6 Breakout Defensive Backs to Target in 2018 IDP Leagues

Jul 02, 2018

The key to your IDP drafts is finding those late-round diamonds in the rough. It's easy to select Reshad Jones and Landon Collins, and the known commodities at defensive back. The difficult part is trying to pinpoint late-round targets at the position.

More IDP Breakout Targets: LB | DL |

Below you will find a list of under-the-radar or breakout defensive backs to target later in your IDP drafts, either because they've earned a three-down role, are coming back from injury, or find themselves in a new position or role due to a scheme change. The DB position is one to wait on, so these guys could provide solid IDP production in the middle-to-late rounds of your draft.

Jamal Adams, SS, New York Jets

Adams turned in a solid rookie season and showed why he was one of the best safeties in the draft. Entering his second year, he has a chance at a breakout season for the Jets and IDP owners.

Adams is entering his second season and is quickly establishing himself as one of the leaders of the Jets' defense. He enjoyed a fine rookie season, where he was well above-average in run defense and decent in pass coverage. Although he didn't register any interceptions, he was responsible for six pass break-ups. Around the line of scrimmage, however, is where Adams made his mark.

He played nearly 82 percent of his snaps in the box and notched nine tackles for loss. Adams appeared in over 1,100 snaps as a rookie and produced a 7.5 percent tackle rate — resulting in 83 tackles (64 solos).

The Jets allowed leading tackler Demario Davis to walk in free agency, opening up 135 tackle attempts. Davis recorded a 15 percent tackle share last season. Avery Williamson was brought in as a replacement, but I see Adams handling a significant load in 2018.

Budda Baker, SS, Arizona Cardinals

Baker is going to be one of my favorite second-year DBs in 2018. A few key pieces to Arizona's defense have left the desert, opening the door for opportunity.

Baker appeared in all 16 games as a rookie; however, it was after the Week 8 bye where he really flashed his talents. In the first seven weeks of the season, Baker appeared in 40 snaps total. After that, he was shot out of a cannon — appearing in at least 97 percent of the snaps in the last eight games and he played nearly 70 percent of his snaps near the line of scrimmage. He finished out his rookie year by generating a 15.9 percent tackle rate and rewarded his owners by producing 0.28 fantasy points per snap.

I'm all in on Baker this season, especially if he soaks up all of Tyrann Mathieu's snaps. Keep in mind, he could be playing the slot position in nickel packages, but I see him deployed near the line of scrimmage on most downs in 2018.

Josh Jones, SS, Green Bay Packers

Continue reading to see why Mike believes Josh Jones is in store for a breakout season and which other defensive backs he thinks will break out in 2018...