NFL execs make the Saints look smart with recent cornerback position rankings via ESPN

The New Orleans Saints definitely dealt with discussions and rumors regarding star cornerback Marshon Lattimore last season. He dealt with another injury, forcing him to miss nearly half of the season. He played in just seven games in 2022.

Regardless, when healthy, he is an elite cornerback that changes the lookout of an entire defense. Apparently, NFL minds still believe he is a great talent at his position as well.

Via ESPN, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler broke down a survey given to league executives, coaches, and scouts. That survey ranks top 10 players at different positions. Check out his description for how they come to their rankings below.

With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, it is again time for the league's true insiders to make their voices heard. ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from quarterback to cornerback and all positions in between. This is the fifth edition of these rankings, and as usual, several players have moved up or fallen off last year's lists .

Marshon Lattimore named honorable mention in cornerback rankings

Marshon Lattimore , New Orleans Saints : Across 90 games, Lattimore has recorded 66 pass breakups, 15 interceptions and 5 forced fumbles. "Still love the physicality and the man-coverage traits but he's no longer an ascending player and he's missed a lot of time in recent years," an NFL personnel evaluator said. -- Fowler, ESPN+

Lattimore would probably make the top ten if I assembled rankings, but I do understand the timidness to do that.

His availability has slipped in recent years, and that plays a key role in the NFL. That being said, his talent is still amongst the best in the NFC.

Lattimore is still the top cornerback remaining in the NFC South, and he's set for a bounce back campaign in a talented defense in New Orleans for 2024.

The Saints were smart to keep Lattimore in the building.

Paulson Adebo not listed as a top CB in the NFL

Adebo was arguably a top five cornerback in football in 2023.

While replacing Lattimore as the Saints' top CB, he dazzled. He produced from the eye test standpoint and a production standpoint. Adebo emerged as a potential extension candidate after two inconsistent seasons before last year.

He recorded a 78.6 coverage grade via Pro Football Focus . He totaled four interceptions and 18 pass deflections in 2023. Those are uncanny numbers for a player thrust into a top role against the league's best.

The Saints will have to give him a new contract following the 2024 season if they want to keep him from testing free agency.

Adebo deserved to, at least, get votes in the rankings via ESPN, but it is not shocking that he was overlooked .

Related: Respected NFL minds prove that they didn't watch a Saints star play last year