College Football Best Bets of the Week: Week 9
Walter Waddell
The NFL season is flying by, so it is time to take a step back and evaluate some of the teams from now on to maximize our ability to win in fantasy. Every offseason at FTN, we look at each unit for every NFL team. Now seems like an appropriate time to re-evaluate these rankings.
So far we have focused close to the line of scrimmage, updating the offensive line, defensive line and linebacker rankings. This time we will focus on updating the linebacker groups for each team in the NFL.
Below you’ll find a comprehensive update of every team’s depth chart and performance up to this point. If you want to view the original rankings, check them out here.
An asterisk denotes the player shifts to the slot in nickel sets on defense.
2024 Secondary Unit Rankings
1. Denver Broncos
CB1: Pat Surtain II, CB2: Riley Moss, CB3: Ja’Quan McMillian* FS: Brandon Jones, SS: P.J. Locke
Preseason Rank: 11
There isn’t a secondary in the NFL performing like Denver’s when they are fully healthy. Pat Surtain II missed a game with a concussion but has allowed just 10 receptions on the season. Riley Moss (76.9 PFF grade) has emerged as a solid CB2 with three pass breakups and an interception.
The safety position group has been elevated by the fantastic play of Brandon Jones (89.5 PFF grade). He leads the team in tackles (49) and has three passes defended, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception this season.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the second-lowest success rate against Denver (37.2%).
2. Chicago Bears
CB1: Jaylon Johnson, CB2: Tyrique Stevenson, CB3: Kyler Gordon*, FS: Kevin Byard III, SS: Jaquan Brisker
Preseason Rank: 8
Chicago’s young secondary has taken a major step in 2024 thanks to the stabilizing play of free agent safety Kevin Byard III Byard has a 90.0 PFF grade in his first season in Chicago with a 78.0 run defense grade and 87.4 coverage grade. He and Jaquan Brisker have combined for 79 tackles, five passes defended, two interceptions and a sack this season.
Jaylon Johnson (81.3 PFF grade) has been great again this season, but all three of Chicago’s corners have defended receiver well. Chicago’s top three corners have allowed just 57.8% of passes against them to be caught.
FTN Stat to Know: Chicago ranks second in passing defense DVOA (-19.4%).
3. Seattle Seahawks
CB1: Riq Woolen (INJ), CB2: Devon Witherspoon*, CB3: Tre Brown (INJ), FS: Julian Love, SS: K’Von Wallace
Preseason Rank: 5
Riq Woolen was on his way to having the best season of his career before spraining his ankle and missing two weeks. Woolen (76.9 PFF grade) was allowing a 46.2% completion percentage against with two pass breakups and an interception. Devon Witherspoon isn’t generating as many turnovers as his rookie year but is third on the team in tackles (39) while allowing zero touchdowns on 35 targets.
Julian Love has been stellar in his second season with Seattle. He leads all defensive of Seattle’s defensive players in PFF grade (83.6) while pacing the team in tackles (55), interceptions (2) and passes defended (4).
The faster this group can get Woolen and Tre Brown back, the better it’ll be.
FTN Stat to Know: Seattle’s defense is ninth in contested target rate (13.0%).
4. New York Jets
CB1: Sauce Gardner, CB2: D.J. Reed (INJ), CB3: Michael Carter (INJ)*, FS: Tony Adams, SS: Ashtyn Davis
Preseason Rank: 7
Sauce Gardner (65.8 PFF grade) gets all of the press, but D.J. Reed has arguably been the better cornerback this season. Reed is allowing just 45.8% of the passes against him to be completed this season and leads the team in pass breakups (5).
The Jets have gotten strong play from free safety Tony Adams in coverage (75.9 coverage grade, five pass breakups) and are hoping that Ashtyn Davis (57.6 PFF grade) can serve as an adequate replacement for Chuck Clark after an ankle injury resulted in an IR trip.
If Michael Carter (51.8 coverage grade) can rebound and lock down the slot again, this is a top-three group without question.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the worst success rate against the Jets (35.3%).
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CB1: Zyon McCollum, CB2: Tyrek Funderburk, CB3: Tykee Smith*, FS: Antoine Winfield Jr., SS: Jordan Whitehead
Preseason Rank: 19
Tampa Bay would be in the top two of the secondary rankings if Jamel Dean (73.5 PFF grade) hadn’t landed on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
Even without Dean, this is a formidable group. Zyon McCollum has converted his freak athleticism into fantastic cornerback play this season. McCollum (83.3 PFF grade) has allowed a 48.6% completion rate with six pass breakups and two interceptions. Tykee Smith (74.4 PFF grade) is having an excellent rookie season in the slot.
An injury has limited Antoine Winfield Jr. this season (57.3 PFF grade), but he should improve as he gets healthier. He’s never had a PFF grade below 67.2 in his career while generating 20 pass breakups and eight interceptions.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the 12th-lowest yards per route run against Tampa Bay (6.2).
6. Atlanta Falcons
CB1: A.J. Terrell, CB2: Mike Hughes, CB3: Dee Alford*, FS: Justin Simmons, SS: Jessie Bates III
Preseason Rank: 16
Atlanta’s cornerbacks have allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete passes against them but have done a great job of limiting the damage. A.J. Terrell, Mike Hughes and Dee Alford are all allowing a completion percentage above 69% but have a combined 10 pass breakups while allowing just three touchdowns. They each have 33 or more tackles with a missed tackle rate of 20% or lower.
The safety combination of Justin Simmons and Jessie Bates III has been sound in coverage on the backend of the defense. Both players have a PFF coverage grade above 64.0 while combining for six passes defended and two interceptions.
It wouldn’t be surprising if this group incrementally improved week over week as they got used to playing with each other.
FTN Stat to Know: Atlanta is eighth in contested catch rate this year (47.8%).
7. Philadelphia Eagles
CB1: Darius Slay Jr., CB2: Quinyon Mitchell, CB3: Cooper DeJean*, FS: Reed Blankenship, SS: C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Preseason Rank: 4
The Eagles have been without James Bradberry to start the year, but it hasn’t been noticeable with rookie Quinyon Mitchell making an immediate impact in the secondary. Mitchell is allowing a 54.8% catch rate this season on 31 targets and has six pass breakups with zero touchdowns allowed. Fellow rookie Cooper DeJean has settled in as the starting slot corner and has an 82.1 PFF grade on 102 snaps.
Reed Blankenship has been excellent at safety to start the year, generating two interceptions and playing strong defense in the run game. C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s return to Philadelphia has been a mixed bag. He has four pass breakups this season but has been credited with three touchdowns allowed in coverage.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the 10th-lowest success rate against Philadelphia at 40.6%.
8. Green Bay Packers
CB1: Jaire Alexander, CB2: Keisean Nixon, CB3/S: Javon Bullard*, FS: Evan Williams, SS: Xavier McKinney
Preseason Rank: 14
Green Bay doesn’t have the best cornerbacks, but the group has been serviceable. Jaire Alexander (76.4 PFF grade) and Keisean Nixon (57.6 PFF grade) have combined for five pass breakups and two interceptions but have allowed four touchdowns. Javon Bullard has been moving from safety to slot cornerback in nickel packages due to his tackling ability (78.6 run defense grade).
However, the play of the safety group (specifically Xavier McKinney) has done enough to warrant a top-10 midseason ranking. McKinney has a 90.3 PFF grade and a 90.2 coverage grade thanks to five interceptions to start the season. 2024 fourth-round rookie Evan Williams has an 89.4 PFF grade alongside him, making this the best safety tandem to start the season.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the fifth-lowest adjusted catch rate against Green Bay (87.8%).
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
CB1: Joey Porter Jr., CB2: Donte Jackson, CB3: Beanie Bishop Jr.*, FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick, SS: DeShon Elliott
Preseason Rank: 25
Similar to Green Bay, strong safety play is driving Pittsburgh’s midseason ranking. Both Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott have a PFF grade above 71.0, a coverage grade above 66.0, a run defense grade above 80.0 and a tackling grade above 86.0. They have 98 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, four passes defended and an interception.
The cornerback play has been average to begin the year. Preseason trade acquisition Donte Jackson is allowing a 56.7% catch rate and has three interceptions. The team needs Joey Porter Jr. (54.6 PFF grade) to show growth at some point.
FTN Stat to Know: Pittsburgh has the sixth-highest contested target rate (13.8%).
10. New Orleans Saints
CB1: Marshon Lattimore, CB2: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB3: Alontae Taylor*, FS: Jordan Howden, SS: Tyrann Mathieu
Preseason Rank: 13
Paulson Adebo was having an excellent start to the season (seven pass breakups and three interceptions) before suffering a broken leg. That will put more on 2024 second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry’s plate. The rookie has a 67.6 PFF grade on 152 snaps this year but has allowed a 76.5% catch rate.
The safety duo of Jordan Howden and Tyrann Mathieu have been steady on the backend of the defense. They have combined for 55 tackles, four passes defended and three interceptions this season.
Marshon Lattimore (73.7 PFF grade) remains the best player in this group, but things can get out of hand in a hurry if McKinstry struggles in a bigger role.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the third lowest contested catch rate against the Saints (23.1%).
11. Indianapolis Colts
CB1: Kenny Moore II*, CB2: Jaylon Jones, CB3: Samuel Womack III, FS: Julian Blackmon, SS: Nick Cross
Preseason Rank: 30
Indianapolis lost JuJu Brents 62 snaps into the season but have been able to hold tread water without him. Kenny Moore II (81.1 PFF grade) remains one of the best slot corners in the NFL, but he has given up three touchdowns this year. 2022 fifth-round pick Samuel Womack III has been excellent in his first extended playing time. He has an 83.1 coverage grade and five pass breakups with one touchdown surrendered on 221 snaps.
Nick Cross and Julian Blackmon have complemented each other’s play style well at safety. Cross has been aggressive as a run defender, ranking second on the team in tackles (69). Blackmon has a 65.2 PFF coverage grade with an interception this year.
FTN Stat to Know: The Colts are third in contested catch rate (54.8%).
12. Buffalo Bills
CB1: Rasul Douglas, CB2: Christian Benford, CB3: Taron Johnson*, FS: Taylor Rapp, SS: Damar Hamlin
Preseason Rank: 12
Buffalo has gotten strong play from their cornerback group to start the year. Christian Benford (75.8 PFF grade) is allowing just 51.9% of the passes against him to be completed to start the season. Rasul Douglas is struggling to regain his lockdown form from 2023 but still has a respectable 63.2 coverage grade in 2024.
Buffalo let both their starting safeties walk in free agency. Their replacements have not been as dependable, but they’re playing fine. Taylor Rapp (60.4 PFF grade) and Damar Hamlin (60.5 PFF grade) have combined for 71 tackles, nine pass breakups and two interceptions to start the year.
FTN Stat to Know: Buffalo has the lowest contested target rate this season (5.6%).
13. New England Patriots
CB1: Christian Gonzalez, CB2: Jonathan Jones, CB3: Marcus Jones*, FS: Marte Mapu, SS: Kyle Dugger
Preseason Rank: 9
Christian Gonzalez hasn’t been able to replicate his play from before his 2023 season-ending injury, but he’s also drawing the top receiver each week. Gonzalez has just one interception and has given up two touchdowns on the year. Jonathan Jones (66.5 PFF grade) and Marcus Jones (68.8 PFF grade) are playing good football as well.
New England has rotated between three safeties, often utilizing Kyle Dugger and Marte Mapu as box defenders and subbing in Jaylinn Hawkins (58.9 PFF grade) as the deep safety. Jabrill Peppers (82.9 PFF grade) was playing well enough to elevate this unit before an assault and drug possession charge put him on the commissioner’s exempt list.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the ninth-highest yards per route run against New England (7.1).
14. New York Giants
CB1: Deonte Banks, CB2: Cor’Dale Flott, CB3: Dru Phillips*, FS: Jason Pinnock, SS: Tyler Nubin
Preseason Rank: 27
Second-year cornerback Deonte Banks continues to struggle with consistency. Banks has given up 26 receptions for 371 yards and four touchdowns but leads the team with five pass breakups. Rookie cornerback Andru Phillips has earned a role in the slot. He has an 83.3 PFF grade, 74.4 run defense grade and 81.4 coverage grade on 193 snaps this year.
Rookie safety Tyler Nubin has acclimated quickly to the NFL level. Nubin has a 71.2 PFF grade and leads the team in tackles (48) with a 4.2% missed tackle rate. He was a big-time ball hawk in college and could take this secondary to the next level if he can start providing that in New York.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the 12th-highest success rate against the Giants (45.0%).
15. Detroit Lions
CB1: Carlton Davis, CB2: Terrion Arnold, CB3: Amik Robertson*, FS: Brian Branch, SS: Kerby Joseph
Preseason Rank: 23
Detroit has invested a lot into their secondary over the last few seasons. It has worked out great at safety but has been a work in progress with the cornerbacks.
All three of Detroit’s corners are allowing a 62% catch rate or higher this season. Rookie Terrion Arnold needs to acclimate to the NFL quicker with a 49.7 PFF grade on 368 snaps.
The strength of this defense is the safety position. Both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have a PFF grade above 86.0, a run defense grade above 79.0, and a coverage grade above 85.0. The duo have combined for 55 tackles, three tackles for loss, 16 passes defended and eight interceptions to start the season.
FTN Stat to Know: Detroit has the seventh-best tight coverage rate this season (27.8%).
16. Minnesota Vikings
CB1: Stephon Gilmore, CB2: Byron Murphy Jr., CB3: Josh Metellus*, FS: Camryn Bynum, SS: Harrison Smith
Preseason Rank: 26
Stephon Gilmore has provided a steady outside presence at cornerback this season. He leads the position group with a 67.1 PFF grade with two pass breakups, an interception and a touchdown surrendered. Minnesota has gotten excellent play from Josh Metellus in his hybrid safety/slot corner role in 2024. He leads the defense with a 78.0 PFF grade, a 92.1 run defense grade and a 90.2 tackling grade.
Camryn Bynum and Harrison Smith have done great generating turnovers this year in Brian Flores’ chaotic defense. The duo have combined for four pass breakups and three interceptions.
FTN Stat to Know: Minnesota is first in defensive DVOA this season (-30.4%).
17. Kansas City Chiefs
CB1: Trent McDuffie, CB2: Jaylen Watson, CB3: Chamarri Conner*, FS: Bryan Cook, SS: Justin Reid
Preseason Rank: 17
Trent McDuffie has done an excellent job stepping in as the team’s top cornerback after the trade of L’Jarius Sneed. McDuffie has a 75.1 PFF grade, 78.1 run defense grade and 71.7 coverage grade. He hasn’t allowed a touchdown on 26 targets. Chamarri Conner (69.4 PFF grade) has been excellent in the slot. Kansas City will need Nazeeh Johnson or Joshua Williams to step up after Jaylen Watson’s broken leg.
Safeties Bryan Cook and Justin Reid have been inconsistent in coverage but are steady producers in run defense. Each player has a run defense grade above 74.0 this season.
FTN Stat to Know: Kansas City has the second-lowest contested target rate in 2024 (9.1%).
18. Houston Texans
CB1: Derek Stingley Jr., CB2: D’Angelo Ross, CB3/S: Jalen Pitre*, FS: Calen Bullock, SS: Jimmie Ward (INJ)
Preseason Rank: 20
Derek Stingley Jr. is allowing a 57.9% catch rate on 38 targets to start the year with four pass breakups and an interception. He hasn’t generated as many turnovers as in 2023 but is still playing high-quality football. Kamari Lassiter was playing excellent football (37.5% completion rate against) before suffering an injury.
Houston has resorted to using Jalen Pitre in a hybrid safety/slot role given his strength in the run game (81.9 PFF grade). Pitre has done well in the role, generating four pass breakups and allowing just two touchdowns.
The safety group will be fortified once Jimmie Ward can return from his groin injury. Rookie Calen Bullock has been strong in run defense (73.2 run defense grade) but needs help in coverage (45.4 coverage grade).
FTN Stat to Know: Houston is allowing the third-fewest yards per route run (5.7).
19. Dallas Cowboys
CB1: Trevon Diggs, CB2: DaRon Bland (INJ), CB3: Jourdan Lewis*, FS: Donovan Wilson, SS: Malik Hooker
Preseason Rank: 3
We haven’t seen the Cowboys’ secondary at full strength yet this season, but DaRon Bland is close to returning. He will take pressure off Trevon Diggs (51.4 PFF grade), who has struggled in coverage since returning from his 2023 ACL injury. Both Malik Hooker (54.4 PFF grade) and Donovan Wilson (59.7 PFF grade) have struggled with consistency this year. They’ve each allowed two touchdown receptions and have a missed tackle rate above 17%.
FTN Stat to Know: Dallas is allowing the sixth-most yards per route run this season (7.3).
20. Los Angeles Chargers
CB1: Kristian Fulton, CB2: Cam Hart, CB3: Ja’Sir Taylor*, FS: Alohi Gilman, SS: Derwin James Jr.
Preseason Rank: 18
Kristian Fulton is making the most of his fresh start with the Chargers. Fulton has an 80.3 coverage grade and is allowing a 53.3% catch rate against this year. The team is also getting strong play from slot corner Ja’Sir Taylor (71.7 PFF grade) in both coverage and run defense.
The Chargers’ safety tandem is having a hard time matching their success from 2023. Neither player has a PFF grade above 59.0. The Chargers have been using Elijah Molden at safety to replace Alohi Gilman (39.4 PFF grade). Molden has two interceptions on 146 coverage snaps this year.
FTN Stat to Know: The Chargers have the sixth-lowest contested target rate (9.6%).
21. Miami Dolphins
CB1: Jalen Ramsey, CB2: Kendall Fuller, CB3: Kader Kohou*, FS: Jevon Holland (INJ), SS: Jordan Poyer
Preseason Rank: 1
This group is too talented to be ranked this low. However, they haven’t been tested due to how bad the team’s offense has been this season. Jalen Ramsey (77.6 PFF grade) has allowed just 10 receptions for 84 yards but has just one pass breakup. Kendall Fuller is allowing a 50% catch rate with three pass breakups. Teams are consistently targeting Kader Kohou (24 targets) and largely succeeding (14 receptions for 128 yards).
Jevon Holland (60.9 PFF grade) has been stellar in run defense but is trying to navigate playing with a hand cast after suffering an injury. Jordan Poyer has been a massive disappointment (39.7 PFF grade), leading the team to lean more on Marcus Maye (70.6 PFF grade) as the season goes on.
FTN Stat to Know: Miami ranks 13th in pass defense DVOA (5.1%) but 25th in defensive DVOA (6.7%).
22. Carolina Panthers
CB1: Jaycee Horn, CB2: Michael Jackson, CB3: Chau Smith-Wade*, FS: Nick Scott, SS: Xavier Woods
Preseason Rank: 15
Jaycee Horn continues to provide strong play when he’s on the field. Horn has allowed a 46.7% catch rate on 30 targets while generating six pass breakups and an interception. He has allowed three touchdowns this year, so there is still room for growth. Carolina released their second-best corner, slot man Troy Hill (63.2 PFF grade). His replacement, Chau Smith-Wade, has a 30.1 coverage grade on 73 snaps.
Xavier Woods (73.5 run defense grade) has been strong coming upfield in the run game, leading the team with 51 tackles.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the fourth-highest success rate against Carolina (48.5%).
23. Tennessee Titans
CB1: L’Jarius Sneed (INJ), CB2: Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB3: Roger McCreary*, FS: Quandre Diggs, SS: Amani Hooker
Preseason Rank: 21
The Titans gave up a lot to acquire L’Jarius Sneed this offseason. The results have been underwhelming.
Sneed has a 36.3 PFF grade and a 36.8 coverage grade in five games (he’s missed one with an injury). He’s allowed just nine receptions but is giving up 11.9 yards per reception with a touchdown surrendered. He also has a 22.2% missed tackle rate. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (67.7 PFF grade) has done well in relief for Chidobe Awuzie, allowing a 57.1% completion percentage.
Quandre Diggs (68.7 PFF grade) has been solid at safety with a 6.3% missed tackle rate. This group needs Sneed to remember his role as a lockdown corner to climb this ranking.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the fourth-fewest contested targets against Tennessee (19).
24. Baltimore Ravens
CB1: Marlon Humphrey*, CB2: Nate Wiggins, CB3: Brandon Stephens, FS: Marcus Williams, SS: Kyle Hamilton
Preseason Rank: 6
Marlon Humphrey (four pass breakups and four interceptions) remains a stellar corner whether he is playing outside or in the slot. He’s given up an uncharacteristic three passing touchdowns, but still has an 85.1 coverage grade this season. Nate Wiggins has had bright spots in his first season. He’s allowing just a 52% catch rate with for pass breakups on 179 coverage snaps.
Baltimore’s safeties haven’t met expectations this year, but in their defense, the expectations were exceptionally high. Kyle Hamilton (76.5 PFF grade) is having another strong season rotating between being a box defender (187 snaps), slot defender (156 snaps) and free safety (70 snaps). The tandem of Eddie Jackson (45.4 PFF grade) and Marcus Williams (48.9 PFF grade) have been a liability on the back end of the defense.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the eighth-highest success rate against Baltimore (46.5%).
25. San Francisco 49ers
CB1: Deommodore Lenoir*, CB2: Charvarius Ward, CB3: Isaac Yiadom, FS: Ji’Ayir Brown, SS: Malik Mustapha
Preseason Rank: 2
All three of San Francisco’s cornerbacks have allowed a 63% or lower completion percentage this year on at least 22 targets in their direction. The group has surrendered just two touchdowns but generated 10 pass breakups collectively. The flaw with this group has been the subpar play at safety.
Both Ji’Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha have a PFF grade below 58.0 and a coverage grade below 58.0. Mustapha has been a solid run defender but needs to clean up his technique thanks to a 21.9% missed tackle rate. The team hoped that Talanoa Hufanga would be back after his 2023 ACL injury, but he made it just 64 snaps before landing on the IR with an ankle injury.
FTN Stat to Know: San Francisco is fifth in tight coverage rate (28.3%).
26. Cleveland Browns
CB1: Denzel Ward, CB2: Martin Emerson Jr., CB3: Greg Newsome II, FS: Juan Thornhill, SS: Grant Delpit
Preseason Rank: 10
Cleveland’s normally strong secondary has had a slow start to 2024 thanks to nagging injuries. Denzel Ward has been fantastic in coverage (44.4% completion rate against 11 pass breakups) but has been on the field for just 296 snaps. Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson Jr. have been very inconsistent in coverage, allowing nearly 600 receiving yards and six touchdowns on just 41 receptions.
The Browns will hope that getting Juan Thornhill (76.4 PFF grade on 87 snaps) back will provide help on the backend for Grant Delpit Delpit (63.3 PFF grade) has developed into a strong two-way safety after coming into the NFL as a run-first defender.
FTN Stat to Know: Cleveland has the second-worst tight coverage rate in 2024 (33.2%).
27. Cincinnati Bengals
CB1: Cam Taylor-Britt, CB2: DJ Turner II, CB3: Mike Hilton*, FS: Geno Stone (INJ), SS: Vonn Bell
Preseason Rank: 24
Cincinnati finally found a home for Dax Hill at cornerback before an injury forced him to the injured reserve. His replacement (DJ Turner II) has played equally well, allowing a 50% completion percentage on 24 targets. Unfortunately, that isn’t enough to offset the struggles of Cam Taylor-Britt (23 receptions for 355 yards and four touchdowns against) and Mike Hilton (73.1% completion percentage against).
Geno Stone’s first season with Cincinnati has been forgettable. He has a 46.0 PFF grade while allowing a 76.2% completion percentage and two touchdowns on 16 receptions. Cincinnati desperately needs him to play better to justify his signing.
FTN Stat to Know: Cincinnati is allowing the fewest yards per route run (5.0).
28. Washington Commanders
CB1: Mike Sainristil, CB2: Benjamin St-Juste, CB3: Noah Igbinoghene*, FS: Quan Martin, SS: Jeremy Chinn
Preseason Rank: 32
Mike Sainristil (5-foot-10, 182 pounds) was seen as a slot-only player entering the NFL, but he’s made a successful transition to being an outside corner. He’s allowing a 75% completion percentage, but allowing 9.8 yards per reception but has an excellent 5.4% missed tackle rate. Benjamin St-Juste remains an all-or-nothing option at corner, generating seven pass breakups while surrendering three touchdowns on 231 coverage snaps.
Quan Martin and Jeremy Chinn leave a lot to be desired in coverage but are excellent run defenders. Chinn has been at his best being used as a versatile defensive piece, logging 151 box snaps, 108 free safety snaps, 77 slot corner snaps and 29 snaps on the edge.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the second-highest success rate against Washington (49.5%).
29. Arizona Cardinals
CB1: Sean Murphy-Bunting, CB2: Starling Thomas V, CB3: Garrett Williams*, FS: Budda Baker, SS: Jalen Thompson
Preseason Rank: 29
Arizona has gotten solid play from Starling Thomas V (62.4 PFF grade) and slot man Garrett Williams (72.8 coverage grade) this season. Both players have allowed a completion percentage under 58% while seeing 21 and 26 targets respectively. They’ve combined to generate four pass breakups but have allowed three touchdowns.
Budda Baker continues to provide strong, two-way safety play while moving all over the defense. Baker has a 69.3 PFF grade while rotating between the deep safety (212 snaps), the box (170 snaps) and the slot (57 snaps).
This group has a lot of interesting pieces but has struggled to consistently stop opposing wide receivers this season.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the highest success rate against Arizona (55.8%).
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
CB1: Ronald Darby, CB2: Tyson Campbell, CB3: Jarrian Jones*, FS: Andre Cisco, SS: Darnell Savage
Preseason Rank: 28
Jacksonville will hope that the return of Tyson Campbell (99 snaps) will provide some stability at cornerback. Jarrian Jones has played well as the team’s slot corner with a 64.3 coverage grade and 87.9 run defense grade on 201 snaps.
Darnell Savage was signed to bring a veteran presence to the secondary, but he’s been a disappointment in his first season. Savage has been limited to 193 snaps and has a 48.0 PFF grade. The safety duo of Antonio Johnson and Andre Cisco have allowed 419 yards and three touchdowns with just one interception.
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the seventh-highest open reception rate against Jacksonville (37.9%).
31. Las Vegas Raiders
CB1: Jack Jones, CB2: Jakorian Bennett, CB3: Nate Hobbs*, FS: Tre’von Moehrig, SS: Isaiah Pola-Mao
Preseason Rank: 31
Las Vegas has been unable to repeat their strong 2023 season on defense. Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs have each allowed over 64% of the passes against them to be completed for 388 yards and five touchdowns. Jakorian Bennett has been much better in coverage (37% completion rate against) but has missed 41.2% of his tackles.
The lone bright spot on this defense has been the play of 2022 UDFA Isaiah Pola-Mao. The third-year player has a 68.8 PFF grade and a 69.9 coverage grade. Tre’von Moehrig remains one of the better run stoppers at safety (77.6 run defense grade).
FTN Stat to Know: Wide receivers have the lowest contested target rate against Las Vegas (13.0%).
32. Los Angeles Rams
CB1: Darious Williams, CB2: Cobie Durant, CB3: Josh Wallace*, FS: Quentin Lake, SS: Kamren Curl
Preseason Rank: 22
Injuries have depleted the Rams at cornerback. Only one of their corners (Cobie Durant) has played more than 300 of a possible 396 snaps. Their second-highest snap earner (Tre’Davious White) has given up 151 yards and four touchdowns on nine receptions.
Things aren’t much better at safety. Both Kamren Curl (57.8 PFF grade) and Quentin Lake (60.8 PFF grade) have been liabilities in coverage this season.
FTN Stat to Know: The Rams are 28th in defensive DVOA this season (9.8%).
