Seahawks Football 101: What are the different kind of cornerbacks?

Cornerbacks. A position that, after quarterback, is arguably the hardest position in football to play. Between covering receivers, anticipate where the quarterback is going to throw, assist with run stopping, it is no wonder that claim is made. There are more there more than one flavor of cornerback

What is the story about?

Cornerbacks. A position that, after quarterback, is arguably the hardest position in football to play. Between covering receivers, anticipate where the quarterback is going to throw, assist with run stopping, it is no wonder that claim is made. There are more there more than one flavor of cornerback on a team, and each has their own duties. In this continuation of Football 101, we will be diving into the three flavors of cornerbacks, and Seattle Seahawks xamples from both the past and present to have

a visual of those particular flavors. Time to dive-on-in!

Outside Corner: Richard Sherman/Josh Jobe

If you think of cornerbacks, your first thought that comes to mind is likely the outside corner. They line up generally near the boundaries and across from the X-receivers and Z-receivers line up and cover them. Think of Richard Sherman and Josh Jobe. They generally rely on their speed, height, and and length to cover the opposing receiver on deep routes to either breakup the pass or snag the interception. They are generally between 6’0” to 6’2” and 185 to 200 lbs.

Nickel Cornerback: Devon Witherspoon/Walter Thurmond

The nickel cornerback is one who replaces either a linebacker or defensive lineman and their goal is to cover the slot receiver, covering the middle of the field along with the safeties. They can also be utilized in blitz packages to assist in the pass rush. Super Bowl champions Devon Witherspoon and Walter Thurmond III are examples of nickel cornerbacks. They are generally around 5’9” to 6’0” and 180 to 190 lbs.

Apex/Big Cornerback: Nick Emmanwori/Jordan Babineaux

The big cornerback, or as Sumer Sports dubs it the Apex position, is where a larger cornerback or safety replaces the traditional nickel cornerback or linebacker to assist in covering Y-receivers and tight ends. They can also still help in blitz packages to assist in the pass rush. Think of Jordan Babineaux from back in the Mike Holmgren years. Mike Macdonald expanded this position with Nick Emmanwori, thus creating the apex position variant of the big nickel, and moving him to outside cornerback, outside linebacker, defensive end, and edge to help disguise the defensive scheme. They are generally between 6’0” to 6’2” and 200 to 220 lbs.

Each cornerback variant has their role to play, and the Seahawks have a long history of impactful cornerbacks. Some like Witherspoon and Emmanwori can assist in multiple cornerback positions. Let me know, though, who is your favorite cornerback in Seahawks history? Who is on your Mt Rushmore of Seahawks Cornerbacks? What variant of cornerback is your favorite to watch? Post in the comments, and let’s have a discussion!