5 Breakout Defensive Backs to Target in 2019 IDP Leagues

Jul 05, 2019

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The key to your IDP drafts is finding those late-round diamonds in the rough. The difficult part is trying to pinpoint late-round targets at the position.

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. Below you will find a list of under-the-radar or breakout defensive backs to target later in your IDP drafts.

Ronnie Harrison, SS, Jacksonville Jaguars

Harrison received quality playing time as a rookie, appearing in 14 games while starting eight. He has a chance to help put the defense over the top in 2019 and is shaping up to be a breakout candidate in his sophomore year.

Harrison enters his second season with valuable experience as he was thrust into the starting role after Barry Church's release. He responded with a 3:1 solo-to-assist tackle ratio and a 9.8% tacke rate, resulting in 32 tackles. He's going to have a chance to make plays, especially with Telvin Smith's absence this season. Harrison played over half of his snaps up near the line of scrimmage as a rookie, so I could that usage increase in 2019.

Harrison is entering this season as the starting strong safety and should be able to gain tackle share, as over 130 tackles will be available with Telvin Smith's absence. Harrison has the upside for a 100-tackle season and you can safely target him as a DB4.

Terrell Edmunds, SS, Pittsburgh Steelers

Edmunds enters his second season with a full season under his belt and the opportunity to turn into an IDP star in 2019.

Edmunds played in 967 defensive snaps as a rookie. That's quite the workload, but he's also established trust as a reliable defender. Pittsburgh added hybrid defender Mark Barron and LB Devin Bush, but I don't see any reason why Edmunds will leave the field on any package this season. Where some rookies struggle, he didn't miss many tackles, missing a tackle on every 11 attempts. He had 10 games where he didn't miss on a tackle.

One move that will help Edmunds, is the fact that the Steelers didn't re-sign Morgan Burnett. I foresee Edmunds playing up near the line of scrimmage more, especially in sub packages if Vince Williams comes off the field. Edmunds can play on the defensive line, in the box (his strength) and in the slot. I'm targeting him as a DB3 with the upside to produce as a DB2 if he improves on his 8% tackle rate.