The search continues to identify IDP (individual defensive player) options with the potential to catapult into the top five at their position. In the first part of this series, I tackled the linebacker and defensive linemen positions. The next stop on the IDP draft advice train is in the NFL secondaries.
Find out which three DB2s have the potential to reach the top five and should be targeted by IDP managers in their 2024 fantasy football leagues.
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 NFL Draft Guide
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
DB2 With Top 5 Potential (2024 Fantasy Football)
Xavier McKinney (FS-GB)
The Green Bay Packers improved their secondary significantly with the addition of safety Xavier McKinney. He is coming off an outstanding 2023 season with the New York Giants where he recorded 116 total tackles and produced three interceptions and 11 pass deflections (both career-highs).
The Packers lost Rasul Douglas and Darnell Savage in their secondary, which makes McKinney an ideal fit in Green Bay. McKinney can play both safety spots and cornerback downfield. He is coming off a season where he allowed just one score in coverage all season.
McKinney should bolster the Packers’ defense, which will be a massive upgrade from Savage. The newest Packer should also see a new career high in tackles and interceptions. More importantly, McKinney will challenge for the top defensive back for IDP managers.
Jalen Pitre (SS-HOU)
Pitre made an explosive debut in his rookie season in 2022. The 23-year-old recorded 147 total tackles, which led all rookies. Pitre also recorded five interceptions, which was second-highest in his rookie season.
Pitre struggled to adjust to new coaches and schemes. His drop in stat production might scare some off, but we saw Pitre improve in the second half, including better coverage grades during his second season.
The Texans showed faith in Pitre by not bringing any competition in by free agency or the draft. The bounce back will occur in 2024, providing IDP managers with an upper-level starter in their weekly lineups.
Jalen Thompson (SS-ARI)
No, not this is not a mistake. The wrong safety was not picked here. Budda Baker is the most prominent name for this position in Arizona. Jalen Thompson combines with Baker to form arguably the best safety tandem in the NFL.
Thompson has surpassed 100 tackles in both of the previous two seasons. He missed the mark last season due to multiple injuries that impacted his overall production. His play improved, with Thompson setting a career-high with four interceptions and producing his first sack.
Thompson should be among the top defensive backs selected, even ahead of his better-known Cardinals teammate.
More Fantasy Football Draft Advice
- Erickson’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- Fitz’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- DBro’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- Hoppen’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
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Dennis Sosic is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Dennis, check out his archive and follow him @CALL_ME_SOS.
