The 2024 NFL Draft is behind us, and it’s time to take a look at some of the impact IDPs out there, with a few sleepers mixed in for good measure. Let’s move on to the safeties.
If you want to reference our defensive rookie rankings, they can be found here.
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IDP Rookie CBs: Impact Players
Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia
Great job by the Eagles in snagging probably the best corner in this draft in Mitchell. He’ll step right in as a starter from Day 1 opposite Darius Slay and could potentially see a great deal of fantasy production due to the Rookie Corner Rule, which states that rookies who play opposite shutdown corners tend to see more of their fair share of targets from opposing quarterbacks. Mitchell excels in coverage but he’ll get tested for sure. He has speed (4.33 40-yard dash) and the size to be helpful in run coverage as well. If you’re in a league that breaks apart safeties and corners, Mitchell should be the first corner taken in rookie drafts and should immediately produce fantasy-wise.
Terrion Arnold, Detroit
Like Mitchell, Arnold is adept both in the pass- and run-stopping game and should step right in as a starter for the Lions. He will join ex-Crimson Tide teammate Brian Branch in the Lions’ defensive backfield and this duo could be great playmakers for the next several years. If you miss out on Mitchell, the step down to Arnold isn’t that pronounced. Check out some of Arnold's highlights here.
Nate Wiggins, Baltimore
The more I dig into this draft, the more I love the cornerbacks and their immediate situations. Wiggins fits the Ravens’ defensive scheme to a tee and will also project as a starter in the upcoming season. You think Mitchell is fast? Check out Wiggins’ time (sub 4.3 40-yard dash). He’s on the leaner side compared to Mitchell and Arnold, so he may not be as proficient in stopping the run. Therefore, he isn’t quite the fantasy prospect that they are. But he’s certainly still draftable; you’ll just have to rely on his ball-hawking skills for fantasy production.
Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia
The Eagles absolutely crushed this draft and came away with two of the best cornerbacks available. DeJean comes with a ton of flexibility, can line up outside as a true cornerback, and has safety skills. Right now, he’s projected to be the Eagles’ main nickel back and could eventually shift to safety or be part of a rotation there. The Eagles do have Reed Blankenship (who’s only 25), and they re-signed Chauncey Gardner-Johnson as well. But DeJean looks like he has enough flexibility to maintain fantasy relevance no matter where he’s slotted. He’s a playmaker for sure, with both length and burst. Many pundits claim that the Eagles absolutely stole DeJean in the draft. Run-stuffing nickelbacks have become quite fantasy-worthy in the past few years. No reason to think DeJean can’t be one of them. I may actually prefer DeJean to Wiggins, who may be more reliant on the big play to produce fantasy-wise.