Fantasy: 2014 Player Rankings - Individual Defensive Players

theScore's David P. Woods believes true fantasy football addicts play with individual defensive players (IDPs). Follow the links below to see Justin Boone's rankings for every offensive position.

Rankings
QB | RB | WR | TE | DST | K | IDP

Linebackers

• For IDP noobies, remember that the stat you want to chase is tackles. For the most part, don't waste your time drafting high-profile outside linebackers who make their living rushing the passer, like Clay Matthews.
• Look for Patrick Willis' tackle numbers to get a big boost with Navorro Bowman expected to miss half the season as he recovers from a torn ACL. Willis is once again an LB1.
• Ryan Shazier and C.J. Mosley are the most likely rookies to make an impact in IDP circles, but neither has upside in the same stratosphere as recent rookie stud Luke Kuechly. 
• The difference between players 10-19 and 20-29 on this list isn't severe. Make sure you get at least one top-10 linebacker and then maximize your value by waiting to pick up guys at the end of the second and third tiers. 

Defensive Backs

• There's no position in fantasy football as volatile year-over-year as defensive back. Unless you're getting one of the top-five players at the position, you're better off waiting until the late rounds of your draft to address the position. You can always stream players week to week.
• Barry Church isn't a particularly good football player, but he should see more tackle opportunities than any safety in the league as the result of Sean Lee's injury and the Cowboys' lack of talent on defense. 
• Kenny Vaccaro was on his way to a big season as a rookie, but his breakout was derailed by an injury. He could top these rankings in a year's time.
• When in doubt, draft a safety without much talent ahead of him at linebacker. Bernard Pollard, Morgan Burnett and Antrel Rolle fit the bill. 

Defensive Line

• J.J. Watt and Robert Quinn are in a tier of their own. They are deserving of being the first two IDPs off the board in all but the most tackle-heavy leagues. 
• Ezekiel Ansah remains very raw, but he has the most potential of anyone on this list to join Watt and Quinn in the top tier.