Francisco 49ers (1)
- Andru Phillips, New York Giants (1)