2024 IDP Redraft Rankings – Defensive Backs

Tier 1

1. Antoine Winfield Jr. S – TB (11), +0 vs. ECR 
Although he may not also play in the most ideal alignments, Winfield is one of those rare fantasy players that is able to contribute in significant ways across virtually all relevant IDP stat categories. Last season, he was top 5 in total tackles, first in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries, 1st in sacks, while also contributing a respectable 3 INTs and 12 PDs.

2. Derwin James Jr. S – LAC (5), +0 vs. ECR 
James managed a career high in tackles last season with 125 total – good enough for third among all DBs. He’s not the interception threat as some other DB1s, but his elite tackle production along with his ability to get to the quarterback (has averaged close to three sacks a season when healthy) keep him firmly played in the top tier of fantasy DBs.

Tier 2

3. Kyle Hamilton S – BAL (14), +0 vs. ECR 
The Ravens largely kept the training wheels on Hamilton during his rookie season; however, that changed last year as he garnered a full-time role and quickly established himself as one of the league’s top, young defensive players. Unlike most DB1s, he may struggle to eclipse 100 total tackles (I have him projected for 96) but his contributions in the big play categories as evidenced by his 4 INTs, 3 sacks, 13 PDs, 10 TFLs, and 1 defensive TD catapult him into the elite tier of fantasy DBs. Plus, he’s only 23 years old and therefore has more untapped upside than most others in this tier.

4. Jessie Bates III S – ATL (12), +2 vs. ECR 
Given how deep he typically plays, Bates is a player that I avoid drafting as that alignment typically makes it hard for a player to generate high tackle production and is instead reliant on big plays (which is not my preferred player-type). That was admittedly a miss last year for me as Bates was the top scorer at the position and finished second to only Camryn Bynum in total tackles. If Atlanta’s run defense improves at all, Bates’ production will likely take a hit. And a new defensive coordinator could negatively impact him as well. However, he’s produced at a DB1 level on multiple teams and roles so there’s a good chance he will find a way to maintain his value despite the aforementioned variables.

5. Julian Love S – SEA (10), +7 vs. ECR TARGET
Love showed that his 2022 breakout campaign with the Giants was no fluke as he had an ever better fantasy season with the Seahawks in 2023. With both Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks gone in free agency, Love should continue to be heavily utilized in run support and see a lot of tackle opportunity. I like him for 110-120 total tackles and enough big plays mixed in to warrant a top 5 – 10 DB selection in drafts this year.

6. Budda Baker S – ARI (11), -1 vs. ECR 
The emergence of teammate and fellow safety Jalen Thompson in 2021 definitely has limited Baker’s production in recent years versus his early career stats. The team has favored using Thompson over Baker in the more IDP-friendly alignments (box and slot) but Baker still brings a fairly high level of consistent production via his aggressive play style and sound tackling, so that keeps him in the DB1 conversation.

7. Jaquan Brisker S – CHI (7), -3 vs. ECR 
Brisker proved that his 2022 rookie performance was no fluke and if he didn’t lose two games due to injury, he would have likely finished with similar year-over-year tackling production (around 110 total tackles). The arrival of veteran Kevin Byard may eat into Brisker’s production some this year, but there’s enough to go around in Chicago to sustain DB1-level type of production for Brisker.

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