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The defensive back position is the least position of value when drafting your IDP rosters. Value can be found all over the place, though it is also the easiest position to strike out on when drafting. If you wait too late, you miss all of the value and get stuck with multiple cornerbacks on your roster. If you jump on the position, you miss out on the upper tiers of the DLs and LBs, both of which are a much higher position of importance for your roster. There is a sweet spot of defensive-back value picks that should land you some great return. Here are some of those players that land in that sweet spot.
S Brandon Jones, Miami Dolphins
Brandon Jones and Jevon Holland were part of a young safety duo that played very well together in 2021. Holland played the deep safety role mainly because of his excellent cover skills and sure tackling on the back end. Jones was the box safety, playing 61.5% of his snaps lined up either in the box or on the defensive line. Jones thrived as a pass rusher in 2021, posting five sacks. Those five were two more than any other defensive back in the NFL, making him the clear leader alone in that category. To go along with those five sacks, Jones added 79 total tackles. The Dolphins defense is young and ascending, and Jones is a big part of it. He is currently ranked as the DB40, a low-end DB2, in the Footballguys consensus rankings. Jones has the potential to break the 100-tackle mark this year and continue his high-level pass-rushing prowess. He has the potential to be a DB1 this year, making him an incredible defensive-back value pick.
CB LJarius Sneed, Kansas City chiefs
Sneed is one of the premier slot cornerbacks in the NFL. He does line up some as a wide corner, though 62% of his snaps on defense were taken at slot corner. In 2021, Sneed produced 76 tackles, seven going for a loss, eight passes defended, and two interceptions. More box snaps may also be opened up for Sneed, with Daniel Sorenson and Tyrann Mathieu gone via free agency. Sneed played 101 snaps in the box with both departed safeties still on the squad, and Sneed posted a 74.2 run defense grade and a 67.9 pass-rush grade per Pro Football Focus, which shows nice potential upside as a box safety and slot corner. Sneed is ranked as the DB44 in Footballguys consensus rankings and can be a strong starter on your IDP rosters.
CB A.J. Terrell, atlanta falcons
Cornerbacks were the red-headed stepchild of IDP rosters for the longest time. Just recently, they have become a bit more productive due to pass-heavy schemes in the NFL. Terrell is one of the elite cornerbacks in the NFL and deserves some recognition. He posted tremendous numbers in 2021, posting 81 tackles, 16 passes, and three interceptions. Terrell's 81 tackles were more than safeties Justin Simmons (DB9), Tyrann Mathieu (DB35), and Jordan Whitehead (DB36). Still, Terrell is ranked as the consensus DB51, mainly because outside cornerback is a highly volatile position. He has a great opportunity to replicate these numbers in 2022.
CB Taron Johnson, buffalo bills
Taron Johnson is another highly productive slot corner, and sticks to the slot which helps his production be a bit more predictive. Over the past two seasons, since he became the starting slot corner, Johnson has posted 170 tackles, 9 for a loss, four sacks, 14 passes defended, and two interceptions. His role is consistent with the Bills even though he plays the slot, having played on 81% or more of the team's defensive snaps in every game but two in 2021. He has averaged 5.5 tackles per game over the past two seasons and has graded efficiently in coverage and as a tackler. He is currently ranked as the DB66 in Footballguys consensus rankings. Getting that kind of value out of a DB who has averaged 85 tackles and seven passes defended over the past two seasons is excellent.
final thoughts
When you are drafting your defensive backs, it is imperative not to reach for upper-tier talent unless you are set at other premier IDP positions. Due to high powered passing offenses in the NFL, even cornerbacks are becoming high-level IDP contributors. you can almost wait until your last few picks to draft your defensive backs and still find players who can contribute as DB2s in your starting lineup. It is always great to have tier one players in every position group, but if you are stuck with a horde of DB2s, though loaded up on top tier talent at DL and LB, than your roster is probably in good shape. Hopefully, this series of value picks has helped figure out where you can find value in your IDP drafts. Thanks again for giving my work here at Footballguys a read. It is always appreciated.