Bolts From The Blue
Last season, rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still became one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. But more is expected of him from NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks
Last season, fifth-round rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still became one of the NFL’s best at his position. He ranked top 20 in coverage and overall grade, according to PFF, and his four interceptions tied for fifth-most last season among cornerbacks. But for NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, he expects a real-deal breakout for Still.
“It’s all about the ball in Jesse Minter’s zone-based defense,” Brooks wrote. “Still quickly adapted to the system, showcasing outstanding instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills in coverage. The former fifth-round pick stole the show in the defensive backfield with four interceptions and 10 passes defensed in a vision-based scheme. Still’s playmaking ability and coverage discipline make it hard for quarterbacks to repeatedly target his area without paying the price. As the Chargers continue to climb the ranks as title contenders, the football world will gain a greater appreciation for this ballhawking corner.”
What Still delivered as a rookie was nothing short of electric. Still finished the regular season ranked the No. 19 cornerback in overall grade, ahead of high-profile names Derek Stingley Jr., Quinyon Mitchell and Sauce Gardner. His coverage grade of 74.0 graded No. 20 among cornerbacks, ahead of Gardner, Mitchell and Jalen Ramsey.
