NFL Predictions: The Best Defensive Back on Every NFL Roster

By (Correspondent) on August 9, 2011

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19:  Darrelle Revis #24of the New York Jets warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Nnamdi Asomugha has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and the entire landscape of the league could change.

A lock down corner like Asomugha can turn a solid defense into an elite defense and an elite defense into an all time great defense.

The NFL currently has a wealth of quality defensive backs and most teams have quality players at the position.

This article will cover the best defensive backs in football and will go through each NFL teams best player at the position.

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Dallas Cowboys: Terrence Newman

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 27:  Terrence Newman #41 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 27, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 17-0. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)
Larry French/Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys secondary has a few solid pieces and this choice could be argued.

Mike Jenkins could have made the list but I choose Terrence Newman.

Newman had five interceptions last year and while the Cowboys' pass defense was one of the worst in the league, he was one of the more consistent parts of it.

New York Giants: Antrel Rolle

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 02:  Antrel Rolle #26 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass intended for Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter on September 2, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jer
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Antrel Rolle has really helped the New York Giants' secondary since he signed with them two years ago.

Rolle had only one interception and one forced fumble last season but his numbers don't tell the entire story of his impact.

Rolle a major part of the Giant defense and is a key role in their success or failures.

Philadelphia Eagles: Nnamdi Asomugha

Oakland corner Nnamdi Asomugha after first half interception as the Denver Broncos defeated the Oakland Raiders by a score of 17 to 13 at McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, California, November 12, 2006. (Photo by Robert B. Stanton/NFLPhotoLibrary)
Robert B. Stanton/Getty Images

The Philadelphia Eagles have a few very quality corners, but Nnamdi Asomugha is without question the best defensive back on their roster.

Asomugha will change the Eagles defense and should help them turn into one of the best in the league.

If Nnamdi can play like he did in Oakland, the Eagles are in for a very good season.

Washington Redskins: DeAngelo Hall

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12:  DeAngelo Hall #23 of the Washington Redskins celebrates a fumble recovery against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers  at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by Larry
Larry French/Getty Images

The Washington Redskins secondary was easily one of the worst in the league last season and are lacking a lot of talent in their unit.

DeAngelo Hall had six interceptions last season, including three in one game against the Chicago Bears.

Any guy with the ability to intercept three balls in one game has talent, even if the picks are off Jay Cutler.

Arizona Cardinals: Adrian Wilson

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01:  Adrian Wilson #24 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates after a saftey against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Adrian Wilson is the glue that holds the Arizona Cardinals defense together.

He is not only the best defensive back on the team but one of the best players on defense and plays a huge role for the Cardinals.

Wilson had two picks and two sacks last season, to go along with 88 tackles.

San Francisco 49ers: Shawntae Spencer

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 27: Shawntee Spencer #36 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Erron Kinney #88 of the Tennessee Titans during week 12 NFL action on November 27, 2005 at the Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee.  (P
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

With the loss of Nate Clements, the San Francisco 49ers have some work to do in rebuilding their secondary.

With that said, Shawntae Spencer is a solid corner and had a pretty good season in 2010, intercepting three passes and forcing three fumbles.

Spencer will have to step his game up as the number one corner next season but should be able to.

Seattle Seahawks: Earl Thomas

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 26:  Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks returns an interception against the San Diego Chargers at Qwest Field on September 26, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Chargers 27-20. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty I
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

The young Earl Thomas has had a great start to his career in Seattle.

In his rookie year, Thomas had five picks and one forced fumble and showed he will be a great safety for years to come.

Marcus Trufant is also worthy of consideration but I gave the edge to Thomas because he is the future of the team's defense.

St. Louis Rams: Craig Dahl

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12:  Jimmy Graham #80 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Craig Dahl #43 of the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Craig Dahl had a very nice season in 2010, recording almost 100 tackles to go with two interceptions and one forced fumble.

Dahl made this list because of the St. Louis Rams losing Oshiomogho Atogwe to the Washington Redskins in free agency.

Dahl is still a relatively young player with room for improvement and he should only get better.

Chicago Bears: Charles Tillman

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23:  Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears is unable to intercept a pass intended for Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter of the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Il
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Charles Tillman has been the Chicago Bears' best defensive back for a long time now and it looks like he will continue to be that going forward.

Tillman is a fumble forcing machine and has forced 25 fumbles in a 114 game career, including 17 since 2007.

Tillman would also make a great safety but since the Bears are lacking in corner talent, don't expect a move any time soon.

Detroit Lions: Chris Houston

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 12:  Chris Houston #23 of the Detroit Lions tries to get around the tackle after picking up a first quarter fumble of Daryn Colledge #73 of the Green Bay Packers on December 12, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.  (Photo by Gr
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Chris Houston is the best defensive back for a pretty bad Detroit Lions secondary unit.

Fortunately for them, Ndamukong Suh will be demolishing offensive linemen and knocking off the quarterbacks timing and pocket presence.

Houston had one pick and one forced fumble last year to go along with 56 tackles.

Green Bay Packers: Charles Woodson

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06:  Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers defends against Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers won 31-25.  (Photo by Jami
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Charles Woodson is the best overall corner in the NFL and the best player on a Super Bowl winning defense.

Woodson can do it all, stop the run, press cover, sack the quarterback and has been huge for the Packers.

Woodson had two sacks, five forced fumbles and two interceptions in 2010 and should produce close to the same numbers next season.

Minnesota Vikings: Antoine Winfield

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Antoine Winfield #26 of the Minnesota Vikings returns a fumble for a touchdown against Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on December 28, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvan
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The Minnesota Vikings are in dire need of secondary help and will need to address that area before contending for a Super Bowl again.

Antoine Winfield is currently their best defensive back and is aging more and more every season.

Winfield had two forced fumbles and two picks last season but is 34 years old and the Vikings will need a replacement for him in the next few seasons.

Atlanta Falcons: Brent Grimes

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15:  Brent Grimes #20 of the Atlanta Falcons returns a fumble by Greg Jenning #85 of the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (
Chris Graythen/Getty Images

The Atlanta Falcons gave up 48 points to the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs last season and need to improve their secondary ASAP.

Brent Grimes, their best defensive back, is a good player and gives the Falcons something to build their unit around.

Grimes had five interceptions last year and is a decent cover corner.

Carolina Panthers: Charles Godfrey

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 06:  Charles Godfrey #30 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after making an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 6, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by S
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Charles Godfrey had a very good season in 2010. 

Godfrey had five interceptions and one forced fumble and has a lot of room to improve.

Currently in his fourth year out of Iowa, Godfrey is part of a young Carolina Panthers defense that could turn into something nice under new, defensive minded, head coach Ron Rivera.

Godfrey is the future of the Panthers secondary and should make a few Pro Bowls later in his career.

New Orleans Saints: Roman Harper

NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24:  Visanthe Shiancoe #81 of the Minnesota Vikings runs for yards after the catch against Jabari Greer #32 and Roman Harper #41 of the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 201
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Roman Harper has taken over Daren Sharper's role as the New Orleans Saints game-changing safety.

Harper had six forced fumbles and one interception last season along with three sacks.

Harper is a good NFL safety and a big part of the Saints defense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aqib Taleb

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 07:  Aqib Talib #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers nearly intercepts a pass intended for Michael Jenkins #12 of the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 7, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

While Aqib Taleb may soon be cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he is still currently on their roster and easily their best defensive back.

Taleb is a difference making, shut down corner back and could be one of the best in the league with a few more years of development.

Taleb had six interceptions last season and has a very bright future ahead of him, where ever he ends up finishing his career.

Buffalo Bills: Jarious Byrd

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 02:  Jairus Byrd #31 runs for a touchdown after intercepting a pass intended for Joe McKnight #25 of the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on January 2, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Im
Al Bello/Getty Images

Jarious Byrd exploded onto the NFL scene in his rookie year when he finished with 9 interceptions.

Byrd didn't even come close to the same interception numbers in his second season, finishing with one, but is still Buffalo's best defensive back.

Byrd upped his tackle total and sack total in his second year and should have a bounce back year in interceptions in 2011.

Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis

MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19:  Vontae Davis #21 of the Miami Dolphins breaks up a pass intended for Greg Lewis #17 of the Minnesota Vikings during the game on September 19, 2010 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo by Jamie Squ
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

In his second season out of Illinois, Vontae Davis put up solid numbers recording 54 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and one interception.

Davis has real potential to be a quality corner in the NFL and with some work he can get to that level of player.

New England Patriots: Devin McCourty

DETROIT - NOVEMBER 25:  Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots intercepts the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 25, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. New England defeated Detroit 45-24.  (Photo
Leon Halip/Getty Images

Devin McCourty had a huge rookie season last year and showed us dominance that rookie corners rarely show.

McCourty had seven interceptions and two forced fumbles and played shut down defense against some quality wide receivers.

It looks like McCourty will be one of the top tier corner backs in the NFL someday down the road, if he isn't their all ready.

New York Jets: Darrelle Revis

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23:  Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets breaks up a pass intended for Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steel
Al Bello/Getty Images

Best shut down corner in the league on one of the best defenses in the league.

'Nuff said.

Denver Broncos: Champ Bailey

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 15: Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos knocks away a pass intended for Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on August 15, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals won 33-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Champ Bailey is slowly getting up there in age but his game doesn't seem to be slowing down much at all.

Bailey has lost some speed and the ability to lock down some of the better receivers in the game but still has the talent to slow them.

Bailey is stuck on a bad Denver Broncos defense and hopefully will compete for a Super Bowl by the end of his career.

Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 07:  Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders runs against Eric Barry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 7, 2010 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Ima
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Eric Berry had a great rookie season in 2010 and was a huge part of the Kansas City Chiefs shocking us all and winning the AFC West.

Berry had four interceptions and one forced fumble to go along with 92 tackles and two sacks.

Berry, along with Earl Thomas and Devin McCourty are part of a great young crop of defensive back talent that has just entered the NFL and will only get better with age.

Oakland Raiders: Michael Huff

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05:  Michael Huff #24 of the Oakland Raiders breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Malcolm Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 2
Jeff Gross/Getty Images

From Nnamdi Asomugha to Michael Huff...what a drop off.

The Oakland Raiders go from having one of the best defensive backs in the league to lacking a lot of talent at the position and needing to restock.

Michael Huff is a solid player, though, and recorded three forced fumbles, three interceptions and four sacks in 2010.

That was, however, with Nnamdi Asomugha playing on the opposite side of him, allowing him to cover number two receivers and getting a lot of balls thrown his way.

Huff will have to improve his play this season as he becomes the number one corner on the Raiders in order for their defense to have the same kind of success it has the past few seasons.

San Diego Chargers: Eric Weddle

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 03:  Eric Weddle #32 of the San Diego Chargers congratulates teammate Shaun Phillips #95 after intercepting a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium on October 3, 2010 in San Diego,
Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Eric Weddle resigned with the San Diego Chargers this Offseason after many thought he would leave town.

Weddle had 96 tackles and two interceptions last year for the Chargers and plays a big part on their defense.

The Chargers were wise in keeping him in the blue and white and should continue to build their defense around players like him.

Baltimore Ravens: Ed Reed

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 21:  Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Ed Reed is a threat to intercept the ball on every time he is on the field and is the definition of a "ball hawk".

Reed had eight interceptions last year, which led all of the NFL, and makes an impact on defense that only a few players can make.

Reed is a huge reason why the Baltimore Ravens defense dominates from year to year and will help them compete for the Super Bowl in 2011.

Cincinnati Bengals: Nate Clements

SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 12:  Nate Clements #22 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after an interception against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on December 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California.(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

The Cincinnati Bengals lost corner back Johnathan Joseph to the Houston Texans in free agency and signed Nate Clements to fill the hole.

Clements is getting up their in age but is still a quality corner that has football left in him.

In 2010, Clements intercepted three passes and forced three fumbles.

Clements' veteran leadership should help out a young Bengals defense and it was a good move by Cincinnati to sign him.

Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden

MIAMI - DECEMBER 05:  Defensive back Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates intercepting the ball against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Miami, Florida.  Cleveland defeated Miami 13-10. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty
Marc Serota/Getty Images

Joe Haden had a great rookie season on 2010, intercepting six passes and forcing one fumble.

Haden looks like he will be a top tier corner for many years in the NFL, along with Devin McCourty and the two of them are the future of the position.

Haden has a ton of room for improvement which should be a scary thing for the rest of the league and the AFC North.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Polamalu

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands on the field before Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Al Bello/Getty Images

Troy Polamalu is the best all around safety in the game and could very well be the best defensive player in football.

Like Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers, Polamalu can play in the secondary and in the box and stop the run along with intercepting passes.

Polamalu had seven interceptions last season, tied for second in the leauge, and also recorded 63 tackles, all of that in only 14 games.

Houston Texans: Johnathan Joseph

HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 01:  Cornerback Johnathan Joseph #24 of the Houston Texans  arrives for practice on the first day of training camp at Reliant Park on August 1, 2011 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty Images

After missing out on Nnamdi Asomugha, the Houston Texans signed Johnathan Joseph to fill their giant holes at corner back.

Joseph is a quality corner with good skills and put up good numbers last season in Cincinnati.

Joseph had three interceptions and 42 tackles and should help the Texans defense in 2011.

Indianapolis Colts: Antoine Bethea

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 15:  Antoine Bethea #41 of the Indianapolis Colts makes an interception in the endzone next to Tim Jennings #23 and Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 15, 2009 in In
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Antoine Bethea has been one of the more consistent players on the Indianapolis Colts' defense the past few years which makes him their best defensive back.

Bethea recorded 106 tackles, intercepted one pass and forced on fumble in 2010 and played a huge role on a Colts' defense that could have been better.

The Colts seem to have been trying to build their defense into something grand for the past few seasons now and Bethea will help them do that.

Tennessee Titans: Cortland Finnegan

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 1:  Cortland Finnegan #31 of the Tennessee Titans returns an interception during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at LP Field on November 1, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Cortland Finnegan is a great shut down corner who gets under his opponents skin as well as anyone.

Finnegan is an annoying loud mouth that most fans, outside of Tennessee, strongly dislike but even still, no one can deny his ability to lock down one side of the field.

Finnegan had 100 tackles, very high for a corner back, two interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble.

Finnegan is an overall great defensive back and one of the best defenders on the Titans defense.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Rashean Mathis

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 08:  Cornerback Rashean Mathis #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after making a tackle against the Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on November 8, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida.  (Photo by Doug Benc
Doug Benc/Getty Images

Rashean Mathis has been a leader on defense for the Jacksonville Jaguars for a long time.

Mathis had a solid 2010 campaign, intercepting one pass, forcing one fumble and playing a good number one corner for the Jags.

Mathis is getting older now and while his production may drop slowly, he is still a quality player and the best defensive back on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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