2023 IDP Redraft Rankings – Defensive Backs

Tier 1

1. Derwin James Jr. S – LAC (5), +0 vs. ECR (TARGET)
At a position with a ton of year-to-year volatility, James is really the only guy who is a bankable, sure-fire DB1. The Chargers move him all around the defense and in various roles which allows him to contribute in the box scores in a multitude of ways. The reclassification of most pass-rushing “LBs” to DL in some league management platforms has created a ton more depth there. So if your league falls into that situation, I’d strongly consider reaching out and targeting James to anchor your DB position.

Tier 2

2. Jalen Pitre S – HOU (7), +0 vs. ECR
After a preseason in which he was all over the field, Pitre was one of the players I targeted late in a ton of drafts last year. He ended up being one of the season’s greatest values leading all DBs in total points and PPG en route to 150+ total tackles and 5 INTs. This said, he missed a lot of tackles last year and the new defensive scheme and philosophy won’t provide as much opportunity for him. So there’s a strong possibility we see his numbers regress in Year 2. But even with a fair amount of regression, Pitre still lands squarely in the DB1 tier.

3. Budda Baker S – ARI (14), +1 vs. ECR 
Baker has been one of the most dependable fantasy safeties since emerging as a top player at the position back in 2018. He did see a dip in tackle production in 2021 but got back on track last year with 75+ solo tackles and 35+ assists while contributing a handful of “splash” plays and should continuing serving as a reliable DB1 moving forward.

4. Jaquan Brisker S – CHI (13), -1 vs. ECR 
Although I had Brisker labeled as a sleeper in last year’s draft guide, he surpassed even my expectations, putting up over 100 total tackles and four sacks. The rookie out of Penn State was quite consistent for a first year player and should serve as a stalwart on the Chicago defense for the next few years. My only slight concern is he may see less tackle opportunity with the team investing heavily at the linebacker position in the off-season; however, Brisker has a broad enough skill set to create points in other ways if that happens.

5. Minkah Fitzpatrick S – PIT (6), +0 vs. ECR
After not eclipsing more than 60 solo tackles or 30 assists in any season, Fitzpatrick exploded with 84 solos and 39 assists in 2021. That left many to wonder if that was a fluke or a trend of things to come. Well, we got our answer in 2022 as his tackle numbers fell back in line with pre-2021 averages. However, he still maintained DB1 value via a career-high six interceptions and 11 pass deflections and a defensive TD. He’s become one of the league’s premier, big-play DBs and, if you are OK with week-to-week volatility, he’s a fine pick in this range.

6. Antoine Winfield Jr. S – TB (5), +0 vs. ECR
After playing mainly in the slot last year, Winfield will move back to free safety where he started his career. I don’t envision that having a dramatic impact on his tackle production; however, we are quite likely to see a decline in sack totals from last year’s four with greater potential to drive up his interception totals.

7. Jeremy Chinn S – CAR (7), +2 vs. ECR
Chinn has been used as a “swiss army man” of sorts playing both safety positions, slot corner, and linebacker. This varying usage presents some risk as it’s hard to tell exactly how they will use him week-to-week but if you are looking for a dependable player who is a safe bet for 110+ total tackles and willing to sacrifice a bit in the big play columns, Chinn makes for a practical DB1- choice.