10 League-Winning IDP Values

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They say that patience is a virtue. And that holds true in IDP drafts as well.

Granted, it can be easier said than done. After a long, dark offseason, many fantasy managers are chomping at the bit to draft their teams before the calendar even hits August. They want their fix--that injection of hope and enthusiasm that draft day brings with it every summer.

And if they don't get it, they start freaking out.

However, those hearty souls who can slow their roll and bide their time often reap the benefits of that restraint. They don't have to worry about a training camp or preseason injury ravaging their roster before the season even starts. They are also more up-to-date on the latest news regarding disgruntled defensive stars. For instance, they know that Cincinnati Bengals edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson is a happy camper after getting a fat raise for 2025. They also know that Dallas Cowboys edge-rusher Micah Parsons (who entered the offseason ranked inside the top-five at his position) is most assuredly not a happy camper.

Waiting also allows IDP managers to get at least some feel for where the top defenders are being drafted. Where the potential values lie. Granted, no two IDP drafts are alike, and finding accurate IDP average draft position data is about as easy as locating plans to build your own nuclear submarine. But every fantasy draft one participates in is a window of sorts into how the last big week of drafts will play out.

If you aren't a complete degenerate who takes part in far too many drafts, have no fear. As it happens, you know a complete degenerate who takes part in far too many IDP drafts.

And based on all those drafts, these IDPs are the kinds of fantasy bargains that can legitimately win leagues in 2025.

After all, it's not like I'm ever wrong. About anything. Ever.

Well, except when I am.

League-Winning Defensive Lineman Values

EDGE Nick Bosa, San Francisco

Not that long ago, Bosa was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year after a 2022 season in which the 27-year-old recorded 51 total tackles, 18.5 sacks, and finished third among all defensive linemen in the Godfather's Default IDP Scoring. But last year, Bosa missed three games and failed to record 10 sacks for the first time since his lost 2021 campaign, and that has apparently cooled interest in the former Ohio State star at least somewhat.

Yes. Bosa has missed time in three of six pro seasons. But it appears some fantasy managers are conflating older-brother Joey's injury history with Nick's. Bosa has somehow fallen outside the top-10 defensive ends in more than one IDP draft I have participated in, and that's ridiculous value for a player with a realistic chance at finishing as the overall DL1.

EDGE Nolan Smith Jr., Philadelphia

There are quite a few changes along the defensive line for the Philadelphia Eagles this season, and one of them is that third-year pro Nolan Smith Jr. will be called on to play a much larger role on the edge. Smith showed flashes of being up to that task down the stretch last year--of his 6.5 sacks last season, four came from Week 11 on. He was a top-10 edge-rusher in IDP from Week 11 to Week 17.

Smith isn't the only new starter on the defensive line--fellow youngster Jalyx Hunt is starting at the other edge spot, while Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis will man the interior (as it turns out, there's a reason why Eagles general manager Howie Roseman drafts so many defensive linemen). Smith has the potential to be at least a high-end DL2 for fantasy managers in 2025--and he's regularly available significantly later than that upside indicates he should be.

EDGE Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams

Jared Verse is one of the more-hyped defensive linemen in fantasy football this year--a player regularly being drafted among the top-10 at his position. That the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year is talented is essentially indisputable--but in terms of fantasy points in 2024, it was batterymate Byron Young who actually scored more fantasy points.

And the third-year pro is essentially free on draft day.

Young's numbers in the NFL may not be gaudy, but they have been consistent--61 total tackles and eight sacks as a rookie in 2023, followed by 62 total stops and 7.5 sacks last season. Both seasons were good for a top-25 fantasy finish among defensive linemen. If you're the top of IDP manager that covets linebackers like Daffy Duck covets gold, then Young can be a dirt-cheap second starter up front for your squad.

And you can be a happy miser.

DT Jonathan Allen, Minnesota

There was a time when Allen was one of the most coveted interior linemen in the NFL--in the non-Aaron Donald category, of course. The ninth-year veteran has surpassed 60 total tackles and logged at least 7.5 sacks three times, and as recently as 2022, Allen was sixth in fantasy points at his position. But Allen is the wrong side of 30 and coming off an injury-marred 2024 campaign, so in the eyes of quite a few drafters, he's persona non grata.

However, it may well be that reports of Allen's demise have been exaggerated.

After eight seasons in Washington, Allen is now with the Minnesota Vikings--playing on one of the more stacked defensive fronts in the league alongside edge-rushers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard and fellow newcomer Javon Hargrave. If you believe that Allen can turn back the clock, facing constant single-teams and recapture past glories, he's available very late in many IDP drafts.

League-Winning Linebacker Values