With the draft in the rearview, I thought I’d take the opportunity to discuss some defense. This was a weird year for corners in the draft given many of them had injury concerns. However, there are some corners that will make an immediate impact in the league. Here are the top 5 corner duos in the NFL after the 2025 Draft.
#5. Kansas City Chiefs (Trent McDuffie/Kristian Fulton)
It’s no secret Trent McDuffie is one of the best corners in the league. He ranks 23rd of 222 in receptions allowed and holds opposing QBs to an 87.4 passer rating when targetted per PFF. He also excels at pressuring the quarterback, which is perfect for Spagnuolo’s unique blitz packages. But in the offseason the Chiefs added Kristian Fulton alongside him. Fulton is coming off a great season with the Chargers which included a pick of Mahomes to Kelce. Perhaps that’s why the Chiefs decided to pair him with McDuffie. This will be a solid corner duo for the next couple of years as their 3rd round pick Nohl Williams develops behind them.
#4. New York Jets (Sauce Gardner/Brandon Stephens)
Everyone knows Sauce is a stud, and opposing receivers regularly get “lost in the Sauce.” He allows a 79.3 passer rating and allowed only 25 receptions with 7 PBU (PFF). Stephens isn’t quite as adept in coverage, but he thrives in the run game and rushing the passer. Ultimately, one shut down corner is more than most teams have, and Sauce alone would put the Jets on this list. Plus, the Jets also drafted a talented young corner, Azareye’h Thomas, who could become a great player opposite Sauce. He’s another strong press corner that will make a great CB room even better.
#3. Dallas Cowboys (DaRon Bland/Trevon Diggs)
Obviously the Cowboys had a down year in 2024, and their corners were no exception. But it was just a year ago that Bland led the league in interceptions and set an NFL record for pick sixes. And Diggs is still a ballhawk despite injuries holding him back in recent years. Most importantly, the Cowboys added Shavon Revel in the third round. Revel is recovering from an ACL tear, but his tape is up there with the best in the 2025 class. Assuming they stay healthy, this trio could easily have a huge year in 2025 behind the newly revitalized Dallas pass rush.
#2. Houston Texans (Derek Stingley Jr./Kamari Lassiter)
Again, Stingley is a man who needs no introduction. With 5 interceptions in 2024 and an absolutely incredible 47 passer rating allowed, the man is a true lockdown corner. Kamari Lassiter had 3 interceptions himself, and allowed a 69.1 rating. Not to mention, their ballhawk safety Calen Bullock who raked in 5 picks himself. Not only that but this secondary is also adding USC CB Jaylin Smith, who played with Bullock in college. This strong secondary is only getting stronger and will continue to be one of the best in the NFL.
#1. Denver Broncos (Patrick Surtain II/Jahdae Barron)
Jahdae Barron is one of the few rookies to instantly make the starting corner spot, and for good reason. I’m sure the Broncos were just as shocked as we were that they were able to draft him 20th overall. Again, the rich get richer as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year now has a talented young counterpart across from him. Barron was a first team All-American in 2024 with 5 interceptions on the year. Surtain had 4 picks last year and allowed a 61.1 rating. Not even mentioning the young Riley Moss who showed serious flashes last season, this corner duo is absolutely insane.
