2009 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings: Defensive Back

IDP rankings are not as easy to find as are the rankings for regular positions. With IDP being used in more leagues this is a list you will want to get familiar with. When making your cheat sheet for the defensive back position look at the defensive backs that put up solid tackle numbers. Interceptions will help you but don't get fooled into taking a defensive back that does not put up good tackle numbers. The tackle numbers will give you the most consistency from week to week in your fantasy football league.

Top 20 IDP rankings for the defensive back position

1. Oshiomogho Atogwe, St. Louis

Atogwe should again put up solid tackle numbers for St. Louis. St. Louis gives up a lot of big plays allowing solid tackle numbers for there defensive backs and Atogwe leads this list. Atogwe has finished in top 10 the last two years in defensive back scoring in most fantasy points systems. Keep Atogwe number one on your IDP defensive back rankings.

2. Eric Weddle, San Diego

Weddle came out of nowhere to put up huge tackle numbers in San Diego last season. San Diego puts Weddle up as another linebacker on many sets and this should add to his stellar tackling numbers this season. Weddle is a solid top 5 pick for your defensive back rankings for 2009.

3. Michael Griffin, Tennessee

Griffin is a young safety out of Texas that moves well around the entire field. Griffin had 75 tackles and 7 interceptions in 2008 and 2009 looks to be even brighter for him. Put Griffin in your top 5 on your cheat sheet and grab him if slips to far in your draft.

4. Brandon Meriweather, New England

Meriweather was one of the top 5 defensive backs in fantasy football over the second half of 2008. He finished with over 80 tackles to go along with 4 interceptions and 2 sacks. Meriweather has earned recognition as a top IDP for the defensive back position. Do not be afraid to keep him in top 5 on your rankings.

5. Ed Reed, Baltimore

Ed Reed is probably the top safety in football but not the top safety in fantasy football. His tackle numbers are not real high which makes him a risky pick at this point in the defensive back rankings. I have Reed this high because of how explosive he is. He had 9 interceptions last year and is a threat to blow open your fantasy football matchup each week if he can take an interception to the house.

6. Antoine Winfield, Minnesota

Winfield is one of those rare IDP at the cornerback position that can lead a team in tackles. Winfield had 95 tackles in 2008 and has a nose for the ball. In 2009, Winfield should continue his tackling and find his way up your IDP rankings for the defensive back position.

7. Nick Collins, Green Bay

Collins came up big for Green Bay in 2008 with 7 interceptions to go along with 72 tackles. Do not expect him to keep up those interception numbers but Collins should have a chance at finishing the season as a top 10 fantasy football defensive back. Watch out for Collins in 2009 and do not let him slip too far on draft day.

8. Gibril Wilson, Miami

Wilson had huge tackle numbers in Oakland and hopes to repeat this in Miami in 2009. His numbers will go down slightly as he has to compete with Yeremiah Bell for some of those tackles. Wilson might get taken to high in the 2009 fantasy football draft based on his IDP top of the line numbers in 2008. Keep him on your radar but let someone else take him in 2009.

9. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh

Polamalu is fun to watch as he flies around the football field looking to make big plays. He is similar to Ed Reed and should have some big weeks and other weeks where he does not do a lot. Polamalu deserves a spot in the top 10 on your IDP defensive back player rankings.

10. Kerry Rhodes, New York Jets

Rhodes is a huge talent and was the top defensive back taken in many fantasy football drafts in 2008. He was somewhat of a disappointment but should bounce back in 2009. Rhodes could be a solid defensive back sleeper and should climb on your rankings as he has the talent to be the top at this position.

Best of the Rest: IDP rankings defensive back 11-20

11. Richard Marshall, Carolina
12. Roman Harper, New Orleans
13. Charles Tilman, Chicago
14. Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee
15. Erik Coleman, Atlanta
16. Chris Horton, Washington
17. Adrian Wilson, Arizona
18. Antrel Rolle, Arizona
19. Bob Sanders, Indianapolis
20. Bernie Pollard, Kansas City

Remember to look for those big tackle numbers when looking at your 2009 fantasy football IDP defensive backs.
Good luck!