Top 10 Defensive Backs in NFL Free Agency/2018 Draft

With the NFL free agency period and the 2018 NFL Draft both on the horizon, there are many questions revolving the flux of acquisitions at the defensive back position. NFL teams will have opportunities to sign the top options that are currently in the NFL and are seeking new contracts or are the collegiate elite and will be impressing scouts at the upcoming combine. If you enjoy Daily Fantasy Sports, there are quite a few NJ online gambling sites that are legal and cater to your interests and so keeping on top of these draft picks is the key to successful betting. Here are the top ten best defensive backs available to join new teams this NFL off-season:

Malcolm Butler

The Patriots undrafted rookie out of Alabama State has played well over the past two seasons after shocking the world as the Super Bowl 49 hero with the game’s winning interception. Butler will definitely be seeking a new contract with a new team, as Patriots Head Coach, Bill Belichick decided not let Butler play a single defensive snap in Super Bowl 52. Despite the Super Bowl drama, many teams will be interested in Butler’s talents as a defensive back.

Bashaud Breeland

A well balanced cornerback with the ability to go up against some of the best receivers in the league, Breeland is ready to sign a long term deal. The Redskins have enjoyed Breeland since drafting him out of Clemson in 2014, but already have Josh Norman on a big money contract, which puts Breeland in the spotlight for the defensive back market in free agency.

Lamarcus Joyner

Joyner is a defensive back with experience at both the safety and cornerback position. Joyner’s ability to be able to play a safety role combined with his superior coverage skills make him a valuable asset in this year’s free agency period. Look for the Los Angeles Rams to possibly use their franchise tag on Joyner this off-season if a deal is unable to come to terms.

Aaron Colvin

Aaron Colvin did a tremendous job this season primarily as a slot cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Colvin thrives well under the traditional 4-3 base defense that works a third corner into the slot. However, Colvin is seeking decent money for a new contract and slot corners tend to get paid less based on the amount of snaps and usability. 

Kyle Fuller

Coming off his rookie contract, Kyle Fuller is a valuable player entering his prime, which is rare to see in free agency. However, the corner has been streaky and will most likely move on from the Bears if the team does not decide to tag him. Fuller is a potential game changer at the position, clearly showing in film that he can make an impact when playing at his best.

Trumaine Johnson

Johnson has been a franchise player for the Los Angeles for two consecutive years, playing under the tag for what is a high top five average salary for the cornerback position. Although Trumaine Johnson has had flashes of potential to be a star defensive back, he has not yet completely proven himself to land a long term contract with the Ram and will have to seek it elsewhere in free agency. Look for the Rams to pass on tagging Johnson with the franchise tag a third time, as the organization just traded for top cornerback phenom, Marcus Peters. 

Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Alabama standout defensive back has a great build and can develop to be able to play anywhere on the field. His athletic ability alongside playing under Nick Saban at Alabama for a championship caliber program proves he can step into NFL sized shoes and truly help a team that needs help at defensive back.

 Derwin James

Derwin James is in top 10 pick in the draft with possibly only one other defensive back ahead of him. Since Jalen Ramsey’s breakout season, all eyes are on what other defensive back talents can rise out of Florida State. Derwin James is incredibly skilled at:

• Playing versatile defensive back roles
• Overcoming competition at size and speed

Josh Jackson

The Iowa cornerback has turned heads with just one solid season under his belt at the position. Jackson leads the country in interceptions and passes defended heading into the draft. Now being featured as a first round pick, Jackson started his college career as a wide receiver and switched to corner in 2015. He has a lot to prove, with two years of reserve roles on defense, and just one year of starting at cornerback.

Denzel Ward

Year after year, Ohio State produces some of the best defensive players entering the draft, and this year is no different. Denzel Ward shows off extreme athletic ability, and is also on the track team for two different events. Ward does an excellent job playing receiver without opening hips right away, and is able to mirror for an extended amount of time.