Eagles’ Darius Slay, James Bradberry place inside PFF’s Top-15 cornerbacks ranking
Remember the days of Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills roaming the Eagles defensive backfield? Or even worse, the brief (but very painful) Michael Jacquet era?
For years, it felt like the Eagles could never figure the cornerback position out. Now, they have two of the best in the sport with Darius Slay and James Bradberry.
Pro Football Focus recently ranked their top-32 cornerbacks heading into the 2023 NFL season, where both Slay and Bradberry placed inside the top-15.
PFF’s Top-15 cornerbacks right now:
- Sauce Gardner
- Jalen Ramsey
- Darius Slay
- Patrick Surtain
- Jaire Alexander
- Stephon Gilmore
- Marshon Lattimore
- Trevon Diggs
- Jayce Horn
- Jamel Dean
- Charvarius Ward
- AJ Terrell
- James Bradberry
- Denzel Ward
- Tre’Davious White
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Honestly, I’m a little surprised Slay ranked ahead of Surtain here. The Broncos CB was the second-highest graded corner in the league last season, per PFF, finishing the year with an overall mark of 86.8. Slay had a great season in his own right, but his 73.1 defensive grade placed him all the way down at 21 among corners.
Nevertheless, Slay is a veteran who’s been elite over the past two seasons. He snagged himself three interceptions last year, while allowing a completion percentage of 58.2 and an 83.9 passer rating when targeted.
From a pure coverage standpoint, Bradberry actually had the better season in 2022. He also hauled in three INTs, while surrendering a 45.3 completion percentage and 51.6 passer rating when targeted.
Bradberry probably could have placed a bit higher here. I would take Bradberry over Jayce Horn, Trevon Diggs, and Charvarius Ward.
Regardless of the ranking, no one can argue that the Eagles don’t have one of the best CB tandems in the entire NFL. They’re the only team – aside from Dallas – to have two cornerbacks inside PFF’s top-15, further driving home that point.
>> Read More: Eagles GM Howie Roseman says 2017 team was better than 2022 squad
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images
