Look, drafting defensive players in dynasty is basically like trying to predict the weather in April. One minute you think you've got a lock on a "tackle machine" linebacker, and the next, he’s a rotational special teamer. But honestly, if you aren't paying attention to the dynasty rookie idp rankings right now, you’re essentially handing your league mates a head start.
The 2025 class is weird. It’s not like the year Will Anderson Jr. came out and everyone just knew he was the guy. This year, we have "edge rushers" who might play linebacker and "cornerbacks" who literally won the Heisman playing wide receiver. It’s chaotic. If you’re just looking at a spreadsheet of total tackles from last year, you’re going to lose.
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The Abdul Carter Tier (and everyone else)
Abdul Carter is the crown jewel. There, I said it.
He moved from off-ball linebacker to edge at Penn State, and it was the best thing he ever did for his draft stock. He led the Big Ten with 12 sacks and a ridiculous 23.5 tackles for loss in 2024. In most dynasty rookie idp rankings, he is the undisputed 1.01 for defense.
Why? Because he has that Micah Parsons-lite versatility. If your league gives you a "DL/LB" designation for him, he’s a gold mine. He has the bend to get around tackles and the speed to chase down RBs from the backside. If he lands with a team like the Giants (who took him in many early mocks) or the Bears, he’s an immediate starter.
The James Pearce Jr. Dilemma
Then you have James Pearce Jr. out of Tennessee.
He’s explosive. Like, "blink and he’s already past the right tackle" explosive. But people are worried. His production dipped a bit in 2024—7.5 sacks compared to 10 the year before. Some scouts also whisper about his "coachability."
Is he a boom-bust candidate? Sorta. If you’re in a big-play league where sacks are worth 6 points, you take the swing on Pearce. If you need a safe floor, you might look elsewhere. He’s the kind of player who will have three sacks one week and then disappear for a month.
Linebackers: Finding the "Green Dot"
In dynasty IDP, we crave the "Green Dot"—the guy who never leaves the field because he’s calling the plays.
Jihaad Campbell from Alabama is that guy for 2025. He’s 6’3”, 244 pounds, and he had 117 tackles last year. He’s not just a thumper; he can actually cover. In a world where most linebackers get subbed out on third down for an extra safety, Campbell is a 100% snap-share player.
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Jalon Walker is the wildcard here. Georgia used him all over the place. Sometimes he was rushing the passer; sometimes he was in the box. If he gets classified as a linebacker but gets sacks like an edge, he becomes the most valuable asset in your draft outside of the top-tier RBs.
The "Under the Radar" Guys
- Carson Schwesinger (UCLA): This guy is a tackling machine. He might not have the 4.4 speed of the elite guys, but his processing is insane. He’s always where the ball is.
- Nick Martin (Oklahoma State): If you just want raw tackle volume, Martin is a late-round steal. He doesn't get the hype of the SEC guys, but he’s consistently around 10-12 tackles a game.
The Travis Hunter Problem
We have to talk about Travis Hunter. He’s the most talented player in the draft. Period.
But for dynasty rookie idp rankings, he is a nightmare.
If he plays 90% of his snaps at Wide Receiver in the NFL, is he even an IDP? If your league lets you play him at Cornerback while he’s scoring touchdowns on offense, he is the 1.01. No question. He’s a "cheat code." But if he’s strictly a CB in your league and doesn't get many targets because QBs are scared to throw at him, his fantasy value actually drops.
Corners are usually low-value in IDP unless they tackle a lot. Hunter is a playmaker, not a tackle-first guy. You’re betting on interceptions and return yards.
Why Mason Graham is the DT You Actually Want
Usually, I tell people to ignore Defensive Tackles. They’re boring. They eat double teams so other people can get the points.
But Mason Graham from Michigan is different.
The Browns took him at No. 5 overall in 2025 for a reason. He’s a "leverage monster." Even if he’s playing the 3-technique, he’s getting into the backfield. If you are in a "DT-required" league, Graham is a first-round IDP pick. He’s the rare interior guy who can actually hit 6-8 sacks a season while providing a solid tackle floor.
How to Actually Use These Rankings
Don't just draft the highest-ranked guy. That’s how you end up with a roster of three elite safeties and zero points because safeties are a dime a dozen on the waiver wire.
Prioritize Edge first. If you can get a guy who puts up double-digit sacks, you hold onto him for a decade.
Target LB second. You need two guys who play every single snap.
Ignore DB until the end. Honestly, you can find a starting safety in the 5th round of your rookie draft or even on waivers in September.
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Actionable Next Steps for Your Draft
- Check your scoring settings. If sacks are 4 points and tackles are 1.5, Abdul Carter is more valuable than Jihaad Campbell. If it’s tackle-heavy, flip them.
- Watch the "Landing Spot" carefully. A great talent on a team with an established veteran at his position (like an edge rusher going to the Steelers) might not see the field for two years.
- Don't reach. In a typical 12-team blended draft (offense and defense), the first IDP usually shouldn't go before the mid-to-late 2nd round unless it’s a very deep IDP setup.
- Monitor the Travis Hunter eligibility. Check your platform (Sleeper, MFL, etc.) to see how he is tagged. If he’s a WR only, he’s out of the IDP conversation entirely.
Rankings are just a guide. The real wins happen when you understand the scheme. A linebacker in a 3-4 defense has a very different job than a linebacker in a 4-3. Know the difference, and you'll dominate your rookie draft.