With the NFL draft behind us, rookie drafts are now kicking off or soon approaching. Joey Haggan and I have collaborated to form our consensus Top 40 IDP rookie rankings to help you navigate the waters of your rookie drafts. Below you will find our consensus top 40 IDP rookies, and a quick write-up on each player from one of us. Our ranks are based on IDP dynasty true-position formats, where you start each defensive position individually (DT, EDGE, LB, S, and CB). Good luck to everyone with your drafts, and remember to enjoy this fun time of year!
Be sure to check out our IDP Rookie Top 40 Tiered Big Board that pairs with this article!
1. CB/WR Travis Hunter, Jacksonville
Joey’s Rank (1), Kyle’s Rank (1)
Bellefeuil: The Jaguars paid a premium to land the special dual-threat talents of Travis Hunter. The Jacksonville brass have said the plan is to primarily use Hunter at wide receiver, with him learning the defensive scheme and potentially seeing some reps at cornerback. The degree of this situation is something we haven’t seen before in IDP land. Hunter looks destined to earn points on both sides of the ball and garner dual designation on certain platforms. He’s a cheat code in your CB or DB slot, and an advantage as a WR who gets awarded points from both sides of the ball in others.
2. EDGE Abdul Carter, New York Giants
Joey’s Rank (2), Kyle’s Rank (2)
Haggan: Carter was widely considered the top IDP edge defender in college football, leading into his final year. He more than firmly cemented this designation with a stellar 2024 season. Carter's 24 tackles for a loss were the most common in college football. His burst is second to none, and he has tremendous footwork. He can stop on a dime, juke his opposition out of his shoes, and win with plenty of power. The Giants' defense and pass rush landed an exciting, electric talent with the fourth overall pick.
3. LB Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland
Joey’s Rank (3), Kyle’s Rank (4)
Bellefeuil: Schwesinger didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called on Day Two of the draft, as Cleveland selected him with the first pick in the second round. Schwesinger possesses a three-down skill set and is fully capable of handling lead duties for the Browns' defense. Given the uncertainties surrounding Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s health and future, along with Jordan Hicks and Jerome Baker being aging veterans, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Schwesinger’s role grow as things progress in year one. Regardless, Schwesinger looks to be the future at linebacker in Cleveland, and his dynasty outlook is bright and promising.
4. LB Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia
Joey’s Rank (7), Kyle’s Rank (3)
Bellefeuil: Campbell is a versatile defender who can affect the game in a big way at both off-ball linebacker and off the edge. While the Eagles have said they don’t want to pigeonhole him into one position, I still believe Campbell’s best fit is spending the majority of his time at linebacker while flexing out to the edge in certain looks. We saw what Vic Fangio did with Zack Baun last year–he will know how to utilize his new rookie defensive weapon. With Nakobe Dean’s injury timeline still unclear, there is an opportunity for Campbell to see meaningful snaps as a rookie if he’s ready. If things work out that way, Campbell and Baun would be a fun duo to watch for us IDP gamers.
5. EDGE James Pearce Jr., Atlanta
Joey’s Rank (5), Kyle’s Rank (5)
Haggan: There are plenty of candidates for the number two IDP edge defender in this year's draft, but I am giving it to Pearce. He has the most impressive bend in this draft class, almost folding in half off the edge. Pearce uses his hands like a seasoned vet. He counters, sticks, jabs, shows a great swim move, and has improved his run defense drastically. The Falcons made an aggressive move to land Pearce on the first night of the draft, and he will add a much-needed boost to their edge unit.
6. S Nick Emmanwori, Seattle
Joey’s (6), Kyle’s Rank (6)
Haggan: Emmanwori has the build of a modern-day linebacker. He is a bruiser in run defense, with a condor-like wingspan, sideline-to-sideline speed, and a sub-4.40-second 40-yard dash. Emmanwori can be an instant impact player, manning the strong safety slot or nickel corner/safety. He has the size, strength, speed, and natural cover ability to mirror tight ends. He is your prototypical box safety with the coverage skills to move around. Mike Macdonald will have fun utilizing his new defensive weapon in Seattle.
7. EDGE Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati
Joey’s Rank (4), Kyle’s Rank (8)
Haggan: Stewart is a freak of nature athletically, with NFL size to boot. His biggest knack in college was his inability to finish, having just 1.5 sacks in his final season. Stewart was able to rack up plenty of pressures, though. The Bengals are a great landing spot with Sam Hubbard retiring and the uncertainty of Trey Hendrickson's contract. Stewart should at least be able to enter a pass-rush rotation right away.
8. LB/EDGE Jalon Walker, Atlanta
Joey’s Rank (8), Kyle’s (10)
Bellefeuil: Walker lands on a Falcon defense needing help off the edge. While he’s a versatile hybrid defender, his best path to success as a rookie is likely as an edge rusher and/or spy defender, where he can use his athleticism to make plays. Walker has some developing to do at off-ball linebacker, but the idea of him possibly being Kaden Elliss’ understudy is certainly intriguing.
9. LB Demetrius Knight Jr., Cincinnati
Joey’s Rank (12), Kyle’s Rank (7)
Bellefeuil: Knight is a sound tackler whose experience and physicality should transition quickly at the next level. The Bengals drafting Knight in the second round leads us to believe Germaine Pratt’s days in Cincinnati are numbered, whether they grant his trade request or just move on. Knight has a legitimate chance to be in the starting lineup alongside Logan Wilson when Week 1 arrives.
10. EDGE Mykel Williams, San Francisco
Joey’s Rank (9), Kyle’s Rank (12)
Haggan: From what I have seen on tape, Williams does not seem to have the dominant abilities of some of the other edge players. Yet, he was highly recruited and was considered a lock in the first round–and indeed did land with the 49ers at eleventh overall. What he does well is set a strong edge, and he has natural instincts in run defense, almost always being in position.
