EPL Fantasy Draft rankings for defenders are out in time for you to prepare for your EPL draft!
Often defenders are seen as afterthoughts in the draft and in team selection. While only a few defenders warrant a top 20 overall selection, having quality defenders to round out your squad is vital to a successful EPL Fantasy Draft and season in Fantrax. At minimum managers need at least three defenders, so let’s take a look at some strategies and top defenders to consider.
EPL Fantasy Draft Defender Rankings
Traits of Quality EPL Fantasy Draft Defenders
In seasons past there were defenders like Kieran Trippier, TAA, Robbo, Reese James, etc who were among those managers were looking at as a top pick. Last season, only one defender ranked in the top 20 (James Tarkowski 12th). Despite the relatively low scoring last season, there are some commonalities between top EPL Fantasy defenders. In general top defenders for your EPL Fantasy Draft fall into one of two categories.
First, you have defenders who take set pieces and put in lots of crosses. Generally, these are wing-backs who get up the field a lot to attack. These players have additional scoring opportunities beyond defender stats, making them worth a look as a higher pick. Players like Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Pedro Porro are the top examples of this type of player, but other players fit this mold for other teams and should be considered higher in your EPL Fantasy Draft.
The second type of high-value defender is the big center-back. This player wins headers, blocks shots, earns tackles, and occasionally pops up for a headed goal on a set piece. James Tarkowski and Virgil Van Dyke are the best examples of this type of defender.
In either case, you’re also paying attention to teams who give up fewer goals (more clean sheets and fewer points deducted for goals). Fantrax managers should also consider defenders who play week in and week out.
The Season Ahead
Last year, multiple defenders were high up on EPL Fantasy Draft boards. None of those picks were worth the high pick. Some of that was due to injury, but not all, as players didn’t perform as managers had hoped. I’m cautious to recommend defenders as a top one or two pick, but there could be great value in a player (especially those mentioned) that drops to the third round and has a massive upside. I’m looking for steady over stellar, as I move through the draft.
Defender Ranks
| Def Rnk | Overall Rnk | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 | Kieran Trippier | NEW |
| 2 | 16 | Trent Alexander-Arnold | LIV |
| 3 | 24 | James Tarkowski | EVE |
| 4 | 26 | Pedro Porro | TOT |
| 5 | 35 | Virgil van Dijk | LIV |
| 6 | 41 | Andrew Robertson | LIV |
| 7 | 44 | Ben White | ARS |
| 8 | 63 | Ethan Pinnock | BRF |
| 9 | 64 | Diogo Dalot | MUN |
| 10 | 70 | Josko Gvardiol | MCI |
| 11 | 72 | Antonee Robinson | FUL |
| 12 | 74 | Iyenoma Destiny Udogie | TOT |
| 13 | 75 | Leif Davis | IPS |
| 14 | 75 | Jarrad Branthwaite | EVE |
| 15 | NA | Daniel Munoz | CRY |
| 16 | NA | Ricardo Pereira | LEI |
| 17 | NA | Marcos Senesi | BOU |
| 18 | NA | Timothy Castagne | FUL |
| 19 | NA | Vladimir Coufal | WHU |
| 20 | NA | Joachim Andersen | CRY |
| 21 | NA | Fabian Schar | NEW |
| 22 | NA | James Justin | LEI |
| 23 | NA | Ben Mee | BRF |
| 24 | NA | Rayan Ait-Nouri | WOL |
| 25 | NA | Luke Shaw | MUN |
| 26 | NA | Gabriel Magalhães | ARS |
| 27 | NA | Dan Burn | NEW |