Fantasy : DBs Flying Below the Radar : The IDP Edge

With most ranking systems it's easy to decide on who to draft at the top of the list. The hard part begins when you have to fill out your roster beyond the starters at each IDP position. These are some of the IDPs that I find are flying below the radar in most drafts I've looked at. Some are veterans while others are young players that have become starters, whether through injuries, trades or by earning the spot.

Here's a look at some of the defensive backs that you can get in the later rounds and still be productive for you. One of the things to remember about DBs is sometime you can get really good production from the rookies and younger players. Most teams will use the "pick on the rookie" mentality. Now for your favorite NFL team with a rookie DB that isn't something you want to see! But if he's on your fantasy team then it just means more opportunity for tackles and interceptions.

S Adrian Wilson Arizona 3rd year After not doing very much his rookie year, Wilson started 14 games for the Cardinals in 2002 and was their top producing DB with 93 combined tackles and 4 interceptions.

*	G	GS	Tk.	Ast.	Sks.	Int.	PD.
2001	16	0	15	7	0.5	2	8
2002	14	14	66	27	1.5	4	5

S Donavan Darius Jacksonville 6th year Has been consistent over his five seasons with an average of just over 77 combined tackles per year.

*	G	GS	Tk.	Ast.	Sks.	Int.	PD.
2000	16	16	65	20	1	2
2001	11	11	64	12	0	1	7
2002	14	14	70	8	1	1	5

S Shaunard Harts Kansas City 3rd year Started 11 games for the injury plagued Kansas City secondary in 2002 and posted respectable numbers with 80 combined tackles. Right now he�s third on the depth chart at safety for the Chiefs, but will see plenty of action.

*	G	GS	Tk.	Ast.	Sks.	Int.	PD.
2001	3	0	0	0	0	0	0
2002	16	11	71	9	2	0	1

S Reggie Tongue Seattle 8th year The Seahawks most productive DB last season with 93 combined tackles and 5 interceptions.

*	G	GS	Tk.	Ast.	Sks.	Int.	PD.
2000	16	6	31	9	0	0
2001	16	16	56	20	1	3	7
2002	16	16	68	25	0	5	9

CB Reggie Howard Carolina 4th year After being a non-drafted free agent signee by the Panthers in 2000, Howard finally earned playing time in 2002 finishing the season with 84 combined tackles. As the Panthers defense continues to improve look for Howard�s production to do the same.

*	G	GS	Tk.	Ast.	Sks.	Int.	PD.
2000	2	0	0	0	0	0
2001	11	0	15	0	1	1	1
2002	14	14	75	9	1	2	8

CB Ken Lucas Seattle 3rd year A second round pick out of Mississippi in 2001, Lucas had a very productive year for the Seahawks last season. There could be a logjam at the CB position with rookie Marcus Trufant on board now, and Shawn Springs. Right now Lucas and Springs are the starters with Trufant coming in on the nickel package.

*	G	GS	Tk.	Ast.	Sks.	Int.	PD.
2001	16	8	42	5	0	1	15
2002	16	16	71	11	0	3	12

S Gary Baxter Baltimore 3rd year Another second round pick in the 2001 draft, Baxter has the benefit of playing on one of the top defenses in the league. With 78 combined tackles and 16 passes defensed Baxter produced just over 10 fppg last season.

*	G	GS	Tk.	Ast.	Sks.	Int.	PD.
2001	6	0	0	0	0	0	0
2002	16	14	69	9	0	1	16

CB Travis Fisher St. Louis 2nd year Started 11 games last season for the Rams and was the teams #2 DB behind S Adam Archuleta.

*	G	GS	Tk.	Ast.	Sks.	Int.	PD.
2001	14	11	54	7	0	2	9

In the 2003 NFL draft there were a few defensive backs drafted that will start for their teams. CB Terrance Newman, Dallas, S Michael Doss, Indianapolis, CB Asante Samuel, New England, and CB Marcus Trufant, Seattle are just a few of the rookies to keep your eye on. Terrance Newman is being drafted ahead of the rest with Doss and Trufant right behind.

Hope this helps to give you a little insight into drafting your IDPs. Good luck on draft day. If you�d like advice on who to start, trade help, waiver wire pick-ups drop me a line at The IDP Edge<\/A>