Top 10 Cornerbacks of All Time

Often shouldering the toughest defensive assignment on the pitch, the Cornerback position greatly influences the overall success of the team's defensive strategy. Not only are they synonymous with great footwork and phenomenal alertness, a good cornerback dictates the defensive scheme. From reading the timing of receivers and legally jamming them, to dissecting the overall passing strategy of the offensive line, their skill is hard to find and tough to match.

Popularly known to function 'on an island', cornerbacks often start off on a disadvantage against the wide receivers. Not knowing where the ball is headed, they always think two steps ahead. Rightly so, most good cornerbacks are lightning quick and shorter in stature.

Here's me ranking my Top 10 to ever play this crucial and lucrative position.

Honorable Mentions

Lester Hayes

Lester 'Bad Boy' Hayes - one of the greatest shutdown corners of all time is a notable absentee in my Top 10 list. Historically underrated, this Oakland Raider took home the 1980 AP Defensive Player of the Year award for his record setting 13 interceptions that year. Famously known to cover himself with stickum from head to toe, the NFL in 1981 installed the 'Lester Hayes Rule' - which banned the usage of stickum. Master of the bump-and-run, Lester Hayes' impressive resume reads four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances between 1981-84.

Dick LeBeau

Tennessee Titans vÂ Arizona Cardinals — Setting the defense right for the Tennessee Titans (Defensive Coordinator)

The legendary defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans is still regarded as one of the greatest ballhawks to ever play the sport. Known to wreak havoc and force turnovers, he was popularly called as the 'Iron Man' of NFL by teammates and peers alike. He teamed up with fellow Hall of Famers - Yale Lary and Lem Barney to form one of the greatest secondary units of all time in Detroit. He, unfortunately, won't return as the defensive coordinator for the Titans this year, which would be a major blow to the team.

#10 Ty Law

One of the greatest Patriots of all time, Ty Law was just as dominant on the NFL pitch as he was on the early Madden games! His 15-year career was filled with clutch interceptions and terrorizing the defense. None bigger than his interception against the St. Louis Rams in the Super Bowl. He was the fulcrum, which helped the Patriots establish their early 2000s dynasty. With two Super Bowl rings and 53 regular season interceptions, Ty was quite possibly the shrewdest customer on the football field.

#9 Mike Haynes

Ask the New England Patriots, one signing they'd revisit - they would instantly mention the sending of Mike to the Los Angeles Raiders in the 1983 settlement. Hall of Famer, Defensive Rookie of the Year (1976) and a Super Bowl Champion, Mike Haynes was the complete package. At the Raiders, he teamed up with another great in Lester Hayes to form the greatest cornerback pair in NFL history. Dynamic, quick and shrewd - he made an impressive 9 Pro Bowl appearances in his 14-year career.

#8 Ronnie Lott

Indianapolis Colts v Los Angeles Raiders

While he played safety during his latter spell, he did line up at left cornerback during his initial NFL years. Obviously versatile, Ronnie's bone-jarring hits at safety still sends shivers to many. He took immense pride in being the lead enforcer, often singled out as the game's standout performer throughout his career. With 108 tackles, four interceptions and one sack, his incredible performance in the 1983 season continues to be studied on film even today.

#7 Herb Adderley

Green Bay Packers vs Dallas Cowboys, 1967 NFL Championship

Herb Adderley had a huge role to play in establishing Vince Lombardi's football dynasty, winning a total of 6 Super Bowls and five with the Trophy himself! Rightly regarded as the greatest Green Bay Packer to ever step onto the field, Herb was a supreme defensive presence. His physical play and razor-sharp quickness often proved to be a handful for the opposition's offense. His pass coverage and overall game IQ was unanimously revered.

#6 Darrell Green

Widely regarded as one of the fastest players to ever step on a gridiron, Darrell Green was possibly one of the greatest shutdown cornerbacks to ever play the game of football. His incredible speed and astute play meant minimum breathing room for the receivers. Having worn the Redskins uniform throughout his 20 season long career, he is one of the few loyal faces in NFL history. With 54 career interceptions and 1,163 tackles, his tape is a delight to watch.

#5 Darrelle Revis

NFL International Fixture: New York Jets v Miami Dolphins

An unwritten rule amongst most quarterbacks - 'refrain from throwing the ball anywhere near Revis', is quite possibly the greatest testament towards the New York Jets and New England Patriot cornerback! His 29 career interceptions say little about his defensive dominance, often pulling out the greatest shutdown corners in crucial moments. With a defensive play named after him (Revis Island), he sure rates among the greatest to ever play the position.

#4 Mel Blount

New Orleans Saints v Pittsburgh Steelers

Nicknamed 'The Iron Curtain', Mel Blount was the first cornerback to ever win the Defensive Player of the Year award. A Pittsburgh Steelers legend, his dominance famously led the league to coin the 'Mel Blount Rule', which no longer allowed defensive backs to draw contact with receivers past five yards. Such was his dominance, the Steelers shut out five opponents in a nine-game span in 1976! His legendary partnership with Terry Bradshaw led to the Steelers capturing four Super Bowls in the 70s.

#3 Rod Woodson

Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints

Another Pittsburgh Steeler great, Rod Woodson was truly a game-changing talent. His 71 career interceptions rank third all-time, while his 1,483 interception return yards and 12 returned touchdowns both rank first in NFL history. Nowhere related to another all-time great in Charles Woodson, Rod ranks better than most due to his overall defensive sensibilities. His defensive acumen continues to be unmatched, making him a leader on any uniform he wore.

#2 Richard Sherman

Over the past decade, Richard Sherman has been elite on every defensive count - earning himself the praise of an all-time great. He had a huge role to play in Seattle Seahawk's decimation of the Denver Broncos 43-8, lifting the Super Bowl XLVIII in all its glory. Only recently released by the Seahawks, Sherman will surely bolster the San Francisco 49ers' defensive capabilities when he joins them. With a feature in the 'Legion of Boom', widely regarded as the greatest NFL defenses in NFL history - Richard Sherman richly deserves the accolades that come his way.

#1 Deion Sanders

Cowboys Deion Sanders — Cowboys' Deion Sanders

No cornerback list is complete without mentioning 'Primetime' and his GOAT defense. Electric speed, natural talent and unparalleled hunger is a brief description of the legend that is Deion Sanders. His tapes include the greatest staredowns in NFL history, showing the opposition offense their rightful place! With two Super Bowl Championships and 53 career interceptions, he truly revolutionized the position and changed the game.

Edited by Kishan Prasad