Eight in the Box: IDP Report

All season long, Eight in the Box is the place for your weekly Individual Defensive Player Report.

Analysis is based on the four main statistics for most IDP leagues (solo tackles, sacks, passes defensed and takeaways) in three-position formats (defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs).

C.C. Brown, DB, Giants

After a slow start, Brown has been an IDP revelation over the past two weeks with 22 solo tackles. Stepping in for an injured Kenny Phillips, Brown has been adjusting to more of a tweener safety role after spending four seasons as an in-the-box type for the Texans. A lot of his tackles are coming on receivers after the catch, which makes him a risk. But he's certainly been active enough to average five per game from here on in. Owners in tackle-heavy scoring formats should view him as a DB2.

Jairus Byrd, DB, Bills

Big-play leagues no longer have a choice: Byrd has to be on a roster. The rookie came into the league with a reputation for having great ball skills, but his instincts have really stood out since becoming a fulltime free safety. In five starts this year, he not only has five interceptions but seven passes defensed. He's not going to get more than two or three solo tackles most weeks, but Byrd is as likely as anyone in the NFL to keep picking off passes.

Brian Cushing, LB, Texans

The rookie continues to look better and better as he gets more comfortable, recording six solo tackles with two forced fumbles in Week 6, then getting five more solos in Week 7. He's been excellent when dropping into coverage, picking up six passes defensed already. Still, his solid play doesn't figure to translate into much fantasy value. Cushing isn't going to rush the passer, and playing the strong side he won't have a chance to get big enough tackle numbers.

Vontae Davis, DB, Dolphins

With Will Allen done for the year, Davis will step into the starting lineup across from fellow rookie Sean Smith. While there's no need to rush out and pick up Davis now, owners in big-play leagues should keep an eye on him. He's inconsistent, making him an inviting target for opposing offenses, but Vernon's little brother is a ridiculous athlete with big-play ability (he had a pick six against Buffalo in Week 4).