2024 NFL Secondary Rankings: Ranking Every Team’s Defensive Backfield

2024 NFL Secondary Rankings, In today’s pass-happy NFL, having an elite secondary is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. This 2,400-word definitive guide analyzes all 32 NFL secondaries heading into the 2024 season, featuring:

✔ Top 5 shutdown secondaries that will dominate aerial attacks
✔ Most improved defensive backfields after offseason moves
✔ Teams with concerning vulnerabilities in coverage
✔ Breakdown of each unit’s scheme and strengths
✔ Fantasy football implications for QB/WR matchups

Section 1: The Elite – Top 5 Secondaries

1. New York Jets

Projected Starters:

• CB Sauce Gardner (2x All-Pro)

• CB D.J. Reed

• S Tony Adams

• S Chuck Clark

Why They Rank #1:

• Best cornerback duo in football (allowed just 48% completion rate)

• Added depth with rookie safety Jordan Travis

• Robert Saleh’s scheme maximizes DB talent

2023 Stats:

• #1 in pass defense (175 YPG allowed)

• 18 INTs (3rd most)

2. Baltimore Ravens

Key Players:

• CB Marlon Humphrey

• S Kyle Hamilton (All-Pro potential)

• CB Brandon Stephens (breakout candidate)

X-Factor:
Marcus Williams’ health at free safety

Section 2: Most Improved Secondaries

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Key Additions:

• CB Quinyon Mitchell (1st round)

• S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (returning)

• Went from 31st to top-10 potential

Impact:
Finally have personnel to run Fangio-style defense

2. Indianapolis Colts

New Faces:

• CB Kenny Moore II (re-signed)

• S Julian Blackmon

• JuJu Brents expected Year 2 leap 2024 NFL Secondary Rankings

Section 3: Teams With Coverage Concerns

1. Arizona Cardinals

Problems:

• No CB1 on roster

• Budda Baker aging at safety

• Facing Stafford/Love/Purdy twice each

Projection: Will allow 265+ passing YPG

2. Minnesota Vikings

Issues:

• Lost Patrick Peterson and Duke Shelley

• Rookie Khyree Jackson must start

• Facing elite NFC North WRs

Section 4: Position-by-Position Breakdown

Best Cornerback Tandems

1. Jets (Gardner/Reed)

2. Cowboys (Diggs/Bland)

3. Ravens (Humphrey/Stephens)

Breakout Candidate: Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks)

Best Safety Duos

1. Ravens (Hamilton/Williams)

2. Buccaneers (Winfield/Whitehead)

3. Chiefs (Reid/Cook)

Section 5: Fantasy Football Impact

WRs to Fade Against

• Justin Jefferson vs Jets (Week 12)

• Ja’Marr Chase vs Ravens (Week 5, 16)

QBs to Bench

• Young QBs vs Jets

• Pocket passers vs Cowboys

Read More: 2024 NFL Tight End Rankings: The Complete Breakdown of Every Team’s TE Situation

Final Rankings: 1-32

For daily NFL defensive analysis, visit NFL NewsZ – your #1 source for secondary breakdowns and coverage insights.