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In addition to safeties and boundary cornerbacks, defenders who can cover inside in the slot are critical in the NFL.
Who are the best ones in the league entering this coming season?
Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar gives us his top 11 slot defenders, plus some who receive honorable mention.
Check them out below and read his full post for a complete breakdown of each player.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
1. Tavierre Thomas, Houston Texans
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2021/10/USATSI_16885455.jpg)
2. Jayron Kearse, Dallas Cowboys
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/06/USATSI_19696149.jpg)
3. Jimmie Ward, Houston Texans
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2022/07/USATSI_17597368.jpg)
4. Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2022/11/USATSI_19515741.jpg)
5. Kader Kohou, Miami Dolphins
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/06/USATSI_19679698.jpg)
6. L'Jarius Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2021/01/USATSI_15447980.jpg)
7. DaRon Bland, Dallas Cowboys
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/06/USATSI_19841368.jpg)
8. Rayshawn Jenkins, Jacksonville Jaguars
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/06/USATSI_19746858.jpg)
9. Kyle Dugger, New England Patriots
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2022/07/USATSI_17443323.jpg)
10. Mike Hilton, Cincinnati Bengals
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2022/10/USATSI_19263637.jpg)
11. Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2023/01/USATSI_19613256.jpg)
Honorable mention
![](https://cardswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2022/09/2b1c4954ff514044a0c0b2098cac3643.jpg)
- Kenny Moore II. Indianapolis Colts
- Taron Johnson, Buffalo Bills
- Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins
- Rachad Wildgoose, Washington Football Team
- Bryce Callahan, Los Angeles Chargers
- Cobie Durant, Los Angeles Rams
- Isaiah Simmons, Arizona Cardinals
- Darnay Holmes, New York Giants
- Michael Carter II, New York Jets