Arizona Cardinals

Projected Starters: Will Johnson (LCB; rookie), Jalen Thompson (SS), Budda Baker (FS), Max Melton (RCB), Garrett Williams (NB)

There are a lot of unknowns with this unit, as it’s a relatively young group. Budda Baker and Garrett Williams provide a strong foundation for the secondary, and with rookie Will Johnson joining the mix, this group could surprise some people this season. However, many remain concerned about Johnson’s injury history, which played a significant role in his draft stock falling as much as it did.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 68.4% (4th highest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.6 yards (tied 10th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 20 (5th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 54% (10th highest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 9 (tied 8th least in the NFL)
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Los Angeles Rams

Projected Starters: Darious Williams (LCB), Kam Curl (SS), Kamren Kinchens (FS), Ahkello Witherspoon (RCB), Quentin Lake (NB)

This Rams secondary underperformed relative to expectations in 2024. The good news, however, is that the group will have had a full offseason to grow and learn together before taking the field. If they can build stronger chemistry, this unit has the potential to become a solid secondary this season.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 65.3% (16th in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 11.6 yards (tied 6th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 29 (tied 5th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 57.1% (highest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 13 (tied 12th most in the NFL)

San Francisco 49ers

Projected Starters: Renardo Green (LCB), Ji’Ayir Brown (SS), Jason Pinnock (FS; free agent acquisition), Deommodore Lenoir (RCB), Tre Brown (NB; free agent acquisition)

This group was severely banged up last year, prompting the 49ers front office to add several pieces to bolster depth in the secondary. However, there are still plenty of question marks surrounding this unit heading into the season, particularly around whether they can develop chemistry. The good news is that they have one of the best linebacking corps in the NFL, which should help ensure they’re in the right positions more often than not.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 65.5% (15th highest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.3 yards (5th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 25 (tied 15th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 53.6% (11th least in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 11 (tied 12th least in the NFL)

Seattle Seahawks

Projected Starters: Josh Jobe (LCB), Julian Love (SS), Coby Bryant (FS), Riq Woolen (RCB), Devon Witherspoon (NB)

This Seahawks secondary was arguably the best in the NFC West last season and is likely to retain that title this coming year. Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen are among the best in the NFL at preventing separation and will look to carry that same level of play into this season. The back end of the secondary is also starting to gel, positioning this unit for another outstanding campaign.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 65.2 % (14th lowest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.6 yards (tied 10th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 26 (tied 15th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 52% (tied 13th least in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 13 (tied 12th most in the NFL)