Devy 100: Defensive Back Prospects

Rob Willette

The defensive back position in IDP is a fickle one. Many lesser players end up IDP stars due to their opportunity or even through their own failings. Of course, this happens on the offensive side of the ball as well. It just seems more pronounced at DB. The players below, however, should settle in as contributors thanks to the tools they have been gifted. This is also presuming a cornerback is required, just to show them some love here as well.

S Derwin James, Florida State Seminoles

The biggest name on this list, Derwin James is a unique physical specimen with the physicality of a linebacker and the range of an elite free safety. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the defensive game is tantalizing and makes him arguably the top defensive prospect in college football as well as an elite IDP asset. With only one career interception, there is something left to be proved as a playmaker with the ball in the air, though he only has one full season under his belt and we should see him all over the field as a defensive leader for one of the nation’s elite teams in 2017.

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S Taylor Rapp, Washington Huskies

The reigning Pac 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Rapp is another in a long line of defensive standouts the Huskies are producing under Chris Petersen. While not the playmaker Budda Baker was, Rapp is bigger and plays an aggressive, physical game while also offering the ability to flip the field via turnover. His profile should expand as his role grows in a still stout Washington defense.

S Ronnie Harrison, Alabama Crimson Tide

Possibly the rangiest safety in the nation, Harrison’s calling card is his ability to erase half of the field with supreme athleticism and elite playmaking ability. While a bit of an unrefined tackler, he is fearless in attacking the ball-carrier and should be at least adequate in run support at the next level. A productive starter for the nation’s preeminent program, there is still untapped potential here, and he may be the only prospect who can approach James’ lofty upside.

S Justin Reid, Stanford Cardinal

Unlike others on this list, Reid is not a premier athlete. It is not say he is sluggish in the open field; his game is just not predicated on being more explosive than his peers. Instead, Reid is smart, savvy and steady with the ability to shut down a running play when he is given space to close on the ball-carrier. Stanford is an extremely well-coached team and it shows in Reid’s game. His versatile game on the back-end will work well in a NFL which now asks its safeties to have interchangeable skill-sets.

S Mike Edwards, Kentucky Wildcats

A breakout player in 2016, Edwards established himself as a tackling machine with the ability to both eliminate parts of the field with his range as well as stick with receivers in coverage. His versatile game was enough to garner All-SEC Second Team honors and has started to build buzz he may be an early entrant in 2018. Kentucky has done a good job of adding top talent to their roster, and Edwards may be the best of the bunch.

CB Iman Marshall, USC Trojans

Even in leagues which require cornerbacks, it can be tough to invest in them. Such is life when many scoring formats reward lesser cornerbacks who can pad their stats since they’re targeted much more frequently. However, playmakers can still make an impact at the position and Marshall has a playmakers’ swagger and backs it up with big-time talent. Criticized by some for notable big plays against him, it is worthy to note the Trojans’ scheme can lend itself to such plays. A big bodied corner with top-notch athleticism and what will be three years of starting experience, Marshall is one of the better cornerback prospects for 2018 and should at least provide a modicum of value in IDP leagues.

S Armani Watts, Texas A&M Aggies

A sure tackler whose athleticism speaks to a former offensive star in high school, Armani Watts had a lot of 2017 draft buzz yet opted to return to College Station for another season. He’s shown experience playing in the box (as evidenced by 126 tackles in 2015 as A&M struggled with linebacker play) as well as in a single high secondary. The 2018 safety class looks to have some depth, but Watts should still settle in as one of its finest.

S Quin Blanding, Virginia Cavaliers

It feels as though Quin Blanding has been around forever, but alas, he enters his senior season in 2017 as one of the more established talents in the nation. Known for his coverage abilities, he has still been a tackling machine and posted double-digit tackles in six games this past season. Certain to change once Blanding is surrounded by some semblance of talent, it is at least a testament to his willingness to assist in the run game. With natural pass coverage skills to work with, it is hard to see Blanding slipping too far in next year’s draft.

CB Jaire Alexander, Louisville Cardinals

Neither particularly large nor an overwhelming athlete, Alexander is nonetheless a shutdown corner due to incredible intelligence and an aggressive mentality. Of course, shutdown corners can have limited IDP value, though Alexander’s ability to create turnovers should help mask this to a degree. His game has few weaknesses.

S Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama Crimson Tide

If you’re watching an Alabama game to see Minkah Fitzpatrick, you better watch closely. He moves all around the formation and lines up against players at many different positions. His next level position is a bit unclear, but he’s a potential star at safety or cornerback. Big, athletic and with a wealth of experience, he fits the mold of many of his predecessors at Alabama.

Also considered: S Marcus Allen, Penn State Nittany Lions; CB Quenton Meeks, Stanford Cardinals; S Godwin Igwebuike, Northwestern Wildcats; S Richard Lecounte, Georgia Bulldogs; S Chase Hansen, Utah Utes

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rob willette