IDP Defensive Backs - NFL Rookies to Watch in 2020

We continue evaluating the top rookie IDP targets for 2020 with the secondary. Read up on the top rookie linebacker targets right here.

At RotoBaller, we aim to give IDP owners detailed fantasy football IDP league coverage all season long, starting with our IDP Top 120 consensus preseason rankings.

Seasoned IDP vets know the top names already and likely know the type of players to target on draft day. But what about those who have yet to suit up in an NFL game? Rookies often surprise us by emerging in unlikely situations or surpassing expectations. For that reason, we are going to analyze the top rookies to monitor throughout the preseason at each major positional category. Let's look at the top safeties and corners today.

Grant Delpit (S, CLE)

No, not every single LSU player from last year's team is going to make these lists. Delpit is a good candidate though, simply because he'll have the chance to step right in and assume the starting free safety role in Cleveland.

Delpit wasn't just targeted by the Browns because of his association with a championship team. In fact, his draft stock fell a bit in 2019 after his numbers slipped from his excellent sophomore campaign. Delpit registered career highs across the board in 2018 with 74 total tackles, five sacks, and five interceptions to lead the SEC. Those numbers dropped his junior year to 65 tackles, two sacks, and two INT, which prevented him from being a first-round selection.

He has shown his playmaking ability already, including a knack for getting behind the line of scrimmage. Some are painting Delpit as the next Jamal Adams, which is a lofty comparison. Others agree with pre-draft sentiments that he may not be tough enough or be a consistent tackler at the pro level. The tape doesn't seem to agree with either of these ideas though.

Ashtyn Davis (S, NYJ)

This isn't the Jets safety that has been talked about all offseason but it could be one we talk about during the season. Jamal Adams is on the verge of being traded any moment and we know that once a player's relationship sours with Adam Gase, it's over. That means the second-round pick out of Cal could be the last line of defense all season.

Davis started out by redshirting his freshman year and then played two seasons at cornerback before switching to safety. Knowledge of multiple positions gives him added versatility if needed and four years of playing time provide experience that many of his fellow rookies don't have. His "advanced age" of 23 may have worked against him to some degree on draft day but it could benefit him in fantasy.

Obviously, much of Davis' value hinges on whether Adams stays a Jet or not. With his advanced pro-readiness, Davis could still find his way onto the field enough to be an impact player.

Jaylon Johnson (CB, CHI)

Johnson didn't emerge as a combine warrior, putting up decent but not great workout numbers ranging in the 50th percentile. He was sought after due to his performance on the field at Utah. Johnson was a major part of a unit that led the Pac-12 in total defense and pass defense, allowing a league-low 187.4 passing yards per game. Over the past two years, Johnson picked off six passes and defended 15 of them, including 11 PD in 2019.

While the Bears Defense of 2019 didn't match the level of 2018, they still have the talent to be dominant again. Joining one of the better defenses in the league alleviates pressure for Johnson to perform instantly. That said, he has the chance to see significant playing time, not just in nickel packages. Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller occupies one corner spot but only disappointing Artie Burns, who comes over from Pittsburgh after four years, stands in his way on the other side. Burns fell out of the starting rotation last year after seeing his play decline. He hasn't intercepted a pass in the last 27 games played.

If Johnson can show off his coverage skills early on, he has the chance to earn a starting job right away. He could prove an opportunistic player worth noting in IDP leagues that require a CB and reward passes defended.

Antoine Winfield Jr. (S, TB)

The Bucs went with an offensive lineman in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft because protecting new franchise QB, 42-year-old Tom Brady, has to be the first priority for a team that allowed 47 sacks last year. After that, they made the secondary the next order of business by taking Winfield Jr. in round two. Those who watched his papa play in the earlier part of the century know that he brings a wealth of on-field knowledge and a hard work ethic. His draft stock certainly wasn't based on physical attributes alone.

Winfield Jr. stands just 5'9" which isn't exactly the ideal size for a safety. He did run a 4.45 40 at the combine, however, and has the speed to help out in the return game where much of his pro potential lies. You won't see many more impressive punt returns than the one below (granted, it's against New Mexico State but still...).

Of course, at safety we as IDP players want someone who can rack up tackles and make big plays. Winfield has done both in spades during his tenure at the University of Minnesota. He averaged seven tackles per game and picked off seven passes last year alone. Two of those came in a huge upset over then-fourth-ranked Penn State, who came in undefeated. Winfield did his part to make sure the Gophers came out on top.

He doubled up with his second INT of the day, both of which came in the red zone.

Winfield may be overlooked in fantasy as he was by some teams in the draft due to his lack of physical stature. Don't be surprised if he adjusts quickly and piles up stats early in the season as the Bucs will face QBs like Teddy Bridgewater, Drew Lock, Tyrod Taylor, and Mitch Trubisky within the first five weeks.

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