Late-Round Defensive Back Options for 2012 fantasysharks.com Mon 8/13/12 6:30 AM

When formulating a fantasy draft board, the most difficult position to predict in Individual Defensive Player (IDP) formats is defensive backs. There is a solid group of talented, high-end fantasy point-producing players among the Top 15, and then things begin to get swirly when projecting the position. Consistency, thy name is not defensive back. There are veterans with injury concerns such as Troy Polamalu, LaRon Landry and Antoine Winfield, who are above-average point producers when they can stay on the field. As well as youngsters such as T.J. Ward, Earl Thomas and Darian Stewart, who have flashed fantasy production but have yet to establish that they can be consistently counted on from week to week, let alone an entire season. With the inconsistency of the position overall, it is a viable strategy to wait on defensive backs while fortifying the linebacker and defensive end positions before selecting defensive backs. Finding fantasy gold at the position late in the draft is absolutely possible, so let your leaguemates reach for the big names early while waiting to dive into the defensive back tank. Here are some sleepers that are more than capable of helping fantasy squads and will be available long after your squad is stocked with high-end linebackers and defensive linemen. Tim Jennings, CB, Chicago: Jennings will be lining up opposite Charles Tillman as a starting cornerback for the Bears, and, in the pass-happy NFC North (that feels strange to write), he will be tested often in 2012. Jennings is entering his third season in Chicago and posted a career-high in tackles last season with 76. He also added two interceptions, forced one fumble and recovered another. Jennings benefits from the Cover-2 defense that the Bears employ, and even though he is a small corner (5-foot-8, 185 pounds), he is a more-than-willing tackler in run support. With a current ranking from anywhere between the late-40s to the mid-60s, Jennings will be available late in drafts and will provide very solid fantasy production, especially in leagues that require starting cornerbacks. Taylor Mays, SS, Cincinnati: After washing out in San Francisco, Mays has found new life in Cincinnati. Mays was a favorite of former coach Mike Singletary for the 49ers. When Singletary was let go, it was only a matter of time before Mays was shown the door as well. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, he has linebacker size and the speed to play in the secondary. He has struggled in coverage at times but...