The 2023 NFL Draft is complete, and now it’s time to get into those dynasty rookie drafts! Every league has its own scoring system, but the following IDPs will likely get you the most consistent points in most league formats. Let’s take a look at a handful of players who should come off the boards the earliest in your rookie drafts. Let’s start with the defensive linemen.
Go here to see this year's crop of rookie linebackers >>>
Go here to see this year's crop of rookie defensive backs >>>
DE Will Anderson, Houston (from Alabama)
DeMeco Ryans knows defense and will get the absolute best out of this beast from Alabama. Anderson is slated to start as the left end, which will allow him to pressure the quarterback and make big plays. He utilizes jaw-dropping technique to both get to the quarterback and make those big plays. He is a fluid athlete who has the pursuit speed to rack up tackles as well as make the big plays. He’s a game-changer that should come off the board as one of the first few IDPs.
DE Tyree Wilson, Las Vegas (from Texas Tech)
Had Wilson gone to Houston, he would have had more of an immediate impact, but going to the Raiders isn’t terrible. He will serve as a rotational pass rusher behind Chandler Jones (who he plays a lot like, actually) for the time being, but eventually will be a solid Robin to Maxx Crosby’s Batman. Who knows, they may even be 1A and 1B at some point. Wilson has a great frame and wingspan and will be in the backfield quite a bit as his game develops. Don’t mistake him for a volume tackler, though. He will get his fantasy points through sacks and big plays.
DE Myles Murphy, Cincinnati (from Clemson)
Murphy may need to sit or be a rotational pass rusher behind Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson, but there’s a lot to like about Murphy’s upside. He’s got a ton of burst and plays with both strength and speed. I wouldn’t classify him as a twitchy athlete, but he has enough speed to excel as an end in the NFL. If you’re drafting Murphy onto your dynasty team, be prepared to exude some patience.
DE Lukas Van Ness, Green Bay (from Iowa)
Van Ness didn’t start at Iowa and will likely not sniff the starting lineup for the Packers anytime soon, either. That doesn’t mean he won’t be a valuable fantasy asset. He’s got a great frame that weight can actually be added to in order to increase strength. He’s got long arms and pushes the pocket to create havoc in the backfield. He won’t be mistaken for a volume tackler anytime soon, though. But in big-play leagues, he should be the fourth or fifth lineman off the board. That said, be careful with a potential switch to linebacker in the Packer scheme. Right now, he’s listed as a defensive end at MyFantasyLeague, but there’s a risk of him moving to linebacker, which would effectively kill his value.
DT Jalen Carter, Philadelphia (from Georgia)
Since many leagues break up tackles and ends in terms of starters, I wanted to highlight Carter here. He can be an absolute game-wrecker but goes to a less-than-ideal situation in Philly, where there is a constant revolving door along the front of their line. That said, Carter will eventually supplant guys like Fletcher Cox as the regular inside pass rusher and has the athleticism and overall talent to become Aaron Donald-esque in his ability to get sacks and make big plays.
Other Names to Watch
- B.J. Ojulari (ARI)
- Felix Anudike-Uzomah (KCC)
- Will McDonald (NYJ)