The AFC will be extremely competitive this coming season, and the conference features plenty of offensive talent.
In Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow, the conference boasts arguably the three best quarterbacks in the NFL, as well as additional studs at that position in Justin Herbert, Deshaun Watson, Lamar Jackson, and Tua Tagovailoa.
There is also an abundance of strong wide receivers in the AFC such as Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, Ja’Marr Chase, and Stefon Diggs.
But there are also plenty of cornerbacks throughout the conference to help curtail the production of those wideouts.
Pro Football Focus ranked the top 10 corners in the AFC, and there were few, if any, surprises.
.@PFF_Sam ranked the Top-32 CBs in the NFL…
Here is his Top-10 in the AFC 👀 pic.twitter.com/DpBEmBbh93
— PFF (@PFF) June 4, 2023
Sauce Gardner, who made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro first team while being named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, topped the list.
He led the league with 20 passes defended while also contributing two interceptions.
Right behind him is Jalen Ramsey, who was recently traded from the Los Angeles Rams to the Miami Dolphins.
Ramsey will line up opposite four-time Pro Bowler Xavien Howard, who is No. 6 on the list and will give the Dolphins a fearsome duo in their secondary.
Patrick Surtain II earned the No. 3 spot with a very strong 2022 campaign, his second in the NFL.
Right behind him is Denzel Ward, a two-time Pro Bowler who had 15 passes defended and two fumble recoveries that turned into touchdowns last season.
Thanks to these talented corners, it will be a steep uphill climb for teams that don’t win their division to reach the playoffs in the AFC this winter.
NEXT: Commanders WR Makes His Thoughts Clear About Eric Bieniemy
