IDP-Only Rookie Mock Draft: Post-Draft Edition

With the NFL draft behind us, it's time to prepare for our IDP rookie drafts and get a feel for how this new class of defenders fits together. Just like the pre-draft version, a group of us from the Footballguys IDP staff gathered to help sort things out in a post-draft IDP-only rookie mock draft. A big shout-out to Sigmund Bloom, Joseph Haggan, Tripp Brebner, Aaron Rudnicki, Gary Davenport, and Matt Montgomery for joining me in this fun exercise.

This IDP-only rookie mock is based on a 14-team true-position format, starting at least two players at each position, plus an additional IDP flex. The positions are all broken out individually in your starting lineup:

• Edge Rusher (EDGE)
• Defensive Tackle (DT)
• Linebacker (LB)
• Cornerback (CB)
• Safety (S)

Round 1

1.01 - Sonny Styles, LB, Washington

Davenport: Sonny Styles is an easy pick as the first rookie IDP off the board in all formats. The Commanders have already stated he's going to start and wear the "green dot" helmet communicator, so he ain't coming off the field. His blend of size, speed, and athleticism is enough to give an old IDP kook like me the vapors. And thanks to starting his collegiate career as a safety, his coverage skills are miles ahead of most linebacker prospects when they enter the pros. He could be a top-10 fantasy linebacker as a rookie—easily. 

1.02 - David Bailey, EDGE, NY Jets

Haggan: Bailey is an athletic freak with production and a complete skill set to match. After watching more of his tape, he was the clear top edge rusher in the draft, and he was drafted to a team with an endless void at the edge position. Bailey will be an instant contributor. 

1.03 - Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Miami

Rudnicki: Although behind Brooks and Dodson for now, he should quickly emerge as the focal point in the middle of a Dolphins defense that sees a lot of work each week. Rodriguez has top-5 fantasy LB potential if he hits and could be a long-term building block for dynasty teams. 

1.04 - Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, NY Giants

Bloom: Reese should get to play weakside off-ball linebacker and rush the passer in the Giants' souped-up NASCAR package. This gives him more tackle and big play opportunities than if he were a full-time edge. Most IDP leagues start more off-ball linebackers than edge defenders, but a decreased opportunity and emphasis on developing Reese as a pass rusher could be a negative in sack-heavy scoring leagues. The bottom line is that he is a unique talent, and it sounds like the Giants are going to embrace this instead of trying to mold Reese into a more traditional edge or off-ball linebacker, which should maximize his chances of hitting his very high ceiling, no matter what his position designation or your scoring system is. 

1.05 - CJ Allen, LB, Indianapolis

Brebner: I chose Allen in this same spot before the NFL draft, and his value has improved based on his landing spot. He has an easy path to a full-time role, perhaps including the green dot, which would make him a reasonable fantasy LB2 in redraft.

1.06 - Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Tampa Bay

Montgomery: I still believe in the value of getting a player who can challenge as the best rookie edge rusher with the 7th overall pick. The situation is ideal for early snaps in Tampa Bay, so we should know immediately if Bain is a guy you build a defense around or someone who needs some additional help to take over games. Either way, he's a safe pick at 7, which feels like reach territory for some other players. 

1.07 - Caleb Downs, S, Dallas

Bellefeuil: Downs received ideal draft capital coming off the board 11th overall, and is a player I am willing to shift strategies for as a typical DB-fader in drafts. Downs has the versatility to play multiple roles and is a tone setter coming up in run support. Dallas' new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, should be giddy with the ways he can deploy Downs in his defense to make an impact. With a skill set ideal for IDP purposes, Downs has top-end safety potential for the long haul.

1.08 - Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Tennessee

Davenport: Getting CJ Allen in this spot would have had The Godfather doing cartwheels, but Anthony Hill Jr isn't a bad consolation prize. The 6'2", 238-pounder has a three-down skill-set, and when the Tennessee Titans took him in the second round, it was party time. The biggest obstacle standing between Hill and not just a starting role in Nashville but also potentially wearing the green dot is Cody Barton. And if you saw Barton's first year with the Titans, you know that's a low bar to clear. 

1.09 - Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, Dallas

Haggan: Lawrence has tremendous explosion out of his stance, instantly putting offensive linemen on their heels. He has the prototypical size you are looking for from an NFL-caliber edge defender. He does not have the power to toss around NFL offensive linemen, though he does have great hand placement and leverage when manipulating the pocket. His size and speed profile were enough for the Cowboys to give him first-round draft capital. He should have an instant opportunity to compete for snaps.

1.10 - Jake Golday, LB, Minnesota

Rudnicki: Golday may need to develop behind Cashman to start, but he has the profile to emerge as a 3-down linebacker in Minnesota by 2027. Golday pairs elite run defense with edge-rushing experience and should fit well in a Brian Flores defense, which can use him in multiple ways. 

1.11 - Dillon Thieneman, S, Chicago

Bloom: In a class without Caleb Downs, we would have been marveling at Thieneman's combination of tools and football IQ. His tackle numbers were significantly better than Downs', and Thieneman will be paired with Coby Bryant, who, like him, can do just about everything you would ask of a safety. That means the rookie doesn't have to strictly be the preferred option for more difficult pass-coverage assignments, which would likely take him away from the ball. Safeties aren't sexy in IDP leagues, but Thieneman should be an instant hit and has a chance to provide consistent top 10-15 production well into the foreseeable future. 

1.12 - Josiah Trotter, LB, Tampa Bay

Brebner: Like Allen, Trotter was my predraft pick and gained value based on landing spot. The second-round selection suggests the Buccaneers view the 21-year-old as a potential long-term successor to the retired Lavonte David. Trotter joins a pedestrian linebacker room and could see time in 2026, but might be best considered a future-year asset. 

1.13 - Cashius Howell, EDGE, Cincinnati

Montgomery:  Maybe this is a homer pick from a Bengals fan, but I just don't see the team going 0-3 with highly drafted edge rushers/outside linebackers. The hole that Trey Hendrickson left is very real, and with Shemar Stewart's development still unknown at this point, it leads me to believe there is a path to early, frequent snaps. Even in the NIL world of college sports, it is still a wildly impressive feat that Howell was the SEC defensive player of the year, finishing in the top 10 in sacks in FBS. This is a fun late pick, and if he is your league's 13th player off the board, remember that you can do much worse. He's a safe late pick.

1.14 - Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, LA Chargers

Bellefeuil: Mesidor formed a dynamic pass-rushing duo with Rueben Bain Jr. on the Miami defense and led the team with 12.5 sacks last season. At 25 years old, Mesidor is an older prospect; however, he has an experienced game, a solid array of pass-rush moves, and three-down ability to play the run and pass effectively. Given his first-round draft capital and well-balanced skill set, Mesidor should have a solid role mixing in the edge unit with starters Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack.

Round 2

2.01 - A.J. Haulcy, S, Indianapolis