IDP Pass Rushing Rotations To Target

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The NFL is an ever-changing game, at least schematically. Coaches are always changing schemes and game plans in an attempt to keep up with each other. To say that base Nickel packages (two or fewer inside linebackers and extra defensive backs) would be the base defense for most NFL defenses six or seven years ago would seem crazy... but here we are. One schematic change that has happened more recently is the use of pass-rushing rotations. Dating back just three to four years ago, rotations were not that common. Having two edge defenders dominate 70+% of the team's edge snaps was not all that uncommon. Recently, teams have been using more rotations on the edge, and it has proven to be quite beneficial.

What this has done is create specialist roles. There are players who are better run defenders, and players who have been pegged as pass-rushing specialists. It has also made the need to draft edge rushers early in IDP drafts less necessary. In all actuality, it has made the three-down linebacker more of a necessary target, with most teams taking linebackers off the field in exchange for extra defensive backs. Drafts are now flooded with edge rushing depth. For those new to IDP, think of this as teams making the change to a running-back-by-committee approach. Many teams use it, and it does not destroy the value of both running backs but in turn, creates two players with stand-alone value, just to a lesser extent. This is a large reason why fantasy managers have adopted the Zero-RB strategy. The positional value has decreased dramatically. The same goes for the Edge position.

Tom Kislingbury, an IDP savant, put in some extensive work creating his defensive handbook, which is free to the public. This handbook documents team strategies and formation usages, which I used to find the teams who have the most potent pass-rushing rotations. Let's take a look at the top IDP pass-rushing rotations to target and the tiers of who to draft within the teams.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills run one of the most simplistic defenses in the entire NFL. Coach Sean McDermott runs a defense that is precise with limited changes in scheme. They run a base 4-2-5 (four defensive linemen, two linebackers, 5 defensive backs) formation. This was the formation the Bills ran 90% of the time in 2022. McDermott's mantra is accountability. He also loves running a rotation with his edge rushers. In 2022, the Bills had five different edge defenders play at least 375 snaps (35.68%). Even with the injuries to Von Miller (season-ending) and Gregory Rousseau (played 13 games), the Bills still ran a four-to-five-man rotation off the edge.

What does this tell us? For one, this tells us that the star edge rushers on the team are really good. Rousseau (44.05%) and Miller (42.82%) were incredibly efficient and effective while playing less than 50% of the team's snaps. Rousseau had 37 total tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble, and four passes defended. Miller posted 21 total tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble, and two passes defended. McDermott is dedicated to having a rotation that will not skip a beat and play sound, efficient defense. He went and signed Leonard Floyd, arguably the top free-agent pass rusher, this off-season. With Floyd, the defense talent level drop-off during player rotations is minimal. The unit is that much stronger and one of the pass-rushing rotations you should target in your drafts.

Bills edge Tier Levels

Tier 1: Greg Rousseau - Rousseau is an athletic behemoth (6-foot-6 and 266 pounds) of an edge rusher. He showed vast improvement during his second season and is truly looking like an elite edge rusher. With this just being his age-23 season and a clean bill of health, Rousseau is an easy DL1 target.

Tier 2: Von Miller and Leonard Floyd - Von Miller did not seem to lose a step in 2022, that is, until he tore his ACL. Either way, his 21 tackles and eight sacks in just 11 games are right on par with his career trajectory. He is eyeing a Week 1 return and is still a viable DL2 in redraft formats. Leonard Floyd just completed his third consecutive season of at least 55 total tackles, 9 sacks, and an 80% snap-share with the Los Angeles Rams. With that in mind, his snap share is going to be nearly cut in half so I would not expect that sort of volume in the tackle category. Still, Floyd has proven to be an IDP asset, and in a rotation with Miller and Rousseau, he is still a DL2/3.

Tier 3: Carlos Basham Jr. and A.J. Epenesa - Basham and Epenesa are just depth options and are no better than a DL5 for fantasy purposes. They should be left on waivers. The only time they should be drafted is in deep 53-man roster leagues. What they do provide is elite options if one of Rousseau, Miller, or Floyd gets injured. Both Basham and Epenesa could likely start or play a pivotal role on a different defense, making them decent dynasty stashes, but for now, that is all they are.