Last year Cortland Finnegan and Darrelle Revis emerged as all pro caliber corners and should be Pro Bowl frequenters for years to come. Just like the linemen up front, defensive backs are becoming even more important as the quality of the passing game around the league increases. Here are some defensive backs that I think will breakout this year.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Cardinals: Rodgers-Cromartie showed tons of potential in his first season. He has excellent range and speed along with very good instincts. If Rodgers-Cromartie continues to improve on his performance he should be a Pro Bowl caliber corner for years to come.
Leodis McKelvin Bills: When quarterbacks go up against the Bills, they are going to have to pick their poison. The Bills have one of the league's most underrated and fastest cornerback tandems in McKelvin alongside Terrance McGee. McKelvin got better as the year went on and should continue to improve on his rookie performance. Don't be surprised if he makes the Pro Bowl in the next year or two.
Brandon Flowers Chiefs: Coming out of Virginia Tech, some scouts were doubting how Flowers could transition to the pro game. He is off to a good start in proving them wrong. Flowers was one of the bright spots on a defense that struggled last year and along with Brandon Carr forms one of the league's up and coming cornerback tandems.
Aqib Talib Buccaneers: Talib only started two games in his rookie season, but he was very impressive recording four interceptions and showing a never back down attitude that teams want to see in corners. With the departure of Phillip Buchanon, Talib will be starting opposite Ronde Barber and should learn many tips that could help develop into one of the top young corners in the game.
Leon Hall Bengals: The Bengals defense is improving and Hall is one of the main reasons. Hall and Johnathan Joseph are a very good pair of corners who are both very good in coverage and have good instincts. Hall is also a very good tackler and if the Bengals show that they are a sleeper team, he should start getting the attention he deserves.
Brandon Meriweather Patriots: Meriweather had a huge impact in his second season recording 83 tackles along with four interceptions and two sacks. Now that Rodney Harrison is retired, Meriweather can now take over the starting role and show what he has learned from one of the best to ever play the position. The Patriots defense is mainly consisted of older players so when they start going for a youth movement, look for Meriweather and Jerod Mayo to be two of the building blocks.
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