Derwin James has already established himself as one of the elite fantasy DBs
Linebackers may be the linchpins when it comes to fantasy football leagues that include Individual Defensive Players (IDPs) but don't overlook the value that comes in finding a versatile defensive back. Typically the most valuable DBs for fantasy are those that function like a Swiss army knife on the field.
Take Derwin James, for example. He leads the 2019 DB rankings not only because he has a knack for finding the ball carrier (105 tackles), he also fared well in coverage (3 INTs, 13 pass breakups), and contributed as a pass rusher (3.5 sacks). James is not alone in serving as a defensive Jack of all trades, which is why you find Landon Collins, Jamal Adams, Budda Baker, and Keanu Neal at the top of these rankings. And those are just a few of the names as it should be pointed out that Shawn Williams led all DBs in fantasy points last season (Athlon scoring) with John Johnson not too far behind him.
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.
2019 Positional Rankings: QB I RB I WR I TE I DST I K I DL I LB I DB
2019 Defensive Back (DB) Rankings
| Rank | Player | Team | Bye |
| 1 | Derwin James | LAC | 12 |
| 2 | Landon Collins | WAS | 10 |
| 3 | Jamal Adams | NYJ | 4 |
| 4 | Budda Baker | ARI | 12 |
| 5 | Keanu Neal | ATL | 9 |
| 6 | Reshad Jones | MIA | 5 |
| 7 | Jordan Poyer | BUF | 6 |
| 8 | Shawn Williams | CIN | 9 |
| 9 | John Johnson | LAR | 9 |
| 10 | Johnathan Abram | OAK | 6 |
| 11 | Harrison Smith | MIN | 12 |
| 12 | Damarious Randall | CLE | 7 |
| 13 | Jabrill Peppers | NYG | 11 |
| 14 | Malcolm Jenkins | PHI | 10 |
| 15 | Tyrann Mathieu | KC | 12 |
| 16 | Bradley McDougald | SEA | 11 |
| 17 | Antoine Bethea | NYG | 11 |
| 18 | Jaquiski Tartt | SF | 4 |
| 19 | Justin Evans | TB | 7 |
| 20 | Jessie Bates | CIN | 9 |
| 21 | Adrian Amos | GB | 11 |
| 22 | Clayton Geathers | IND | 6 |
| 23 | Kevin Byard | TEN | 11 |
| 24 | Ha Ha Clinton-Dix | CHI | 6 |
| 25 | Eric Weddle | LAR | 9 |
| 26 | Ronald Darby | PHI | 10 |
| 27 | Earl Thomas | BAL | 8 |
| 28 | Justin Simmons | DEN | 10 |
| 29 | Kenny Vaccaro | TEN | 11 |
| 30 | Justin Reid | HOU | 10 |
| 31 | Adoree' Jackson | TEN | 11 |
| 32 | Vonn Bell | NO | 9 |
| 33 | Jaire Alexander | GB | 11 |
| 34 | Terrell Edmunds | PIT | 7 |
| 35 | Brian Poole | NYJ | 4 |
| 36 | Kendall Fuller | KC | 12 |
| 37 | Kyle Fuller | CHI | 6 |
| 38 | T.J. McDonald | MIA | 5 |
| 39 | Micah Hyde | BUF | 6 |
| 40 | Eddie Jackson | CHI | 6 |
| 41 | Xavien Howard | MIA | 5 |
| 42 | Prince Amukamara | CHI | 6 |
| 43 | Quinton Dunbar | WAS | 10 |
| 44 | Juan Thornhill | KC | 12 |
| 45 | Minkah Fitzpatrick | MIA | 5 |
