The 8 Tallest Cornerbacks in the NFL (2024)
In the NFL, cornerbacks are typically celebrated for their agility, speed, and ability to read the game. However, a select group of players is challenging the traditional mold with their imposing statures.
After scrutinizing nearly 200 cornerbacks from Week 1 NFL rosters, we’ve identified those who stand out not just for their defensive prowess but also for their exceptional height.
These tallest cornerbacks in the league bring a unique combination of size and skill to their positions, offering a distinct advantage in a role often dominated by shorter players.
Tallest CBs in the NFL
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Tariq Woolen | 6’4″ | Seattle Seahawks |
| Nahshon Wright | 6’4″ | Dallas Cowboys |
| Benjamin St-Juste | 6’3″ | Washington Commanders |
| Tre Flowers | 6’3″ | Atlanta Falcons |
| Julius Brents | 6’3″ | Indianapolis Colts |
| Tre Hawkins III | 6’3″ | New York Giants |
| Joshua Williams | 6’3″ | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Sauce Gardner | 6’3″ | New York Jets |
While the average height of an NFL cornerback hovers just under six feet, these standout players, all measuring 6’3″ and taller, represent a significant departure from the norm. This height difference affords them distinct advantages on the field.
Taller than the typical cornerback, they possess a natural edge in covering the league’s bigger and taller wide receivers, effectively contesting high-thrown passes and jump balls. Their greater wingspan also allows for wider coverage areas and more opportunities to disrupt passing lanes.
Tariq Woolen
- Height: 6’4″
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
Tariq Woolen, standing at an impressive height of 6’4″, plays for the Seattle Seahawks. His exceptional size for a cornerback provides a significant advantage in coverage, particularly against taller receivers. Woolen was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).
At UTSA, he was known for his speed and athleticism, qualities that have translated well to the professional level. Woolen’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and contest catches due to his height and reach makes him a valuable asset in the Seahawks’ secondary.
Nahshon Wright
- Height: 6’4″
- Team: Dallas Cowboys
Nahshon Wright, another 6’4″ cornerback, plays for the Dallas Cowboys. Drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft from Oregon State University, Wright’s height gives him a distinct edge in jump-ball situations and in covering larger receivers.
At Oregon State, he was recognized for his ball skills and ability to make plays in the air. Wright’s combination of size and coverage skills make him a unique and promising player in the Cowboys’ defensive scheme.
Benjamin St-Juste
- Height: 6’3″
- Team: Washington Commanders
Benjamin St-Juste is a cornerback for the Washington Commanders. Selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft from the University of Minnesota, St-Juste is known for his physicality and length.
His size allows him to be effective in press coverage and to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage. At Minnesota, he demonstrated solid technique and an ability to disrupt passes, qualities that have carried over into his pro career.
Tre Flowers
- Height: 6’3″
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
Tre Flowers is a cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks out of Oklahoma State University, Flowers transitioned from safety to cornerback.
His height and length are advantages in covering tall receivers and in tackling. Flowers’ versatility and ability to adapt to different roles in the secondary have made him a valuable player in the Falcons’ defense.
Julius Brents
- Height: 6’3″
- Team: Indianapolis Colts
Julius Brents plays for the Indianapolis Colts. His exceptional height provides a significant advantage in covering tall receivers and contesting high-thrown passes.
Brents, a standout player from Kansas State University, was recognized for his physical style of play and excellent coverage skills. His ability to use his size to his advantage, along with his agility and ball skills, makes him a promising talent in the Colts’ defensive backfield.
Tre Hawkins III
- Height: 6’3″
- Team: New York Giants
Tre Hawkins III is a cornerback for the New York Giants. Hawkins, an undrafted free agent, brings a combination of height and speed to the Giants’ secondary.
His size gives him an edge in man-to-man coverage and in challenging passes, making him a valuable asset in defending against the league’s taller and bigger wide receivers. Hawkins’ journey to the NFL, marked by determination and skill, showcases his potential to make an impact on the field.
Joshua Williams
- Height: 6’3″
- Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Joshua Williams plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. Williams, drafted from Fayetteville State University, is known for his impressive wingspan and athleticism. His height and reach are significant assets in coverage, allowing him to effectively contest passes and disrupt receivers.
Williams’ transition from a smaller school to the NFL has been closely watched, as his physical attributes and potential make him an intriguing addition to the Chiefs’ secondary.
Sauce Gardner
- Height: 6’3″
- Team: New York Jets
Sauce Gardner is a standout cornerback for the New York Jets. Drafted fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Cincinnati, Gardner quickly established himself as a top prospect with his size, speed, and lockdown coverage abilities.
In college, he was known for his ability to shut down opposing receivers and for his excellent ball skills. Gardner’s height, combined with his elite coverage skills, makes him a formidable opponent in the secondary and a key player in the Jets’ defense.
Final Thoughts
These eight cornerbacks, all standing at 6’3″ or taller, are redefining the cornerback position in the NFL with their unique physical attributes. Players like Tariq Woolen, Nahshon Wright, Benjamin St-Juste, and Sauce Gardner bring an unparalleled combination of height, athleticism, and coverage skills to the field.
Their exceptional stature provides a significant advantage in covering tall receivers, contesting high-thrown passes, and disrupting offensive plays.
These players exemplify how the cornerback role is evolving, with teams valuing taller defenders to match up against the increasing size of wide receivers in the league. Their presence challenges the traditional prototype of cornerbacks and showcases the diversity of talent in the NFL.
