The Three Best Corner-backs in the NFL right now

Mathew Huff

8/19/2016

There are many great defensive backs in the NFL right now. From Richard Sherman all the way to Josh Norman, corner-backs are still finding a way to be elite despite the rules for guarding wide receivers becoming more restrictive year after year. The question that arises from this fact is who are the best as of right now at the defensive back position. So, here are my top 3 corner-backs in the entire NFL now in no particular order in my opinion. 

1. Patrick Peterson/ Cardinals CB.

Believe it or not, Patrick Peterson still seems to be overlooked by many NFL fans. Not only is Peterson a great defender, he has proven to be an electric punt returner at times as well. The combination of him along with Tryon Mathieu roaming the back field is already a deadly combination for opposing offenses, which is now becoming more known throughout the league when it pertains to fans paying attention to the Arizona Cardinals. Last season, Peterson had a bounce back year after a down season the previous year which should continue to fuel Peterson to become more known as a lock-down defender this coming season. 

2. Chris Harris Jr./ Broncos CB. 

Before Harris Jr. met Antonio Brown last year, he had not given up a touchdown for multiple seasons. That is something very few defensive backs in the league can claim. Chris Harris Jr. in my opinion, is still the most underrated corner-back in the league, which I believe helps him play at an elite level and come up under the radar compared to other well known defensive backs. Let's not forget that he is also the best slot corner in the game right now. While coming off of a Super Bowl victory and Harris Jr.'s cohort Aqib Talib facing possible suspension, Chris Harris Jr. will still be a relatively unknown yet feared defensive back by quarterbacks throughout the NFL. 

3. Malcolm Butler/ Patriots CB.

This may be a surprise to many people, but I believe Butler will take a giant leap this year to get into this conversation. Yes, I believe he will carry more momentum from last year, and the season in which he saved the Super Bowl with the game winning interception to continually improve. Ever since his rookie year, Butler has done nothing but get better. This year, I believe Butler will surpass guys like Richard Sherman, his former teammate Darrelle Revis, and Josh Norman to get into the top 5 corner-back conversation. Butler will jump start New England's defense this year, and emerge as a key leader for the New England Patriots especially with Tom Brady missing the first four games of the year. 

Now, to be clear, I am in no way saying these are the only 3 good defensive backs in the league. I understand guys like Sherman and Revis are elite, but as I stated earlier this is purely my opinion on who are the best 3 corners in the game right now. Again this is in no particular order, so feel free to disagree if you want but I thoroughly believe this coming year these are the best 3 defensive backs in the game.