The NFL’s 11 best outside cornerbacks

Boundary cornerbacks who can erase an opponent’s best receiver are more important than ever. Here are the NFL’s 11 best.

9. Troy Hill, Los Angeles Rams

(Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports)

Hill may be one of the lesser-known names on this list, but the former undrafted free agent out of Oregon made a real impact for the Rams’ defense in his fifth NFL season — especially as a cornerback in zone coverage, where he allowed seven receptions on 20 targets for 118 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, and a Positive Play Rate of 35% — the fifth-best rate in the NFL for cornerbacks targeted 20 or more times. Overall, Hill allowed 20 catches on 50 targets for 263 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a Positive Play Rate allowed of 38%, which is the second-lowest among outside cornerbacks with at least 50 targets, behind only New England’s J.C. Jackson. It’s a testament to Hill’s trail ability, recovery speed, and intelligent aggression that he’s become a positive attribute in a defense that’s looking to (re)build around Aaron Donald.