2021 IDP Redraft Rankings – Defensive Backs

Tier 11. Budda Baker S – ARI (12), +0 vs. ECR 
Over the last two seasons, Baker has put up tackle numbers that rival those in the LB1 tier of fantasy players. He doesn’t bring as much big play upside as someone like a Jamal Adams but he’s utilized in a manner that keeps him constantly around the ball carrier and should have no issues eclipsing 90 solo tackles and 30 assists despite having increased tackle competition in 2021.

2. Jamal Adams S – SEA (9), +0 vs. ECR 
There were some concerns when Adams was dealt to Seattle that his fantasy value would be diminished. However, we actually saw an increase in value as the team used him to rush the passer an absurd amount (his 78 blitzes led all safeties by a wide margin and he only played 12 games). So although his 9.5 sacks may seem near impossible to replicate, I don’t think it’s as far-fetched as many believe. The Seahawks pass rush is still likely to be below average, so the massive amount of blitzing opportunities should still be there for the fifth year player out of LSU. Six sacks may be his floor assuming he plays near a full season worth of games.

Tier 23. Derwin James Jr. S – LAC (7), +1 vs. ECR (TARGET)
After a dazzling rookie campaign in which he posted 110 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 INTs, and 13 PDs, James has only played in five games in two seasons due to multiple lower leg injuries. Early reports indicate he’s back to 100% healthy after missing all of last season and if all goes to plan, he should have no issue finishing as a top 5 DB. He’s already shown the ability to be a top-end contributor across several different fantasy categories – it just comes down to managers’ willingness to take him at his current ADP given the injury history.

4. Jordan Poyer S – BUF (7), +1 vs. ECR 
Despite stringing together three top 10-15 DB finishes in a row, Poyer remained undervalued headed into the 2020 season. This was mainly driven by playing in a smaller market and not having elite tackle production. That last part changed in 2020, however as Poyer set a career high in total tackles with 134. Although we are likely to see some regression in that area, he’s proven he can justify a DB1 selection by contributing in several different ways, providing owners with a nice high-floor option if they missed out on Budda Baker, Jamal Adams, or Derwin James.

5. Jeremy Chinn S – CAR (13), -2 vs. ECR 
Chinn was an IDP I heavily advocated for in last year’s draft guide given it was fairly clear early on the team was going to use him more as a traditional linebacker than a safety. This held true as Chinn spent the bulk of his time near the line of scrimmage whether than be lined up inside the tackles or out in the slot. There’s nothing to indicate that the team plans on using him any differently than they did in 2020, so he should once again be a high floor, tackle option for us at the DB position (assuming your league classifies him as such).

6. Jessie Bates III S – CIN (10), +0 vs. ECR 
Bates had been a solid producer to begin his career, surpassing 100 total tackles and generating three INTs in his first seasons. However, 2020 saw him set career highs in total tackles and pass deflections and was graded as the NFL’s #1 safety by Pro Football Focus. He still plays a deeper safety role than I would like for a DB1, but given the Bengals linebacker situation is still quite unsettled, he’s likely to continue seeing enough tackle opportunity to warrant this ranking and has shown enough big play ability to provide owners with a decent floor.

7. John Johnson III S – CLE (13), +0 vs. ECR 
Johnson landed in Cleveland in the off-season and called his joining the team an “opportunity of a lifetime.” He’s been a solid, low-end DB1 for us the past few seasons and I expect that to continue with the Browns. It’s not yet quite clear how the team plans to utilize him but I know DC Joe Woods has stated he prefers to have the team in a lot of “big dime” looks. And if Johnson comes down in plays on the second level there, he could rack up tackles at a career high rate.

8. Justin Simmons S – DEN (11), +2 vs. ECR 
Simmons isn’t a player I’ve had a lot of shares of in the last few years but I probably should have. He’s not going to slot in as a high-end tackle producer, but he’s increased his big play production every year he’s been in the league and does enough in the tackle department to make me feel comfortable with him as a DB2-DB2+.

Tier 39. Landon Collins S – WAS (9), +0 vs. ECR 
Collins has been a fairly large disappointment in Washington after signing a record-breaking contract in 2019. He was off to a decent start in 2020 before getting injured in Week 7. Then his replacement, Kamren Curl, came in without much fanfare and posted strong DB1 fantasy numbers. This makes me wonder if Collins has truly lost a step. He’s a player I won’t mind drafting if he falls to me, but he’s not someone I’m going to reach up and grab.

10. Taylor Rapp S – LAR (11), +4 vs. ECR (SLEEPER)
Rapp had a solid rookie season and was to set build on that in year two, but his snap counts were unexpectedly limited to begin the season and then he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 10. With John Johnson gone in free agency, Rapp is the frontrunner to take over the strong safety position and his per snap production last year (most FPP among all safeties that played 35 or more snaps per game) has me excited about his production potential in 2021. We just need to make sure he secures the starting position over Terrell Burgess.

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