Defensive backs who serve as human blankets are more coveted than ever.

Thanks to the pro game’s rapid shift to pass-first offenses and rules that increasingly protect both quarterbacks and pass catchers, the value of the hard-hitting DB has decreased while the stock for premier cover guys has soared.

Are we in the beginning of the golden era of coverage? That’s debatable, but defenders have to balance making stops and avoiding getting too physical now more than ever, further emphasizing the importance of details and technique. In some ways, forcing tight windows and recording passes defensed are the new jarring hits.

Now, some of the most important notes about this piece: It’s a little different from the others in this series because we aren’t going to rely on one metric above the rest to determine who makes the list. We’re going to find our top 10 based on a combination of key metrics because some relevant stats (catch rate below expectation, for example) skew in favor of safeties as opposed to corners due to their location on the field and distance they must cover. Not all of these defenders are operating on the same plane.

The key criteria in filtering candidates: A minimum of 300 coverage snaps and a minimum of 40 targets (for ample volume). Why require at least 40 targets? Well, while there is a bit of skew in favor of safeties in some categories, a 50-target minimum eliminated too many safeties for this to be a fair reflection of their ability in coverage, at least in my opinion.

The key metrics that will be considered in judging this group:

• Passer rating allowed
• Catch rate allowed below expectation
• Tight window percentage
• Target rate
• Average separation yards

Ballhawk rate and coverage-success rate will also be considered as supplemental metrics.

I know that’s a lot to digest. Deep breaths, everyone. Let’s dive into the top 10.