With free agency approaching as the 2016 NFL offseason kicks into full gear, we’re taking a look at how top-tier impending free agents rank at some of the hottest positions. This time, we break down the cornerbacks.
1. Sean Smith, Kansas City Chiefs: The 28-year-old isn’t a big playmaker but is superb in coverage and would be a No. 1 cover man in most cities.
2. Janoris Jenkins, Los Angeles Rams: The 27-year-old isn’t perfect in coverage but he has a knack for making big plays. He probably has a higher ceiling than anyone else on this list.
3. Patrick Robinson, San Diego Chargers: The 28-year-old former first-round pick really excelled in coverage during his first year in San Diego and should be viewed as a solid No. 2 corner in his prime.
4. Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals: The 31-year-old edges out teammate Adam Jones because he’s a little younger and coming off a stronger year in coverage.
5. Adam Jones, Cincinnati Bengals: However, it was Jones — not Hall — who wound up in the Pro Bowl. The 32-year-old really has his life together these days and is coming off his third straight three-interception season.
6. Prince Amukamara, New York Giants: Can he stay healthy? If so, the 26-year-old former first-round pick could flourish in a new setting.
7. Casey Hayward, Green Bay Packers: The 26-year-old was held without an interception in 2015 and lacked consistency in coverage. But with his slot skills, he’d be a great nickel corner anywhere.
8. Jeremy Lane, Seattle Seahawks: The 25-year-old has started just five games in four years but has big-game experience and had some great mentors in Seattle. He’s coming off a season in which he intercepted two passes despite being targeted only 28 times. Could be a nice bargain signing as a No. 3 corner.
