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NFL Secondary Rankings 2023
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NFL Secondary Rankings 2023

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FTN’s positional rankings keep on rolling as we enter the midpoint of the NFL season. So far, the FTN team has broken down , , , and . 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 . Subscribe and check it out to see how every team fared across the league.

Follow along with our whole position group rankings series: | | | | | |

1. Atlanta Falcons (Preseason Rank: 20)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3) (FS), (SS)

It didn’t take long for 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 (65.9 PFF grade), (71.2 PFF grade), and (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)

(CB1), (CB2) (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Jaguars secondary has transformed into one of the best coverage groups in the NFL this season. The cornerback trio of , (PFF’s fourth-ranked cornerback) and 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. 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (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. 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Ravens have been forced to get creative to start the season after having 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. 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

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 and 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Raiders have gotten excellent play out of their secondary, which is impressive considering the underwhelming production from their defensive line (aside from ) to start the year. 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 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Seahawks secondary has played about as well as expected given how much the team has invested into it. Second-year cornerback 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 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 ’ 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (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 (62.9 PFF grade), (65.0 PFF grade) and (78.3 PFF grade) to step up in a big way. That’s especially true now that former first-round pick is trending toward bust status (76.9% completion percentage against). remains one of the best safeties in the NFL this season (two interceptions on 224 coverage snaps), but 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)

(CB1), (CB2) (CB3), (FS), (SS)

’ injury recovery forced the Packers to move 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 ’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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Texans have been forced to get creative on defense thanks to a hamstring injury that landed second-year cornerback on the injured reserve. Thankfully, the team has gotten strong play from outside cornerback (78.9 PFF grade and three interceptions). has taken well to playing primarily as a slot corner (72.1 PFF coverage grade). The safety tandem of (18 tackles) and (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)

Jr. (CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Vikings’ success on defense this season has been driven by the play of three safeties. The trio of (11), (16) and (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 (two touchdowns surrendered on 25 targets) and 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (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 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Dolphins have gotten by without 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 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)

 (CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The 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 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Lions worked to overhaul their secondary this offseason, signing and in free agency and drafting 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. 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Jets secondary suffered a big loss before the season even started when trade acquisition was lost for the season. 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 (77.2 PFF grade) still make up one of the better cornerback tandems in the NFL. The team is getting excellent play from safety (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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

Unfortunately for the Panthers, ’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 , who has been limited to just 127 snaps himself. Only slot cornerback (who is filling in for injured ) 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (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 and 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 . 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The loss of 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 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 (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)

(CB1), Benjamin St.-Juste (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Commanders have gotten excellent performances from (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 . 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 (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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

Injuries have caused the Patriots to tumble down from their lofty spot atop the preseason secondary rankings. 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 , their fantastic slot corner, all season. 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 (83.5 PFF grade) and (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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

(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 and . The second and third corners for Tennessee are allowing quarterbacks to complete over 72% of their passes against them. (67.3 PFF grade) and (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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Colts lost a major piece of their secondary with the suspension and subsequent release of 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (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 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 (47.1 completion percentage against) and safety (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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (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 , 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

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 (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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

Things were always going to be rough for the Rams after they traded 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 and 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

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 . 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (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 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)

(CB1), (CB2),  (CB3), (FS), (SS)

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 . 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Bengals had plenty of players on offense to pay this offseason, which is why they chose to let walk in free agency. That has caused major problems for the secondary to start the 2023 season. Second-year safety is the only starter in the secondary who has a PFF grade above 60.0 to start the season. Unfortunately, the 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)

(CB1), (CB2), (CB3), (FS), (SS)

The Cardinals secondary has struggled mightily to start 2023 but will hope that the return of can help stabilize the group (assuming he isn’t traded). Quarterbacks are completing 77.3% of their passes against the Cardinals this season. Cornerback 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.

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