The best player on the Washington Redskins hasn’t played a single snap for them, yet.
Josh Norman has made the Top 100 for the first time in his career, doing it in epic fashion. Norman was one of the key components on the Panthers defense that ranked second in the NFL in 2015.
As the best player in your team’s secondary, you’re going to be matched up against the best receivers on opposing teams. That’s just how the NFL works.
Norman definitely showed he belonged with that company as he held DeAndre Hopkins, Dez Bryant, Julio Jones, and Odell Beckham Jr. to a meager total of 18 receptions for one touchdown in 2015.
If beating the best makes you the best, then one could certainly argue Norman is the best cornerback in the NFL today. In 2015, Norman collected 56 tackles, defended 19 passes, recorded four interceptions, scored two touchdowns, and forced three fumbles as the Panthers stormed through the 2015 regular season with a 15-1 record and made an appearance in Super Bowl 50.
Speaking of Super Bowl 50, Norman ranks higher on this year’s list than Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller, who rolled in at number 15 on this year’s list. That speaks volumes on how much respect the players in the league have for Norman.
“To be able to react and cover freak athletes, the athleticism is at a level that I can never even fathom,” said Colts punter Pat McAfee. “If I was playing against Josh Norman, I wouldn’t get off the line, probably crap my pants.”
Last season, Norman made life miserable for opposing offenses. Jameis Winston can testify to that statement.
Against the Buccaneers in Week 4 of last season, Norman racked up four tackles, four passes defended, two interceptions, and one score as the Panthers would roll over the Buccaneers by a score of 37-23.
“I don’t think any [defensive back] in the NFL can match what he can do,” said former teammate Thomas Davis.
If Norman can repeat his success from 2015, then, he is worth every penny that the Redskins paid him this offseason as he adds sorely needed help to Washington’s secondary.
Moral of the story, teams opposing the Redskins this season better hope that they have more than one elite receiver at their disposal; because Norman is going to flat out shut down their number one option.
You can watch his Top 100 video right here.
