Post-Draft IDP-Only Rookie Mock Draft

Photo: USA Today Sports

The NFL draft has come and gone, and what a fun three days it was. However, now it’s time for us IDP managers to figure out how this exciting IDP rookie class fits together. Just like the pre-draft version, a group of us from the Footballguys IDP staff got together to try to help sort things out in a post-draft IDP-only rookie mock draft. Big shout-out to Sigmund Bloom, Joseph Haggan, Tripp Brebner, Aaron Rudnicki, and Matt Montgomery for joining me once again in this fun exercise.

This IDP-only rookie mock is based on a 12-team true-position format where the positions are all broken out individually in your starting lineup:

• Edge Rusher (EDGE)
• Defensive Tackle (DT)
• Linebacker (LB)
• Cornerback (CB)
• Safety (S)

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

Round 1

1.01 - Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Houston Texans

Brebner: The top pick and cleanest prospect at a position where talent really matters.

1.02 - Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions

Haggan: Jack Campell is almost intriguing enough to pick at 1.01 with his landing spot—that is, if Will Anderson Jr. was not in this draft. Campbell commands the middle of the defense and is a run thumper. He also showed good functional athleticism at the combine and has coverage abilities. Campbell carries early first-round draft capital and a likely three-down role on defense. He has a tremendous rookie ceiling.

1.03 - Drew Sanders, LB, Denver Broncos

Montgomery: I think Sanders has the best opportunity outside of Campbell for significant snaps and production from this linebacker group.

1.04 - Daiyan Henley, LB, Los Angeles Chargers

Bloom: Henley should get a chance to replace Kenneth Murray, who did not have his fifth-year option picked up. He has the coverage chops to be on the field as a three-down linebacker and a lot of latent upside as a relatively new convert to defense from the offensive side of the ball.

1.05 - Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders

Rudnicki: Wilson is an impressive athlete with the size and skills to become an elite two-way edge rusher. Chandler Jones may block his path to a full-time role this year, but he should form a dominant duo with Maxx Crosby from 2024 forward.

1.06 - Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

Bellefeuil: In true-position formats like this, elite difference-making defensive tackles can be hard to find. Jalen Carter has that kind of upside with his pairing of talent, athleticism, and landing spot. Philadelphia has a talented veteran defensive tackle room, but if they’re looking to replace Javon Hargraves's production on the interior, Carter possesses the best skill set to do so. I’m elated to land Carter here with his potential to be a top-tier defensive tackle for the long haul.

1.07 - Trenton Simpson, LB, Baltimore Ravens

Brebner: My biggest conundrum in IDP rookie drafts is the 15th overall pick with a low floor for collection of tackles versus a complete linebacker prospect that slid in the draft and won't be fantasy-relevant until 2024. Given this mock's early run on the position, I'll take the linebacker this time.

1.08 - Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas City Chiefs

Haggan: Anudike-Uzomah has tremendous length, bend, and athleticism off the edge. He put it all together in his final collegiate season. His first-round draft capital bodes well for early playing time, and his skill set could find him instantly pushing Charles Omenihu for starting snaps across from George Karlaftis.

1.09 - Myles Murphy, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals

Montgomery: Murphy has an opportunity to challenge for a spot right away with no real notable defensive players in Cincinnati. His high draft capital also means there’s a likelihood he plays early and often.

1.10 - Nolan Smith, EDGE/LB, Philadelphia Eagles

Bloom: Smith wasn't that productive at Georgia, but that's because of his role, not his abilities. He can edge rush, drop into coverage, and maybe even play off-ball linebacker with high-end athleticism and experience in an elite defense. He'll be joining four of his former teammates.

1.11 - Brian Branch, S, Detroit Lions

Rudnicki: Branch doesn't come into the best situation but has the most talent among rookie safeties this year. He'll have some competition in Detroit and may need to start out as a nickel back, but he's a great all-around player who compares favorably to Minkah Fitzpatrick.

1.12 - Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Green Bay Packers

Bellefeuil: Green Bay’s pass rush unit needed a boost, and they got just that by adding Lukas Van Ness with the 13th pick. Van Ness is a bit raw, but his size and speed-to-power traits should help him find success in a likely rotational role as a rookie. As for the long term, Green Bay will be looking for Van Ness and Rashan Gary to be the force that generates pressure for their defense. Van Ness has a chance to make an impact early on and has intriguing dynasty potential; sign me up.