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20 Best NFL Players from Pac-12 Schools

By Patrick Schmidt

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) battle for the ball during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) battle for the ball during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

4. player. 36. . CB. Stanford. Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman is arguably the best cornerback in the NFL. At worst, the Stanford product is in the conversation with Darrelle Revis and Patrick Peterson. The latter two entered the league with high expectations accompanying their first round draft pick status, but Sherman was a fifth round pick out of Stanford in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Sherman played wide receiver at Stanford before changing positions to cornerback where he has started every game the last four years and made four straight Pro Bowl teams. Sherman was a first-team All-Pro in 2012 when he had eight interceptions and backed that up the next year with an NFL-best eight picks for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

Quarterbacks aren’t challenging Sherman as much over the last two years since he’s established himself as a shutdown corner but still has six interceptions over that time and 25 passes defended.

The three-time first-team All-Pro may or may not be the best cornerback in the NFL, but he’s certainly one of the best NFL players from the Pac-12.

Next: 3. Tyron Smith

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