2 Buffalo Bills defenders ranked among NFL’s best in new cornerback rankings

Nickel defenders deserve some love too.

That sentiment was reflected in Pro Football Focus’ latest NFL cornerback rankings, as Buffalo Bills defensive end Taron Johnson ranks No. 10 on writer John Kosko’s list. It’s finally a bit of national recognition for the always underrated Johnson, who has expertly manned the nickel position paramount to the success of Buffalo’s defense since the 2018 NFL season.

“Johnson earned an 82.8 coverage grade over the last two years, eighth in the NFL,” Kosko wrote. “He’s also another player who prevents separation at a high level, ranking fifth in advanced metrics. The six-year professional player has played a vital role in the success of the Bills defense for several years.

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Johnson’s story proves particularly unique in a league with no shortage of winding paths; A fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of FCS school Weber State, Buffalo selected Johnson to play nickel cornerback, a position of critical importance for a Sean McDermott defense in which Johnson does not had no prior experience.

After some initial growing pains, Johnson carved out a bigger role for himself as his rookie season progressed, making a consistent impact with his aggression and tenacity. He would solidify himself as one of the league’s best nickel defenders over the next few seasons, collecting 450 tackles, 39 pass deflections, 21 tackles for loss and four interceptions during his six professional seasons. He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023.

The Bills have long placed significant responsibility on Johnson’s shoulders; Deploying five defensive backs at a clip significantly above league average, Buffalo has long asked Johnson to essentially serve as a cornerback/linebacker hybrid, preventing big coverage plays while being solid in the running game. The 27-year-old more than answered the call, his presence and consistent excellence truly allowing the overall defense to function properly.

Buffalo cornerback Rasul Douglas also appears on Kosko’s list, coming in at No. 15.

“The Bills traded for Douglas in the middle of the 2023 season, and it did wonders for the defense dealing with injuries on the outside in 2023,” Kosko wrote of the defender. “Douglas’ 82.0 coverage grade ranks 10th among qualifying corners over the past two years, and his nine interceptions rank second over the same span.”

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Douglas has been a solid addition to Buffalo’s defense after arriving at the 2023 trade deadline, replacing the injured Tre’Davious White and allowing the team’s secondary to bounce back a bit. He had eight pass deflections and four interceptions in nine games with the team, serving as a ball presence and consistent playmaker for a Buffalo defensive backfield that, at the time, was depleted by injuries.

Christian Benford does not appear in PFF’s rankings, but that could change in future renditions; The 23-year-old has been solid throughout his two professional seasons, totaling 78 tackles, 15 pass deflections and three interceptions.

Benford’s omission aside, seeing two Buffalo cornerbacks rank in the top 15 in the league is a promising sign for the secondary’s overall success in the 2024 season. The team will need to rely on excellence from his cornerbacks while the rest of the defensive backfield faces changes; Strong safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are gone during the 2024 offseason, with Mike Edwards, Taylor Rapp and rookie Cole Bishop competing for their vacant roles.