RELATED: IDP Tiered Rookie Big Board
With the NFL Draft now completed, rookie drafts are either underway or about to begin. Joseph Haggan and I have teamed up to produce our combined Top-40 IDP rookie rankings to guide you through your rookie drafts.
Below, you'll find our consensus list of the top 40 IDP rookies, along with a brief write-up on each from one of us. Our rankings are based on IDP dynasty true-position formats, where each defensive position (DT, EDGE, LB, S, and CB) is started independently. Good luck with your drafts, and enjoy this exciting time of year!
1. LB Sonny Styles, Washington
Joey's Rank (1), Kyle's Rank (1)
Bellefeuil: Washington selected Styles seventh overall, and he instantly became the best linebacker on the roster. Styles is a big, elite athlete who can handle all three downs at the next level. His presence likely hurts Frankie Luvu the most, as Styles and Leo Chenal project as a fun young duo for the Commander defense. Styles is worthy of a mid to late first-round rookie pick in drafts, as he has the potential to anchor your linebacker unit for the long haul.
2. EDGE David Bailey, NY Jets
Joey's Rank (2), Kyle's Rank (2)
Haggan: Bailey might have the highest athletic ceiling in the entire class. His elite explosiveness and hip flexibility allow him to bend and flatten off the edge naturally, creating strip-sack potential. He already flashes a full counter arsenal — rare for a rookie. He has a knack for forcing turnovers, which immediately boosts his fantasy stock.
3. LB Arvell Reese, NY Giants
Joey's Rank (3), Kyle's Rank (3)
Bellefeuil: The biggest quandary with Reese was how his new team would utilize his talent, as he can play both off-ball linebacker and out on the edge. After the Giants selected him with the fifth pick, coach John Harbaugh came out and said Reese would line up at off-ball linebacker. Given his positional uncertainty and the current crowded edge rusher room in New York, this bodes well for Reese's IDP outlook. Reese is a big, physical, and athletic dude who can make an impact on all three downs, whether he's in the box or shifted out to the edge to create havoc.
4. LB CJ Allen, Indianapolis
Joey's Rank (4), Kyle's Rank (5)
Bellefeuil: If you looked at the Colts' depth chart at linebacker before the draft, it was easy to see they needed reinforcements. Indianapolis grabbed Allen in the second round (53rd overall), and the new rookie is a welcome presence to their defense. Allen is a rock-solid run defender and brings leadership qualities, having anchored the Georgia defense. Given the prime landing spot and weak depth chart, there's a real chance Allen could wear the dot as a rookie.
5. LB Jacob Rodriguez, Miami
Joey's Rank (6), Kyle's Rank (4)
Bellefeuil: Even with all their team needs and Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson on the roster, Miami chose to select Jacob Rodriguez in the second round (43rd overall). It's also worth noting that Brooks and Dodson are in the final year of their deals. Rodriguez has a profile built for IDP production, with his tackle prowess, knack for splash plays, and three-down skill set. While he might require a little patience, Rodriguez will flourish once he's unleashed. I wouldn't be surprised if Rodriguez makes some noise at the tail end of his rookie season and is set up to ascend in year two.
6. S Caleb Downs, Dallas
Joey's (5), Kyle's Rank (6)
Haggan: Caleb Downs is the clear-cut DB1 in this class and the safest bet to become an immediate-impact rookie defensive back for IDP managers. His football IQ and elite play processing allow him to anticipate plays before they fully develop. He aligns everywhere — single-high, box, nickel — making him scheme-proof and snap-secure. Downs combines physical tackling with natural ball skills, giving him a high weekly floor and legitimate turnover ceiling.
7. EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Tampa Bay
Joey's Rank (7), Kyle's (7)
Haggan: Bain enters as the most fantasy-ready pass rusher in the class. His explosive first step and violent hands allow him to win immediately off the snap, and his speed-to-power conversion translates directly to sack production. He brings an aggressive mentality against the run, boosting his tackle floor — something IDP managers love.
8. LB Josiah Trotter, Tampa Bay
Joey's Rank (8), Kyle's Rank (8)
Bellefeuil: Tampa Bay gets a tone setter for the middle of their defense after selecting Josiah Trotter in the second round (46th overall). Trotter is a hammer in the box with his physicality against the run. Lavonte David hung up his cleats after an excellent career. In free agency, the Buccaneers brought in veterans Alex Anzalone (two years and $17 million) and Christian Rozeboom (one year and $1.55 million). SirVocea Dennis is still on the roster, but his play has been mediocre at best. Trotter has some things to clean up in coverage, but the investment is there for his potential to be the future anchor of the Tampa Bay defense.
9. S Dillon Thieneman, Chicago
Joey's Rank (9), Kyle's Rank (9)
Haggan: Thieneman fits the modern NFL mold and profiles as a versatile rookie defensive back capable of playing multiple alignments. At over 200 pounds with legitimate speed, he can operate single-high, rotate into the slot, or play near the box. He has elite production with 306 tackles and 8 interceptions over his three collegiate seasons.
