As the NFL becomes more pass oriented, cornerbacks and safeties have even bigger impacts on games. Without solid corners, teams don't stand a chance against a team with a high powered offense while safeties have to defend the pass and are critical in run support. All of the players on this list will make big impacts on their respective teams and could possibly be considered among the leagues elite by the end of this year.
Cornerback:
Eric Wright Browns: Wright had a very good rookie year as he had 76 tackles and one interception. By the end of the year, he was playing like a Pro Bowl caliber corner as teams were avoiding his side of the field. Look for Wright to continue his progress this year and possibly make his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
Fred Bennett Texans: With injuries in the secondary, Bennett came in and started as a rookie and showed that he has the potential to be one of the best corners in the league. Bennett only started 8 games but ended up with 62 tackles 2 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions. Look for him to have an even bigger impact this season.
Darrelle Revis Jets: Out of all the corners on the list, Revis has the best chance to be a premier corner for years to come. He showed great coverage skills as a rookie and ended up with 87 tackles and 3 interceptions. With that kind of play, Revis has a great chance of making the Pro Bowl in his second season.
Johnathan Joseph Bengals: In his second season, Joseph had 62 tackles and 4 interceptions. Joseph has the potential to be a very good corner as he has good size and excellent speed. As Leon Hall develops, look for Joseph to have an even bigger impact this year as he and Hall have the potential to be a great cornerback tandem in a couple years.
Cortland Finnegan Titans: Finnegan was very impressive in his second season as he had 95 tackles along with one interception. He was very impressive as he shut down many of the leagues top receivers last year. Look for him to develop into one of the leagues top corners this year.
Safeties:
Antrel Rolle Cardinals: Rolle may have had 5 interceptions last year, but lots of people around the league say he didn't have the mechanics to play corner. So Rolle now moves to safety where he and Adrian Wilson are both rangy play makers who will strike fear into opposing offenses.
LaRon Landry Redskins: Landry had a very good rookie year as he had 95 tackles and showed that he can be one of the best safties in the game. Look for him to have an even better second season as he will have more opportunities with the Redskins improved pass rush.
Chris Harris Panthers: Everyone around the league knows who Harris is the only reason he is on the list is because, the majority of fans don't. Harris last year had 95 tackles and forced an incredible 8 fumbles. He also had 1 interception. Look for him to have another great season this year and if he puts up those kind of numbers, he should be headed for the Pro Bowl.
No comments:
Post a Comment