Joe Haden

Haden discovered the fountain of youth in 2019 -- finishing the season tied for fourth in the league in interceptions -- and his five picks were his highest total since his rookie season. The addition of fellow defensive backs Mikah Fitzpatrick and Steven Nelson elevated Haden's game and helped Pittsburgh lead the league in takeaways, as well as sacks. With no signs of slowing down as he begins his 11th season, Haden remains a formidable IDP option.

Entering the final year of his contract Haden is seeking an extension following a strong 2018 season in which he also remained relatively healthy. Motivated to improve on his 63 tackles, 12 passes defended and two interceptions, he'll be joined by free agent Steven Nelson in a much-improved pass defense worthy of fantasy consideration.

It took traveling 134 miles Southeast to reach a destination that had eluded Haden the first seven years of his career. After being unceremoniously released by Cleveland before the 2017 season, Pittsburgh welcomed him aboard and, although he missed time with a leg fracture, Haden's veteran presence helped a revitalized defense and got him his first playoff appearance. He'll need to re-prove his IDP relevance this year after logging just 20 tackles and a pick over the course of 11 games in 2017.

For Haden, who was considered one of the best corners in the league not too long ago, it's all about staying healthy in 2017. The 28-year-old hasn't played in all 16 contests since his rookie season in 2010 and while he was able to take the field for 13 games last year, it was clear the veteran was playing through pain. After undergoing offseason groin surgery, Haden vows he is at full health, but at this stage he will have to prove it before people buy into the hype. He'll now look to re-boot his career elsewhere now that he's been let go by the Browns, who drafted him seventh overall in 2010.

Haden's 2015 campaign was ravaged by the injury bug, as the Pro Bowler played in only five games due to a plethora of injuries including rib contusions, concussions, and an ankle injury that required him to undergo surgery in March. He vows that he won't miss a game this season, although team doctors say his return time is uncertain. Usually among the top-tier of cornerbacks in the league, Haden would normally be a lock for IDP leagues, but his health status could steer users away in 2016.

Although some may say Haden regressed last season in terms of his overall pass coverage, he still posted solid fantasy stats, including a career-best 73 combined tackles (58 solo). Mix in three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, and from an IDP standpoint, it was the best statistical season of his career. The five-year veteran will once again be called upon to guard the opponent's top receiving threat as he looks to earn his third Pro Bowl appearance in 2015.

Fresh off a five-year extension, Haden stands to be Cleveland's top cornerback for several seasons to come. Although he picked off just four passes in 2013, Haden is widely regarded as one of the league's top cover corners, so the interception numbers are likely the result of opposing quarterbacks hesitating to throw his way. The 25-year-old Pro-Bowler will likely have a similar role in 2014, lining up across from the opponents' top pass-catching threat.

Haden had a down year in 2012 and only started 11 games as he missed time with a suspension. He will look to bounce back as the team's top corner alonside rookie Leon McFadden.

Haden's IDP numbers fell off a cliff last year – with the exception of his 19 passes defended – but he should be expected to bounce back in a big way after ending 2011 with just 65 tackles (53 solo), one sack and one forced fumble in 15 games. Haden was much better for his IDP owners as a rookie (2010), finishing with 64 tackles (57 solo), one sack, six interceptions, 18 passes defended and a forced fumble. Haden is a legitimately good corner quarterbacks would prefer to avoid, but his ball skills are too good to keep him from making an impact in games.

Although he started the year as Cleveland’s nickel back after getting picked seventh overall in the 2010 draft, Haden had the look of a future star by season's end. He finished the year with 64 tackles (57 solo), 18 pass defenses and six interceptions, with five of those picks coming in the last eight weeks. Haden’s stock is clearly pointing upward and, while he figures to be avoided by quarterbacks eventually, he should have another year of big plays before everyone gets the memo.

Haden is a highly touted rookie out of Florida who was taken with the seventh overall pick in the draft. There are questions about his speed (he ran a 4.60 40 at the combine), but he should ultimately earn the role of starting nickel back with the two starting corner positions going to Eric Wright and Sheldon Brown.