The Top Rookie Defensive Backs To Target in 2024 IDP Fantasy Football Leagues
The rush to select offensive players at the top of the 2024 NFL Draft pushed defensive players down the board, and the majority of the IDP-relevant defensive backs from this year's class came off the board on Day 2.
More IDP Rookie Content: Defensive Linemen | Linebackers
Ten cornerbacks were selected in the first two rounds, with three coming off the board in the first round and seven in the second. We didn't have a first-round safety in this year's class, but three came off the board in Round 2, while another three came off the board in Round 3. How you prioritize defensive backs has a lot to do with your league's specific scoring settings, but for now, I want to take a high-level look at a few key players who have a path to playing time for the 2024 season.
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2024 IDP - Rookie Defensive Backs
Cole Bishop, S, Buffalo Bills
IDP'ers should be excited about Buffalo Bills' safety Cole Bishop. Bishop was selected in the back half of Round 2 and 60th overall, the third safety off the board. He's still just 21 years old with a background that includes playing deep, in the box, and, at times, as a nickel linebacker. Bishop's athleticism and versatility were highlighted during the pre-draft process, and he posted a 9.82 Relative Athletic Score. He's shown an ability to play in the box, at the line of scrimmage, and as a single-high safety, which aligns well with the Bills' defensive strategy.
With the longtime safety duo of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde moving on, there's a changing of the guard in the back end of Sean McDermott's defense. Last year's swing safety Taylor Rapp is in line to start, and former Buccaneer and Chiefs' safety Mike Edwards signed a one-year deal. Bishop has been lauded for his ability to adapt and pick up the responsibilities of a new role quickly, and if that continues, he'll come for Edwards' snaps sooner than later.
When he's on the field, I'd expect to see him playing closer to the line of scrimmage. The nuances of playing deep will come over time, but his athleticism and willingness as a tackler can help this unit from the jump. This bodes well for IDP purposes and is the reason why he's my DB1 heading into the summer.
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