2012 IDP Draft Rankings – Cornerbacks (Redraft)
.black { color: #000; } .red { color: #F00; } .blue { color: #00F; } .black { color: #000; } As a follow-up to my 2012 IDP Defensive Tackle Redraft Rankings published earlier this week, I wanted to give readers a more in depth rankings list for the cornerback position as well. Many owners play in leagues that require you to roster at least one cornerback. For the time being, I’ve broken out the top 15 players who qualify at this position for fantasy purposes. As the off-season progresses, I will likely add to this list (if desired).
Please note that these players are ranked off their redraft value and not their long-term, dynasty value.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!
| Scoring System: Solo Tackle = 2 points Assist = 1 point Sack = 7 points Interception = 7 points Forced Fumble = 5 points Fumble Recovery = 5 points |
| Key: DSC = Possible Defensive Scheme Change S = Sleeper/Undervalued Player B = Bust/Overvalued Player R = Injury Risk RET = Return Man |
CORNERBACKS
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1. RCB Charles Tillman (CHI) – “Peanut” has been the most solid tackle producing corner in the NFL over the last several seasons and 2011 was no exception. Not only did he once again register 80+ solo tackles but he also had 2 defensive touchdowns. There aren’t a lot of corners that can provide the consistency that Tillman does. He’s a DB2+/CB1. |
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2. LCB Jason McCourty (TEN) – McCourty had a break out year as a fantasy CB. Some may think it’s a fluke, but I don’t. The CB position in Tennessee has been a lucrative one the last couple seasons as their corners are expected to play press coverage and be active in stopping the run. Cortland Finnegan leaving may mean less balls are thrown McCourty’s way, but he still should put up good enough numbers to warrant DB2+ consideration and should be one of the first corners taken off the boards come draft day. |
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3. LCB Charles Woodson (GB) – Heading into his 15th season, Charles Woodson is still one of the most productive cornerbacks in the NFL. He’s also managed to be fantasy relevant for a majority of his career (especially the last couple of seasons). He’s not afraid to come up and play the run and teams are throwing at him a lot more than they use to which had led to an increase in big plays. Look for him to get some significant playing time at safety this season as well. |
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4. LCB Antoine Winfield (MIN) – This ranking is a bit high for Winfield and it’s unlikely he will get drafted in this slot, but he’s definitely worth a top 25 pick when healthy. Although he’s 34 and has struggled with injuries the last couple of seasons, he’s perhaps the best tackling cornerback in the league and plays in an aggressive cover 2 style defense that allows him to rack up a ton of tackles. If he plays all 16 games, I’d expect 75-80+ solos. R, S |
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5. LCB DeAngelo Hall (WAS) – Hall is an IDP that always seems to get heavily overlooked in fantasy drafts and I don’t understand why that’s the case. He’s basically had 5 straight seasons of 60+ solo tackle production to go along with 35 career interceptions in 8 years (over 4 a year). Year in and year out, he has a good chance at finishing in the top 30 in balanced leagues. Give him a chance if you need a solid, low risk option in your DB3+ slot. |
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6. RCB Alterraun Verner (TEN)– Verner had a very productive rookie season in 2010 with 85 solo tackles and 3 INTs. The return of Jason McCourty pushed him back into a subpackage-only role however in 2011, which put a serious dent in his production and made him unrosterable. Verner will be taking over the duties of the recently departed Cortland Finnegan this season and is a very nice sleeper candidate late in drafts. I wouldn’t be surprised to see 75-80+ solos and 3-4 INTs. S |
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7. RCB Cortland Finnegan (STL) – Finnegan was brought in by recently hired Jeff Fisher to bring a toughness and hard nosed style of play to a traditionally passive secondary. He thrived under Fisher’s direction in Tennessee and is a decent bet to put up DB3/CB2+ numbers in his press man role in St. Louis. |
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8. RCB Brandon Browner (SEA) – This former CFL product was forced into the Seahawks starting rotation after multiple starters went down with injuries last season. To the surprise of many, Browner played like an elite level talent as various times throughout the year and ended up posting 53 solo tackles, 6 INTs, and 23 PBUs. Those numbers along with his strong play were enough to earn him a starting spot heading into this season. There’s always a certain degree of risk in selecting a potential one year wonder like Browner, but it’s all pretty much a crapshoot when you get to this part of the rankings. |
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9. RCB Kyle Arrington (NE) – Arrington is another one of those undrafted cornerbacks who has become a fantasy force recently. His 7 INTs last season were tied for the league lead and he also produced above average tackle numbers. For finishing in the top 10 amongst all DBs in most leagues, this ranking may seem a bit low. However, Arrington is currently battling for his starting job with Ras-I Dowling and even if he wins the position, his overall playing time is likely to decrease this season with Dowling inevitable taking on a larger role within the defense. B |
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10. LCB Richard Marshall (MIA) – Marshall has managed to produce at a top 35 rate over the last several seasons despite being limited to nickel cornerback duties for a majority of those years. His move to Miami should lead to a bump in playing time and 70+ solo tackles and a handful of big plays are a distinct possibility. DSC |
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11. RCB Tramon Williams (GB) – For an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana Tech, Williams has really managed to make a name for himself in Green Bay. He’s had four consecutive seasons of 4 or more interceptions and has posted around 50+ solo tackles in each of those seasons. He’s a decent mid-level DB3/CB2+. RET |
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12. RCB Devin McCourty (NE) – The combination of opponents consistently playing from behind and New England’s league worst pass defense has led to ample tackle opportunities for their cornerbacks. Both McCourty and Kyle Arrington were top 35 DBs last season. Although they both figure to lose some playing time to I-Ras Dowling come this season, McCourty is still a solid CB2+ option. DSC |
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13. LCB Lardarious Webb (BAL) – Webb came out of nowhere last season and established himself as one of the top up-and-coming shutdown corners in the game. Now that the news is out on Webb, expect less teams to throw his way. In the end, this will most likely hurt his overall fantasy production. So I wouldn’t expect another top 20 finish again. He does have a good nose for the ball (similar to Charles Woodson), but he’s better selected as a low-end DB3. RET |
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14. LCB Eric Wright (TB) -Wright’s been an unheralded, but fairly steady fantasy producer in his 6 years in the league. The Bucs signed him to a head scratching 5 year $38 million contract this past off-season and will count on him to anchor their new look secondary along with rookie Mark Barron. Tampa Bay corners have traditionally faired well in the tackle department and I expect Wright to pick up right where he left off from a fantasy perspective. DB3-/CB2. |
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15. LCB Patrick Peterson (ARI) – Peterson had a solid rookie season and instantly emerged as one of the league’s premier return men. Teams will likely begin to throw away from Peterson which is bad news for his tackle production, but he is a natural big play producer and is a top 5 CB pick in leagues that reward for return yardage. Outside of those type of leagues, he’s more of a DB4 with upside however. B, RET |
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Last Updated: August 26, 2012