Who is the best cornerback in the NFL? Not many will give you the answer of Brent Grimes. However, the 33-year-old is coming off his best season in years.
Moreover, he looks to have a lot of playing left to do.
You have heard this story before. A player goes undrafted; a team signs him, and makes a big impact in the NFL. It happens more than you think. Brent Grimes is one of those success stories.
Coming out of Shippensburg University, it would seem unlikely teams bothered to scout Grimes in college. Yet, he is one of the best non-drafted players the league has. It is a bold statement, but that stats back it up.
Grimes has found much success in the NFL. He has had six seasons of four or more interceptions. In addition, he has four Pro Bowl selections. He also led the NFL in pass deflections in 2016. Impressive stats for an undrafted free agent.
While nobody will put him in the same class as Richard Sherman or Malcolm Butler, many consider him among the best corners in the NFL. Many do not give him the respect because of his age.
While Grimes has certainly experienced a revival over these last four seasons, father time is not on his side. On the wrong side of 30, he is definitely past the prime of his career. However, judging by his 2016 season, Grimes is not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
It should not matter what age Grimes is, as long as he is playing at a high level. Additionally, he has delivered, especially playing alongside Vernon Hargreaves. The two could be one of the best one-two punches in all of the NFL.
Brent Grimes is a beast. There is no better way to put it. At 33, he is one of the NFL’s most seasoned vets. It just so happens that his best years have come past the normal prime age of an NFL star. The best is truly yet to come.
Follow Daniel James Gentile on twitter @dgentleman9288