Fourth-year cornerback Xavier Rhodes has improved every season he’s been in the league and 2016 was his best yet. Rhodes made 52 tackles last season and intercepted a career-high five passes.
.@XavierRhodes29_ is REALLY fast.
100. YARDS. HE’S. GONE. #SKOLpic.twitter.com/Qm9LVrQSHr
— NFL (@NFL) November 21, 2016
According to NFL.com, Rhodes was the best cornerback in the league in 2016. The ranking was determined by passer rating allowed in coverage.
Rhodes finished higher than Aqib Talib, Casey Hayward, Janoris Jenkins, Brent Grimes and Richard Sherman.
Wide receivers had a tough time hauling in passes as Rhodes gave up an NFL-low 41.8 percent catch rate. Opposing quarterbacks also posted a passer rating of 39.2, which was the best figure among No. 1 corners in the league.
The accolades don’t stop there though, as ESPN.com NFC North beat writers said Rhodes was the division’s defensive MVP in 2016.
Minnesota’s top cornerback was named to his first Pro Bowl this season, which will take place on Jan. 29 in Orlando, Florida.
