Courtesy of Texas Tech Athletics

With the NFL Draft complete, myself and some other IDP Zealots decided to do an IDP-only mock draft for the rookies. We gathered Saturday evening and ran through a 69-pick mock draft consisting of individual defensive players (IDP). The premise for this draft is that it was a position-specific league (i.e., you would start DE/DT/LB/CB/S) and that the scoring was position specific. This last point is very important because, in the position-specific scoring we used, defensive tackles score very well. For example, in this scoring system, three of the Top 10 and eight of the Top 20 IDP scorers were defensive tackles. So, if your league is not a position-specific league or doesn’t value defensive tackles similarly, then it is likely that they would be pushed WAY down the draft board if they were even drafted at all.

The IDP Zealots

@DynastyTripp – A Dynasty and IDP writer and ranker for Footballguys.com, as well as a contributor at TheIDPShow.com

@KBellf54 – An IDP writer for Footballguys.com

@Choppin_KC – Commissioner and Fantasy Owner Extraordinaire, co-host of the Devy IDP Grind, and one of the smartest College IDP minds I know.

@DocFFFN – A writer, ranker, and editor over at DynastyFootballFactory.com

IDP Madman – One of the best IDP talent evaluators for NFL potential and is starting a new website soon www.idpmadman.com

Perma – A well-informed owner who does a pretty good job at talent evaluation for IDP NFL potential as well.

@Justice_2318 (myself) – IDP Specialist at Campus2Canton and co-host of the Devy IDP Grind

First Round

RoundOverallOwnerPositionPlayerNFL Team
1.011PermaDEWill AndersonHouston Texans
1.022@Justice_2318DTJalen CarterPhiladelphia Eagles
1.033@DynastyTrippNASkippedSkipped
1.044IDP MadmanLBJack CampbellDetroit Lions
1.055@KBellf54DETyree WilsonLas Vegas Raiders
1.066@Choppin_KCDTBryan BreseeNew Orleans Saints
1.077@DocFFFNDEMyles MurphyCincinnati Bengals

Anderson should be the first IDP off the board in the majority of drafts. No surprise that Jack Campbell is the first LB off the board, given his draft capital and landing what should be a full-time role Day 1 with the Lions. Jalen Carter being the #2 pick and Bryan Bresee at #6 are products of the position specific league with position specific scoring. Both Wilson and Murphy land in spots where they will be part of rotation at least initially, but they do have bright futures ahead.

Second Round

RoundOverallOwnerPositionPlayerNFL Team
2.018@DocFFFNDENolan SmithPhiladelphia Eagles
2.029@Choppin_KCDELukas Van NessGreen Bay Packers
2.0310@KBellf54LBDrew SandersDenver Broncos
2.0411IDP MadmanDEFelix Anudike-UzomahKansas City Chiefs
2.0512@DynastyTrippDEWill McDonaldNew York Jets
2.0613@Justice_2318DEIsaiah FoskeyNew Orleans Saints
2.0714PermaDEKeion WhiteNew England Patriots

Defensive Ends dominated Round 2, which should come as no surprise as it was one of the deepest position groups for this draft. There is some risk that Keion White could be classified as a DT on MFL (myfantasyleague.com), and he went a little high for my taste given the Patriots landing spot. The Patriots’ defensive system is generally not kind for fantasy purposes given the amount of rotation they employ. 

I am personally not a fan of Will McDonald but it is hard to argue the draft capital he received. Isaiah Foskey, on the other hand, landed in a great spot with the Saints. After losing Marcus Davenport in Free Agency, they needed some defensive end help, and Foskey should certainly get an opportunity. Drew Sanders owners may need to be patient with him and the landing spot, as the Broncos seem to have Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton manning their primary linebacker roles. It will certainly be interesting to see how the Broncos use Sanders on the field initially. It is within the realm of possibility that Sanders gets classified as an EDGE if the Broncos plan to use him in the outside linebacker role currently held down by Baron Browning. I don’t expect that will be his position long-term but they could decide to do it for the short term.

Third Round

RoundOverallOwnerPositionPlayerNFL Team
3.0115PermaLBDaiyan HenleyLos Angeles Chargers
3.0216@Justice_2318LBTrenton SimpsonBaltimore Ravens
3.0317@DynastyTrippDTCalijah KanceyTampa Bay Bucaneers
3.0418IDP MadmanSSydney BrownPhiladelphia Eagles
3.0519@KBellf54DEBJ OjulariArizona Cardinals
3.0620@Choppin_KCDEDerick HallSeattle Seahawks
3.0721@DocFFFNDETuli TuipulotuLos Angeles Chargers

Henley and Simpson come off the board as LB3 and LB4. There is not a lot of competition for Henley in Los Angeles and his versatility and athleticism should fit nicely in today’s NFL. Simpson, you will likely need to be patient with, as the Ravens have Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen in front of him. But the writing is certainly on the wall with Ravens declining the fifth-year option on Queen and acquiring Roquan last season as they were unhappy with the former first rounder. Sydney Brown seemed to be a divisive prospect among the IDP community with folks either loving or hating him. The land spot with the Eagles is certainly a position and could lead to some early fantasy production. The round ended with three defensive linemen that should all be in the rotation for some playing time with their respective teams, and with potentially bright futures ahead.

Fourth Round

RoundOverallOwnerPositionPlayerNFL Team
4.0122@DocFFFNSJordan BattleCincinnati Bengals
4.0223@Choppin_KCDTGervon DexterChicago Bears
4.0324@KBellf54LBDorian WilliamsBuffalo Bills
4.0425IDP MadmanDEByron YoungLos Angeles Rams
4.0526@DynastyTrippSBrian BranchDetroit Lions
4.0627@Justice_2318DTMazi SmithDallas Cowboys
4.0728PermaDTKeeanu BentonPittsburgh Steelers

Two safeties went off the board this round in Alabama teammates Battle and Branch. Both go to situation that are a little murky in terms of immediate playing time and roles. But both should be rotational players at the very least. Dorian Williams comes off the board as LB5, but you could certainly argue he is LB2 in terms of immediate landing spot with the Bills. Williams should compete for the linebacker spot next to Matt Milano. The three defensive tackles in this round very likely go undrafted in a league that uses a generic defensive lineman designation, but they all could prove valuable in a position specific (lineup and scoring) league.

Fifth Round

Courtesy of Austin American Statesman
RoundOverallOwnerPositionPlayerNFL Team
5.0129PermaLBDeMarvion OvershownDallas Cowboys
5.0230@Justice_2318DTAdetomiwa AdebaworeIndianapolis Colts
5.0331@DynastyTrippDTZacch PickensChicago Bears
5.0432IDP MadmanLBHenry To’oTo’oHouston Texans
5.0533@KBellf54DENick HerbigPittsburgh Steelers
5.0634@Choppin_KCDEDylan HortonHouston Texans
5.0735@DocFFFNDEZach HarrisonAtlanta Falcons

Two interesting linebackers went here with Overshown and To’oTo’o.  Both should be in the mix for immediate playing time at least in a rotational row.  One of my favorite sleeper fantasy picks (prior to the draft) was Adetomiwa Adebawore. I have discussed him on many occasions on various podcasts. Despite many folks labeling him as a Defensive End/EDGE, I felt fairly confident he would be designated as a Defensive Tackle for fantasy purposes. That would make him much more valuable in the type of league with position-specific scoring.

Sixth Round

RoundOverallOwnerPositionPlayerNFL Team
6.0136@DocFFFNSAntonio JohnsonJacksonville Jaguars
6.0237@Choppin_KCSJi’Ayir BrownSan Francisco 49ers
6.0338@KBellf54DEYaya DiabyTampa Bay Bucaneers
6.0439IDP MadmanDTBryon YoungLas Vegas Raiders
6.0540@DynastyTrippDETavius RobinsonBaltimore Ravens
6.0641@Justice_2318LBSirVocea DennisTampa Bay Bucaneers
6.0742PermaSMarte MapuNew England Patriots

A few interesting safeties this round in Johnson, Brown, and Mapu. You may need to be patient with Johnson as both Cisco and Jenkins are signed through 2024. The Jaguars could cut bait next off-season with Cisco and it wouldn’t be as big a cap hit as it would with Jenkins. Johnson could be in for a starting role a year from now assuming the Jaguars don’t resign Jenkins next off-season. In San Francisco, Gipson is a free agent after this coming season. Perhaps Brown could get some run if the 49ers want to use him at Free Safety. Mapu goes to the IDP Fantasy wasteland in New England where he could be a replacement for Adrian Phillips, who is set to be a free agent in 2024.

Seventh Round

RoundOverallOwnerPositionPlayerNFL Team
7.0143PermaCBDevon WitherspoonSeattle Seahawks
7.0244@Justice_2318DEDJ JohnsonCarolina Panthers
7.0345@DynastyTrippLBVentrell MillerJacksonville Jaguars
7.0446IDP MadmanSJartavius MartinWashington Commanders
7.0547@KBellf54LBOwen PappoeArizona Cardinals
7.0648@Choppin_KCDEIsaiah McGuireCleveland Browns
7.0749@DocFFFNDEKJ HenryWashington Commanders

We see our first cornerback go off the board with Devon Witherspoon, the physical corner from Illinois. Can Witherspoon follow in Sauce Gardner’s rookie fantasy footsteps? Probably not but in my opinion, he is the one of the better rookie corners from a fantasy perspective given his physical play. If Jartavius Martin gets cornerback eligibility, he could be an interesting fantasy option in cornerback required leagues. Owen Pappoe could get a shot at linebacker with the new regime and with them perhaps looking to use Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons in other roles.

Eighth Round

RoundOverallOwnerPositionPlayerNFL Team
8.0150@DocFFFNLBNoah SewellChicago Bears
8.0251@Choppin_KCCBRiley MossDenver Broncos
8.0352@KBellf54LBDee WintersSan Francisco 49ers
8.0453IDP MadmanSChamarri ConnerKansas City Chiefs
8.0554@DynastyTrippSJL SkinnerDenver Broncos
8.0655@Justice_2318SDaniel ScottIndianapolis Colts
8.0756PermaDTKobie TurnerLos Angeles Rams

Another round of a couple of safeties, the two that interest me the most are Skinner and Scott. Skinner, with his physical style of play, could be a great fantasy asset if he gets the opportunity to play and is used more in the box. Scott is interesting as there would seem to be some opportunity for a safety to come in and earn some playing time for the Colts with Julian Blackmon in the last year of his contract.   I wasn’t a fan of Sewell before the draft and going to a crowded linebacker room in Chicago certainly doesn’t help his cause.

Ninth Round

RoundOverallOwnerPositionPlayerNFL Team
9.0157PermaLBZaire BarnesNew York Jets
9.0258@Justice_2318DEViliami FehokoDallas Cowboys
9.0359@DynastyTrippDTSiaki IkaCleveland Browns
9.0460IDP MadmanSJammie RobinsonCarolina Panthers
9.0561@KBellf54SChristopher SmithLas Vegas Raiders
9.0662@Choppin_KCDENick HamptonLos Angeles Rams
9.0763@DocFFFNLBYasir AbdullahJacksonville Jaguars

The picks that stick out to me this round are the two defensive ends, Fehoko and Hampton. Both are going to rooms where there wasn’t a ton of depth so they could see the field as rotational pieces and get some valuable experience for the future.

Tenth Round

Courtesy of David Berding Getty Images
RoundOverallOwnerPositionPlayerNFL Team
10.0164@DocFFFNDTJacquelin RoyMinnesota Vikings
10.0265@Choppin_KCDETyler LacyJacksonville Jaguars
10.0366@KBellf54DTColby WoodenGreen Bay Packers
10.0467IDP MadmanDEJose RamirezTampa Bay Bucaneers
10.0568@DynastyTrippDEKarl BrooksGreen Bay Packers
10.0669@Justice_2318SJason Taylor IILos Angeles Rams
10.0770PermaDTScott MatlockLos Angeles Chargers

I like the Karl Brooks pick and his landing spot with the Packers is encouraging. The Packer don’t have a lot of depth and Brooks was a very productive player in college albeit at the G5 level. Brooks was also widely thought of as the biggest combine snub so perhaps he will come in with a chip on his shoulder and earn some playing time.

Final Thoughts

I hope this mock draft and article will help you prepare for your upcoming rookie drafts, by giving you a better understanding of the value IDP may possess after the NFL Draft.   As I get some data with combined rookie drafts (offense and defense) I hope to share that as well for your preparation.

If you are interested in seeing more content from me, you can find it on the Campus2Canton site as well as on the DEVY IDP Grind Podcast (available on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts). You can also find me on Twitter @Justice_2318 in addition to the Campus2Canton Discord.

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