Odell Beckham Jr. Says Patrick Peterson Is Best Cornerback in NFL

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. reportedly thinks the Arizona Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson is better than every other cornerback in the NFL.

According to James Dielhenn of Sky Sports, Beckham “was asked which defensive player gave wide receivers the most trouble when speaking at a Sky Sports’ Facebook Live event” and elected Peterson over the likes of Josh Norman and others.   

“I think the best cornerback in the league, I haven’t got the experience of playing against—Patrick Peterson. By far one of the best in the game, hands-down. He’s going to follow you from your house, to his house, to the sidelines, to the cricket field!”

Dielhenn noted Peterson only allowed two touchdowns in 2015 despite covering the opposition's No.1 receiver throughout the season. His peers recently voted him as the 18th-best player in the league:

While the case could be made for a handful of players, including the Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman and New York Jets’ Darrelle Revis, it is notable Beckham chose someone else besides Norman because of his personal history with the Washington defensive back.

The NFL suspended Beckham after scuffling and jawing with Norman during Week 15 of the 2015 campaign (when Norman was on the Carolina Panthers). The Giants playmaker committed three personal fouls during the 38-35 loss to Carolina and even launched himself helmet-first at the cornerback at one point.

Norman signed with Washington this offseason, and Beckham said one reason the cornerback joined the NFC East was because of his presence on the Giants, per Howie Kussoy of the New York Post.

Beckham “told GQ that he ‘for sure’ thinks Norman came to the NFC East so the cornerback could remain ‘relevant,’ a ‘smart business move’ for Norman to ensure at least two meetings against Beckham each season,” via Kussoy.

Beckham may have personal reasons to pass over Norman when discussing the best cornerback in the league, but Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com recently included the Washington defender on a list of “overrated” players in the NFL. Prisco said Norman “was perfect in the Carolina defense where corners can be hidden some behind the pass rush” and will now be asked to be “more of a man-cover player” in Washington.

Cameron DaSilva of FoxSports.com ranked Peterson as the No. 1 cornerback in the league and pointed to his ability to play either man-to-man or in zone and create turnovers with his impressive hands, as well as return punts with blazing speed (4.34-second 40-yard dash). Peterson also helps against the run, as evidenced by his 246 combined career tackles.

The Cardinals' lockdown corner appeared in all 16 games in each of his five NFL seasons and boasts 17 career interceptions and four punt-return touchdowns. He is a five-time Pro Bowler and has clearly done enough to earn Beckham’s designation as the best cornerback in the NFL.