Top 5 NFC North cornerbacks in 2023 ranked
- Multiple Packers cornerbacks make the list
- Two Lions featured
- Three new additions to NFC North
3. Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota's top four at cornerback all departed this offseason, including Patrick Peterson and former Packer Chandon Sullivan. The Vikings turned to free agency to fix their secondary, signing Byron Murphy.
Murphy can instantly become the Vikings' new CB1.
It will be interesting to see how new defensive coordinator Brian Flores plans to use Murphy, who has experience playing outside and in the slot. A combination of the two may work best.
Murphy only played nine games for the Arizona Cardinals last season due to injury. When healthy, he can make an impact for the Vikings' defense.
He started 16 games in 2021 -- Murphy defended 12 passes and made four interceptions with one pick-six that season. According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed a passer rating of 87.6.
There are questions about whether Minnesota did enough this offseason to improve one of the worst pass defenses in football. Drafting a wide receiver ahead of a top cornerback prospect like Deonte Banks was a bold move.
However, the Vikings made a smart signing in free agency by bringing in Murphy. It's a step in the right direction for a pass defense that finished second-worst last season. Murphy instantly becomes one of the best corners in the division.