In a pass-first league, with interference rules heavily favoring receivers, cornerback is arguably the NFL's toughest position to play, especially for rookies.
However, it's a different story for this year's draft class - the strongest since 2013 (Tyrann Mathieu and Desmond Trufant) and 2010 (Devin McCourty and Joe Haden).
An unprecedented number of rookie corners are playing like veterans, seamlessly adjusting to the speed and pressure of pro football.
Here are the stars of this remarkable group:
Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints
Lattimore was the first cornerback selected in April’s draft (11th overall), but no one could have predicted this level of production to begin his career. The former Ohio State Buckeye is tied for first among rookie corners with four interceptions and has yet to allow a touchdown in coverage. Opposing quarterbacks have a minuscule 40.4 passer rating when targeting the young defensive back (second in the NFL).
Here’s how Lattimore matched up with some of this season’s most productive receivers, according to Pro Football Focus:
| Player | Week | Targets | Catches | Yards | TD | INT | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robby Anderson | 15 | 5 | 2 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Julio Jones | 14 | 6 | 3 | 73 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Mike Evans | 9 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Davante Adams | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Marvin Jones | 6 | 3 | 2 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Brandin Cooks | 2 | 3 | 1 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Not only a stud in man coverage, the Cleveland native's impact on New Orleans' defense can't be overstated. The Saints are allowing 8.3 fewer points and 60.4 fewer passing yards per game than last season.
Tre'Davious White, Buffalo Bills
White may not garner as much national attention as Lattimore, but he should. White thrives in Sean McDermott’s zone-heavy scheme, showing awareness and football IQ beyond his years.
The LSU product has been targeted 21 more times than Lattimore, but only 48.6 percent of passes directed his way are caught. White gets his hands on almost 21 percent of his targets, leading all rookies and ranking second overall.
The first-round selection’s signature performance came in Week 4, when Matt Ryan threw eight passes into his coverage. He surrendered 18 yards on four catches and a 56.3 passer rating from the reigning MVP.
Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens
The second cornerback drafted in April (16th overall), Humphrey is living up to the hype generated during his time in the SEC. Like Lattimore, the Ravens' youngster has not surrendered a touchdown in coverage this season while giving up just 89 yards after the catch on 27 receptions. Opposing quarterbacks have a 51.4 passer rating when targeting the Hoover, Ala., native.
In Week 14, Humphrey did what few defenders are able to do: he shut down Antonio Brown in one-on-one coverage. On five passes intended for Brown, Humphrey allowed just two receptions for 7 yards.
Desmond King, Los Angeles Chargers
King is an interesting study, and offers distinct differences from his peers in this class. For one, he was not selected in the first round (rather, the fifth), and he receives most of his snaps in the slot. The former Iowa Hawkeye was not the most athletic defensive back in the 2017 draft, but he's a consistent playmaker. King has accumulated four sacks, one interception, three passes defensed, and 30 tackles behind the line of scrimmage (leading all players at his position).
King is a physical corner who thrives in close quarters - ideal traits for the slot. His resume includes shutting down Cole Beasley, Jamison Crowder, and Danny Amendola.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
