Cortland Finnegan

Not only is Finnegan perhaps the league's top agitator, he's also arguably the best IDP option among cornerbacks. Playing in a division with run-heavy teams like San Francisco and Seattle, Finnegan made his way to the triple-digit tackles in 2012, his first year in St. Louis. It was a career high for Finnegan, so some regression might be expected in the tackle category, but with two triple-digit tackle seasons in the last three years, any drop-off is unlikely to be severe. Finnegan's 16 interceptions over the last five years aren’t anything to get excited about, but he took four of those back to the house. Finnegan should continue to get good opportunities in 2013, because St. Louis figures to possess a strong pass rush with Robert Quinn, Chris Long, Michael Brockers and Alec Ogletree in the front seven.

Finnegan has a long history as one of the league’s top IDP defensive backs, but his value is lower, or at least questionable, after he left Tennessee for St. Louis in free agency. Not only is it unclear just what sort of scheme the Rams will run – though it should be similar given that head coach Jeff Fisher was Finnegan’s coach for much of his time in Tennessee – but rookies Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson should make easier targets for opposing quarterbacks than Finnegan. Still, he’ll probably be isolated on the opposition’s top receiver at times, and will have opportunities to makes plays as a result

Even if he is not the most likable fellow in the league, there is no doubt that Finnegan has a knack for flying to the football. He isn’t likely to match last year’s career-high 100 tackles, but his 95-tackle season from 2007 indicates that it shouldn’t be ruled out, either. With 12 interceptions (three returned for touchdowns) in the last three years, Finnegan can also be expected to make plays in coverage. Even with a bull’s-eye on him all these years, Finnegan has only missed three games in his five-year career, so his durability is also a plus.

Finnegan will be moved to the left-side of the defense in 2010. This will allow him to be matched with some of the best receivers and defending the strong-side of a right-handed quarterback's offense. Look for him to have more opportunities to make big plays.

Finnegan made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2008 and is emerging as one of the Titans' defensive leaders and best cornerbacks in the NFL. He has played in every game through his first three seasons. In 2008, he defended 20 passes and had five interceptions.We expect Finnegan to continue to play at a high level in 2009, and even improve on all of his numbers from last season. He is undersized, but covers well and is a very good tackler.

Finnegan battled for a starting corner position heading into 2007 and won the job. He backed up Jeff Fisher's decision by recording 93 tackles, a sack and an interception. The Titans will run with Finnegan as their number two corner at the beginning of the season and he should be able to replicate last year's production.

Finnegan will challenge for playing time at both cornerback and nickel back. He possesses a great deal of speed and should figure prominantly in the Titans return game both as a kick and punt returner. Finnegan played in all 16 games for the Titans last season with two starts. He recorded 57 tackles, two sacks, three quarterback pressures, one tackle for a loss, seven passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one touchdown.