Quick Links: Defensive Tackles (2/25) | Edge Rushers (2/24) | Defensive Backs (2/27)
The fantasy season might be over, but in dynasty fantasy football, there is no offseason. This is a fun time of year for your IDP dynasty leagues, as we learn about the incoming rookie class as they make their way through the pre-draft process. This article will examine the incoming linebacker group, rank them, and discuss their profiles. It's early in the process; these rankings will be fluid. One thing to keep in mind is that these rankings include some IDP and draft projection. At the very least, it will familiarize you with some of the players as we prepare for the NFL Combine. Alright, let's dive in.
*Denotes a player measurement taken from the Senior Bowl
1. Sonny Styles, Ohio State (6-foot-5, 243 pounds)
2025 Stats (14 games)
- 82 tackles (46 solos)
- 6.5 tackles for loss
- 1 sack
- 1 interception
- 3 passes defended
- 1 forced fumble
At 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, Sonny Styles brings an intriguing pairing of size and athleticism. The former safety has an adequate range, and his combination of size and athleticism gives him the tools to be effective in both man and zone coverage. Styles can close quickly, and is a sound tackler, credited with just two missed tackles this past season, per Pro Football Focus. Styles uses his length and hands to take on blocks, but can get stood up due to his tall frame. Adding some bulk will only help his ability to stack and shed. Styles' eyes are solid overall, but can be a little hot and cold against play action and misdirection.
Styles has a three-down profile as a linebacker who can impact the game against both the run and pass. With his draft projection leading to the top half of the first round, Styles should also garner the draft capital IDP gamers look for. Styles will be a name to watch at the NFL combine, as he looks to add to his alluring profile.
2. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (*6-foot-1, 233 pounds)
2025 Stats (14 games)
- 128 tackles (63 solos)
- 11 tackles for loss
- 1 sack
- 4 interceptions
- 6 passes defended
- 7 forced fumbles
- 2 fumble recoveries
Jacob Rodriguez brings elite college production in his profile, compiling 255 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, five interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles over the past two seasons. Rodriguez is a high motor player, possessing ideal speed, range, and fluidity to cover the field sideline to sideline and be effective in coverage. A bit undersized, Rodriguez can get washed out of the play if opposing offensive linemen get into his frame. While his aggressive nature is a positive attribute, it can also lead to missed tackles, as Rodriguez can come in hot, hindering his tackle angle and ability to finish.
With his affinity for splash plays, tackle production, and ball production in coverage, Rodriguez's game is built for IDP. A soft landing spot and day two draft capital would be ideal for the former Texas Tech standout. Once he gets an opportunity to hit the field, his game will do the rest.
3. Jake Golday, Cincinnati (6-foot-4, 240 pounds)
2025 Stats (12 games)
- 105 tackles (39 solos)
- 6 tackles for loss
- 3.5 sacks
- 3 passes defended
- 1 forced fumble
Jake Golday spent a good amount of time playing in space this past year, showcasing his impressive pairing of size and athleticism. Golday plays with high effort and a physical temperament, both against the run and putting his hands on crossers in coverage. Using his straight-line speed and physicality, Golday can also provide disruption as a bltizer. While Golday is effective in coverage, there are times he can be late with his read and rovers in space. Golday is physical and willing to take on blocks, but can get stalled, although he has the tools to stack and shed.
Golday has the tools to impact the game at all three levels, and upside in his profile for IDP production. He'll be a name to watch when the combine gets here.
4. CJ Allen, Georgia (6-foot-1, 235 pounds)
2025 Stats (13 games)
- 88 tackles (47 solos)
- 8 tackles for loss
- 3.5 sacks
- 4 passes defended
- 2 forced fumbles
- 1 fumble recovery
Anchoring the Georgia defense, CJ Allen brings high-level experience from the collegiate ranks. He operates with control; Allen is a rock-solid run defender and sound tackler, with a 7.4% missed-tackle rate over three seasons, per PFF. Allen has speed and range, with the eyes and athleticism to beat blockers to the spot and evade to make the play. Coverage can be an issue for Allen, as he posted a 55.5 coverage grade, per PFF, in his final season at Georgia. He's shown flashes in zone, but could struggle against big, athletic tight ends in man. Allen shows a willingness to take on blocks but can get stuck at times. Adding some extra bulk to pair with his rip move could make him even more effective.
Allen isn't super flashy, but he is a strong run defender with the ability deliver impact as a blitzer. While Allen has some things to clean up in coverage, he has the traits to get there. Allen has three-down ability, and his tackling proficiency bodes well for his IDP outlook.
