SB Nation Ranks NFL's Best Cornerbacks

SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber today ranked the NFL team's based on their cornerback corps. While there are some expected franchises near the top of his list, the Miami Dolphins' cornerbacks, Vontae Davis, Sean Smith, and Richard Marshall, placement may surprise.

Obviously, the New York Jets continue to pace the league in cornerback rankings, and will as long as Darrelle Revis continues to be the media's favorite corner. Teaming Revis with Antonio Cromartie obviously makes the Jets' secondary extremely talented, and young players Kyle Wilson and Donnie Fletcher could develop the Jets' cornerback corps even more.

In the second position, Van Bibber places the Baltimore Ravens, with their group featuring Lardarius Webb. The corps rounds out with Jimmy Smith, Cary Williams, Corey Graham, and Asa Jackson.

The Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Atlanta Falcons round out the top five teams.

Meanwhile, Davis, Smith, and Marshall earn the Dolphins' a 21st ranking. The Miami group finds themselves behind the Cortland Finnegan led St. Louis Rams and the Derek Cox led Jakconville Jaguars, as well as well behind teams like th Buffalo Bills, who land at 15, despite their best corner being rookie Stephon Gilmore, who is stuck behind Leodis McKelvin on his own depth chart right now.

About the Dolphins' ranking, Van Bibber writes:

Miami struggled even more in the four games that they were without Davis. Sean Smith had a down season, but could rebound in a contract year. Richard Marshall was a good offseason addition that adds a legitimate starter if Davis or Smith miss any time.

I can't argue with Van Bibber about the top of his list. The Jets, Ravens, and Eagles do have a great set of cornerbacks. I would take issue with the Cowboys being that high, especially since he writes that Brandon Carr is "a legitimate No. 1 corner," and I am not so sure about that. Also, I have to question putting the Kansas City Chiefs, with Brandon Flowers, Stanford Routt, and Javier Arenas, at seven, behind the Falcons and San Francisco 49ers.

But, most of all, I have to question putting the Dolphins so far back. Are they a top group? Probably not. But, I do not think they are a 21st ranked team either. Obviously, what brings them down is the lack of interceptions, especially when Smith drops passes that hits him in the hands.

This year, with Kevin Coyle as the team's defensive coordinator, the Miami cornerbacks should quickly rebound from a 21st place ranking, especially if Smith has the breakout year he is poised to have.

And, if not, maybe I will just feel dumb for questioning the ranking in the first place.