Continuing a series of 2022 IDP Tiered Rankings, with Defensive Backs. The following is a three-part installment discussing and ranking Individual Defensive Players (IDP/IDPs). The positions are in accordance with Sleepers view of the position, which includes dual designation.
Why play IDP and Defensive Backs (DB)
Defensive Backs are overlooked and underappreciated. A great and consistent DB may be difficult to find, but the 3-5 are worth an early draft pick or higher auction stock. If you catch a player on a hot year, T. Diggs last year, you can ride a DB to great production.
There are a few safeties that are versatile, and come up and tackle in the box. D. James J. Chinn, J. Adams, K. Neal, A. Amos are all safeties that are true to this mode. They also are in blitz packages, and cover elite Tight ends and slot receivers.
DBs will be dependent on the scoring system. The key statistic for DBs are passes defended, interception, interception yards, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries. Most DBs won’t have team leading tackles, however some of the top tier are more than capable of having 80+ solo tackles or 50+ assisted tackles. If you are in league that reward turnovers and passes defended take a look for better pass defenders.
As always KNOW YOUR LEAGUE’S SCORING SYSTEM, but DBs usually are the last of the 3 IDPs taken. Build your team according to your philosophy and your league’s scoring, but know you wont regret grabbing a top tier DB. Also a Pick 6 (interception returned for a touchdown) is arguably the most joyous play in all of sports not just football. To not have high points for something so rare that it could be a career high for the individual, is sad honestly. Play IDP folks!
Tiered Rankings
The below rankings use the assigned positions used by Sleeper including dual
Tier One
| Name | Team | Bye |
|---|---|---|
Derwin James Jr. | LAC | 8 |
Kevin Byard | TEN | 6 |
Kenny Moore II | IND | 14 |
Jeremy Chinn | CAR | 13 |
Jordan Poyer | BUF | 7 |
Antoine Winfield Jr. | TB | 11 |
Budda Baker | ARI | 13 |
Harrison Smith | MIN | 7 |
Minkah Fitzpatrick | PIT | 9 |
Jalen Thompson | ARI | 13 |
Kyle Hamilton | BAL | 10 |
Tier Two
| Name | Team | Bye |
|---|---|---|
Jamal Adams | SEA | 11 |
Trevon Diggs | DAL | 9 |
Jayron Kearse | DAL | 9 |
Jessie Bates III | CIN | 10 |
Justin Simmons | DEN | 9 |
Logan Ryan | TB | 11 |
Quincy Williams | NYJ | 10 |
Jabrill Peppers | NE | 10 |
Taylor Rapp | LAR | 7 |
Johnathan Abram | LV | 6 |
Micah Hyde | BUF | 7 |
Nasir Adderley | LAC | 8 |
Tyrann Mathieu | NO | 14 |
Xavier McKinney | NYG | 9 |
Tracy Walker III | DET | 6 |
Marcus Maye | NO | 14 |
L'Jarius Sneed | KC | 8 |
Tier Three
| Name | Team | Bye |
|---|---|---|
Darius Slay | PHI | 7 |
Jalen Ramsey | LAR | 9 |
Xavien Howard | MIA | 11 |
Kyle Dugger | NE | 10 |
Desmond King | HOU | 6 |
Xavier Woods | CAR | 13 |
JC Jackson | LAC | 8 |
Vonn Bell | CIN | 10 |
Rasul Douglas | GB | 14 |
A.J. Terrell | ATL | 14 |
Derek Stingley Jr. | HOU | 6 |
Bryce Hall | NYJ | 10 |
Chuck Clark | BAL | 10 |
Jevon Holland | MIA | 11 |
Tier Four
| Name | Team | Bye |
|---|---|---|
Marshon Lattimore | NO | 14 |
Adrian Amos | GB | 14 |
Darnell Savage | GB | 14 |
Jordan Fuller | LAR | 9 |
Kendall Fuller | WAS | 14 |
Quandre Diggs | SEA | 11 |
Khari Willis | IND | 14 |
Eddie Jackson | CHI | 14 |
Denzel Ward | CLE | 9 |
Devin McCourty | NE | 10 |
Marlon Humphrey | BAL | 10 |
Patrick Surtain II | DEN | 9 |
That’s the Defensive backs installment in our series of 2022 IDP Tiered Rankings. Don’t forget, you can get prepared for your fantasy drafts with our Fantasy Draft Kit. Or you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Image Credit: Isaiah J. Downing – USA TODAY Sports
