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IDP Dude’s 2019 Top 10 IDP Fantasy Football: Safeties

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The 2019 NFL season is fast approaching and IDP Dude breaks down his top 10 safeties to own in IDP

10. Jabrill Peppers, New York Giants

It’s possible Peppers will always be known as the guy the Giants traded Odell Beckham for but I’m willing to bet he earns his keep this season. The young and athletic Wolverine is looking to do more than fill the void left by the departure of Landon Collins. His ability to bring the pressure and play all over the field only increases his value in IDP leagues, I am be buying with confidence.

9. John Johnson III, Los Angeles Rams

There was nothing to dislike about Johnson’s game last season. Some notable stats: 7 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, 5th best tackling efficiency and received a 84.3 overall grade last season from PFF which was 6th best among safeties. Another young dude I’d be targeting in dynasty leagues without question. Read more about Johnson.

8. Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City Chiefs

With a new home in 2019, it’s possible we haven’t seen the best of Mathieu yet. That sounds crazy but he has an opportunity to do something special in KC. Another do it all safety that should see a ton of action this season as opposing teams try to keep pace with the Chiefs’ high powered offense. Get you some.

7. Kevin Byard, Tennessee Titans

Byard still seems to lack the respect he deserves in the IDP world. Dude is a baller, a playmaker and now the highest paid safety in the game for a reason. Let’s not forget Deion Sanders mistaking Byard for a fan. Draft with confidence and enjoy the big play ability.

6. Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings

The Hitman has aged a bit but is still one of the most fun players to watch on the field. Despite some of the lackluster effort to get in on tackles and help the IDP world out, his play was still elite. PFF gave Smith a run defense grade of 91.3, good for 1st among safeties. He also ranked 3rd for pass rush productivity among safeties. The dude still has it, until I see otherwise there is no reason to doubt Smith putting up top 10 numbers again in 2019.

5. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

Unquestionably my favorite safety on this list. Watching Baker on the field brings joy to my Sundays. There were a lot of questions last season about how Baker was going to be used but ultimately it didn’t really matter because he was everywhere and his production didn’t suffer a bit. Despite catching the injury bug and missing a few games, Baker still posted a 100+ tackle season. With parts of the Cardinals defense still I question, I expect Budda to have another very productive season. Read more about Baker.

4. Jamal Adams, New York Jets

There are so many eye popping stats from last season, it’s almost impossible to not love Adams again in 2019. Considered one of the big 4 in the elite tier of IDP safeties, I have no issues if anyone is considering him as the first DB off the board. It will be interesting to see the dynamic between Adams, Mosley and Williamson this season. Let’s not forget the new beef the Jets have up front. He should be a plug and play no-brainer, draft with confidence.

3. Keanu Neal, Atlanta Falcons

The ACL injury in week 1 last season was devastating to Neal, the Falcons and everyone that drafted him. There seems to be a discount to be had with Neal in some recent drafts I’ve participated in, don’t be that guy who passes on him! It was clear the Falcons were not the same without him and I expect Neal to pick up where he left off in 2017. A 100+ tackle candidate and considered one of my elite 4, I’m okay taking him as my overall safety 1. Get you some.

2. Landon Collins, Washington Redskins

Collins, one of, if not the, most electrifying safeties in the league takes his talents to the nation’s capital for a fresh start in 2019. Looking to follow in the footsteps of the late Sean Taylor, Collins can be the do it all playmaker the Redskins have desperately needed in their secondary. With a shaky linebacker core in front of him, Collins should be a lock for 100+ tackles if he can stay healthy. One of the elite 4, draft with confidence.

1. Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

Landing with the Chargers, James was lightning in a bottle – pun intended. To see what he accomplished as a rookie was something special on every level. He’s going to be fun to watch for years to come and in dynasty leagues the time to lock him up is now if you’re willing to pay the price. Read more about James. His future is bright.

If you liked this article, check out my Top 10 Linebackers and be on the lookout for more of my 2019 Top 10 spotlight articles soon!

Follow me on Twitter @IDP_Dude and the follow the show @IDPGuys. For even more in-depth IDP content, listen to the guys talk about news, analysis, and strategy on the podcast. May the force be with you!

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