Gridiron Grades - Top 5 DBs of 2024

Using our in-house grading system, we have established the top 5 DBs of the 2024 season. Some may shock you, and others may not. Today, we will take an in-depth look at those top 5 DBs and assess how strong their seasons were. For a position where you don't want your name called much, we will make sure to highlight those who have laid low.

#5 - Marlon Humphrey

GGs: 8.52/10

Marlon Humphrey is a player who needs no introduction. A 4x Pro Bowler and 2x First Team All-Pro Corner on the Baltimore Ravens. This season was a record season for the infamous corner reeling in a staggering -- 6 interceptions (1 pick-six), allowing a 60.4% completion percentage, only giving up 5.8 yards a target, and 3 touchdowns, and when targeted QBs had an average of 60.9 pass rating. Humphrey not only put up these stats but did so after missing 6 games due to injury the year prior and made the voting for comeback player of the year. Humphrey is one of the players most deserving of a place on our first official GGs DB ranking.

#4 - Kerby Joseph

GGs: 8.76/10

Kerby Joseph is no new name to the media. Joseph has a reputation for being a dirty player and making even dirtier hits. However, what is rarely talked about is his proficiency in the DB position. In Joseph's third year in Detroit, he put up 9 interceptions along with a pick-six, only allowed a completion rate of 44.2%, a passer rating of 39.1, 7.7 yards per target, and a single touchdown on 43 targets. This season is spectacular and possibly belongs higher up on this list. The GGs are still a work in progress. Once we have a refined system we will revisit Kerby Joseph. And see if he can climb the rankings.

#3 - Calen Bullock

GGs: 9.22/10

Calen Bullock is a third-round draft pick out of USC who went to the Houston Texans. The rookie while not having much NFL experience put up a truly phenomenal first season. Bullock achieved 5 interceptions on 35 targets as well as -- only allowing a 37.3 passer rating, 2 touchdowns, 42.9% completion rate, and a minuscule 4.8 yards a target. Only time will tell if Bullock is truly a great DB who can consistently perform or if this year was just beginner's luck.

#2 - Kamari Lassiter

GGs: 9.55/10

Kamari Lassiter is a second-round draft pick for the Houston Texans (who seem to be setting a trend here). Lassiter had a remarkable rookie season and put his talents to work. The rookie was targeted 73 times and only allowed a 43.8% completion rate and 4 touchdowns. The rookie also held offenses to 5.8 yards per target, a 64.0 pass rating, and came away with 3 interceptions. Lassiter put on a show his rookie season and I cannot wait to see how he develops next year.

#1 - Derek Stingley Jr.

GGs: 9.87/10

The Texans somehow managed to occupy 3 of the top 5 spots for DBs in the 2024 season. Derek Stingley Jr. had by far the best season of any DB this year. Raising the question as to why he didn't take home DPOY. Stingley limited teams to 4.5 yards a target, a measly 51.2 pass rating, and only allowed 47.1% of passes to be completed. While doing all that he also got himself 5 interceptions and only gave up 4 touchdowns. Derek Stingley set expectations sky high this season and we will see if he can reach them next season.