Josh Norman is an all-time top-5 cornerback, says Josh Norman
To the surprise of no one, the Panthers used the franchise tag on Josh Norman this week. Also not surprising: Norman has full confidence in his abilities.
By
Ryan Wilson
•
1 min read
To the surprise of no one, the Panthers used the franchise tag on Josh Norman this week.
That means that once Norman signs his tender, he's looking at $13.9 million for 2016. Given his production, that's a huge bargain.
So how good was Norman in 2015? According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just 513 total yards in coverage and a 58 passer rating, and he was a legit Defensive Player of the Year candidate. If you called Norman one of the NFL's best cornerback last season, few people would argue. And if you ask Norman, he'd tell you he's one of the best cornerbacks in the history of the game.
Specifically, he currently ranks himself No. 5 behind:
- Dick “Night Train” Lane
- Mel Blount
- Deion Sanders
- Charles Woodson
- Josh Norman/Darrelle Revis
First, credit to Norman for knowing those defensive backs that came before him. Second, it's tough to compare players across different eras because, in many ways, they were playing completely different games. That said, it's hardly surprising that Norman has confidence in his abilities It's gotten him this far.
“That’s just where I’m at right now and my mindset," he said Thursday during an appearance on ESPN, via PFT. "I want to be the best. If you’ve got a problem with that, so be it."
No problem here, Josh, though we suspect Richard Sherman, Patrick Peterson, Aqib Talib, et al, might disagree. Of course, all those guys have the utmost confidence in their abilities, which brings us full circle on motivation, self-fulfilling prophecies and, ultimately, getting paid.
