2022 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings Breakdown: Defensive Backs

May 31, 2022

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It's rankings season. The NFL Draft is well in our rearview mirror and, although we're still waiting for a few defenders to find new homes, free agency is just about wrapped up. The 2022 IDP rankings have been published and I'm going to break down each position into tiers. Rankings are a bit subjective and can vary based on league scoring, so that's why I like to break the rankings into tiers. This will allow you to identify a group of guys you want to target as opposed to getting fixated on a number. I'll also identify some of my targets in each tier, as well.

More IDP rankings Breakdowns: Linebacker | Defensive Line

The defensive back position is a volatile one but has five potential elite options. It's a deep group and always manages to produce surprises, not only on a seasonal basis but on a weekly one as well. I'm not one to draft DBs as my first few IDPs and I like to scavenge in the second tier and beyond, as long as the price is right. There is one guy who is going later in drafts who I like to be a tier 1 DB.

Here's the breakdown of my defensive back rankings into tiers and some of my favorite targets in each tier.

Tier 1

Derwin James finished as the DB2 in most scoring formats last season. Considering his last two seasons, he was relatively healthy and played 15 of a possible 17 games. He's an integral part of their defense, especially as their play-caller. James, essentially, produces like an LB3 and has 110-plus tackle upside in a given season. He'll also do what he can to turn the ball. He had three forced fumbles and added two INTs. James is probably the only DB I'd consider as one of my first IDPs off the board.