The 15 Shortest Cornerbacks in the NFL (2024)
In a league where physical stature often dictates the norm, the shortest cornerbacks in the NFL stand as a striking contrast, challenging the conventional standards of their position.
After analyzing nearly 200 cornerbacks from the Week 1 rosters of the 2023 NFL season, a select few have distinguished themselves not by towering height, but through their impressive skills and resilience, despite their smaller stature.
These players, all falling below the typical height range for cornerbacks, bring agility, speed, and a remarkable understanding of the game, proving that size isn’t the sole measure of a defensive back’s effectiveness.
Shortest CB in the NFL
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Khalil Dorsey | 5’8″ | Detroit Lions |
| Marcus Jones | 5’8″ | New England Patriots |
| Tre Tomlinson | 5’9″ | Los Angeles Rams |
| Shaun Jolly | 5’9″ | Los Angeles Rams |
| Cam Lewis | 5’9″ | Buffalo Bills |
| Amik Robertson | 5’9″ | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Mike Hilton | 5’9″ | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Avonte Maddox | 5’9″ | Philadelphia Eagles |
| K’Waun Williams | 5’9″ | Denver Broncos |
| D’Shawn Jamison | 5’9″ | Carolina Panthers |
| Darious Williams | 5’9″ | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| D.J. Reed | 5’9″ | New York Jets |
| Kenny Moore II | 5’9″ | Indianapolis Colts |
| Danny Johnson | 5’9″ | Washington Commanders |
| Myles Bryant | 5’9″ | New England Patriots |
While the average NFL cornerback typically stands around 6’0″, this group of 15 cornerbacks, each measuring 5’9″ and below, represents a significant deviation from the standard. This height discrepancy places them in a unique position within the league, where they often face off against receivers who may have several inches on them.
Despite this, these shorter cornerbacks leverage their stature to their advantage, often exhibiting superior agility, acceleration, and technique.
Khalil Dorsey
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: Detroit Lions
Khalil Dorsey, at a compact 5’8″, plays cornerback for the Detroit Lions. Dorsey, an undrafted free agent, initially joined the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 out of Northern Arizona University.
In college, he was noted for his speed and agility, traits that have translated well to the professional level. His smaller stature is counterbalanced by his excellent technique and a strong ability to read the game, making him effective in coverage situations.
Marcus Jones
- Height: 5’8″
- Team: New England Patriots
Marcus Jones, also standing at 5’8″, is a versatile player for the New England Patriots. Drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Houston, Jones made a name for himself with his exceptional playmaking skills, both as a cornerback and a return specialist.
In college, he was celebrated for his agility and coverage skills, as well as his impact on special teams, earning multiple accolades for his performances.
Shaun Jolly
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: Los Angeles Rams
Shaun Jolly plays alongside Tre Tomlinson for the Los Angeles Rams. An undrafted player from Appalachian State University, Jolly distinguished himself in college with his coverage abilities and knack for making key plays.
He is known for his competitive nature and physicality in coverage, traits that serve him well in countering the challenges posed by his height.
Cam Lewis
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: Buffalo Bills
Cam Lewis is a cornerback for the Buffalo Bills. As an undrafted player from the University at Buffalo, Lewis has worked hard to establish himself in the NFL. He is known for his agility and solid tackling skills, particularly in slot coverage.
Lewis’ perseverance and ability to perform at a high level, despite his smaller size, demonstrate his skill and adaptability in a highly competitive environment.
Amik Robertson
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Amik Robertson is a cornerback for the Las Vegas Raiders. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft from Louisiana Tech University, Robertson quickly established himself as a tenacious and skilled defender.
In college, he was known for his aggressive play style and ball-hawking abilities, recording 14 interceptions over his three-year career. Despite his smaller stature, Robertson’s competitive nature and ability to read quarterbacks make him a valuable asset in the Raiders’ secondary.
Mike Hilton
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Hilton plays for the Cincinnati Bengals. An undrafted player out of the University of Mississippi, Hilton has carved out a significant role in the NFL with his excellent slot coverage skills and tackling ability.
He first gained recognition with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his versatility and knack for making big plays, especially on blitzes, were highly regarded. Hilton’s success in the league underscores his ability to leverage his quickness and football intelligence against taller opponents.
Avonte Maddox
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Avonte Maddox is a cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft from the University of Pittsburgh, Maddox has proven to be a dynamic and versatile player.
Known for his speed and agility, he excels in both outside and slot coverage, demonstrating an ability to quickly close on receivers and make impactful plays. His stature has not hindered his effectiveness in the secondary, showcasing his adaptability and skill.
K’Waun Williams
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: Denver Broncos
K’Waun Williams, standing 5’9″, is a cornerback for the Denver Broncos. An undrafted player from the University of Pittsburgh, Williams has established himself as one of the NFL’s top slot cornerbacks.
Known for his physical play style and ability to defend against both the pass and run, he has been an essential part of the secondaries of the San Francisco 49ers and now the Broncos. Williams’ success is a testament to his technique and understanding of the game.
D’Shawn Jamison
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: Carolina Panthers
D’Shawn Jamison plays cornerback for the Carolina Panthers. An undrafted player from the University of Texas, Jamison is noted for his athleticism and special teams abilities.
In college, he was a versatile player, contributing as both a defensive back and a return specialist. His agility and speed, along with his skill in reading plays, make him a promising talent in the Panthers’ defensive unit.
Darious Williams
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Darious Williams is a cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Williams found success with the Los Angeles Rams before joining the Jaguars.
At UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham), he displayed excellent coverage skills and ball awareness. Despite his smaller size, Williams has proven himself as a reliable cornerback in the NFL, known for his agility and ability to break up passes effectively.
D.J. Reed
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: New York Jets
D.J. Reed plays for the New York Jets. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers out of Kansas State University, Reed has demonstrated versatility and resilience.
He is effective in both outside and slot coverage, utilizing his quick reflexes and speed to keep up with receivers. Reed’s ability to excel in various roles in the secondary showcases his adaptability and skill, despite being shorter than the average NFL cornerback.
Kenny Moore II
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: Indianapolis Colts
Kenny Moore II is a standout cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts. An undrafted player from Valdosta State University, Moore has become one of the premier slot cornerbacks in the league.
His agility, coverage ability, and exceptional tackling are hallmarks of his play. Moore’s knack for making key plays, including interceptions and tackles for loss, has made him an invaluable member of the Colts’ defense.
Danny Johnson
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: Washington Commanders
Danny Johnson plays for the Washington Commanders. An undrafted free agent out of Southern University, Johnson joined the NFL in 2018. He is known for his quickness and solid coverage skills, both in the slot and on the outside.
Johnson’s journey in the NFL highlights his tenacity and ability to compete at a high level, utilizing his speed and technique to effectively cover receivers.
Myles Bryant
- Height: 5’9″
- Team: New England Patriots
Myles Bryant is a cornerback for the New England Patriots. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020 from the University of Washington, Bryant has shown his versatility and intelligence on the field.
He has been utilized in various roles within the Patriots’ secondary, displaying an ability to adapt quickly to different coverage assignments. Bryant’s agility and understanding of the game enable him to excel in coverage, proving that size isn’t the sole factor in defining a cornerback’s effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
These fifteen cornerbacks, each standing at 5’9″ or below, exemplify that height is not the definitive factor for success in the NFL’s cornerback position.
Their careers highlight the importance of agility, technique, and football intelligence, showcasing that skill and determination can effectively counterbalance a lack of height.
These players have adapted to the demands of professional football, proving themselves against taller opponents and demonstrating that excellence in the cornerback role is about much more than physical stature.
