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 linebackers.
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Go here to see this year's crop of rookie defensive backs >>>
LB Jack Campbell, Detroit (from Iowa)
A bit of a surprise in the middle of the first round was the Iowa linebacker. Campbell is a natural inside linebacker with great field awareness and ability to lead the defense. He immediately steps into the middle of an improving Detroit defense, with Alex Anzalone manning the weak side. Malcolm Rodriguez GMs got dealt a blow with hopes that he’d improve on an up-and-down rookie campaign. Campbell is worthy of going off the board as the first IDP based on his immediate playing time and ability to locate the ballcarrier to make tackles.
LB Drew Sanders, Denver (from Arkansas)
Alex Singleton and Josey Jewell are more than serviceable, but neither possesses the upside nor ability to get to the quarterback from the linebacker position that Sanders has. He’ll need to add some strength in order to keep up with the NFL game, but right now, he’s looking like both an adept tackler and a big-time playmaker all in one. He’ll eventually supplant one of the current Bronco inside linebackers.
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LB Trenton Simpson, Baltimore (from Clemson)
The landing spot isn’t ideal with Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen manning the weak and middle linebacker positions, but Simpson comes with a solid pedigree and physical traits to boot. He’s got the flexibility to play both weak and in the middle, so an injury to Smith or Queen could eventually open the door for Simpson. Additionally, the team opted not to exercise Queen’s fifth-year option, so if Simpson is looked at as the future, he could potentially supplant Queen as soon as next year.
LB Daiyan Henley, LA Chargers (from Washington State)
Consider Henley as a sleeper who could make an immediate impact. He’s currently slotted behind the underwhelming Kenneth Murray as the Chargers’ left inside linebacker, and new addition Eric Kendricks is 31 years old. So there will be opportunities for the Wazzou grad to start sooner rather than later. He’s fast and plays with plenty of toughness both against the run and pass.
LB Nolan Smith, Philadelphia (from Georgia)
For now, Smith is projected to run behind Haason Reddick as the strong-side linebacker for the Eagles. Given how the Eagles rotate their pass rushers and the fact that Smith projects to line up on the strong side makes him a lower-upside fantasy prospect. But there’s a lot to like about Smith, who has some Von Miller to his game. He could actually be a better overall pursuer of the football in the run game, too. So, for now, plug Smith in as a nice big-play league taxi squad stash.
Other Names to Watch
- Henry To'oTo'o (HOU)
- Dorian Williams (BUF)
- Owen Pappoe (ARI)
- DeMarvion Overshown (DAL)