Ranking the top five Cornerback Classes in NFL Draft History

1. The 1989 Cornerback Class

When it comes to cornerback draft classes, few can rival the legendary 1989 NFL Draft. This class produced two Hall of Famers and several other notable players who enjoyed long and successful careers in the league. Let's take a closer look at the stars from this class:

• Deion Sanders - Selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 5th overall pick, "Prime Time" enjoyed a 14-year career that included ten Pro Bowl selections, six First-Team All-Pro nods, and two Super Bowl championships. Sanders is widely regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
• Steve Atwater - The Denver Broncos snagged Atwater with the 20th overall pick. Although primarily known as a safety, Atwater occasionally played cornerback during his 11-year career, earning eight Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro honors, and two Super Bowl championships. Atwater was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
• Donnell Woolford - Drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bears, Woolford played cornerback for 10 seasons in the NFL. During his career, he earned two Pro Bowl selections and was a key contributor to the Bears' defensive success in the 1990s.

These standout players, along with others like Albert Lewis and David Pool, make the 1989 cornerback class one for the ages.

2. The 1997 Cornerback Class

The 1997 NFL Draft brought another fantastic class of cornerbacks to the league, with several players making a lasting impact on their respective teams. Here are some of the most notable cornerbacks from the 1997 class:

• Shawn Springs - Selected 3rd overall by the Seattle Seahawks, Springs enjoyed a successful 13-year career in the NFL. Over the years, he accumulated 33 interceptions and 72 pass deflections. Springs was named to the Pro Bowl in 1998 and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2004.
• Sam Madison - Picked in the 2nd round (44th overall) by the Miami Dolphins, Madison played 12 seasons in the NFL, earning four Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors. A key player in the Dolphins' secondary, Madison finished his career with 38 interceptions and 122 pass deflections.
• Ronde Barber - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Barber in the 3rd round (66th overall), and he went on to become one of the most accomplished cornerbacks in NFL history. With a career spanning 16 seasons, Barber earned five Pro Bowl selections, three First-Team All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl championship. He finished his career with 47 interceptions and 243 pass deflections.

3. The 2001 Cornerback Class

The new millennium ushered in another excellent group of cornerbacks, with the 2001 NFL Draft featuring several players who would go on to have long and productive careers. Some of the top cornerbacks from this class include:

• Nate Clements - Drafted 21st overall by the Buffalo Bills, Clements played for 12 seasons in the NFL, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2004. With 36 career interceptions and 141 pass deflections, Clements was a reliable and effective cornerback throughout his career.
• Champ Bailey - The Washington Redskins selected Bailey 7th overall, and he quickly established himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the league. Over his 15-year career, Bailey was named to 12 Pro Bowls and earned three First-Team All-Pro honors. He finished his career with 52 interceptions and 203 pass deflections and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

4. The 2011 Cornerback Class

The 2011 NFL Draft saw a resurgence in top-notch cornerback talent. Several players from this class have already left an indelible mark on the league, with some still making significant contributions today. The standout cornerbacks from this class include:

• Patrick Peterson - Selected 5th overall by the Arizona Cardinals, Peterson has been a dominant force in the NFL from the moment he stepped on the field. Over his career, he has earned eight Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors. With 28 interceptions and 91 pass deflections to date, Peterson continues to be a premier cornerback in the league.
• Richard Sherman - Drafted in the 5th round (154th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks, Sherman quickly became one of the most feared cornerbacks in the NFL. A key member of the "Legion of Boom," Sherman has earned five Pro Bowl selections, three First-Team All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl championship. He has amassed 36 interceptions and 115 pass deflections throughout his career.
• Chris Harris Jr. - An undrafted free agent signed by the Denver Broncos, Harris Jr. has proven to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Over his career, he has earned four Pro Bowl selections, one First-Team All-Pro honor, and a Super Bowl championship. With 21 interceptions and 93 pass deflections, Harris Jr. has been a consistent performer throughout his career.

5. The 2017 Cornerback Class

The 2017 NFL Draft brought in a new wave of cornerback talent, with several players quickly making a name for themselves in the league. Some of the top cornerbacks from this class include:

• Marshon Lattimore - Drafted 11th overall by the New Orleans Saints, Lattimore has already established himself as one of the league's top cornerbacks. In his relatively short career, he has earned three Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor. Lattimore has recorded 14 interceptions and 64 pass deflections thus far in his career.
• Tre'Davious White - Selected 27th overall by the Buffalo Bills, White has quickly become a cornerstone of the Bills' defense. With three Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor, White has recorded 15 interceptions and 54 pass deflections throughout his career.

These five cornerback classes have undoubtedly shaped the NFL landscape, producing some of the most talented and durable players the league has ever seen. As we celebrate their achievements, it's exciting to imagine what future draft classes will bring to the table in terms of cornerback talent.