The 2019 NFL season is fast approaching and IDP Dude breaks down his top 10 cornerbacks to own in IDP
Full disclosure: Cornerbacks have always been one of the more difficult IDP positions to rank due to the lack of clarity in regards to IDP scoring. Recently, there has been a resurgence in cornerback premium leagues rewarding points for passes deflected, return yardage, inflated premiums for tackles, sacks, interceptions and so on. These premiums have made cornerbacks prevalent again in IDP leagues, especially those that require you to start one or two in your lineup.
10. Eli Apple, New Orleans Saints
Apple was expendable in the big apple but it didn’t take him long to get acclimated to his new team mid-season. Playing in the final year of his contact without an extension, Apple looks ready to have his best season yet in a make or break year.
Eli Apple comes up with his first interception as a Saint! #NOvsCIN https://t.co/i827jg5T2A
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 11, 2018
9. Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars
You either love him or hate him, he’s got one of those personalities, but the duo of Ramsey and fellow corner A.J. Bouye has to be one of the most intimidating in the league. He’s scrappy and that’s what I love about him. Sure, his antics are tiresome but he puts up points and in the end that’s all we should care about. Read more about Ramsey.
No better duo. pic.twitter.com/ooiMKXwYHs
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 20, 2019
8. Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers
Stud muffin as a rookie and has been locked in throughout camp. If there was ever a DB to pass the “eye test” with flying colors, Alexander is the man. He plays scrappy but smart, avoids the big hits but attacks the ball and loves bump contact. Alexander contested 36.7% of the targets thrown his way – the highest percentage among NFL CBs according to PFF, great for those wacky CB premium scoring leagues. Read more about Alexander.
Jaire Alexander impressed as a rookie pic.twitter.com/Gd08BRNGDS
— PFF (@PFF) February 7, 2019
7. Adoree Jackson, Tennessee Titans
As of right now, Jackson has some extra value because of his abilities in the return game but he may be losing his grip on that gig. Certainly pay attention to this as we head into the season. Beyond that, Jackson still has a nose for the ball posting 70+ tackles each of the last two seasons. As long as he keeps those numbers up, his value in CB required leagues will be there.
Adoree Jackson took it away from Nuk 😯
(via @Titans)pic.twitter.com/sr2Oz1Tyi1
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 16, 2018
6. James Bradberry, Carolina Panthers
Another player in their contract year, Bradberry hits that sweet spot of allowing some plays to happen but not too many where he becomes a liability. For IDP purposes, especially in leagues that award points for pass breakups, Bradberry is a guy I’d want to have on my roster.
Will James Bradberry benefit from a bolstered defensive front in Carolina??
His 13 pass breakups a season ago ranked second among CBs! pic.twitter.com/av1fuMrNyA
— PFF (@PFF) June 5, 2019
5. Donte Jackson, Carolina Panthers
Anytime you can post 70+ tackles with 4 interceptions and a sack to boot as a rookie CB, you’re gold in my book. Looking even faster this year in camp with a year under his belt, I don’t see much regression for the sophomore in 2019.
Donte Jackson started every game in his rookie season. He was targeted 73 times in coverage, allowing 52 receptions for 675 yards. The 2nd-round pick out of LSU gave up three TDs but also recorded four interceptions and four pass breakups. What’s in store for Jackson in Year 2? pic.twitter.com/xUsESEgKm2
— PFF CAR Panthers (@PFF_Panthers) May 22, 2019
4. Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints
Lattimore is arguably one the best playmakers in the league. Running against Michael Thomas throughout camp certainly doesn’t hurt his cause and he already appears to be in mid-season form. Entering the pivotal third year, Lattimore has been vocal about stepping up to lead the Saints defense during the 2019 season. I’m willing to bet he steps up big.
Throughout 2018, Marshon Lattimore continued to prove himself as one of the best defensive backs in the NFL ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/dcP83RMQOe
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) February 21, 2019
3. Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns
After putting up a phenomenal rookie season, it’s clear Ward loves to attack the ball. If the Browns’ offense is as potent as people think, Ward will get plenty of action when teams are playing from behind. Ward seems to be dealing with some injuries this preseason but if he can get right before the start of the regular season he should return some great IDP value if you can snag him in later rounds.
Denzel Ward's rookie season was one to remember – clocking in at No. 89 on the #PFFTop101 pic.twitter.com/EnFe5CxYir
— PFF (@PFF) February 15, 2019
2. Kyle Fuller, Chicago Bears
Some say Fuller might be the best cornerback in the league and while I’m not willing to go that far, his role in IDP lineups has been very serviceable. It helps to have Prince Amukamara on the other side and with the front seven applying the pressure, Fuller always seems to be in the right position to take advantage of the wobbling ducks. I don’t see that changing in 2019.
T-lead in interceptions in 2018.
The @ChicagoBears CB turns 27 today!Kyle Fuller's best plays from this season 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zTVl17u8Nn
— NFL (@NFL) February 16, 2019
1. Desmond King, Los Angeles Chargers
The King is an absolute stud and with Derwin James out for what we think will be the better part of the season I’m expecting a little more out of King in 2019. Bouncing all over the field, King will be put in the position to make those splash plays that return booming rewards for those rolling him out in IDP leagues. His abilities on special teams is what puts him over the top, he can do it all. Read more about King.
Desmond King locked down receivers in his coverage in 2018 pic.twitter.com/It1gQB5GLB
— PFF (@PFF) March 13, 2019