Continuing our look at our favourite defensive backs, we take a look at the second player in our list.

We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

From Miami, we move to Massachusetts with Shawn Springs.

The one time - probably - that he's got away

Yes, another player who’s spent many years in burgunday and gold. You’re gonna have to get used to that from me I’m afraid.

Springs was a college standout at corner, and was selected 3rd in the 1997 Draft by the Seahawks. Orlanda Pace and the tragic Darrell Russell were picked ahead of him. (Mac favourite Renaldo Wynn was also from this year’s draft) This year that was pretty strong draft class overall.

He enjoyed a good few years in Seattle, including his Pro-Bowl sophomore season. He joined the Washington Redskins as a free agent in 2004.

Even if he wasn’t an exciting corner to watch, and even if he wasn’t a Redskin alumni and therefore worthy of my attention anyway, there’s one great additional reason to watch Springs: He keeps Terrell Owens in his pocket. Over the years, at every matchup, it’s been a real battle between these guys. Whilst Owens has had his moments – the infamous ‘Sharpie’ TD celebration was against Springs, among others – but playing man-to-man, he has done as well as every other corner out there. And as things have turned out it’s something you’ll be able to enjoy twice this season too, injuries permitting.

Upon hearing Owens had signed for his new division rivals the Bufallo Bills, he text his old adversary the message “Stop following me around”. TO should have responded “Now you know how I feel!”… he may have done for all I know.

Shawn Springs deflects away from Bryant Johnson

Springs is 34 now, and suffered with injuries last year: missing 7 games with nagging injuries. That’s not the first time he’s missed a large portion of a season, even as a ‘Skin. But with a three year deal in his pocket, and a coach who can get the best of the older players you’d have to think he’s got at least one more good year in him.

Previous favourite defensive backs:
Will Allen