With off-season moves, such as free agency and the draft, complete and rosters beginning to take shape, it’s time to examine which IDP rookies could make an immediate impact closely. Which teams are going to jump-start the clock and roll with rookies? One team that likely will be starting an IDP rookie is the San Francisco 49ers with CB Renardo Green.
Rewind to the Past
Renardo Green played his college career for the Florida State Seminoles where he was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, which is awarded to the nation’s top defensive back. He played in 52 games for the Seminoles, with 32 starts, 143 total tackles, 98 solo stops, 68.5% solo rate, 6½ TFLs, one interception, 22 PBUs, and one forced fumble. He took advantage of the covid year exemption and had quite the super-senior season for Florida State. He played in 12 games, all starts, with 38 total tackles, 29 solo tackles, 76.3& solo rate, two TFLs, one interception, and 13 PBUs. Green’s 13 PBUs were tops in the ACC and finished 10th overall in the NCAA. Coming off such a great season, the San Francisco 49ers would select Green in the 2nd round with the 64th overall selection in this year's NFL draft.
Back to the Future
While they have gotten better the past couple of seasons at the cornerback position, they still have room for improvement. They added star Chavarious Ward who came over from Kansas City and Demmondore Lenoir who has developed into their top option at the nickel corner spot, they still needed to upgrade overall. They drafted Darrell Luter, who they love last year but he has had some injury issues. They also have brought in a couple of quality journeymen to help. However, Green is a fast and super talented corner, who could be exactly who they need opposite of Ward. Green plays physical and does extremely well at mirroring receivers, which allows him to do what he does best….and that’s defend passes.
Green tested really well at the NFL combine with terrific explosion numbers in the 40-yd (4.49 sec), 10-yd split (1.53 sec), vertical jump (37.5”) and broad jump (10’10”). There is room for improvement in run defense but he’s more than willing to come down and support. Green does his best when in press-man coverage and while he's on the smaller side (6’0”/186 lbs) he doesn’t back down from anyone. When you listen to Defensive Backs Coach Daniel Bullocks you can hear the excitement that is buzzing around Green, with comments such as “He has the skill set to do it and just looking at him compared to Demo, Demo Lenoir is a physical player, violent, he can run, he has ball skills and he can cover. He has a very similar skill set to Demo. He’s a guy we are excited about.”
Fantasy Breakdown
In the world of IDP, Green’s best value is going to come in IDP position-specific leagues! Keep in mind that San Francisco isn’t just going to hand him the starting job, he’s going to have to earn it. However, I believe he has the mindset and physical tools to win the job. He has that dawg mentality and he’ll tell you just that. As a starter for a defense that is loaded with playmakers such as the 49ers, all Green needs to do is just be himself. The opportunities for him to make plays will be there and I can’t wait to see just how well he can fit in and produce.
Green is currently being selected at an average of 98.2 in rookie drafts which is right at the beginning of the seventh round. He’s the eighth cornerback overall coming off the board as well. I like the value that you get with Green this late in rookie drafts, especially for a potential starting NFL cornerback. I don’t generally draft corners as the position is so deep overall but if I have a need at the position and have a late round dart throw, I’m not hating a shot on him here, especially with seven corners being drafted ahead of him. This is a solid IDP portfolio investment that has the upside to produce a high return.
All stats provided by Pro Football Reference
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or dm me with any questions, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
