Defensive backs, like defensive linemen, are the most replaceable assets in IDP leagues other than kickers. You can always find a cornerback on the waiver wire that will score points and the year-to-year consistency at the position isn’t there. Except at strong safety.

A great strong safety can be worth nearly as much as a top linebacker in tackle-heavy leagues. That’s why safeties make up the top-five of this list. Guessing which cornerbacks will score in fantasy leagues is too difficult.

1. LaRon Landry, Redskins – Landry seems like a sure bet playing strong safety in Washington next to Sean Taylor. Of course I thought the same thing about Michael Huff last year. Washington’s weak front seven could lead to more tackles for Landry.

2. Sabby Piscatelli, Bucs – Big drop-off between Landry and Piscatelli. Landry is worth a top-20 overall pick, while Piscatelli and the rest of the group are outside of my top 40. I’ll post a top-50 overall on Friday without comments.

Piscatelli is undersized, but he’s a big hitter who should challenge Jermaine Phillips for a starting job right away. The Bucs backfield is always a good source of numbers.

3. Brandon Meriweather, Patriots – He’s so good in coverage that we worry he won’t ever become a true strong safety. Meriweather projects to be closer to an Ed Reed-type, which tend to be unpredictable in fantasy leagues. Look for Meriweather to share free safety duties with Eugene Wilson this year if Rodney Harrison stays healthy.

4. Eric Weddle, Chargers - If I was ranking safeties just on 2007, Weddle would probably be number two. His starting job is nearly guaranteed. He's a heady, versatile player, but the Chargers system hasn't delivered big numbers from tackles in the past.

5. Aaron Rouse, Packers –I didn’t know much about Rouse before the draft, but I like what I’m hearing in Green Bay. He’s huge and an excellent tackler. Marquand Manuel is on thin ice, making Rouse quite the sleeper in deep leagues.

6. Reggie Nelson, Jaguars – See Brandon Meriweather. The wrap on Nelson is that he does one thing exceptionally: play centerfield and read the quarterback. But his deficiencies in other areas will show up in the NFL and lead to low tackle numbers.