Looking to dominate your fantasy football IDP league this year? Dive into our updated 2025 defensive back rankings!
Seeking an edge in your upcoming fantasy football draft? Look no further! This invaluable resource offers an in-depth exploration of the defensive backs projected to be impactful players in the 2025 season. We delve beyond basic analysis, providing crucial insights into ascending talents like Tyler Nubin, who’s primed for a breakout year; consistent, reliable contributors such as Quentin Lake, a steady source of points; and high-upside players like Brandon Jones, known for their game-changing potential.
Understanding the nuances of each player’s situation—from new team dynamics to potential shifts in role and competition—is paramount for constructing a formidable and championship-contending roster. This guide is your key to identifying those hidden gems and securing a distinct advantage in your league.
(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Podcast transcript.)
2025 DB2/DB3 Fantasy IDP Rankings!
DB13 – Tyler Nubin (Giants)
Tyler averaged 7.5 tackles per game across 13 contests and hit 8.5 per game over his last 10 games. He played 96% of snaps from Weeks 1 to 13, finishing as a Top 25 DB in 7 of 13 games. Despite a slow start, he surged midseason with three double-digit tackle games before fading due to injury. He had ankle surgery this offseason but is expected to be ready for training camp. Even with Jevon Holland joining him in New York, Nubin should still feast in the tackle department. If Tyler keeps his 7.5 average, he’s on pace for 128 tackles — that’s DB1-level production.
DB14 – Quentin Lake (Rams)
Qunetin had a breakout 2024 season with 111 tackles and four double-digit tackle games. He started hot, recording 80 tackles and two sacks in the first 10 games, but faded late, managing just 31 tackles over the last six weeks of the season. Still, he didn’t miss a snap until Week 17, showing strong availability. Quentin’s 73 solo tackles are gold in leagues that award more for solo stats. He had six Top 25 finishes and offered consistency when on the field. Kamren Curl and Kamren Kinchens could threaten his production, but there is still value here.
DB15 – Brandon Jones (Broncos)
Brandon racked up 115 total tackles in 16 games with a 7.2 per-game average. and added splash plays: 3 INTs, 10 pass defenses, 1 forced fumble. Eight of Brandon’s games were Top 25 DB weeks. He benefited from poor linebacker play in Denver and PJ Locke underperforming at free safety. Now that Talanoa Hufanga joins the team, competition may reduce his production. Jones is a high-floor DB2 with DB1 upside if the situation remains favorable. A repeat of 2024 is unlikely, but his production history can’t be ignored.
More Fantasy Football IDP Rankings & NFL Advice!
DB16 – Jeremy Chinn (Raiders)
Jeremy returned to form in 2024 with 117 tackles, tying his rookie-season total. He had five games with double-digit tackles and seven tackles for loss. Chinn had seven games with fewer than five tackles and started slow, but caught fire midseason with huge games. Moving to Las Vegas, Jeremy won’t have Dan Quinn this year and will lose the system that unlocked his versatility. That said, Pete Carroll’s arrival and limited linebacker talent could help keep his tackle numbers high. Chinn might not replicate splash plays, but 110+ tackles are still in reach, and is likely a volatile DB2 with upside if used properly in Vegas.
DB17 – Josh Metellus (Vikings)
Josh had 103 total tackles in 2024 after a slow start. He averaged just over five tackles through five weeks, leading many managers to drop him. However, he surged late with 49 tackles in his last seven games. Metellus finished 2023 with 94% snap share, down to 87% in 2024. Cam Bynum‘s departure opens up the door for full-time snaps again. Josh could push past 115 tackles with 95% or more of snaps. Johnny says the role is his now, and bounce-back potential is real.
DB18 – Jordan Battle (Bengals)
Jordan didn’t become a full-time player until Week 9 in 2024. In five games playing 75% or more of the snaps, he totaled 32 tackles — 6.4 per game. He added a pick, pass defense, and tackle for loss during that stretch. He’s finally listed as a starter for 2025 and could push 115 tackles. Jordan only had one double-digit tackle game, but that was a full usage game. He is a classic post-hype breakout and late-round value with a stable role ahead.
DB19 – DeShon Elliott (Steelers)
DeShon posted 108 tackles in 15 games and was recently extended by Pittsburgh. For the season, he added 4 TFLs, 2 FFs, 6 PDs, and 1 INT and finished as a Top 25 DB in six weeks. He previously had 96 tackles in 14 games in 2022. Minkah Fitzpatrick doesn’t offer a lot of competition for tackles, helping DeShone’s outlook. Now locked in as the starting strong safety, he is a rock-solid DB2.
DB20 – Xavier McKinney (Packers)
Xavier dropped from 116 tackles (Giants, 2023) to 88 (Packers, 2024). He averaged just 5.2 tackles per game and had no 10-tackle outings. Despite low tackle numbers, he logged 3 INTs and 11 pass defenses. He played 654 coverage snaps in 2024, which was 8th in DB snaps and had six Top 25 weeks, boosted by splash plays. If his role shifts back to more balanced usage, 100 tackles is possible, but he may still be boom or bust in 2025.
DB21 – Demani Richardson (Panthers)
Demani played limited full-time snaps but flashed elite production. In five games with 95%+ snaps, he had 48 tackles — 9.6 per game. In three of those games, he had double-digit tackles. Even at 16–26% snaps, he was still producing. Xavier Woods is gone, but rookie Lathan Ransom lurks. Even so, Richardson is the starter for now. Demani is one of Johnny’s calls; he is one of his favorite 2025 sleepers with DB1 upside.
DB22 – Grant Delpit (Browns)
Delpit delivered a career-best 111 tackles (68 solo) and 6.9 per game. He had two double-digit tackle games and seven tackles for loss, but only one pass defense and no interceptions or forced fumbles. He had three top 25 weeks and is flashy but not reliable. Grand is a safe floor DB2, especially early in the season.
DB23 – Xavier Woods (Titans)
Xavier led all safeties in snaps played in 2024 and totaled 119 tackles. He added 3 INTs, 6 PDs, and 2 TFLs. Xavier signed with Tennessee for 2025 and projects to start. Rookie Kevin Winston Jr. is there, but he is of a threat to Amani Hooker than Woods. Xavier has hit 100+ tackles twice in four years and is a reliable veteran with solid value in deeper formats.
DB24 – Tre’von Moehrig (Panthers)
Tre’von quietly posted 104 tackles in 2024 with a 6.1 average, but had just one game with double-digit tackles. He was consistent week-to-week and had 5 TFLs, 2 INTs, 1 sack, and 10 PDs. He finished in the Top 25 five times. Tre’von will play strong safety next to Demani Richardson in Carolina. 2023 was underwhelming, but 2024 showed growth. He’s earned a chance to start but must prove he can repeat.
