Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NFC South cornerback rankings

The Verdict

This was a tough two way race between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, with both teams offering stud cover corners and solid supporting casts next to them. Ultimately, I have to give the nod to the Saints. Marshon Lattimore is the clear-cut top corner in the division, and P.J. Williams is the top nickel corner in the division. Ken Crawley is solid and more than good enough with guys like Lattimore and Williams around him.

Atlanta then becomes the obvious second place finisher. Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford are a fine duo of cornerbacks that a majority of NFL teams would happily trade for their own. With rookie Isaiah Oliver in the mix this trio should be in great shape for 2018 and beyond, with potential to be the best in the division.

Tampa Bay’s group finishes third, which feels just about right. They’re not quite the worst, but clearly not the best or second best. It seems to me that this group is destined for a very hot and cold 2018 season, which isn’t the worst thing in the world. It’s certainly much better than their consistently cold 2017 season.

Landing in last are the Carolina Panthers, who very clearly deserve it. Their current group is inexperienced and doesn’t seem to have much upside at all outside of their third round pick from this year’s draft, Donte Jackson. Combined with their less-than-ideal group of safeties I would be surprised if the Panther secondary didn’t struggle quite often next year, particularly against the quarterback crop they play in the South.

Next: Buccaneers left off the top 100 list

Another week, another New Orleans Saints victory. Unfortunately for the rest of the South, the Saints have established a hell of a roster, and it really shows in these rankings. But there’s good news, Buccaneer fans: next week we’re looking at the linebackers! Sound off with your takes on how the corners shook out, and be sure to check back next week for more rankings.