6. Byron Jones, CB, Dallas Cowboys
Cornerbacks with the potential to be true shutdown players on defense do not grow on trees. However, with the Dallas Cowboys facing decisions on a number of free agents (consider that two of their current players are in the Top Five of this list) Byron Jones likely finds himself on the move this off-season. Fans may quibble with his lack of interception numbers, but that might be due more to the fact that quarterbacks fear throwing in his direction. Jones was targeted just 53 times last season, and according to PFF charting he allowed just 0.62 yards per coverage snap, fourth-fewest in the league.
7. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans rode a magical carpet ride last season to the AFC Championship Game, and quarterback Ryan Tannehill played a huge role as one of the pilots on that trip. After stepping into the lineup during a Week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos to replace an ineffective Marcus Mariota, the Titans went 7-3 with Tannehill in the lineup and upset both the New England Patriots and the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens – on the road – in the playoffs. Tannehill was very effective as a passer in 2019, particularly on play action designs where he led the league with a whopping 13.5 Yards Per Attempt, and has likely earned a new deal with the Titans. Now the quarterback carousel is going to be fascinating and with Tom Brady potentially in the mix for Tennessee, there is a shot that Tannehill hits the open market, but odds are the Titans find a way to run it back with both Tannehill and fellow free agent Derrick Henry.
8. Chris Harris Jr., CB, Denver Broncos
Chris Harris might be older than some of the other cornerbacks set to test the market, but he still has the ability to lockdown a receiver when necessary. He also has some versatility, given his experience operating as both a slot and a boundary cornerback. Teams that miss out on Byron Jones — or the Dallas Cowboys who might lose Jones himself — are likely going to look at Harris as the next best option for their own secondaries.
9. A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Similar to the discussion with Amari Cooper, the potential of the incoming rookie wide receiver class has the potential to depress the market for veteran WR A.J. Green somewhat. Additionally, Green has a rather lengthy injury history, especially in recent years. He missed three games in the middle of the 2018 season with a toe injury and despite returning to the lineup, he re-injured the toe and was lost for the season. Furthermore, Green missed the entire 2019 season due to torn ligaments in his ankle. Teams that are in contention for a Super Bowl in the near term such as the Green Bay Packers might be willing to overlook those injuries and bring him into the fold, given that when healthy Green can be a game-changer on the outside for an offense.
10. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, Seattle Seahawks
Signing Jadeveon Clowney might require a team to back up the Brinks truck to his front door, given that the talented defender is seeking a “market-setting” contract this off-season. But even with the financial risks, Clowney is still a very attractive option for teams looking to bolster their pass rush. According to ESPN’s Pass Rush Win Rate statistic, Clowney was one of the most consistent pass rushers during the 2019 season, winning on 24% of his pass rushing snaps a year ago. He may be expensive, and signing him could force a team to cut corners elsewhere, but if passing is king in today’s NFL stopping the pass is a priority, and having a game-changing pass rusher is a solid weapon for a defensive coordinator to bring to bear.