In a recent discussion, Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson examined the careers of top NFL cornerbacks since 2000, highlighting a position they feel is often overlooked. The pair reviewed a list that ranked Darrelle Revis first, followed by Richard Sherman, Champ Bailey, Stephon Gilmore, and Jalen Ramsey.
Sharpe indicated he might have placed Bailey higher but ultimately stated, “I like it how it is.” Johnson voiced surprise at Gilmore’s lower profile among greats, saying, “I don’t think people understand how good Stefon Gilmore was… Defensive Player of the Year.” Sharpe elaborated on the rarity of such awards for defensive backs: “I mean, for when a DB gets Defensive Player of the Year … ain’t been a whole lot of them.”
Gilmore’s achievements were noted as including two All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowls. In 2019, he won Defensive Player of the Year after tallying six interceptions and twenty pass deflections while allowing less than fifty percent completion rate.
Revis’ career was described as especially strong. He was named First-team All-Pro four times and in 2009 had six interceptions with thirty-one passes defensed. Over eleven seasons he recorded twenty-nine interceptions and helped secure a Super Bowl title with New England.
Sherman was credited with reshaping expectations for cornerbacks due to his height and length. A three-time First-team All-Pro selection and five-time Pro Bowler, he amassed thirty-nine interceptions in his career. Sherman was also part of Seattle’s Super Bowl XLVIII victory.
Bailey was cited for his durability and output: twelve Pro Bowls—the most by any defensive back—fifty-two interceptions, and more than nine hundred tackles. Sharpe said, “Champ went to like 10 or 11 Pro Bowls… led the league in picks one year.”
Ramsey represented what Johnson called modern excellence at multiple teams: Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Miami. Johnson said about Ramsey, “Even still to this day… he has a high percentage of times that he wins his matchups. Everybody gets beat, but he plays to make a play, not just not to get beat.”
The conversation concluded with acknowledgment that these cornerbacks set standards in coverage ability and consistency over multiple eras.
