2019 IDP Rankings – Cornerbacks (Redraft)

.size { font-size: large; } .black { color: #000; } .Georgia { font-family: Georgia, “Times New Roman”, Times, serif; } .style1 { font-family: Georgia, “Times New Roman”, Times, serif; } .style1 b .style6 { color: orange; } Listed below are my 2019 Cornerback Rankings for IDP Redraft Leagues. I will continually 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 2019 IDP Fantasy Football Draft Guide.

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. 

1. Kareem Jackson CB – DEN (10), +13 vs. ECR 

Avoid

Jackson didn’t possess a ton of fantasy value until last year when he put up career stats bouncing between safety and cornerback for the Texans. This said, he seems like a situation dependent fantasy player to me. And the move to Denver isn’t a good one from that standpoint as they’ve failed to produce many viable safety options the last handful of seasons (excluding perhaps Justin Simmons). He’s a player that’s likely to regress from a fantasy perspective in 2019. This said, he’s still classified as a CB in some league management systems (e.g. MyFantasyLeague) which means he still should be one of the first CBs taken off the board in leagues that require you to roster that position.

2. Jaire Alexander CB – GB (11), +13 vs. ECR 

Alexander lived up to his first round draft hype and provided an immediate upgrade to the Green Bay secondary. He was one of the better tackle-producing corners in the league once he assumed a full-time role in Week 8 and had 6 games with 6 or more solo tackles over the course of the season. He failed to do much in terms of big plays but we’re likely to see an increase in those categories as he gets more comfortable in his role heading into his sophomore season.

3. Kyle Fuller CB – CHI (6), -3 vs. ECR 

Fuller has had an up and down career but the improvement of the Bears’ defense and some refinements to his approach made him a Pro Bowler in 2018 as he tied for the league lead in interceptions with seven. It’s not reasonable to expect that every year, but the Bears tenacious pass-rush and Fuller’s aggressive play style should ensure he’s in the upper echelon of players in the category while maintaining relatively average tackle production.

4. Kendall Fuller CB – KC (12), +8 vs. ECR 

The Chiefs have one of the highest octane offenses in the league and a subpar defense which means their secondary sees a ton of passing attempts. This should bode well for Fuller (and Bashaud Breeland’s) fantasy numbers, particularly within the tackle department. He’s a solid CB2+/CB1-.

5. Donte Jackson CB – CAR (7), +9 vs. ECR 

The Panthers were comfortable enough with Jackson’s rookie campaign performance to not make any significant additions to their cornerback crew this offseason. This said, he’s once again locked in as an every-down starter opposite James Bradberry. Jackson showed a knack for coming up with big plays last year as he pulled in 4 interceptions and I think there’s room to actually grow his tackle production if he’s able to clean up the missed tackles. At a position without many fantasy standouts, Jackson is a nice CB2+/CB1- option.

6. Marshon Lattimore CB – NO (9), -8 vs. ECR 

Despite his emergence as a near shutdown corner, Lattimore has maintained fantasy relevance in CB-required leagues and deep IDP leagues. Through two seasons in the league, he’s shown a natural ability to make plays – whether it be the 5 forced fumbles last year or 5 interceptions in 13 games the year prior. Although I expect the tackle numbers to continue to be below average, he should make up the points in other fashions to warrant DB4-/CB2+ status.

7. Denzel Ward CB – CLE (7), +8 vs. ECR 

Ward had a great rookie season and probably had the best performance of any rookie at the position. He doesn’t profile as an above average tackle producer, but should provide enough plays to be a decent CB2 option.

8. Kenny Moore CB – IND (6), +45 vs. ECR 

Both Colts’ outside corners were near the top of the league in terms of total tackles at their position. Given the scheme and shootout style of play of the team, that’s not a huge surprise. Of the two starters, Moore is the player to own as he’s a bigger threat for 3-4 interceptions a year.

9. Eli Apple CB – NO (9), +14 vs. ECR 

Eli Apple quickly fell out of favor with the Giants coaching staff but has begun to resurrect his career with the Saints. Playing opposite Marshon Lattimore will ensure teams continue to throw his way as they try and keep pace with the Saints high-powered offense. Look for a solid combination of tackle and big play production out of this DB4/CB2+.

10. James Bradberry CB – CAR (7), -11 vs. ECR 

Bradberry has averaged nearly 80 total tackles over the last two seasons which are pretty healthy stats for his position. He’s struggled to generate a ton of big plays during his tenure in Carolina however, making him more of a low-end CB2-type player.

Like what you’ve read so far? Looking to dominate your 2019 Fantasy Football draft(s)? For $7.99 you can get complete access to The IDP Guru’s comprehensive and exhaustive 2019 IDP Fantasy Football Draft Guide.