Top 10 NFL Defensive Secondary Rankings for 2022, by Positional Unit

Top 10

Today we will look at the top 10 secondary heading into the 2022 NFL season. Make the preseason more fun to watch by betting on the games; check out our top sportsbooks for betting on the NFL.

10. Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati must be more efficient in dealing with deep passing to ensure the unit reaches the top end of this spectrum. The 24th-ranked opponent threw 45.8% of their throws 15 yards or more downfield. Will Bates play? If he doesn’t, a lot of the pressure will fall on first-round pick Dax Hill to fill in for Bates.

9. Los Angeles Rams

Jalen Ramsay headlines the secondary, but its incredible depth is what makes this unit stand out in the top tier. Jordan Fuller and Taylor Rapp are important contributors, even though they are only 24 years old.

8. Denver Broncos

Although there has been some turnover within the Broncos secondary, Patrick Surtain and Justin Simmons are still elite building blocks. However, the high end is possible if Surtain makes an expected leap forward in his second year.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis have become one the best cornerback duos in the league. Dean’s 2021 catch rate of 28% when he was targeted at least ten yards downfield was the league’s fifth lowest.

6. Cleveland Browns

Although some of the talent in Cleveland’s secondary is unproven, it is full of potential. The unit may reach a higher level if Greedy Williams can improve his performance or if Martin Emerson emerges.

5. Baltimore Ravens

Injuries also shattered the Ravens’ secondary, so let’s not forget last year’s failures. This team was ranked last in yards per attempt. This unit should be formidable with the addition of Kyle Hamilton and a return to health. I expect them to end the season in the top three if they can stay healthy.

4. Miami Dolphins

Xavien H Howard and Jevon Holland are the two best at their positions and anchor a strong Dolphins secondary. Despite being frequently challenged downfield, Miami faced throws of 15 yards or more at the league’s highest rate. Check out the best new sports betting sites for betting on the NFL.

3. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers secondary was ranked in the bottom half of our unit rankings last season, partly because Derwin James only played five games in the previous two seasons. His health improved, and he led a strong secondary in 2017. This should only improve with the addition of J.C. Jackson. In the end, this comes down to one man, Derwin James, and if he stays healthy, the Chargers will stay top three all year.

2. Buffalo Bills

Tre’Davious White allowed 0.26 EPA per target last year and returns to anchor secondary. This year, the ceiling is even higher with the addition of Kaiir Elam.

1. Green Bay Packers

Jaire Alexander been a top-tier player at his position for several years. But it was the rookie season of Eric Stokes which helped elevate this unit to a new level. Green Bay allowed just 6.7 yards per attempt for the year. Alexander and Stokes were on the field together.