2023 IDP Top 40 Big Board

Joseph Haggan's 2023 IDP Top 40 Big Board Joseph Haggan Published 05/04/2023

The 2023 NFL Draft is complete, and rookie drafts are starting. Kyle Bellefeuil and I have comprised a Top 40 big board that should help with all of the rookie drafts going on. Landing spots were all taken into consideration, and the board is made up of Kyle and my own rankings as a consensus. Linked to each player's name is a full draft profile.

See the Bloom Rookie Big Board for Start-1-QB Leagues here >>>
See the Bloom Rookie Big Board for Superflex Leagues here >>>
See the Bloom Rookie Big Board for Combined Offense and IDP Leagues here >>>
See the Haggan/Bellefeuil Rookie Big Board for IDP-Only Leagues Here >>>

Tier 1 Players

Edge Rusher Defensive Lineman Linebacker Cornerback Safety
Will Anderson, Hou Jack Campbell, Det

Tier 2 Players

Edge Rusher Defensive Lineman Linebacker Cornerback Safety
Tyree Wilson, LV Jalen Carter, Phi Drew Sanders, Den
Myles Murphy, Cin Trenton Simpson, Bal
Lukas Van Ness, GB

Tier 3 Players

Edge Rusher Defensive Lineman Linebacker Cornerback Safety
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, KC Daiyan Henley, LAC Brian Branch, Det
Nolan Smith, Phi
Will McDonald IV, NYJ
B.J. Ojulari, Ari

Tier 4 Players

Edge Rusher Defensive Lineman Linebacker Cornerback Safety
Isaiah Foskey, NO Calijah Kancey, TB Dorian Williams, Buf Sydney Brown, Phi
Byron Young, LAR Bryan Bresee, NO Jordan Battle, Cin

Tier 5 Players

Edge Rusher Defensive Lineman Linebacker Cornerback Safety
Derek Hall, Sea Keion White, NE DeMarvion Overshown, Dal Ji'Ayir Brown, SF
Zach Harrison, Atl Owen Pappoe, Ari
Henry To'oTo'o, Hou
Devon Witherspoon, Sea

Tier 6 Players

Edge Rusher Defensive Lineman Linebacker Cornerback Safety
Tuli Tuipulotu, LAC Adetomiwa Adebawore, Ind Noah Sewell, Chi Christian Gonzalez, NE J.L. Skinner, Den
Yaya Diaby, TB Antonio Johnson, Jac
Nick Herbig, Pit Daniel Scott, Ind
Isaiah McGuire, Cle
Mike Morris, Sea

Individual Player Profiles

Below, you'll see our rankings (from 1 to 40), along with brief profiles of each rookie on the Big Board.

1. EDGE Will Anderson, Houston Texans

Haggan: Will Anderson is an unbelievable, almost can't-miss prospect. He is an explosive athlete with elite snap timing and tremendous burst and first step. Anderson has a plethora of pass-rush moves, with his spin move being his most impressive.

2. LB Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions

Bellefeuil: If you're looking for a throwback linebacker to hold down the middle, look no further. Not only is Jack Campbell a big presence physically, but he's got the game to go with it. Campbell plays a physical brand of football and is a sound tackler with an impressive 265 tackles over his last two seasons.

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3. EDGE Tyree Wilson, Las Vegas Raiders

Haggan: Wilson has the build to battle the big tackles of the NFL at 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds. He is most effective when using that length, getting his hands on offensive linemen, and creating initial contact at the point. Wilson uses incredibly strong hands to shed blocks and move linemen, keeping them on their heels and forcing them to react.

4. EDGE Myles Murphy, Cincinnati Bengals

Haggan: He has an NFL-ready frame matched with elite-level speed and athleticism that should allow him to compete in the NFL right away. His motor runs red-hot, and he never quits on his pass-rush showing good primary and secondary counters instinctively.

5. LB Drew Sanders, Denver Broncos

Bellefeuil: Sanders showcased his ability to work in the box (103 tackles) while also making a big impact behind the line of scrimmage with 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. At 6-foot-5 and 233 pounds, Sanders is a bigger-framed linebacker with good length. Sanders moves well for a linebacker his size, flowing to the ball fluidly while also using his length and athleticism to impede on passing lanes in zone coverage.

6. LB Trenton Simpson, Baltimore Ravens

Bellefeuil: At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Trenton Simpson is an exciting combination of size and athleticism at the linebacker position. His speed is easy to see on tape, as he possesses sideline-to-sideline range and the ability to carry opposing tight ends up the seam in coverage. Simpson's versatility is also a key feature of his game.

7. EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Green Bay Packers

Haggan: He is a powerful pass rusher with some of the most violent hands in the draft. His block-shedding and hand-fighting are superb, and he does a great job keeping offensive linemen's hands off his chest. He has terrific snap timing and is regularly the first player off the ball.

8. IDL Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles

Haggan: With his menacing and powerful pass rush. Carter changes direction fluently and shows great lateral agility. When it comes to fighting in a phone booth, forget it. Carter's strength through his frame allows him to bully offensive linemen.

9. LB Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers

Bellefeuil: Henley is a rangy player with plenty of speed to run and chase down ballcarriers. There are some nice reps where Henley hits and drives through tackles, as he plays with a pretty aggressive demeanor. With his plus athleticism, Henley flashed the ability to be slippery against blockers and as a blitzer when he goes.

10. EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas City Chiefs

Haggan: Anudike-Uzomah is a powerful athlete with a huge wingspan and powerful frame. He uses great leg drive to transfer power through his frame on his bull rush to knock linemen on their heels. His wingspan is huge, though he needs to be coached more on how to use it.

11. EDGE Nolan Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

Haggan: Smith sets a string edge and forces runners to redirect often. He is a quick twitch athlete with excellent lateral agility allowing him to change direction on a dime. He flies downhill like a rocketship exploding into the backfield.

12. EDGE Will McDonald IV, New York Jets

Haggan: His hands are violent and fast, which works like Mr. Miyagi swiping defenders off his chest. He has a red-hot motor and the speed to pursue off the backside. McDonald shows quick feet with a devastating spin move matched with an explosion to finish.

13. EDGE B.J. Ojulari, Arizona Cardinals

Haggan: His explosiveness and first step, match with terrific snap timing, instantly give him a leg up on offensive linemen putting them on their heels. Ojulari shows great footwork, lateral agility, and instincts providing a plethora of counter pass rush techniques. That is where he truly thrives. It's almost like a boxer who is considered a counter-puncher.

14. S Brian Branch, Detroit Lions

Haggan: Branch can play any scheme you throw at him; Cover 2, Single High, in the box, slot corner…everything. Branch is probably the best tackling safety in the entire class. Add the fact that he is easily the best cover safety, and the potential is through the roof.

15. LB Dorian Williams, Buffalo Bills

Bellefeuil: Dorian Williams has been a steady producer during his time at Tulane, capping off his career with an impressive 132 tackles (81 solos) as a senior. Williams has a solid, athletic build, showcasing desirable speed, range, and effort qualities. With his length and agility, Williams has enticing coverage upside, as seen by his two interceptions and seven passes defended this season.

16. S Sydney Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

Haggan: He does a great job baiting quarterbacks into making bad throws and using quick closing speed to make plays on the football. his tackling needs to be cleaned up, but he is always around the ball. His 81 tackles as a junior led Illinois on the season.

17. S Jordan Battle, Cincinnati Bengals

Haggan: Battle looks to be one of the better box safeties in the draft. He has linebacker-like skills in run defense, fills lanes, and instills fear in any receiver coming across the middle – he packs a mean pop. Battle is fluid in coverage with smooth and shifty helps, easily changing direction.

18. IDL Calijah Kancey, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Haggan: Kancey is an absolute beast on the interior and brings back flashes of former Pitt interior defender Aaron Donald. Undersized, yet incredibly strong and explosive. During Kancey's time as a starter at Pittsburgh, he was incredibly productive. He is an overwhelming pass-rusher that is hard to handle due to his quick feet, lateral agility, and upper-body strength.

19. IDL Bryan Bresee, New Orleans Saints

Haggan: Breese is a former #1 overall recruit from 2020 and has shown plenty of pedigree in his time on the field. Though his production never jumped out, his skillset was always noticeable. He is incredibly instinctive and can play against any type of blocking scheme.

20. EDGE Isaiah Foskey, New Orleans Saints

Haggan: Foskey has very quick feet and lateral agility that set him up well in his initial rush, allowing him to avoid punches from offensive linemen. He has a long wingspan which he uses to help in grip and rip as well as swipe moves. Foskey is one of the more athletically gifted, though tight-hipped, edge rushers in the draft and matches that with NFL-ready size.

21. EDGE Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams

Haggan: Byron Young is explosive and athletic on the edge. He is quick out of his stance and has a jarring punch. His quick change of direction could wreak havoc on stunt moves. He has a never quit motor, constantly moving forward.

22. EDGE Derek Hall, Seattle Seahawks

Haggan: Hall is an incredibly powerful edge rusher with lightning-quick speed. He plays with an aggression level at the point of attack that should match seamlessly in the NFL. Hall transfers power from his lower body to his upper half, packing pop with leverage and tremendous hand strikes to jar linemen off balance.

23. LB DeMarvion Overshown, Dallas Cowboys

Bellefeuil: Overshown features a long, athletic build, showcasing impressive range with the ability to track down ball carriers sideline-to-sideline. Overshown's speed and explosiveness also aid him as a blitzer as he eats up ground in a hurry. As a tackler, Overshown exhibits a physical temperament, displaying reps where he launches himself at opposing ball carriers.

24. IDL Keion White, New England Patriots

Haggan: White is a super exciting prospect. He has elite-level athleticism for an interior lineman with the bend of an edge defender. He is incredibly powerful and athletic, routinely playing bully ball against tackles and guards. The tools to become elite are there.

25. EDGE Zach Harrison, Atlanta Falcons

Haggan: He has unbelievable length and strength on the edge to create issues; he just needs to be coached on how to properly take advantage of them. His landing spot will be the biggest factor in his fantasy production.

26. S Ji'Ayir Brown, San Francisco 49ers

Haggan: Brown reminds me of Bob Sanders: a short, stout frame with good ball skills and incredible strength. He is an athletic monster, and it shows up all over the field. His closing speed is remarkable, helping him be a reliable blitzer, as well as making breaks on the football to come up with turnovers.

27. LB Owen Pappoe, Arizona Cardinals

Bellefeuil: Owen Pappoe is an experienced player who has been a steady fixture in the Auburn defense over his four years playing for the Tigers. Pappoe checks the boxes athletically, displaying good play speed and plenty of range on tape. Although a bit smaller in stature, Pappoe has excellent length.

28. LB Henry To'oTo'o, Houston Texans

Bellefeuil: Henry To'oTo'o comes with loads of experience as he started for two years at Tennesee before finishing his last two seasons starting for the Crimson Tide. To'oTo'o has also been a productive tackler at both stops during his college career. Athletically, To'oTo'o is a pretty fluid mover with speed and range.

29. CB Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks

Haggan: Witherspoon is ultra-competitive. It shows in how he attacks the football in the air, how he jams in press coverage, and how he attacks the backfield. Witherspoon may be one of the best press corners entering the NFL Draft. He has an aggressive and pinpoint jam at the line throwing receivers off of their routes.

30. S J.L. Skinner, Denver Broncos

Haggan: Skinner has improved every season. Whether it's been creating turnovers, minimalizing missed tackles, or dropping his passer rate when targeted to sub-40; he keeps getting better. He is a natural cover defender with terrific length at 6-foot-4. Skinner is great at getting his head around. This helps minimalize penalties while also making plays on the ball.

31. EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu, Los Angeles Chargers

Haggan: Tuipulotu is a tough one to peg down. He is not an overly athletic player, though he is incredibly instinctive in his rush. His lower body strength transfers to his upper body, easily moving linemen.

32. S Antonio Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars

Haggan: His 14 tackles for a loss are great numbers for a safety, and he shows terrific technique wrapping up. He can definitely tackle. But he can also cover. His ability to mirror underneath is proven, and he plays strong press coverage. Johnson is primed to play in the box and cover tight ends at the next level.

33. IDL Adetomiwa Adebawore, Indianapolis Colts

Haggan: Adebawore is as raw of a prospect as there is. Yet, his athleticism will be more than enough for a team to draft him early. He has tremendous power and leg drive and hand-fights well in the trenches.

34. CB Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots

Haggan: Gonzalez is one of the top cover corners in the draft. He is an explosive athlete with excellent mirror ability. His athletic profile allows him to cover every position in the secondary. He will be an outside corner at the next level.

35. EDGE Yaya Diaby, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Haggan: Diaby is an explosive athlete that flashes traits that could make him a productive NFL pass rusher. He is powerful and athletic, with a motor and pursuit that never quits.

36. LB Noah Sewell, Chicago Bears

Bellefeuil: His strength is evident on tape as he's a downhill run defender who can stick with power. With his strong upper body and noticeable pop in his hands, Sewell is physical at the point of attack, taking on blockers with plenty of ability to stack and shed. Sewell also has some appeal as a blitzer, featuring an effective spin move in his arsenal off the edge.

37. S Daniel Scott, Indianapolis Colts

"Haggan: Scott will receive decent draft capital due to his elite ability on special teams. With that said, that is not his only career trajectory. Scott has shown that he can play with strong run support downhill as well as deep safety coverage.

38. EDGE Nick Herbig, Pittsburgh Steelers

Haggan: Herbig spent virtually his entire career at Wisconsin in the opposing team's backfield - 26% of his career tackles came for a loss. He lacks strength and a good athletic profile but makes up for it with heart, motor, and decent technique.

39. EDGE Isaiah McGuire, Cleveland Browns

Haggan: McGuire is a fierce power rusher that gets upfield in a hurry. He has his obvious struggles with separation at the line and holding his gaps, but as a rotational pass-rusher, he could thrive.

40. EDGE Mike Morris, Seattle Seahawks

Haggan: He does have traits, though, that are coachable to become an NFL-caliber defender. Morris has the size and strength to give linemen fits blocking in the run game.

Summary

With the NFL draft complete, it is relatively obvious that the edge class dominated this year's IDP rookie class. There is depth throughout the draft, so if you have holes to fill elsewhere, know that you can get value late. Thank you for taking a look at our IDP Big Board, and good luck with all of your rookie drafts!

See the Bloom Big Board for Start-1-QB Leagues here >>>
See the Bloom Big Board for Superflext Leagues here >>>
See the Bloom Big Board for Combined Offense and IDP Leagues here >>>
See the Haggan/Bellefeuil Big Board for IDP-Only Leagues Here >>>

Photos provided by Imagn Images
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