2023 IDP Redraft Rankings – Cornerbacks

ByRyan Sitzmann Posted on Updated on

Listed below is a sample of my 2023 Cornerback Rankings for IDP Redraft Leagues. I will periodically update these throughout 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 2023 IDP Fantasy Football Draft Guide. Or get access to both my draft guide and all of my premium in-season content by signing up for the Gold Package. 

Drafting Philosophy:
It’s difficult to find cornerbacks that are consistent year-to-year producers as their opportunity is often reliant on how often quarterbacks throw the ball their direction, along with their role in the defensive scheme. To help find value, many owners leverage the “rookie corner rule” strategy which targets first year players at the position. Since these players typically get thrown at early and often, they tend to see above average point scoring opportunity. Another, albeit less effective, strategy is to seek out players on winning teams. These types of teams typically have leads over their opponents and therefore see a high amount of pass attempts as opposing teams play catch up.

Scoring System:
Solo Tackle = 1.5 points
Assist = 0.75 points
Sack = 4 points
Interception = 5 points
Forced Fumble = 4 points
Fumble Recovery = 4 points
Pass Deflection = 1.5 point
Defensive TD = 6 points

1. L’Jarius Sneed – KC (10)
Sneed was an above average contributor in several IDP stat categories last year and finished top five  in most scoring systems. However, I can’t justify drafting him assuming similar production in 2023. First off, cornerback production is the most volatile year-to-year of any IDP position and it’s quite rare for corners to put up back-to-back DB1 seasons. Secondly, Sneed is expected to spend more time at outside corner versus the slot which will likely have a negative impact on his tackle production. I think that latter concern may be a bit overblown and he could easily still flirt with 95 total tackles and provide several big plays. I just wouldn’t recommend trusting him as your DB1 but makes for a fine DB2 selection.

2. Kenny Moore II – IND (11)
Moore has arguably been the most consistent fantasy producer at the cornerback position the last handful of seasons. He had his best year in 2022 where he finished over 100 total tackles (82 solo) and four interceptions. This led to him being taken as the #1 corner off the board in many drafts last season. Unfortunately, his production came crashing back down to Earth partly due to his season getting cut short due to injury but his PPG was also a good chunk below his historicals. It’s not quite clear if this was related to the new scheme or if it was just a down year. But given the lack of year-to-year consistency at the position, Moore remains a player I’ll take a chance on as a potential CB1.

3. Taron Johnson – BUF (13)
Since manning the slot corner position in a full-time capacity for the Bills back in 2020, Johnson has averaged 65 solo tackles, 23 assists, and 8 PDs. He’s also usually good for 1-2 sacks per year. With Buffalo relying so heavily on nickel packages, I would expect him to continue being a 90%+ snap player and providing relatively consistent CB1- value for managers.

4. Nate Hobbs – LV (13)
Hobbs finished outside the Top 20 in CB fantasy production last year which makes this ranking a bit puzzling on the surface. However, when you account for the fact that he missed six games due to injury and instead focus on his PPG, he suddenly becomes a top five producer at the position in 2022. During those 11 games played, he averaged over five solo tackles per game (which is a rarity at this position) and appears to have the starting slot corner role locked down heading into 2023. He’s not likely to provide much outside of tackles, but if you are looking for consistent week-to-week production, Hobbs should fit the bill well as a CB2+/CB1-.

5. Marlon Humphrey – BAL (13)
For being known more as a “cover” corner, Humphrey has above average tackling ability and is typically a good bet for 65-75 total tackles over a full season. Add in that he typically produces several big plays and 10+ pass deflections and you have the makings of a very solid CB2+. My only concern is that with the departure of Marcus Peters, Humphrey may see less balls thrown his way and therefore less opportunity to score fantasy points.

 

6. Kyler Gordon – CHI (13) (SLEEPER)
With a 55/16 tackle line to go along with 3 INTs and 6 PDs, Gordon finished as a top 10 cornerback in his rookie season. In many cases, I’d be leery of expecting a repeat in production in Year 2 for a cornerback, but Gordon has showed himself a willing tackler who often finds himself playing in the slot/box, so I don’t think it’s that far-fetched to think he can build upon last year’s production. He’s someone I’d definitely take a chance on as my CB2 as he does have CB1 upside.

7. D.J. Reed Jr. – NYJ (7) (SLEEPER)
In took a few games, but teams have realized that Sauce Gardner is already an elite talent at cornerback. So look for opposing offenses to avoid him like the plague. This should translate to a ton of throws going Reed’s way. He’s shown to be an above-average tackle producer in each of the last two seasons, so is well situated to turn these increased opportunities into fantasy points in 2023.


Like what you’ve read so far? Looking to dominate your 2023 Fantasy Football draft(s)? For $9.99 you can get complete access to The IDP Guru’s comprehensive and exhaustive 2023 IDP Fantasy Football Draft Guide. OR you can get both my Draft Guide and access to all my In-Season Premium Content by purchasing my 2023 Gold Package for just $19.99. 

2023 IDP Draft Guide Features:

  • Continually Updated in Real-Time Until Start of the Regular Season (9/7)
  • 300 Defensive Players Ranked in Tiered Fashion – 100 DL, 100 LB, 100 DB
  • Customizable Projections for All Ranked IDPs
  • Detailed Player Descriptions
  • Overall Top 100 IDP Rankings List
  • Sleeper/Target/Avoid Notation
  • Top 50 IDP Rookie Rankings
  • Rankings Comparison to FantasyPros’ Expert Consensus (ECR) Rankings
  • Excel Export Functionality

Questions, comments, or concerns with any of these recommendations? If so, please let me know by hitting me up on Twitter or emailing me at theidpguru@idpguru.com.

Last Updated: August 2, 2020