Joyner was one of NFL's best run stopping CB's in 2016...

Lamarcus Joyner was one of the NFL's best run-stopping CBs in 2016

Tanya Ray Fox

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Now in his fourth year in the league, Lamarcus Joyner is finally coming into his own as a pro defensive back. Last season the former second-round draft pick was one of the best situational cornerbacks in the NFL, particular against the run.

Per Pro Football Focus, he was No. 1 in the league among all qualifying cornerbacks in terms of run stop percentage.


It’s a skillset that definitely contributed to his promotion this offseason from situational defender to full-time multi-use defensive back. As a free safety and a slot corner, Joyner will have the chance to compete for a position as an every down player for the first time in his young career – something he described as a “dream come true” back in June.

He’ll have competition for those positions from teammates Mo Alexander, who thrived at free safety in 2016, and Nickell-Robey Coleman. However if he continues to play with as much versatility as he has in the past, there’s little doubt that Joyner will see a significant increase in his role on the secondary in 2017.