Fantasy Football: Using 2024 NFL Defensive Schemes for IDP Safety Projections

As I dove into defensive coordinator data and tendencies for the linebacker position a couple of weeks ago, using similar data to project out 2024 IDP safeties was naturally the next step. The safety position is notoriously unstable, with constant turnover among league leaders due to its reliance on big plays. However, there is still stable data to work with for the position, which has to do with usage and deployment within the defense.

Tier 1: Ideal Safety Deployment and Potential for IDP

When it comes to ideal safety deployment, certain teams stand out from the rest. The Arizona Cardinals, with Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker, are a prime example. Similarly, the Washington Commanders’ Jeremy Chinn and Darrick Forrest, the Indianapolis Colts’ Julian Blackmon and Rodney Thomas II, and the Cleveland Browns’ Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill all boast impressive safety duos.

Image: NFL defensive schemes

The New England Patriots’ Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers, the Chicago Bears’ Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard, the Buffalo Bills’ Taylor Rapp and Mike Edwards, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Justin Reid and Bryan Cook all round out the top tier of safety deployments.

Tier 2: The Happy Medium

While not ideal, some teams still boast solid safety deployments that could lead to IDP success. The Cincinnati Bengals’ Jordan Battle and Geno Stone, the New York Jets’ Tony Adams and Chuck Clark, and the Green Bay Packers’ Xavier McKinney and Javon Bullard all fall into this category.

Image: NFL defensive coordinators

The Seattle Seahawks’ Rayshawn Jenkins and Julian Love, the Carolina Panthers’ Jordan Fuller and Xavier Woods, and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Derwin James and Alohi Gilman also make the cut.

Tier 3: Unideal IDP Safety Usage

On the other end of the spectrum, some teams struggle with subpar safety deployments. The Detroit Lions’ Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu, the Atlanta Falcons’ DeMarcco Hellams and Jessie Bates III, and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Andre Cisco and Darnell Savage all fall into this category.

Image: NFL defensive schemes

The Las Vegas Raiders’ Tre’Von Moehrig and Marcus Epps, the Los Angeles Rams’ Kamren Curl and Russ Yeast, and the New Orleans Saints’ Tyrann Mathieu and Jordan Howden round out the bottom tier of safety deployments.

In conclusion, understanding defensive schemes and tendencies is crucial for IDP success. By identifying the top safety deployments and potential for IDP success, fantasy football enthusiasts can gain a competitive edge in their leagues.