Top 5 Cornerbacks in AFC North for 2015

May 26, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive back Joe Haden (23) during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

This is the eighth installment of our AFC North Top 5 series. It’s time to take a look at cornerback, which is one of the toughest and most important positions on the field. It is sometimes hard to measure cornerbacks by the numbers because there are some players who simply don’t get tested as much as others. Outside of Browns’ shutdown corner Joe Haden, all of the spots on this list are up for debate.

Here are the top 5 cornerbacks in the AFC North for the 2015-16 season.

Honorable Mention:

Adam Jones, Bengals

William Gay, Steelers

Kyle Arrington, Ravens

Cortez Allen, Steelers

Dre Kirkpatrick, Bengals

5. Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals

It appears as though Hall doesn’t have many years left on this list, but for now, he gets the No. 5 spot. Hall is a very physical cornerback who used to be a ball-hawk, but not anymore. He’s only picked off one pass in each of the last two seasons. He did make 67 tackles, however. Hall’s play has definitely suffered a decline, especially as he’s lost a step or two. Despite his recent struggles, he is still a solid corner and quarterbacks still think twice before they test him.

4. Lardarius Webb, Baltimore Ravens

Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb (21) tries for an interception in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Webb is another player who has lost a step, but his is due, in large part, to injuries. He’s torn his ACL and also battled back injuries. At one point, Webb was on his way to becoming one of the league’s best corners, but those injuries derailed that path. He hasn’t been the same player since. If he was ever able to regain that form, the Ravens would be on their way to the Super Bowl. Still, his run-stopping ability gets him on this list.

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3. Tramon Williams, Cleveland Browns

Williams was a major pickup for Cleveland. With Buster Skrine now with the Jets, Williams gives the Browns a viable option to pair with Haden. Williams was a solid player in Green Bay for eight seasons. He has been a very consistent player over the years ,missing just one game in his career. Since 2007, Williams is second to only Darrelle Revis in pass defenses. He should elevate an already talented Browns secondary.

2. Jimmy Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Dec 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Smith is easily one of the most important players for the Ravens in 2015. Baltimore could’ve been in position for another deep playoff run, has Smith not gone down with the foot injury last year. His transition to the NFL was probably a little slower than the Ravens would have liked, but 2015 could be a breakout year. Smith’s physicality and athleticism is his strength and allows him to battle with the bigger receivers. If he can stay healthy, he may emerge as one of the best in the AFC.

AFC North Top 5: Cornerbacks

By Brandon Austin | Jul 21, 2015

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