There are those who believe the cornerback is the third most important position in football (1. quarterback, 2. left tackle). That’s debatable; a lot depends on the type of scheme. The Raiders, for instance, play a vast amount of man coverage and therefore place a premium on shutdown corners (hence the $45.3 million they’re paying Nnamdi Asomugha over three years). But the Ravens, on the other hand, can survive with average corners, thanks to their unique front seven packages.

This, obviously, makes it tough to rank corners. But then again, it’s tough to rank any position. So let’s just take a stab at it. Based primarily on breaking down last year’s film, here are the Top 7 Cornerbacks in the NFL right now.

7. Terence Newman, Cowboys

Struggled in 2008, but one of the few corners in football who can change the face of his defense simply by being on the field.

6. Antoine Winfield, Vikings

Plays the run like a fourth linebacker, and has a knack for showing up in big moments.

5. Asante Samuel, Eagles

Perhaps the most dangerous playmaking corner in football.

4. Cortland Finnegan, Titans

Defends the deep ball remarkably well for someone who is so physical near the line of scrimmage. Probably the best run-defending CB in the AFC.

3. Charles Woodson, Packers

Have we ever seen a cover artist age this well? Premium ball skills tend to overshadow the purity of his lockdown abilities.

2. Champ Bailey, Broncos

When healthy, there isn’t a thing he can’t do.

1. Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders

Rarely gets challenged despite playing in a man-heavy defense that features sub-par safeties and an impotent pass-rush.

Also considered: Darrelle Revis, Jets; Corey Webster, Giants; Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie, Cardinals