Sleeper Watch

Cornerbacks can rarely be found among the NFL’s top tacklers, and this year is no different. Even Pittsburgh’s Ike Taylor, who leads all CBs with 79 total stops, doesn’t rank among the top 30 in the league. So how could a player who isn’t even one of the top 30 cornerbacks in that category help your IDP squad?

Eric Warfield’s season total of 42 solo tackles and three assists isn’t particularly impressive, and it’s no wonder that the Kansas City CB can be found on the waiver wire in many leagues. But what many owners are overlooking is this: Warfield compiled those numbers in just six games.

The eight-year veteran missed the first four games of the season while serving a suspension, and only made his first start of the year on October 30. Since then, he’s played like the proverbial house on fire, averaging seven solo tackles per game with a high of 11 against Oakland on November 6. That average isn’t just good, it’s superlative, ranking first among all defensive backs, topping even fantasy standout Adrian Wilson’s mark of 6.3.

Eric Warfield seems determined to continue making up for lost time, and at this pace, he’ll set a new personal tackle high despite missing the season’s first seven weeks. If a defensive back is on your team’s holiday wish list, pick him up and give yourself an early gift.

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