As the 2025 NFL season approaches its conclusion, cornerbacks are under the spotlight, showcasing their defensive prowess. According to data from Pro Football Focus (PFF), Cooper DeJean maintains his position as the top cornerback ahead of Week 18, demonstrating exceptional skills both in coverage and tackling.
DeJean’s performance has been impressive, ranking fifth in PFF’s coverage grade and 17th in expected points added (EPA) allowed per target. Notably, his tackling ability stands out; he ranks fourth in the NFL with 18 pass stops and tenth with 12 forced incompletions. This combination of skills highlights his capacity to effectively end plays while in coverage.
In a close second, Jamel Dean exemplifies consistency in his performance throughout his seven-season career. With a PFF coverage grade that has never dipped below 72.5 or exceeded 78.9, Dean currently holds a mark of 76.9. His impressive statistics include a passer rating of just 46.9 when targeted and three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. This contribution has resulted in a remarkable -0.407 EPA allowed per target, further establishing him as a formidable defender.
Defensive Strategies and Rankings
Defensive strategies are crucial in limiting a quarterback’s effectiveness. Teams can either apply pressure on the passer or neutralize opposing receivers to disrupt the offensive rhythm. Each week, after a thorough review of NFL games, PFF evaluates cornerbacks based on their performance metrics. Their rankings draw on comprehensive data, including PFF’s All-Coverage charting and the Successful Coverage Over Expected (SCOE) metric. This metric assesses how well cornerbacks perform above expectations on non-targeted coverage snaps.
PFF’s approach considers the complexity of matchups. Covering a receiver poses different challenges than defending against a running back, and man coverage is often more demanding than zone play. By utilizing play-level normalization and expectation adjustments, PFF provides a nuanced view of cornerback performance.
The rankings feature the top 32 cornerbacks in advanced coverage grades after Week 17 of the 2025 season. As the playoffs loom closer, these evaluations will be pivotal for teams, coaches, and fans alike, highlighting the critical role cornerbacks play in the overall success of a defense.
As the season progresses, the performances of players like Cooper DeJean and Jamel Dean will continue to be scrutinized, offering insight into the evolving dynamics of defensive strategies in the NFL. The assessment of cornerbacks not only reflects individual talent but also underscores the collective effort required for a successful defense.
