IDP Roundtable, Your Impact Rookie DL

Gary Davenport's IDP Roundtable, Your Impact Rookie DL Gary Davenport Published 05/03/2023

The 2023 NFL Draft was an impressive spectacle, with over 300,000 people attending the event live in Kansas City and more than 50 million people watching it on television, overshadowing the NBA playoffs.

Leading up to April 27, much of the hype focused on the top quarterback prospects, but there was also an abundance of talent on the defensive side of the ball. This was particularly true along the defensive front. Starting with Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3, 11 of the 31 first-round picks were edge rushers or defensive linemen.

This significant influx of talent will have a considerable impact on the IDP landscape in 2023 and beyond. To gauge this impact and help fantasy managers make the most of the new talent available to them, the IDP staff at Footballguys has gathered for a series of IDP Roundtables.

First up is a discussion about Anderson and the other edge rushers and defensive linemen.

See the discussion on rookie linebackers here >>>
See the discussion on rookie defensive backs here >>>

Numerous edge rushers and interior linemen were drafted in the first round of the 2023 draft, starting with Will Anderson Jr. to the Houston Texans as the third overall pick. Among the defensive linemen taken on Day 1, who stands out as being in the best situation for IDP success in 2023? Who is your long-term favorite?

Kyle Bellefeuil: I'm reluctant to go with the obvious choice here, but Will Anderson is my answer to both questions. I'm a huge fan of Anderson as a player, and Houston made a significant effort to acquire the talented Alabama pass rusher. Defensive-minded head coach Demeco Ryans will do everything in his power to help Anderson flourish and become the leader of his defense. Anderson should provide solid IDP production from the start as a rookie and is considered a valuable long-term edge asset for dynasty purposes. As for the long-term, I also like Tyree Wilson in Las Vegas. Wilson received top-10 capital (7th overall) and gets to learn and team up with the likes of Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, which is advantageous.

Tripp Brebner: Tyree Wilson finds himself in a fantastic situation in Las Vegas. He should fill the third edge-rusher role behind Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones. He'll learn from one of the best of the past decade in Jones. That's precisely where the opportunity lies for IDP! Jones's best days are behind him, and Wilson will surpass him as quickly as the rookie can adapt to the NFL.

For long-term value, I'm not moving my pre-draft chip away from Myles Murphy. The rookie from Clemson might play all of 2023 in a depth role, but Sam Hubbard is unlikely to develop into a top-flight pass rusher. Murphy needs time to overtake him, but he has the size and play strength to replace Hubbard in the run game and the potential to improve the Bengals' pass rush eventually.

Already a subscriber?

Continue reading this content with a 100% FREE Insider account.

By signing up and providing us with your email address, you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive emails from Tennessee.
Photos provided by Imagn Images
Share This Article

Featured Articles

 

Sleepers to Monitor: The Gut Check No. 649

Matt Waldman

Sleepers are the foundation of a winning endgame. Matt Waldman profiles five to monitor this summer.

07/18/25 Read More
 
 
 
 

More by Gary Davenport

 

The 10 Most Undervalued IDPs in Fantasy Football

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport Looks at Fantasy Football's Most Undervalued IDPs in 2025

07/17/25 Read More
 

The 10 Most Undervalued Players in Fantasy Football

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport Looks at Fantasy Football's Most Undervalued Players in 2025

07/16/25 Read More
 

2025 Fantasy Draft Strategy Guide: Team Defenses

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport examines the differing fantasy draft strategies on defense, as well as some DSTs to target and avoid.

07/06/25 Read More
 

The 10 Must-Have IDP League-Winners as Fantasy Draft Season Opens

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport looks at 10 IDP league-winning picks you need to make.

07/03/25 Read More
 

The 10 Must-Have League-Winners as Fantasy Draft Season Opens

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport looks at 10 fantasy league-winning picks you need to make.

07/02/25 Read More
 

IDP Green Dot Linebackers

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport examines the NFL's Green Dot and Three-Down linebackers. These are the players who stay on the field.

07/01/25 Read More