To preview the 2020 NFL season, we asked more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players to help us stack the top 10 players at 11 positions (sorry, special-teamers). The results might surprise you. They surprised me.
Here's how it worked: Voters gave their best 10 to 15 players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average, interviews and research. We had several ties, so we broke them by isolating the two-man matchup with additional voting and follow-up calls. Each section is packed with quotes and nuggets from the voters on every guy -- even the honorable mentions.
The objective is to identify the best players right now for 2020. This is not a five-year projection or an achievement award. Who's the best today? Pretty simple.
We'll roll out a position per day over the next 11 days. Here's the schedule:
Week 1: tight ends (July 7); quarterbacks (July 8); running backs (July 9); wide receivers (July 10); offensive tackles (July 11)
Week 2: interior offensive linemen (July 12); edge defenders (July 13); interior defensive linemen (July 14); off-ball linebackers (July 15); cornerbacks (July 16); safeties (July 17)
Quick passing games, run-pass options and mobile quarterbacks have forced teams to improve their man coverage. Perhaps more than ever, general managers and coaches prioritize players with man-coverage traits, with the ability to shadow when needed.
In the voting for the top 10 cornerbacks, tiebreakers usually went to the players with that ability, which complicates matters because the league has so many good corners in a variety of different systems and roles.
Most of the players below can stand alone as true outside guys who bring balance to the back end of a defense.
1. Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots
Age: 29 | Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 3
Gilmore received some second- and third-place votes, but he was a steady presence atop the composite voting through the entire process.
The only complaint I could find about Gilmore was that he's had moments of suspect tackling, but an NFL head coach debunked that in a hurry, stressing that tackling is one of his many strengths.
"With New England's press man, you saw his traits come to life," said an NFL coordinator. "He's got it all in that area. Perfect marriage of system and player."
Gilmore became the sixth defensive back to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and his new company is impressive: Charles Woodson, Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson, Lester Hayes, Mel Blount.
Last season, Gilmore saw the most targets as the nearest defender (96) without allowing a single touchdown, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
One AFC exec called his athleticism "beyond rare" and added that he can run "all day."
"What's amazing is he was still sort of raw out of college and switched to defensive back late in his football development, but he's got such a good blend of instincts, size and toughness," said one veteran NFL defensive coach. "He'll have a window of a few more years where he'll be premier."
2. Jalen Ramsey, Los Angeles Rams
Age: 25 | Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 7
Easily No. 1 based on traits, Ramsey wasn't able to push Gilmore for the top spot but comfortably protected No. 2. Ramsey's combination of length, recovery speed, transition ability and ball skills are unmatched.
"He's a one-of-a-kind," said an NFL offensive coach. "When he's cooking, he scares you on the game plan more than just about anyone. You have to find ways to throw away from or around him."
Conversely, one veteran NFL quarterback said Ramsey is "the Amari Cooper of corners," a supreme talent who leaves you wanting more.
"There are some inconsistencies you see on tape with footwork or freelancing a bit," the quarterback said. "But he's too talented not to put it all together this year."
To be sure, Ramsey was thrust into the Rams' defense after a midseason trade from Jacksonville. He had to develop chemistry with safeties and coaches in short order.
Some coaches expect the Rams to maximize Ramsey by matching him up in quarters coverage (zone defense inside, with Ramsey in man defense outside).
"After one year in L.A. he'll be No. 1," an NFL defensive coach said.
Coaches hope Ramsey settles into his role as the top corner -- with less negative emotion on the field. Ramsey got ejected from a game for fighting A.J. Green, who was also ejected, and clashed with Jaguars coach Doug Marrone on the sideline.
"He can get mentally hijacked in a ballgame," said an NFL coordinator. "You have to keep your composure."
3. Tre'Davious White, Buffalo Bills
Age: 25 | Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 8
White is coming off a huge season in Buffalo and has the league's attention in a big way.
"He tackles, can play zone or man, can cover best guy, helps in run support -- the complete package," said one NFL passing game coordinator. "Only knock on him was turnovers, but he answered that this year."
White tied Gilmore and Vikings safety Anthony Harris for the league lead with six interceptions. White also tied Gilmore and Steelers corner Joe Haden for third place in disrupted dropbacks -- sacks, interceptions, batted or tipped passes -- with 18.
And if it wasn't obvious White likes to shadow the best player, he finished second to Gilmore in targets as the nearest defender without giving up a touchdown (84).
White has the perfect setup in Buffalo, which is one of the league's most disciplined defenses with playmaking safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer anchoring the middle.
Playing in a bigger market such as New York City or Dallas would only amplify White's star wattage.
"His technique is impressive," said an NFL defensive assistant coach. "He's arrived as a top-flight guy."
4. Darius Slay, Philadelphia Eagles
Age: 29 | Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 12
Slay isn't coming off his best season in Detroit, but unrest existed between Slay and the Lions organization. Plus, Lions corners played consistent man despite the defense ranking next to last in sacks with 28, applying more pressure on downfield routes.
"Slay is a guy you'll go into Sunday with all day," said one NFL coordinator. "He'll play man coverage all day -- he'll battle, not afraid to get in spaces, match up with anyone, and he can run."
Over the last three seasons, Slay allowed the league's third-lowest completion percentage as the nearest defender, at 51.8.
That's why the Eagles are elated to get Slay, who signed a $50 million extension with the team after Philadelphia swung a trade with Detroit. The Eagles held out for a lead corner for the last two years and got the deal they wanted.
"He's got natural ball skills and awareness in the open field, which will help him age well," said an NFC defensive assistant coach.
5. Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints
Age: 24 | Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 11
Many voters liked Lattimore in the top five because of transition speed that allows him to close in a hurry and play the ball deep, mixed with the physicality to tackle well.
"He's got everything, and he plays up to good competition," said an NFL passing game coordinator. "He thrives off the big matchup. The only issue with him is a little inconsistency week to week. He'll get up for the big games and then have a down game. A big part of the NFL transition is everyone can play [at a high level] in this league."
Lattimore has been disruptive through three seasons, deflecting 44 passes since entering the league in 2017.
"If he puts together another solid season then he might be top three next year," the coordinator said.
6. Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens
Age: 24 | Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: 10
Many slot corners were deserving of consideration, but most play there exclusively. Humphrey impresses inside or out.
To make room for Marcus Peters, who was traded from Los Angeles to Baltimore last season, Humphrey seamlessly slid into the slot.
"Love that guy," said one NFL coordinator who played against him recently. "He's physical, he tackles, serious athlete, strong, moves fluidly. Easily one of my favorite corners."
Added an NFC exec: "Humphrey is my favorite because he plays his ass off."
Humphrey ranked second behind White in completion percentage allowed above expectation over the past three seasons, at -6.0% (from 55.2 to 49.2).
Humphrey finished the year with three interceptions and 14 passes defended on 979 defensive snaps.
"He's coming," said a veteran AFC scout. "He's improved so much from college [at Alabama]."
7. Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals
Age: 30 | Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 11
Most agree Peterson didn't have his best year in 2019. He missed the first six games due to a suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy, and his third game back, on Halloween, was a rough outing against the 49ers.
"He's approaching the fringe, and this year there might be the drop-off," an NFL coordinator said.
But most voters kept Peterson on their list because he's still one of the game's best athletes every time he steps on the field, and it wasn't long ago he was staking a claim as the game's best corner. His length-and-speed combination is still a problem. And as a different NFL coordinator pointed out, he can turn defense into offense, which is rare (i.e., he can catch and run).
"He's still a prime example of what a corner should be -- total pro, tackles well," the coordinator said. "He's just getting older, he's playing on a bad defense and they have one pass-rusher. But still top 10, no doubt."
8. Marcus Peters, Baltimore Ravens
Age: 27 | Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: 11
Most fascinating player on the list, and many voters think he's too low here.
"Man the guy bothers me, but he does nothing but make plays, so you can't knock him," said one high-ranking league executive.
There's no denying Peters is wildly productive. It took him five years to grab 27 interceptions, more than Gilmore's total in eight seasons (24) and Peterson's in nine seasons (25). He's got 77 pass deflections during that span, a pace that could push Champ Bailey's NFL record of 203.
He's also the ultimate gambler, the quintessential boom-or-bust player, resulting in more than a few votes in the 10 and 11 range.
"He guesses most of the time -- he gets beat, but he can embarrass you, too," said a veteran NFL quarterback. "You love and hate to play against him for that reason."
Some evaluators say he's not an elite tackler and takes a lot of chances, but who cares because he's getting the offense the ball back every other game.
"Put him in coverage and he can read and jump," said an NFL coordinator. "He gets greedy and overaggressive, but he's determined to change the game, and you have to respect it."
9. Xavien Howard, Miami Dolphins
Age: 27 | Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: Off the ballot
Howard's injury-riddled 2019 resulted in five games played and December knee surgery, but voters prefer to remember the guy who picked off seven passes the year before.
"Ball skills all day," one NFL coordinator said. "He's just got a knack for it. He's long and knows how to track it. When he's healthy, he's a top corner."
Howard flashed his ability in limited action in Brian Flores' defense, which demands a lot from its man-coverage corners. The Dolphins trust him to shadow any receiver in the NFL.
Howard enters the second year of a five-year, $76.5 million deal and will be eager to validate it in 2020.
"He's still got some things to prove after last year, but I expect him to be firmly established after this year," said an AFC scout. "Really talented player."
10. Byron Jones, Miami Dolphins
Age: 27 | Highest ranking: 5 | Lowest ranking: Off the ballot
A voting logjam at 10 made this difficult, but Jones separated from Richard Sherman and third-year corners Jaire Alexander and Denzel Ward. The former Dallas Cowboy's man-coverage traits are among the best.
Jones can show physicality, too. His 64 stops against designed runs the last three years ranks second among cornerbacks, behind Logan Ryan.
"If you're starting a team now, I would take B. Jones because with a bigger, faster corner with coverage ability like him, you believe you can get the ball skills out of him," said an NFL passing game coordinator. "He hasn't shown he has that, but I believe in Miami he will."
The Dolphins signed Jones to a massive five-year, $82.5 million deal to help anchor their man coverage.
The obvious issue with Jones is the lack of production on the ball. This dubious stat from the Dallas Morning News says it all: Jones is the only corner in NFL history without at least five picks in his first 70 starts. His six pass deflections in 15 games last year don't help his cause.
Some voters were swayed by all this. That he's cracking the top 10 despite the numbers speaks to the talent.
"He was an All-Pro two years ago," one NFL general manager said. "No doubt [he belongs]."
Honorable mention
Richard Sherman, San Francisco 49ers: "How smart he is makes up for the physical limitations at this stage. If he doesn't win at the line, he can struggle with instant separators, in-breaking stuff. Or if hit vertically, can be tough to recover. But from a ball skills standpoint and football instincts, toughness, tackling, still one of the best." -- NFC exec
Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers: "He is a stud -- aggressive mentality, feel in coverage, speed to sustain coverage downfield and attacks the ball. Good eyes and instincts. Sticky." -- NFC exec
Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns: "As far as movement skills and twitch and top-end speed, he's got all that. He's just a little on the slender side." -- NFL coordinator
Casey Hayward, Los Angeles Chargers: "Really smart, savvy player who's been producing for a long time. Probably gets knocked for being in a zone-heavy scheme but he's really good." -- NFL defensive assistant coach
Joe Haden, Pittsburgh Steelers: "Had one of his better years last year. He's held up really well and had a nice resurgence in Pittsburgh." -- NFL passing game coordinator
Kyle Fuller, Chicago Bears: "He's another zone-heavy guy, but he's a good visual guy, pursues the ball and plays instinctively." -- NFL coordinator
J.C. Jackson, New England Patriots: "A playmaker and an athlete. He's top 10 for me." -- AFC exec
Steven Nelson, Pittsburgh Steelers: "I thought both [outside] Pittsburgh corners were good last year. He probably doesn't get enough credit." -- NFL coordinator