Paulson Adebo’s breakout season has been heavily respected by Pro Football Focus. He has been labeled as the Saints most improved player and secret superstar. Adebo turned into a number one cornerback and elevated his play after his first two seasons.
In his end of season rankings, PFF analyst Sam Monson ranked Adebo as the 90th best player of 2023, writing:
Adebo had occasionally flashed impact ability over his first two years in the league, but this season he did it far more consistently. And for a month in the middle of the year, he was the best cornerback in football. Adebo finished with 11 pass breakups and four picks, allowing a 69.9 passer rating when targeted.
The biggest transformation in Adebo’s game was the ability to get his hands on passes. He reached double-digit passes defensed for the first time in his career (though PFF credited him with 11, ESPN and Pro Football Reference both had him with 18 of them), while also hitting a career-high in interceptions. He also excelled in limiting yards after catch. He was tasked with defending the best receiver on the opposing team. Just as he was consistently targeted, Adebo consistently delivered.
2023 was the season where the third year corner put it all together. He stepped up in Marshon Lattimore’s absence to become not only the lead corner for New Orleans, but a true number-one corner. Lattimore will step back into his lead role if he returns to New Orleans next season, and Adebo cements the Saints secondary as a No Fly Zone.
