2017 IDP Rankings – Defensive Backs (Redraft)

.size { font-size: large; } .black { color: #000; } .Georgia { font-family: Georgia, “Times New Roman”, Times, serif; } .style1 { font-family: Georgia, “Times New Roman”, Times, serif; } .style1 b .style6 { color: orange; } Listed below is a sample of my 2017 Defensive Back Rankings for IDP Redraft Leagues. I will update these sample rankings periodically during the off-season to reflect changes in free agency, defensive schemes, playing time, draft selections, etc. However, keep in mind that the information listed here is just a small sample of a much larger set of rankings and descriptions that are accessible through purchasing my 2017 IDP Fantasy Football Draft Guide.

Drafting Philosophy:
Defensive backs have the most variability in point production from year-to-year. In other words, your top 20 defensive backs in 2017 could be quite different from your top 20 defensive backs in 2016 (especially in “big play leagues”).

Much of this variability is because defensive back production is often dependent on the performance of the team’s front seven. Additionally, the proliferation of nickel and dime sub packages have increased the number of defensive backs seeing 70%+ of the team’s weekly snaps and made the position even more difficult to project from a fantasy perspective.

This said I find it hard to use one of my first defensive picks on a defensive back. In reality, there are very few “locks” at the fantasy DB position outside of the first couple of tiers. Therefore, I usually try to grab a solid veteran fantasy producer (like Antoine Bethea in recent years) to serve as my anchor player and round out the position with young, upside talent in high leverage roles. This strategy affords me the luxury of using higher draft picks on other defensive positions where their projected performance is more accurately predicted.

1. Landon Collins S – NYG (8)
Collins had one of the best fantasy seasons for a defensive back in recent memory, compiling 100 solo tackles, 25 assists, 4 sacks, 5 interceptions, 13 passes defended and a defensive touchdown to top things off. The Giants remain weaker than ever at the linebacker position, so Collins has a good shot at once again being the #1 fantasy defensive back in 2017.

2. Reshad Jones S – MIA (11)
Jones had a year to remember in 2015 as he finished as fantasy’s top overall IDP (a rare feat for a DB) and was having another DB1 season in 2016 before going on IR in October after labrum surgery. The Dolphins have improved their linebacking core in recent years with the additions of Kiko Alonso and Lawrence Timmons but there should still be enough opportunity for Jones to be a strong DB1 moving forward.

3. Keanu Neal S – ATL (5)
Neal missed the first two weeks of his rookie season after undergoing a knee scope in August. However, he wasted no time in establishing himself as a DB1. Despite only playing full-time in 13 games, Neal still finished in the top 5 for fantasy points scored among defensive backs. He will, in all likelihood, improve upon his 2016 numbers and finish as a top three fantasy DB.

4. Morgan Burnett S – GB (8)
Burnett’s had some issues staying healthy in recent years, but has been a consistent DB1 when on the field. The Packers are fielding one of the weakest inside linebacking groups in the league, so expect the team to utilize Burnett in a sub package linebacker role. He set a career high in interceptions last year with three and chipped in nine pass deflections as well making him a viable big play threat at the position.

5. Johnathan Cyprien S – TEN (8)
Cyprien has been one of the league’s premier run-defending safeties since entering the league in 2013 but has struggled in pass coverage and hasn’t been much of a big play generator in the back half of the defense. Last year was his best all-around season however, scoring above average marks in every facet of his game and leading all defensive backs in total tackles. The move to Tennessee should keep his fantasy value consistent to past years. Cyprien should be drafted as a mid-range DB1.  

6. Tony Jefferson S – BAL (10)
Jefferson had a career year with the Cardinals last season racking up nearly 100 total tackles and generating several big plays over 14 games. He’s now with Baltimore and should be set up for similar stats on their defense. They have a gaping hole at inside linebacker and Jefferson will be relied upon to come into the box and stop the run. He’s just 25 years old and entering his prime, so DB1 production should be well within reach.

7. Barry Church S – JAC (8)
Church emerged on the fantasy scene back in 2013 with an impressive 100+ solo breakout performance. Dallas frequently utilized him in a run support role due to their weak front seven. This helped his tackle rate, so some may expect a drop in production with the move over to Jacksonville. Jonathan Cyprien was highly productive in that strong safety role however and the Jaguars defense should see a similar, if not higher, amount of field time than Dallas. We should expect more of the same from Church in 2017.

8. Kenny Vaccaro S – NO (5)Target
The Saints’ mess at linebacker the few years has allowed Vaccaro to assume more in-the-box duties. He was having a career year before getting suspended 4 games and judging by his career trajectory, he’s well primed for another uptick in production in 2017.

9. Jamal Adams S – NYJ (11)
The Jets used the sixth overall pick on Adams who should immediately become a starter in New York’s secondary. David Harris is no longer with the team and Darron Lee underwhelmed as a rookie, so Adams should see a lot of tackle opportunity on a defense that is expected to spend a lot of time on the field. He’s the favorite to lead all rookie secondary players in tackles. Production similar to Landon Collins in his rookie season is quite achievable.

10. Harrison Smith S – MIN (9)
Smith’s historical tackle rate doesn’t quite stack up with the rest of the elite DB1 tier, but he typically makes that up through interceptions and sacks. I’m projecting him for a 75/25/2 stat line with a couple interceptions thrown in for good measure. This makes him a back-end DB1 option.

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Questions, comments, or concerns with any of these rankings? If so, please let me know by posting a comment below or emailing me at theidpguru@idpguru.com. You can also hit me up on Twitter. 

Last Updated: June 27, 2017