Early-March Top 10 Rookie DB Rankings

Photo: Joshua L. Jones, USA Today Sports

Footballguys is committed to giving you the best foot to stand on possible when it comes to drafting your fantasy rosters. For us, there is zero off-season. The 2023 NFL Draft is looming and it is time to start learning about the top upcoming IDP prospects. My compadre Kyle Bellefeuil and I are committed to covering these prospects and helping you get a leg up on the competition. I will be covering the top 10 defensive backs in this article, Kyle has covered the top 10 linebackers, and my top 10 defensive linemen have already been dropped.

Concluding the draft, Kyle and I will review the prospects, draft capital, and landing spot and go back over our rankings to create a Top 40 IDP Big Board so you can be best prepped for your IDP rookie drafts. Here are my top 10 pre-combine draft-eligible defensive backs.

1) S Brian Branch, Alabama

Career Stats: 35 games played, 172 tackles (111 solos), 19.5 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 23 passes defended, 3 interceptions, and 1 fumble recovery.

Branch can play any scheme you throw at him; Cover 2, Single High, in the box, slot corner…everything. Branch is probably the best tackling safety in the entire class. Add the fact that he is easily the best cover safety, and the potential is through the roof. His press coverage is tight and mirrors the best. He has a smooth hip transition from pedal to running with the receiver. Branch understands routes with an uncanny ability to get his hands on the ball. Don't let Branch's leaner frame fool you. He more than makes up for it in strength.

2) S Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M

Career Stats: 25 games played, 164 tackles (96 solos), 14 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 7 passes defended, 1 interception, and 4 forced fumbles.

Antonio Johnson is a strong tackler with terrific box potential. His 14 tackles for a loss are great numbers for a safety, and he shows terrific technique wrapping up. He can definitely tackle. But he can also cover. His ability to mirror underneath is proven, and he plays strong press coverage. Johnson is primed to play in the box and cover tight ends at the next level.

3) S J.L. Skinner, Boise State

Career Stats: 38 games played, 208 tackles (133 solos), 9.5 tackles for a loss, 12 passes defended, 7 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumbles recoveries.

J.L. Skinner has improved every season. Whether it's been creating turnovers, minimizing missed tackles, or dropping his passer rate when targeted to sub-40, he keeps getting better. He is a natural cover defender with terrific length at 6-foot-4. Skinner is great at getting his head around. This helps minimize penalties while also making plays on the ball. In general, his ball skills are fantastic, with six interceptions over the last two seasons. In all, Skinner has great size, cover skills, and ball skills, traits that are a terrific building block for a strong NFL career.

4) S Jordan Battle, Alabama

Career Stats: 52 games played, 252 tackles (143 solos), 6.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 10 passes defended, 6 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 touchdowns.

Battle looks to be one of the better box safeties in the draft. He has linebacker-like skills in run defense filling lanes, and he instills fear in any receiver coming across the middle – he packs a mean pop. Battle is fluid in coverage with smooth and shifty helps, easily changing direction. He is aggressive and physical and is a leader on defense. Battle always seems to be in position no matter what his assignment is. GMs will love this trait.