Here it is, the final installment of the 2019 IDP wrap up. In this series, we analyze trends, identify risers and fallers, and project sleepers for each IDP position group next season. Today, we focus on the safety position. So, without further ado, let’s wrap up the 2019 NFL Regular Season at safety.
Part 1: Defensive Tackle Wrap Up
Part 2: Defensive End Wrap Up
Part 3: Off Ball Linebacker Wrap Up
Part 4: Edge Linebacker Wrap Up
Part 5: Cornerback Wrap Up
What We Learned This Year
Budda Baker and Eric Reid were the runaway top two IDP safeties in 2019. The star defenders both produced 130 plus total tackles and seven tackles for loss (TFLs) on the season. Depending on your scoring system, they outscored all other safeties by at least 40 points. The other safeties to finish in the top five include Jamal Adams, Landon Collins and Tracy Walker.
Certain defensive schemes can create more opportunities for safeties. In 2019, schemes that produced multiple top 20 IDP cornerbacks included Cincinnati, Detroit, and Minnesota. Players who took advantage of their schematic opportunities were Shawn Williams, Jessie Bates, Tavon Wilson, Harrison Smith, and Erik Harris.
Injuries impact every fantasy football season in one way or another; in 2019, safeties were hammered by them. Players impacted include Keanu Neal (Achilles), Tony Jefferson (knee), Jabrill Peppers (back), John Johnson (shoulder), and Derwin James (foot). Obtaining these injured stars could provide high-end value next season.
Player Comparison – Top 20 IDP Producers
| Rank | Name | Age | Team | Tackles | TFLs | Assists | Fum Rec | Fum For | Int | Sacks |
| 1 | Baker, Budda | 24 | ARI | 106 | 7 | 42 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.5 |
| 2 | Reid, Eric | 28 | CAR | 97 | 7 | 33 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | Adams, Jamal | 24 | NYJ | 62 | 10 | 14 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6.5 |
| 4 | Collins, Landon | 26 | WAS | 79 | 9 | 37 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 | Walker, Tracy | 25 | DET | 83 | 6 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 6 | Simmons, Justin | 26 | DEN | 64 | 2 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| 7 | Poyer, Jordan | 28 | BUF | 73 | 4 | 36 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 8 | Smith, Harrison | 31 | MIN | 65 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 9 | Williams, Shawn | 22 | CIN | 78 | 5 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 10 | Bethea, Antoine | 35 | NYG | 81 | 2 | 29 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 11 | Bates, Jessie | 23 | CIN | 68 | 0 | 31 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 12 | Rapp, Taylor | 22 | LAR | 62 | 3 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 13 | Bell, Vonn | 25 | NOS | 66 | 4 | 22 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1.5 |
| 14 | Jenkins, Malcolm | 32 | PHI | 63 | 6 | 18 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2.5 |
| 15 | Mathieu, Tyrann | 27 | KCC | 64 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| 16 | Byard, Kevin | 26 | TEN | 60 | 2 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| 17 | Fitzpatrick, Minkah | 23 | PIT | 45 | 1 | 25 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| 18 | Harris, Erik | 29 | OAK | 63 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 19 | Amos, Adrian | 26 | GBP | 68 | 4 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 20 | Wilson, Tavon | 30 | DET | 69 | 3 | 26 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Risers
Taylor Rapp – Los Angeles Rams
A rookie second-round pick out of Washington, Rapp made a splash in LA last season. Rapp’s usage increased substantially when John Johnson went down, and his production skyrocketed as a result. From weeks 6-16, he finished as IDP’s third highest scoring safety. If you can find an owner who will sell you Rapp, he looks like a stud find for the near- and long-term future.
Chuck Clark – Baltimore Ravens
At 24 years old, Clark has nearly all of his career ahead of him. In 2019, the Virginia Tech alum added value to every IDP lineup he was in, racking up a massive 43 total tackles in his final seven games of the year. Looking ahead, Earl Thomas isn’t getting any younger in Baltimore, making it even more likely for Clark to continue to provide top production in 2020.
Fallers
Reshad Jones – Miami Dolphins
In 2015, Jones led the league in IDP safety scoring, tallying 136 total tackles that year. Since then, Jones has had two injury-riddled seasons. At age 32, Jones’ best football is behind him, so if you roster the former Georgia Bulldog, now is the time to find a contingency plan for the position.
Patrick Chung – New England Patriots
The 11 year pro out of Oregon will turn 33 before the start of the 2020 season. Since 2017, Chung’s IDP production has declined slightly each of those two years. That, along with the departure of Tom Brady, makes it likely the Patriots go young at the safety position (mostly in an effort to tank for Trevor Lawrence). Chung can, at best, be considered a bye week filler on IDP rosters next fantasy season.
Sleepers
Roderic Teamer – Los Angeles Chargers
Teamer may not get many chances to play in LA, but subbing for Derwin James last season, the undrafted rookie out of Tulane registered 39 tackles in six games. That kind of production cannot be ignored. He’s a nice insurance policy for those who own Derwin James in IDP leagues.
Sheldrick Redwine – Cleveland Browns
The fourth-round pick out of Miami (FL) put together a solid rookie year. In his final five games, the 23-year-old produced 28 tackles for a Cleveland defense that needed his help. If you have extra room on your bench, take a look at Redwine as a possible flyer.
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