4 Breakout Defensive Backs to Target in IDP Leagues in 2025

Aug 13, 2025

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

When it comes to draft day, it's important to be patient with defensive backs. It's best to focus on drafting defensive linemen and linebackers early on and then fill out your starting lineup with defensive backs in the later rounds. If the defensive backs you pick turn out to be successful, you'll have a regular starter at a lower cost. If they don't perform well, you can find other options on the waiver wire.

If your league breaks up cornerbacks and safeties, I'd advise waiting on cornerbacks until the tail end of your draft if you aren't able to get one of the few difference-makers near the top. Otherwise, target a cornerback who plays in the slot (two listed below!) because that alignment near the line of scrimmage leads to more tackle opportunities, and that's the most bankable way to get fantasy points. If the positions are grouped together as defensive back, then I'd be looking to get one of the top-tier safeties with a high rate of box snaps.

More IDP Content: Breakout Defensive Linemen | Breakout Linebackers

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It's true that some players have shown they can be relatively reliable weekly producers over multiple seasons, but it's a short list. Big names can fall short of expectations, and defensive backs can emerge from nowhere to post top 10 numbers every year.

The increase in sub-packages like dime and nickel changes the calculus of how many defensive backs play early-down snaps, which makes it easier to find viable options late at the position. Some units use defensive backs to play hybrid roles for their teams that often put them closer to the line of scrimmage, which increases their opportunities for tackles and overall disruption, which leads to fantasy points. Projecting some of the other stats that tend to be more defensive back-focused, like interceptions and touchdowns, is fruitless labor year-to-year, which is why you see so much turnover in defensive back rankings from one year to the next.

As I've asked in the previous breakout articles, what constitutes a breakout? Can you break out again if you've already broken out previously? I'm not sure what the rules are.

For this exercise, I think what serves you, the audience, best is a look at defensive linemen who I believe are currently undervalued based on ADP. For the most part, this is a list of young guys who I think can emerge and way outperform expectations. As mentioned earlier, I'm willing to swing for the fences at defensive back because the opportunity cost for missing is so low relative to defensive line and linebacker.

Breakout Defensive Backs

Jordan Battle - Cincinnati Bengals

We've seen bits and pieces of Jordan Battle over the past two seasons in Cincinnati, posting LB2-type tackle rates and a box-heavy role while fighting for playing time. The depth chart has cleared ahead of Battle this season, and now is the time for him to show us what he can do with a full season of reps.

New DC Al Golden would be foolish not to bring Battle down in the box at a high clip. The Bengals' defense has struggled to stop the run for years, and Battle's versatility is perfect for this role. Last season, Battle posted a 12.53% tackle rate, which is better than starting linebackers like Azeez Al-Shaair, Blake Cashman, and Nick Bolton. I have Battle at DB12, nine spots ahead of the FantasyPros consensus.