2025 IDP Redraft Rankings – Defensive Backs

Tier 1

1. Brian Branch S – DET (8), +0 vs. ECR 
Branch was my top DB1 target in drafts last year, so I was thrilled to see him deliver a top-five finish at the position. After spending most of his rookie season as a part-time slot corner, the Lions unleashed him in Year 2, shifting him into a more traditional safety role. That move boosted his tackle production and allowed his big-play ability to shine – he tallied 4 interceptions and 16 pass deflections. He’s quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive backs and, in my opinion, has the highest ceiling of any player in the top fantasy DB tier.

2. Budda Baker S – ARI (8), +1 vs. ECR 
Baker has long been one of the more reliable DB1s at a highly volatile IDP position. He’s among the league’s most aggressive tackling safeties, and that was on full display last season when he set a career high with 164 total tackles. With Arizona thin at linebacker in recent years, Baker has taken on more run-stopping duties, which has only boosted his production. The one drawback: he hasn’t recorded an interception since 2022. But fantasy managers won’t mind if he continues to post a ridiculous 15%+ tackle rate.

3. Antoine Winfield Jr. S – TB (9), +2 vs. ECR 
Winfield may not have the same pure tackle upside as others in this tier, but he consistently delivers splash plays as evidenced by his 2023 stat line of 6 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 6 forced fumbles (along with 120+ tackles). This is a case where I’m drafting the player more than the role. With his broad skill set, Winfield can outperform expectations in a variety of ways and remains one of the most well-rounded DBs in fantasy.

4. Kyle Hamilton S – BAL (7), -2 vs. ECR 
Hamilton’s production has improved in each of his first three NFL seasons, culminating in a top-10 fantasy finish in 2024. He spent more time in the box than ever last year, which boosted his tackle total to over 100. That shift closer to the line of scrimmage did come at the expense of some big-play production, and he carries a bit more week-to-week volatility than others in this tier. Still, his rare size and talent give him the tools to overcome any role-related limitations and he has a legitimate shot at finishing as the overall DB1 in fantasy.

5. Derwin James Jr. S – LAC (12), -1 vs. ECR 
The emergence of Daiyan Henley at linebacker, along with increased usage in the slot and as a blitzer, caused James’ tackle rate to dip noticeably in 2024: he finished with fewer than 100 tackles for the first time since 2019. Even so, he salvaged much of his value with a career-high five sacks, helping him finish as a top-15 DB. Like Winfield, James is a player I’m always comfortable rostering as a DB1. He’s a proven fantasy performer regardless of scheme or role and consistently finds himself around the action.

6. Jessie Bates III S – ATL (5), +1 vs. ECR
I’ll be the first to admit – I was wrong about Bates. He was a fade for me heading into the 2023 season, where he posted overall DB1 numbers, and again in 2024, when he finished top 5 at the position. My biggest concern has always been his deep safety usage, which typically limits tackle upside. And while his tackle numbers did drop nearly 25% year over year, he offset that with 4 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles which was enough to keep him firmly in DB1 territory.. While he doesn’t fit the profile of the DBs I usually target, I can no longer justify recommending against him as a DB1—though at his current ADP, he still probably won’t land on many of my teams.

Tier 2

7. Julian Love S – SEA (8), +1 vs. ECR
Love is a bit of an anomaly. He wasn’t a high draft pick (fourth round) and spent his first three seasons primarily as a backup. After breaking out with the Giants in 2022, he signed with Seattle and continued producing DB1-level numbers, despite playing in a split free/strong safety role. In 2024, he shifted even more into a deep safety role, but that didn’t seem to hurt his production either. On paper, his draft pedigree and schematic usage suggest he should be a regression candidate. But the eye test, and nearly 40 games of consistent regular season output, say otherwise. At this point, he’s proven he belongs in the DB1 conversation.