NFL Secondary Rankings 2023

FTN’s positional rankings keep on rolling as we enter the midpoint of the NFL season. So far, the FTN team has broken down offensive line ranks, defensive line ranks, pass catching units, backfields and linebacking groups. This week, we will be looking at all of the secondaries in the NFL and ranking them at the midseason point.

We had some fantastic performances in the secondary last season and an infusion of young talent coming into the league with five cornerbacks coming off the board in the first 32 picks of the 2023 NFL draft. This article will also feature an FTN stat to know for each team, pulled directly from our own FTN Advanced Data page. Subscribe and check it out to see how every team fared across the league.

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1. Atlanta Falcons (Preseason Rank: 20)

A.J. Terrell (CB1), Jeff Okudah (CB2), Dee Alford (CB3) Jessie Bates (FS), Richie Grant (SS)

It didn’t take long for Jessie Bates to completely transform the Falcons secondary. Bates is PFF’s top-ranked safety to start the year with a PFF grade of 91.2. The free agent acquisition has already racked up 29 tackles, one pass breakup and three interceptions to start the season. His range on the back end of the defense has allowed A.J. Terrell (65.9 PFF grade), Jeff Okudah (71.2 PFF grade), and Dee Alford (79.5 PFF grade) to play more aggressively in coverage and has given the team an incentive to utilize man coverage more than any other team this season.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Falcons lead the NFL in man coverage percentage in 2023 (65.5%).

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (Preseason Rank: 27)

Tyson Campbell (CB1), Darious Williams (CB2) Tre Herndon (CB3), Andre Cisco (FS), Rayshawn Jenkins (SS)

The Jaguars secondary has transformed into one of the best coverage groups in the NFL this season. The cornerback trio of Tyson Campbell, Darious Williams (PFF’s fourth-ranked cornerback) and Tre Herndon each have a PFF coverage grade above 69.0 this season. The collective group has generated 13 pass breakups and four interceptions on the season. Andre Cisco has flourished with a bigger role on the backend of the defense. The veteran free safety has already racked up 27 tackles and three interceptions to begin the season.

FTN Data Stat to Know: Jacksonville is allowing a 0.7% touchdown rate when in zone coverage this season.

3. San Francisco 49ers (Preseason Rank: 10)

Charvarius Ward (CB1), Deommodore Lenoir (CB2), Isaiah Oliver (CB3), Tashaun Gipson (FS), Talanoa Hufanga (SS)

The San Francisco 49ers don’t have any “studs” in their secondary, but instead, they have five players who all do their job extremely well and have almost no weaknesses. All of San Francisco’s starting secondary have PFF grades above 64.0 while collectively allowing two touchdowns as a group. Talanoa Hufanga remains the unsung hero of the defense, racking up 20 tackles and two interceptions through the first six games of the season.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The 49ers are allowing the lowest adjusted net yards per attempt in man defense in 2023 (3.35).

4. Baltimore Ravens (Preseason Rank: 2)

Marlon Humphrey (CB1), Brandon Stephens (CB2), Arthur Maulet (CB3), Marcus Williams (FS), Kyle Hamilton (SS)

The Ravens have been forced to get creative to start the season after having Marcus Williams for just 124 snaps. Additionally, the Ravens have had to play six different cornerbacks for at least 82 snaps as they navigate injuries throughout their secondary. The fact that the team ranks this high is a testament to their depth. Seven different members of the secondary have registered at least one pass breakup, while the group has only been credited with two touchdowns against. Kyle Hamilton remains one of the most dangerous defensive chess pieces in the NFL, lining up as a deep safety for 137 plays, a slot corner for 122 plays and a box defender for 104 plays. He’s logged a 73.7 PFF grade and is fourth on the team in tackles (19).

FTN Data Stat to Know: Baltimore is allowing the third-lowest completion percentage against zone in 2023 (63.6%).

5. Kansas City Chiefs (Preseason Rank: 18)

L’Jarius Sneed (CB1), Joshua Williams (CB2), Trent McDuffie (CB3), Bryan Cook (FS), Justin Reid (SS)

Trent McDuffie has found a home as the Chiefs primary slot cornerback. McDuffie ranks as PFF’s top overall cornerback (84.9 PFF grade) by accruing 24 tackles, four pressures and just 8.1 yards per pass attempt this season. Kansas City can climb these ranks if their starting safeties become more secure tacklers. Both Justin Reid and Bryan Cook have missed over 20% of their tackle attempts to begin the season.

FTN Data Stat to Know: Kansas City has the seventh-highest man coverage rate in 2023 (56.9%).

6. Las Vegas Raiders (Preseason Rank: 30)

Marcus Peters (CB1), Amik Robertson (CB2), Nate Hobbs (CB3), Marcus Epps (FS), Tre’von Moehrig (SS)

The Raiders have gotten excellent play out of their secondary, which is impressive considering the underwhelming production from their defensive line (aside from Maxx Crosby) to start the year. Marcus Peters remains a solid coverage corner, posting a 67.4 PFF grade with three pass breakups and just one touchdown surrendered on 30 targets. The real story of this group is the stellar play of Tre’Von Moehrig and Marcus Epps at safety. Moehrig is PFF’s 17th-rated safety to begin the season, collecting the third-most tackles on the team (25) while forcing two pass breakups and two interceptions.

FTN Data Stat to Know: Las Vegas is allowing the sixth-fewest adjusted net yards per pass attempt while in zone defense (3.86).

7. Seattle Seahawks (Preseason Rank: 7)

Riq Woolen (CB1), Michael Jackson (CB2), Devon Witherspoon (CB3), Quandre Diggs (FS), Jamal Adams (SS)

The Seahawks secondary has played about as well as expected given how much the team has invested into it. Second-year cornerback Riq Woolen hasn’t been nearly as productive as he was in his rookie season, allowing a 120.0 passer rating on 137 coverage snaps this season. He has just two pass breakups this season. The team has gotten excellent play from rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon in the slot this year. Witherspoon is PFF’s second-ranked cornerback (84.4 PFF grade). He’s allowed a paltry 51.9% completion percentage against and has five pass breakups with an interception. The team will hope that what they have seen from Jamal Adams’ return (78.4 PFF grade on 55 snaps) is sustainable to shore up the back end of their defense.

FTN Data Stat to Know: Quarterbacks have the third-lowest throw accuracy against Seattle in zone defense (86.4%).

8. Buffalo Bills (Preseason Rank: 17)

Christian Benford (CB1), Dane Jackson (CB2), Taron Johnson (CB3), Micah Hyde (FS), Jordan Poyer (SS)

The loss of Tre’Davious White to a season-ending injury cannot be understated. The veteran cornerback was allowing a passer rating of 80.6 against to start the season, which was the lowest of any of the Bills defensive backs. The team will need Christian Benford (62.9 PFF grade), Dane Jackson (65.0 PFF grade) and Taron Johnson (78.3 PFF grade) to step up in a big way. That’s especially true now that former first-round pick Kaiir Elam is trending toward bust status (76.9% completion percentage against). Micah Hyde remains one of the best safeties in the NFL this season (two interceptions on 224 coverage snaps), but Jordan Poyer has struggled at times.

FTN Data Stat to Know: Quarterbacks have the third-worst passer rating against Buffalo’s zone defense this season (66.9).

9. Green Bay Packers (Preseason Rank: 19)

Jaire Alexander (CB1), Rasul Douglas (CB2) Keisean Nixon (CB3), Darnell Savage (FS), Rudy Ford (SS)

Eric Stokes’ injury recovery forced the Packers to move Rasul Douglas back out into the boundary to start the season. It is hard to imagine that Stokes will get his job back given how well Douglas has played in his natural position. The veteran is PFF’s third-ranked corner to start the season (83.7 grade) and has allowed just 15 receptions on 25 targets to start the year. He’s also generated a team-leading five pass breakups and an interception to start the year. The team also has to be pleased with Rudy Ford’s play in an expanded role on defense. Ford leads the team in interceptions (2) and is second on the team in tackles (31) through five games.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Packers have played the third-most zone coverage in 2023 (71.7%).

10. Houston Texans (Preseason Rank: 23)

Shaquill Griffin (CB1), Steven Nelson (CB2), Jimmie Ward (CB3), M.J. Stewart (FS), Jalen Pitre (SS)

The Texans have been forced to get creative on defense thanks to a hamstring injury that landed second-year cornerback Derek Stingley on the injured reserve. Thankfully, the team has gotten strong play from outside cornerback Steven Nelson (78.9 PFF grade and three interceptions). Jimmie Ward has taken well to playing primarily as a slot corner (72.1 PFF coverage grade). The safety tandem of Jalen Pitre (18 tackles) and M.J. Stewart (69.2 completion percentage allowed) gel on the back end.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Texans have allowed a touchdown on just 0.7% of their zone coverage snaps.

11. Minnesota Vikings (Preseason Rank: 31)

Byron Murphy Jr. (CB1), Akayleb Evans (CB2), Josh Metellus (CB3), Camryn Bynum (FS), Harrison Smith (SS)

The Vikings’ success on defense this season has been driven by the play of three safeties. The trio of Camryn Bynum (11), Josh Metellus (16) and Harrison Smith (24) all find themselves within PFF’s top-25 safeties at the start of 2023. Bynum leads the team in tackles (45) from his free safety position while Metellus has thrived as the team’s primary slot defender this season. The veteran is third on the team in tackles (31) while generating 10 pressures and one sack to start the season. Smith is as rangy as ever despite his age. That has helped mask just average play from cornerbacks Akayleb Evans (two touchdowns surrendered on 25 targets) and Byron Murphy Jr. (three touchdowns surrendered on 37 targets) to start the year.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Vikings are tied for the worst touchdown rate when in man coverage (11.5%).

12. Cleveland Browns (Preseason Rank: 6)

Denzel Ward (CB1), Greg Newsome (CB2), Martin Emerson (CB3), Juan Thornhill (FS), Grant Delpit (SS)

The Browns secondary is overshadowed by the team’s stellar pass rush, but they have been very good to start the season. All three of Cleveland’s cornerbacks have allowed fewer than 61% of the opposing quarterback’s passes to be completed against them this season. The Browns are also starting to see Grant Delpit develop into an all-around threat to safety. The veteran leads the team in tackles (23) and has a 76.7 coverage rate thanks to one pass breakup and an interception in 2023.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Browns have the second-best adjusted net yards per attempt when in man coverage this season (4.52).

13. Miami Dolphins (Preseason Rank: 9)

Xavien Howard (CB1), Eli Apple (CB2), Kader Kohou (CB3), Jevon Holland (FS), DeShon Elliott (SS)

The Dolphins have gotten by without Jalen Ramsey to start the season but figure to see a huge boost from the shutdown cornerback when he’s back in shape. He’s over a month ahead of schedule on his recovery and should bolster the secondary shortly. He will return to a secondary that has seen Jevon Holland ascend into one of the best safeties in the NFL in 2023. Holland leads the Dolphins in tackles (37) and has three pass breakups to start the season. He was PFF’s second-rated safety through six weeks of the NFL season (90.9 grade).

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Dolphins are third in man coverage rate to start the season (62.7%).

14. Los Angeles Chargers (Preseason Rank: 22)

Asante Samuel (CB1), Michael Davis (CB2), Ja’Sir Taylor (CB3), Alohi Gilman (FS), Derwin James (SS)

The J.C. Jackson experiment was a total failure for the Chargers, which led them to move him back to the Patriots to give their other corners a chance to succeed. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be working well outside of Asante Samuel either. Samuel has a 78.8 PFF grade to start the season and has generated three pass breakups and an interception while not allowing a touchdown. Unfortunately, the team’s other two cornerbacks have PFF grades under 45.0 and have given up over 12.0 yards per reception this season.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Chargers are allowing the sixth-most adjusted net yards per attempt in zone defense this season (6.78).

15. Detroit Lions (Preseason Rank: 11)

Cameron Sutton (CB1), Jerry Jacobs (CB2), Brian Branch (CB3), Tracy Walker (FS), Kerby Joseph (SS)

The Lions worked to overhaul their secondary this offseason, signing Cameron Sutton and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency and drafting Brian Branch in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Gardner-Johnson suffered a torn pectoral muscle after 134 snaps, which had led the defense to scramble. Cameron Sutton has been great to start the season, allowing a 65.5% completion percentage against. The team also had to love what they saw from Branch before an injury forced him to miss Weeks 5 and 6. Branch is PFF’s ninth-rated cornerback (79.7 grade) and racked up 23 tackles, three pass breakups and an interception on his first 147 coverage snaps.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Lions are allowing the fourth-lowest completion percentage against man coverage in 2023 (51.9%).

16. New York Jets (Preseason Rank: 4)

Sauce Gardner (CB1), D.J. Reed (CB2), Michael Carter (CB3), Tony Adams (FS), Jordan Whitehead (SS)

The Jets secondary suffered a big loss before the season even started when trade acquisition Chuck Clark was lost for the season. Sauce Gardner has followed up his otherworldly rookie campaign with a solid second season, although he’s yet to collect an interception and is allowing a 105.7 passer rating against. Gardner (76.0 PFF grade) and D.J. Reed (77.2 PFF grade) still make up one of the better cornerback tandems in the NFL. The team is getting excellent play from safety Jordan Whitehead (25 tackles and three interceptions), but needs somebody to emerge alongside him to truly hit their stride.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Jets are allowing the third-lowest deep play completion percentage while in man coverage (15.4%).

17. Carolina Panthers (Preseason Rank: 29)

CJ Henderson (CB1), Donte Jackson (CB2), Troy Hill (CB3), Xavier Woods (FS), Vonn Bell (SS)

Unfortunately for the Panthers, Jaycee Horn’s injury issues have continued into the 2023 season. Horn made it just 19 plays before suffering a hamstring injury that has kept him out since Week 1. The rest of the secondary hasn’t been anything special to start the season except for free safety Xavier Woods, who has been limited to just 127 snaps himself. Only slot cornerback Troy Hill (who is filling in for injured Jeremy Chinn) has a PFF coverage grade above 56.0 through Week 6.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Panthers are allowing the second-most adjusted net yards per passing attempt when in man coverage (9.13).

18. Philadelphia Eagles (Preseason Rank: 3)

Darius Slay (CB1), James Bradberry (CB2), Bradley Roby (CB3), Reed Blankenship (FS), Terrell Edmunds (SS)

The Eagles’ plan of loading up on star talent in the secondary has not gone as planned to start the 2023 season. The cornerback duo of Darius Slay and James Bradberry have each played just five games but have combined to allow 43 completions and over 10.0 yards per completion this season. Each cornerback has given up two touchdown passes as well. The team has to be encouraged by what they’ve seen from free safety Reed Blankenship. Blankenship has a 78.0 PFF grade through five games and four pass breakups to start the season.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Eagles are allowing the sixth-highest passer rating in zone coverage this season (101.5).

19. Dallas Cowboys (Preseason Rank: 16)

Stephon Gilmore (CB1), DaRon Bland (CB2), Jourdan Lewis (CB3), Malik Hooker (FS), Jayron Kearse (SS)

The loss of Trevon Diggs has had a massive impact on Dallas’ passing defense. Diggs had allowed a 25% completion percentage on 71 coverage snaps to start the season. It isn’t all bad news for Dallas, though. The loss of Diggs has allowed DaRon Bland a chance to flourish. Bland has allowed just 48.1% of passes to be completed against him and has already generated four pass breakups and three interceptions to start the season. The tandem of Bland and Stephon Gilmore (67.1 PFF grade) is still very good as long as Bland can continue to shut down opposing wide receivers.

FTN Data Stat to Know: Dallas is allowing the fewest adjusted net passing yards when in zone coverage this season (2.42).

20. Washington Commanders (Preseason Rank: 13)

Kendall Fuller (CB1), Benjamin St.-Juste (CB2), Danny Johnson (CB3), Percy Butler (FS), Kamren Curl (SS)

The Commanders have gotten excellent performances from Kendall Fuller (82.0 PFF grade) and Benjamin St.-Juste to start the season (69.6 PFF grade) but unfortunately seem to have whiffed on 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes. Forbes has allowed 20 receptions for 401 yards and two touchdowns on 134 coverage snaps to start the year. The team will also need to figure out what to do without safety Darrick Forrest (20 tackles) for the foreseeable future with the veteran landing on the injured reserve.

FTN Data Stat to Know: Washington has allowed the seventh-most adjusted net yards per attempt in man coverage in 2023 (7.3).

21. New England Patriots (Preseason Rank: 1)

Jonathan Jones (CB1), J.C. Jackson (CB2), Myles Bryant (CB3), Jabrill Peppers (FS), Kyle Dugger (SS)

Injuries have caused the Patriots to tumble down from their lofty spot atop the preseason secondary rankings. Christian Gonzalez looked to be the best cornerback in the 2023 draft class (80.8 PFF grade) before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4. The team hasn’t had Marcus Jones, their fantastic slot corner, all season. Jonathan Jones has only played 156 snaps to start the year. Despite all of that, they still aren’t at the bottom of this list thanks to the exceptional play of Jabrill Peppers (83.5 PFF grade) and Kyle Dugger (69.4 PFF grade). The safety duo have combined for 55 tackles and three passes defended to start the season.

FTN Data Stat to Know: New England is allowing the ninth-highest completion percentage in man coverage (101.3).

22. Tennessee Titans (Preseason Rank: 12)

Sean Murphy-Bunting (CB1), Kristian Fulton (CB2), Roger McCreary (CB3), Kevin Byard (FS), Amani Hooker (SS)

Sean Murphy-Bunting (75.7 PFF grade) has fit in well with his new team, allowing a 66.7% completion percentage and generating two pass breakups with an interception to start the season. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Kristian Fulton and Roger McCreary. The second and third corners for Tennessee are allowing quarterbacks to complete over 72% of their passes against them. Kevin Byard (67.3 PFF grade) and Amani Hooker (63.3 PFF grade) remain a solid safety duo, but they are far from dominant like years past.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Titans are allowing the second-highest completion percentage in the NFL when in zone coverage (78.8%).

23. Indianapolis Colts (Preseason Rank: 27)

Julius Brents (CB1), Jaylon Jones (CB2), Kenny Moore (CB3), Rodney Thomas (FS), Julian Blackmon (SS)

The Colts lost a major piece of their secondary with the suspension and subsequent release of Isaiah Rodgers before the season. This group has gotten a much-needed shot in the arm from rookie Juju Brents after he missed the first two weeks with an injury. The Indiana native has already collected 21 tackles and an interception in four weeks. The rest of the Colts secondary has been unexceptional as every starter has allowed at least a 75% completion rate to start the season.

FTN Data Stat to Know: Opposing quarterbacks have the best accurate pass rate against the Colts’ zone coverage this season (97.7%).

24. Chicago Bears (Preseason Rank: 26)

Jaylon Johnson (CB1), Tyrique Stevenson (CB2), Kyler Gordon (CB3), Eddie Jackson (FS), Jaquan Brisker (SS)

Chicago fans were excited to see their young secondary perform after the team invested plenty of draft capital into the group over the last two seasons. Unfortunately, injuries have forced this group to barely play together in 2023. Only rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and safety Jaquon Brisker have played in all six games for the Bears this season. Most of the secondary has gone through growing pains this season, but two steady producers have been veteran cornerback Jaylon Johnson (47.1 completion percentage against) and safety Eddie Jackson (33.3 completion percentage against). The Bears have plenty of nice pieces with high draft capital, but this group needs to stay on the field to develop to climb this list.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Bears are allowing the most adjusted net passing yards while in zone defense (8.56).

25. Denver Broncos (Preseason Rank: 5)

Pat Surtain (CB1), Damarri Mathis (CB2), Ja’Quan McMillian (CB3), Justin Simmons (FS), Kareem Jackson (SS)

The Broncos passing defense has been abysmal in 2023. Opposing quarterbacks are averaging 11.5 yards per completion and have notched 14 passing touchdowns in six games this season against Denver. The one bright spot from the Broncos this season has been cornerback Pat Surtain, who is allowing just a 62.1% completion percentage against and has an interception this season. However, he hasn’t been flawless considering he is giving up 14.1 yards per completion. Denver hopes to have discovered a gem in slot cornerback Ja’Quan McMillan, who has a 70.6 PFF grade on 135 snaps this season.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Broncos have the fourth-worst touchdown rate in man coverage (10.2%) and the third-worst touchdown rate in zone coverage (4.2%) in 2023.

26. New Orleans Saints (Preseason Rank: 15)

Marshon Lattimore (CB1), Paulson Adebo (CB2), Alontae Taylor (CB3), Marcus Maye (FS), Tyrann Mathieu (SS)

Marshon Lattimore remains as good as they come at cornerback. The veteran is allowing just a 54.1% completion percentage this season and has already accrued five pass breakups to start the season. The team also has to be pleased with the continued excellence of Tyran Mathieu at safety. Matthieu has 17 tackles and an interception to start the season. Unfortunately, the team isn’t getting the same strong play out of Marcus Maye (53.1 PFF grade) on the back end of their secondary.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Saints have played the second-most man coverage in 2023 (63.8%).

27. Los Angeles Rams (Preseason Rank: 32)

Ahkello Witherspoon (CB1), Derion Kendrick (CB2), Cobie Durant (CB3), Russ Yeast (FS), Jordan Fuller (SS)

Things were always going to be rough for the Rams after they traded Jalen Ramsey during the offseason and opted to turn the secondary over to a bunch of inexperienced players. So far, the results have gone as expected. The Rams are allowing 11.3 yards per reception to start the season and have just four interceptions and 13 pass breakups through six weeks. One bright spot for the Rams is that cornerbacks Derion Kendrick and Ahkello Witherspoon are allowing less than 50% of the passes against them to be completed. Unfortunately, quarterbacks are averaging over 11.0 yards per reception and have two touchdowns against them this season.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Rams are allowing the lowest completion percentage in man coverage this season (44.1%)

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Preseason Rank: 8)

Jamel Dean (CB1), Carlton Davis (CB2), Christian Izien (CB3), Antoine Winfield (FS), Ryan Neal (SS)

Antoine Winfield has developed into one of the best safeties in the NFL. Winfield is PFF’s sixth-ranked safety (79.9 grade) and has 23 tackles and three pass breakups to start the season. The cornerbacks have been underwhelming to start the season, so the team may want to get a longer look at 2023 rookie Zyon McCollum. The rookie has played 199 snaps due to injuries but is tied for the team lead in pass breakups (3) and has the best coverage grade of any player in the secondary (72.3).

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Buccaneers have run the second-most zone coverage in 2023 (73.2%).

29. Pittsburgh Steelers (Preseason Rank: 14)

Patrick Peterson (CB1), Levi Wallace (CB2), Chandon Sullivan (CB3), Damontae Kazee (FS), Minkah Fitzpatrick (SS)

The Steelers secondary has been one of the big disappointments in 2023. Collectively, Pittsburgh is allowing a 63.5 completion percentage and 12.3 yards per completion to start the season. The team has utilized their veteran corners but should look to increase 2023 second-round rookie Joey Porter Jr.’s snap after the bye week. Porter has played just 86 of 357 snaps this season and has allowed just one reception on seven targets. The rookie also has one of the team’s five interceptions through five weeks.

FTN Data Stat to Know: Pittsburgh is allowing the fourth-most adjusted net yards while in zone coverage (7.1).

30. New York Giants (Preseason Rank: 21)

Adoree’ Jackson (CB1), Deonte Banks (CB2), Cor’Dale Flott (CB3), Jason Pinnock (FS), Xavier McKinney (SS)

Xavier McKinney has carried the Giants secondary through the first six weeks of the season. McKinney ranks third on the team in tackles (28) and is allowing just 56.3% of passes against him to be completed. The team has to also be encouraged by the early returns from rookie cornerback Deonte Banks. Banks has had his struggles (team-leading two touchdowns surrendered) but is allowing a paltry 52% completion rate to start his career.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Giants are allowing the most adjusted net passing yards when in man coverage (9.16).

31. Cincinnati Bengals (Preseason Rank: 28)

Chidobe Awuzie (CB1), Cam Taylor-Britt (CB2), Mike Hilton (CB3), Dax Hill (FS), Nick Scott (SS)

The Bengals had plenty of players on offense to pay this offseason, which is why they chose to let Jessie Bates walk in free agency. That has caused major problems for the secondary to start the 2023 season. Second-year safety Dax Hill is the only starter in the secondary who has a PFF grade above 60.0 to start the season. Unfortunately, the Nick Scott experiment has backfired for the Bengals. Scott is allowing a 72.2 % completion percentage to start the season and has whiffed on 15.2% of his tackles. The Bengals have allowed eight passing touchdowns and have just 10 pass breakups on the season.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Bengals are allowing the 10th-highest completion percentage on deep passes when in zone coverage (46.2%).

32. Arizona Cardinals (Preseason Rank: 24)

Kei’Trel Clark (CB1), Marco Wilson (CB2), Jalen Thompson (CB3), Andre Chachere (FS), K’Von Wallace (SS)

The Cardinals secondary has struggled mightily to start 2023 but will hope that the return of Budda Baker can help stabilize the group (assuming he isn’t traded). Quarterbacks are completing 77.3% of their passes against the Cardinals this season. Cornerback Marco Wilson has been especially bad, giving up a 79.5% completion rate and single-handedly surrendering three of the team’s nine passing touchdowns.

FTN Data Stat to Know: The Cardinals are bottom-3 in the NFL in completion percentage against man (71.2%) and zone (78.4%) coverage in 2023.