The 2023 NFL Draft is complete, and now it’s time to get into those dynasty rookie drafts! Every league has its own scoring system, but the following IDPs will likely get you the most consistent points in most league formats. Let’s take a look at a handful of players who should come off the boards the earliest in your rookie drafts. Let’s start with the defensive backs.
Go here to see this year's crop of rookie defensive linemen >>>
Go here to see this year's crop of rookie linebackers >>>
S Brian Branch, Detroit (from Alabama)
Branch played the same position as Minkah Fitzpatrick at Alabama and possesses many of the same strengths as the current Steeler. There’s a glaring need at safety for the Lions defense despite the addition of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Tracy Walker and Kerby Joseph don't have the level of athleticism that Branch and Gardner-Johnson possess, so expect a total overhaul of the Lion defensive backfield sooner rather than later. Branch could immediately fill the nickel spot, but Gardner-Johnson is also adept at that spot. That said, Branch has all the tools and measurables to become a top-line fantasy defensive back in a short time.
S Jordan Battle, Cincinnati (from Alabama)
Gone are both Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell, so there will be opportunities for Battle to make an instant impact. And knowing how productive both Bates and Bell were in the Bengal defensive system, it stands to reason this size/speed specimen will be on the field early. He’s adept at both pass and run coverage and could be a top-tier fantasy defensive back if he’s able to supplant Dax Hill or show promise as a free safety and be better than free-agent addition Nick Scott.
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S Sydney Brown, Philadelphia (from Illinois)
With the departure of both Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps, it stands to reason that Brown may be an immediate starter in Philly, thereby moving him into the first tier of rookie defensive backs in terms of fantasy production. Brown can be extremely physical at the line, but as of now, he’s projecting to start his NFL career on the free side. That said, given the propensity for Eagle safeties to put up fantasy points, Brown is worth considering as the third or fourth defensive back off the board in your rookie draft.
S JL Skinner III, Denver (from Boise State)
Be careful with Skinner, as he’s fairly tall for a safety, but his height didn’t restrict him from putting up impressive stats at Boise State. It’ll take a lot to supplant Justin Simmons, but Skinner could shift to the strong side where only Caden Sterns stands in the way. Skinner is a thumper who can also cover the opposing tight end, something that safeties in today’s game absolutely have to do. If he works on his game at the pro level, he can certainly contribute as a volume tackler that can also break up passes.
S Antonio Johnson, Jacksonville (from Texas A&M)
Johnson shares many of the same traits as JL Skinner in that he’s a bit rangy, but Johnson still possesses the ability to tackle en masse and make big plays in the passing game. Right now, he’s slated to make most of his contributions as a big slot but could shift to a starting safety spot in a year or two.
Other Names to Watch
- Devon Witherspoon (SEA)
- Jammie Robinson (CAR)
- Christian Gonzalez (NEP)