Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Defensive Back Rankings 2018
Reshad Jones
If linebackers are the anchors and defensive linemen are the sack specialists, then that makes defensive backs the utility guys when it comes to fantasy football leagues that include Individual Defensive Players (IDPs). Somewhat similar to LBs, the most valuable DBs in fantasy football are either those that specialize in one category or can impact numerous categories.
Safeties that play more like linebackers when it comes to tackling (looking at you Landon Collins, Reshad Jones and Keanu Neal) should be at the top of your rankings, followed closely behind by versatile playmakers in the mold of All-Pro Harrison Smith. But even if they don't make a ton of tackles, there are those DBs that can still be a difference-maker because of another skill.
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Take Tennessee safety Kevin Byard. A first-team All-Pro safety alongside Smith, Byard finished in the top five among fantasy defensive backs not because of his tackle totals (although 87 is nothing to be ashamed of) but more for his coverage abilities. Besides leading the NFL with eight interceptions, Byard also was credited with 16 pass breakups, which can be just as valuable depending on your league's scoring.
So whether you prefer a defensive back that plays more like a linebacker, a lockdown defender who can excel in pass coverage or someone who offers multiple-category appeal, there is no lack of options to choose from to fill your DB spot in an IDP league.
2018 Positional Rankings: QB I RB I WR I TE I DST I K I DL I LB I DB
2018 Defensive Back (DB) Rankings
Rk | Player | Team | Bye |
1 | Landon Collins | NYG | 9 |
2 | Reshad Jones | MIA | 11 |
3 | Keanu Neal | ATL | 8 |
4 | Harrison Smith | MIN | 10 |
5 | Jordan Poyer | BUF | 11 |
6 | Derwin James | LAC | 8 |
7 | Kevin Byard | TEN | 8 |
8 | Micah Hyde | BUF | 11 |
9 | Budda Baker | ARI | 9 |
10 | Karl Joseph | OAK | 7 |
11 | Jamal Adams | NYJ | 11 |
12 | Sean Davis | PIT | 7 |
13 | Eric Berry | KC | 12 |
14 | Barry Church | JAC | 9 |
15 | Jaquiski Tartt | SF | 11 |
16 | Marcus Peters | LAR | 12 |
17 | Morgan Burnett | PIT | 7 |
18 | Tyrann Mathieu | HOU | 10 |
19 | Adrian Amos | CHI | 5 |
20 | AdoreeÕ Jackson | TEN | 8 |
21 | Patrick Chung | NE | 11 |
22 | Eric Weddle | BAL | 10 |
23 | Vonn Bell | NO | 6 |
24 | TreÕDavious White | BUF | 11 |
25 | Glover Quin | DET | 6 |
26 | Lamarcus Joyner | LAR | 12 |
27 | Malcolm Jenkins | PHI | 7 |
28 | Ha Ha Clinton-Dix | GB | 7 |
29 | Devin McCourty | NE | 11 |
30 | Jabrill Peppers | CLE | 11 |
31 | DaÕNorris Searcy | CAR | 4 |
32 | Justin Evans | TB | 5 |
33 | Johnathan Cyprien | TEN | 8 |
34 | Minkah Fitzpatrick | MIA | 11 |
35 | Andrew Sendejo | MIN | 10 |
36 | D.J. Swearinger | WAS | 4 |
37 | Earl Thomas | SEA | 7 |
38 | Malik Hooker | IND | 9 |
39 | Marshon Lattimore | NO | 6 |
40 | A.J. Bouye | JAC | 9 |
41 | Jaire Alexander | GB | 7 |
42 | Tavon Wilson | DET | 6 |
43 | Jalen Mills | PHI | 7 |
44 | Byron Jones | DAL | 8 |
45 | Carlton Davis | TB | 5 |
And don’t forget to pick up your copy of Athlon Sports’ 2018 Fantasy Football magazine, available for purchase online and at newsstands everywhere.
