Quick Links: Defensive Tackles (2/25) | Edge Rushers (2/24) | Linebackers (2/26)
Nailing your scouting leading up to the NFL draft will drastically improve your chances of continuing to assert dominance in your dynasty leagues. At Footballguys, we make it easy by grinding tape and researching upcoming rookies. Kyle Bellefeuil and I drop our top IDP rookies at each position base yearly.
IDP defensive backs are the hardest to draft, mainly because they are the lowest-scoring position. I will cover the top 10 rookie IDP defensive backs in this edition. Here are the top rookie defensive backs for the 2026 NFL Draft.
1. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State (6-foot-0 and 205 pounds)
2025 Stats (14 games)
- 68 tackles (45 solos)
- 5 tackles for a loss
- 1 sack
- 2 passes defended
- 2 interceptions
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.
Caleb Downs taking on the pulling center and making a tackle. That’s the good stuff pic.twitter.com/BYCF9rgprM
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) February 14, 2026
Downs combines physical tackling with natural ball skills, giving him a high weekly floor and legitimate turnover ceiling. While he occasionally gambles for splash plays, that aggression often leads to interceptions and pass breakups.
2. S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo (6-foot-2 and 202 pounds)
2025 Stats (13 games)
- 77 tackles( 36 solos)
- 5.5 tackles for a loss
- 0.5 sack
- 5 passes defended
- 2 interceptions
- 2 fumble recoveries
- 3 forced fumbles
- 1 defensive touchdown
If your scoring system rewards tackles, McNeil-Warren is a strong bet to finish near the top of the rookie defensive back leaderboard. He plays with downhill explosiveness and delivers punishing contact in run support. His zone instincts allow him to read quarterbacks effectively, though refinement in man coverage will help him stay versatile. His physical style should translate quickly, giving him a steady tackle base from early in his career.
#Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is emerging as one of my favorite players in the draft.
— Andy (@AndyyNFL) January 26, 2026
Big hitter with elite instincts and ball skills makes him a machine in forcing turnovers. Best G5 prospect in the draft for me, Top-32 player and rising. pic.twitter.com/hEXlJHqcCq
3. S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon (6-foot-0 and 205 pounds)
2025 Stats (15 games)
- 96 tackles (44 solos)
- 3.5 tackles for a loss
- 1 sack
- 5 passes defended
- 2 interceptions
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.
Dillon Thieneman has great eyes, instincts, athleticism, and physicality pic.twitter.com/XaOaNkIZOh
— Ryan Moran (@_Ryan_Moran_) February 21, 2026
His route recognition and downhill burst create consistent tackle opportunities. Cleaning up pursuit angles and limiting play-action bites will determine how quickly he becomes a weekly starter in IDP formats.
4. CB Mansoor Delane, LSU (6-foot-0 and 190 pounds)
2025 Stats (11 games)
- 45 tackles (26 solos)
- 11 passes defended
- 2 interceptions
The top pure corner in this class, Delane projects as a Day 1 starter and a productive rookie defensive back in CB-required leagues. He didn’t allow a touchdown or commit a penalty in 2025, showing rare polish as he enters the league.
Mansoor Delane (5’11 191) LSU
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 15, 2026
+ Has played over 2,400 career snaps
+ Physical in run support
+ Just a 38.2% completion rate allowed against in 2025
+ 91.0 coverage grade
+ Competitive at the catch point
+ 8 career interceptions
+ Coverage instincts
+ 74.4 run defense grade
-… pic.twitter.com/ANWc0JSQ0b
Young corners are often targeted early, leading to pass deflections and increased tackle volume. As Delane builds more functional strength, his consistency will only improve.
5. S A.J. Haulcy, LSU (6-foot-0 and 222 pounds)
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