Where does Bears’ Jaylon Johnson rank among NFC North CBs based on PFF grades?

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023. The former Utah standout recorded career highs in interceptions with four while establishing himself as one of the man-cover cornerbacks in the league. The Bears rewarded him appropriately this offseason, signing Johnson to a four-year extension worth $76 million.

Johnson’s breakout season inspired us to assess his 2023 campaign versus the NFC North’s other No. 1 cornerbacks heading into the 2024 season. There’s been some change at the top from a player acquisition perspective. All grades were provided by Pro Football Focus.

Jaylon Johnson | Chicago Bears | 90.8

Johnson was actually PFF’s highest-graded corner in the league last season with an overall score of 90.8. That result was powered forward by an elite 91.0 grade in coverage. Opposing quarterbacks saw a passer rating of just 33.3 when targeting Johnson coverage, and he only allowed a stingy 7.8 yards per catch.

In 2024, the Bears will rely on Johnson to cover opposing No. 1 receivers such as Justin Jefferson, DeAndre Hopkins, Puka Nacua, Michael Pittman Jr., Marvin Harrison Jr., D.K. Metcalf, and others.

Jaire Alexander | Green Bay Packers | 70.2

Injuries limited Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander to just seven regular-season appearances in 2023. His play suffered as a result, with PFF assigning him an overall defensive grade of 70.2, the lowest of his career. Alexander, who once captured an elite 90.5 score in 2020, will attempt to get his career back on track in 2024.

Carlton Davis | Detroit Lions | 58.2

The Detroit Lions acquired veteran corner Carlton Davis III in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this offseason. Since rookie corner Terrion Arnold obviously doesn’t have a professional season for us to assess, Davis makes the most sense as the selection here. He was burnt toast in 2023, allowing 15.2 yards yer reception and a passer rating of 107.4 en route to a 57.5 coverage grade.

Byron Murphy Jr. | Minnesota Vikings | 58.0

Byron Murphy Jr. returns as the No. 1 cornerback in Minnesota. He struggled in 2023, scoring a 58 overall grade with a similar coverage score of 58.2. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores will utilize his creative scheme to hide Murphy Jr.’s deficiencies in 2024.