Average Height of NFL Defensive Backs in 2024
In the NFL, where every inch and pound can make a difference, the height of the defensive backs can sometimes turn out to be a game-changer.
From intercepting high-flying passes to grounding swift receivers, the physical stature of these athletes can play a pivotal role in their on-field performance and, by extension, their teams’ defensive strategies.
For this deep dive, I examined the heights and weights of over 300 defensive backs on opening-day rosters for the 2023 season. Buckle up as we take a closer look at the NFL’s aerial defenders!
NFL DB Avg Height
The average height of an NFL Defensive Back in 2023 is 6’0″.
However, averages don’t often tell the whole story. For instance, there is a huge gap between the shortest and tallest defensive backs. I wanted to take a closer look.
So, in an effort to give you an even better idea of how NFL Defensive Backs stack up, I tallied up how many players are at each specific height – from 5’8″ all the way to 6’4″.
Cornerback Height Scale
| Height | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| 5’8″ | 3 |
| 5’9″ | 19 |
| 5’10” | 38 |
| 5’11” | 68 |
| 6’0″ | 76 |
| 6’1″ | 78 |
| 6’2″ | 34 |
| 6’3″ | 12 |
| 6’4″ | 8 |
This table provides some interesting insight into the defensive back position.
For starters, even though the average height for a defensive back is 6’0″, there are actually more DBs who are 6’1″ than any other height.
And, while Wide Receivers have a wide variety of heights, defensive backs do not. Over half, 58% to be exact, of defensive backs fall in a very tight window ranging from 5’11” to 6’1″.
Which NFL Defensive Backs are the Tallest?
Curious to know who the guys are at the bottom of the table above? Thought you might.
Here are the eight tallest DBs in the NFL this season, all measuring 6’4″:
| Name | Height | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tariq Woolen | 6’4″ | CB | Seattle Seahawks |
| Nahshon Wright | 6’4″ | CB | Dallas Cowboys |
| Isaiah Pola-Mao | 6’4″ | S | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Israel Mukuamu | 6’4″ | S | Dallas Cowboys |
| Kyle Hamilton | 6’4″ | S | Baltimore Ravens |
| JL Skinner | 6’4″ | S | Denver Broncos |
| Jayron Kearse | 6’4″ | S | Dallas Cowboys |
| Isaiah Simmons | 6’4″ | S | New York Giants |
Which NFL Defensive Backs are the Shortest?
Just as interesting (or maybe even more so) as which guys are the tallest is which players are the shortest.
The 3 shortest defensive backs in the NFL are all 5”8″.
| Name | Height | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khalil Dorsey | 5’8″ | CB | Detroit Lions |
| Marcus Jones | 5’8″ | CB | New England Patriots |
| Ar’Darius Washington | 5’8″ | S | Baltimore Ravens |
Conclusion
While we observed a range of heights stretching from 5’8″ to a towering 6’4″, it’s particularly noteworthy that over half of these athletes fall within a narrower band, between 5’11” and 6’1″. This consistency in height underlines the importance of a balance between agility and reach in the defensive backfield.
What this data suggests is a kind of ‘Goldilocks Zone’ for defensive backs – not too tall, not too short, but just right for the multifaceted demands of their role. It’s a blend that allows for the agility needed to keep up with nimble receivers, coupled with the reach necessary to disrupt passes and secure interceptions.
As the NFL continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if this trend holds or if teams start pushing the boundaries, seeking out outliers who can bring a new dimension to the defensive game. For now, though, it’s clear that when it comes to NFL defensive backs, 6’0″ is the height that hits the sweet spot.
