2020 IDP Rankings Breakdown: Defensive Backs

May 15, 2020

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Our initial IDP rankings have been released for the 2020 season! Rankings for IDPs can be a bit subjective, so that's why we like to break them out into tiers, as well.

Other IDP rankings Breakdowns: Linebackers | Defensive Linemen

Podcast: 2020 IDP Rankings Breakdown

This is our first run and they'll change throughout the offseason as we react to news, injuries, training camp battles and roster cuts. These rankings should establish a baseline for early drafters.

Tier 1

A slight change from last season. I had three DBs in the top tier - a fourth sneaks in for 2020. The DB position is so volatile, we might as well throw them into a bingo-ball tumbler and draw names.

Tier 1 Defensive Backs
Rank	Player	Team
1	Jamal Adams	Jets
2	Landon Collins	Washington Football Team
3	Budda Baker	Cardinals
4	Derwin James	Chargers

We think Jamal Adams returns to the top tier this season. Adams finished as the DB10, but was still a weekly starter in most scoring formats in 2019. His tackle numbers took a precipitous drop from 114 to 76. He added sacks to his repertoire and averaged 0.20 points per snap. He’s one of the Jets’ best defenders and should continue to play up near the line of scrimmage, providing plenty of tackle upside.

Derwin James missed 12 games due to a stress fracture in his foot. When he returned, he provided fantasy numbers for his owners - putting up 11 or more fantasy points in four of the last five games - resulting in 0.19 points per snap. He contributed 34 tackles which led to an 11.4% tackle rate, flashing his elite ability.

Landon Collins appeared in 15 games and hit the 100-tackle mark for the fourth time in his five-year career. He appeared in over 1,000 snaps and recorded an 11.1% tackle rate and 0.20 points per snap - recording double-digit fantasy points in all but four games. Collins is deployed as Washington’s box safety and plays behind average linebackers, with the exception of the now added Thomas Davis. Collins should remain in the conversation as one of the top fantasy DBs.