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NFC West power rankings: Which team has the best CBs?

Seattle has the best one in the league, but who has the best group?

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

We are almost done with the series of NFC West power rankings. Today we look at the cornerbacks. The division has two of the most talented players at the position in Richard Sherman and Patrick Peterson. But if you look at the top three, how does the division stack up?

1. Seattle Seahawks: Richard Sherman, Cary Williams, Jeremy Lane

Sherman and Lane both enter the preseason nursing injuries, but once everyone is healthy, these are the three one would expect to play. They do have Will Blackmon as well, but he probably gets bumped if all are healthy. The main reason why the Seahawks get the No. 1 spot? That would be Sherman, who is the league's best at the position. He might not be the most talented, but the performance is there. Sure, he doesn't move all over the field, but is there anyone better at shutting down one side of the field?

2. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, Jerraud Powers, Justin Bethel

Peterson, aside from his 2014 struggles, is the most talented corner  in the West and perhaps in all of football. Troubles with diabetes and injuries made last season tough. He is expected to be much better this season after losing some weight and managing his condition. Powers was one of the most effective players in the slot last season and will slide outside. He perhaps will play the slot in nickel downs and that means two-time special teams Pro Bowler Justin Bethel will get playing time. There is excitement about him because  the team says he can do things very few in the league can do athletically.

3. San Francisco 49ers: Tramaine Brock, Shareece Wright, Chris Cook

This is how I think the depth chart could shake out. The team took a hit at the position, losing Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver to free agency. There is nothing special here.

4. St. Louis Rams: Janoris Jenkins, E.J. Gaines, Trumaine Johnson

Jenkins has not been the player many hoped he would be, although he does like to intercept passes from the Cardinals. Ryan Lindley managed to throw touchdowns to Jenkins twice his rookie season -- as in Jenkins picked him off and returned then for scores. Gaines was a solid in 2014.