With the NFL draft behind us, rookie drafts are now kicking off or soon approaching. Joey Haggan and I have collaborated to form a Top-40 IDP rookie big board to help you navigate the waters of your rookie drafts. Below is our consensus top 40 IDP rookies, with a quick writeup on each player. You can also see the individual rank of each player, and we each provided some insight into our thought process when approaching our ranks and drafts.

Insight into how we approached our rookie IDP rankings:

Joey Haggan: When going through IDP rookie rankings,  I focus heavily on positional scarcity and individual talent in my top 20-25. After that, I'm drafting players who are more certain to produce; that would be cornerbacks. Rookie cornerbacks see the field much more often than a 5th round linebacker or edge. Take a later round chance on more guaranteed production.

Kyle Bellefeuil: I’m a big fan of targeting the top three edge rushers (Latu, Turner, and Verse) in IDP drafts. From there, it’s onto everybody’s favorite position, linebacker, and the hot names of Edgerrin Cooper, Junior Colson, and Payton Wilson—I’m still betting on talent with Wilson, as you’ll see below. Then Byron Murphy II and Jer'Zhan Newton enter the mix, as they play a scarce position where impact players can give you an edge in true-position formats. As the IDP ranks and drafts get deeper, I typically look to target value at edge-rusher, linebacker, and defensive tackle—even if patience is required. Grabbing an impact safety is always on the table if you can get the likes of Cole Bishop, Tyler Nubin, or Javon Bullard where the value fits. At cornerback, I’ll target the productive slot guys later, Cooper DeJean or Mike Sainristil for example, but mostly fade the position as it’s streamable for IDP purposes.

IDP Rookie Top 40 Big Board

IDP Rookie Tier 1

IDP Rookie Tier 2

IDP Rookie Tier 3

IDP Rookie Tier 4

IDP Rookie Tier 5

IDP Rookie Tier 6

IDP Rookie Top 40 Player Summaries

1. EDGE Laiatu Latu, Indianapolis  

Joey’s Rank (2), Kyle’s Rank (1)

Haggan: Latu is incredibly agile for a man with a broad frame. His incredible lateral agility makes it difficult for offensive linemen to cleanly engage him at the point of attack. His snap timing is terrific, matched with an eye-popping initial burst, and showcasing an already NFL-ready technique of using his hands to swipe, grip-and-rip, pull, swim...he has them all. Latu has a red-hot motor with quick back-end pursuit that causes mismatches all over the line of scrimmage.

2. EDGE Jared Verse, LA Rams

Joey’s Rank (1), Kyle’s Rank (3)

Haggan: Verse has speed. He has an explosive first step, almost always winning at the initial point of contact. His hips are like rubber bands, bending underneath offensive linemen just to snap back with a tremendous burst to get to the quarterback. Verse has a polished pass-rushing repertoire and showcases an innate ability to counter his opponents, constantly keeping them off balance. With Verse's ideal landing spot, he has intriguing IDP potential as a rookie.

 3. EDGE Dallas Turner, Minnesota

Joey’s Rank (3), Kyle’s Rank (2)

Haggan: While Verse was both speed and power, Turner is more of a speed rusher. Even still, he is incredibly effective in using his strengths. He has a flexible form from his ankles to his hips with a lightning-quick first step. Turner has shown the ability to change direction without losing ground better than any edge prospect in this class. He showed improvement in his run defense, getting better at setting the edge, which is promising for his snap volume for IDP leagues.

4. LB Edgerrin Cooper, Green Bay

Joey’s Rank (4), Kyle’s Rank (4)

Bellefeuil: Cooper was the first linebacker off the board, with Green Bay selecting him in the second round (45th overall). The Packers needed help at linebacker, and the new Jeff Hafley-led defense got a good one. It sounds like Hafley wants to transition to a 4-3 base scheme, with Cooper set to fill a starting spot. However, he could have an early season battle with Isaiah McDuffie for valuable sub-package snaps. Cooper could find close to full-time work as the season presses on and has a bright future IDP dynasty-wise in Green Bay—especially if Quay Walker outwears his welcome down the road.

5. LB Junior Colson, LA Chargers

Joey’s Rank (5), Kyle’s Rank (5)

Bellefeuil: Colson had to wait a little longer than expected to hear his name called but landed with former coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers in the third round (69th overall). The Chargers have a thin linebacker depth chart, with the oft-injured Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley, a 2023 third-round pick from the previous regime, as the only competition. Colson is a sound tackling machine who could lead this group sooner rather than later and provide some nice production for us IDP gamers. 

6. EDGE Chop Robinson, Miami

Joey’s Rank (6), Kyle’s Rank (8)

Haggan: Robinson has an unbelievable combination of speed and power. He packs a thunderous punch at the point of attack that jolts linemen onto their heels. His flexibility is some of the best in the class. He has shown great hand usage and a full complement of pass-rushing moves. Yet, it never seemed to amount to production. His potential is through the roof, but it must be untapped to see what he is truly made of.

7. LB Payton Wilson, Pittsburgh

Joey’s Rank (8), Kyle’s Rank (6)

Bellefeuil: Wilson being the sixth linebacker selected in the draft was a surprise and could mean teams weren’t comfortable with his medicals. Pittsburgh landed him in the third round (98th overall), which is a nice value. I don’t love the landing spot for IDP with Patrick Queen in town and how the Steelers' defense utilizes its linebackers. However, Wilson is big, athletic, versatile, and could be hard to keep off the field as time goes on. This is a bet on talent.

8. DT Byron Murphy II, Seattle

Joey’s Rank (10), Kyle’s Rank (7)

Bellefeuil: Murphy is a gap-penetrating defensive tackle who is a problem in one-on-one situations and can effectively play both the run and pass. New defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald got a weapon to create havoc on the interior of his defense. Things might look crowded right now along the interior in Seattle, but Murphy is a key building block for the future with intriguing upside at a scarce position for true-position IDP leagues. 

9. EDGE Chris Braswell, Tampa Bay

Joey’s Rank (7), Kyle’s Rank (10)

Haggan: Braswell’s first step happens in a flash, almost instantly gaining the upper hand on his opponents. He does a terrific job converting speed to power, often knocking offensive linemen back on their heels. What stands out most to me is his field awareness in coverage. He is not just a body out there; he understands where he needs to be and reads the field well. Braswell has a strong IQ with great pre-snap reads and run-game instincts.

10. DT/EDGE Darius Robinson, Arizona

Joey’s Rank (9), Kyle’s Rank (12)

Haggan: Robinson has scheme versatility and can slide all over the line. Robinson has speed inside and power on the edge. He will have plenty of volume giving him a high floor. The Cardinals are void of any pass-rush outside of an inconsistent B.J. Ojulari.

11. DT Jer'Zhan Newton, Washington

Joey’s Rank (13), Kyle’s Rank (9)

Bellefeuil: Newton is an athletic defensive tackle who brings production, pass-rush upside, and alignment versatility to the table. He’ll serve as depth behind Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne to start. However, Newton makes for a great taxi squad stash for the future, with his ability to get pressure as a pass rusher from the interior. Patience is required, but the landing spot could present an opportunity to land Newton at a value in true-position IDP drafts.

12. LB Trevin Wallace, Carolina

Joey’s Rank (12), Kyle’s Rank (11)

Bellefeuil: Wallace is an explosive athlete who showed out at the combine. He lands in Carolina after being selected in the third round (72nd overall). Newly signed Josey Jewell will likely lead the unit, but Shaq Thompson is coming off of injury and is in the last year of his deal. Patience with Wallace could pay off as soon as next season.

13. EDGE Bralen Trice, Atlanta

Joey’s Rank (11), Kyle’s Rank (14)

Haggan: Trice is a thick, NFL-ready, framed individual who showcases great mobility. He has great strength in his hands and engages quickly at the point of attack, showing a nice rip move. His strong hands also help him control the point of attack and set the edge effectively. Trice has a great leg drive that converts power from his legs to his hands, making himself a people mover.

14. LB Cedric Gray, Tennessee

Joey’s Rank (16), Kyle’s Rank (13)

Bellefeuil: Some thought Gray had a shot to be a Day Two selection, but he fell to Tennesee in the fourth round (106th overall). It’s a soft IDP landing spot for Gray, as the Titans' depth chart is thin after the newly signed Kenneth Murray. Gray makes for a great taxi squad stash, as he could push for snaps if he can climb the aforementioned lackluster depth chart.

15. EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Dallas

Joey’s Rank (14), Kyle’s Rank (16)

Bellefeuil: Kneeland checks the boxes from a size and length standpoint while also supporting a powerful set of mits and an effective bull rush. Kneeland provides depth for the Dallas defense behind Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Lawrence just turned 32 and is entering the final year of his contract. Kneeland may see limited snaps as a rookie, but a positive impact could lead to an increased workload in 2025.

16. DT Braden Fiske, LA Rams

Joey’s Rank (17), Kyle’s Rank (15)

Bellefeuil: Fiske plays the game with noticeable aggression, showing a good first step off the snap, and is disruptive as a gap penetrator. There is an Aaron Donald-sized hole to fill in the Los Angeles defense. Nobody can fill those shoes, but Fiske will pair nicely with Kobie Turner as they look to keep up the disruption on the interior. This Rams’ front could be fun NFL-wise and for IDP, as newly-drafted Fiske and Jared Verse team up with last year’s standouts Kobie Turner and Byron Young. 

17. S Tyler Nubin, NY Giants

Joey’s Rank (15), Kyle’s Rank (18)

Haggan: Nubin shows unbelievable IQ when playing zone coverage. He times his breaks on the football and takes great angles to either get his hands on the football (13 career interceptions) or limit yards after the catch. His tackling ability is exceptional. He wraps players up better than a sushi roll. Nubin can come downhill with more than adequate closing speed.

18. S Cole Bishop, Buffalo

Joey’s Rank (19), Kyle’s Rank (17)

Haggan: The Bills let veterans Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde walk in free agency this off-season. They signed Taylor Rapp to an extension and signed Mike Edwards while also drafting Bishop in the second Round. Bishop is best coming downhill and playing closer to the line of scrimmage, the things we love for IDP. Unfortunately, the Bills play a lot of Cover 2, but hopefully, Bishop will have the opportunity to play more in the box. 

19. CB Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia

Joey’s Rank (18), Kyle’s Rank (19)

Haggan: DeJean is built with mass like a safety but has the raw athleticism and elite-level ball skills of a nimble-footed cornerback. His athleticism is off the charts, and he boasts both long speed and short-area quickness shown when closing on the football. He is a dream slot corner with the size and strength to match tight ends while also having elite mobility to stick with shifty slot receivers. His ball skills, matched with his tackling technique, could see him truly rack up some solid rookie IDP numbers.

20. S Javon Bullard, Green Bay

Joey’s Rank (23), Kyle’s Rank (20)

Bellefeuil: Green Bay has been keen on drafting Georgia defenders in recent drafts, and they got another good one. Bullard is a smart, versatile defender who isn’t afraid to mix it up in the box, which we love for IDP. There is a clear opening next to Xavier McKinney on the backend of the Packers' defense, as Bullard projects to see starting snaps as a rookie.

21. LB Tyrice Knight, Seattle

Joey’s Rank (23), Kyle’s Rank (21)

Bellefeuil: Knight was the only rookie linebacker addition Seattle made during the draft, selecting him in the fourth round (118th overall). Knight was an ultra-productive tackler in college at UTEP, using his instincts and burst to get downhill swiftly. With only Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson on one-year deals, there is a clear opportunity for Knight to impress and potentially be in the mix next year, if not sooner.

22. EDGE Adisa Isaac, Baltimore

Joey’s Rank (21), Kyle’s Rank (23)

Haggan: This is interesting because Isaac does not have anywhere near the tools of his college teammate, Chop Robinson, who was mentioned earlier, but Isaac has had far more success as a collegiate player. Isaac is a bendy athlete with a good hip dip off the edge paired with a strong burst and good short-area quickness to get to the quarterback. His first step pops, and he gets in the backfield quickly while also showing a nice inside counter.

23. DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Atlanta

Joey’s Rank (22), Kyle’s Rank (22)

Bellefeuil: Orhorhoro brings an excellent pairing of size and athleticism to the defensive tackle position. Atlanta needed help along their defensive line and traded up in the second round to secure Orhorhoro. Orhorhoro will get to learn from productive veterans Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata, as the Falcons and IDP gamers alike hope he develops into an interior force for the future. 

24. EDGE Jonah Elliss, Denver

Joey’s Rank (20), Kyle’s Rank (25)

Haggan: Jonah Elliss seems destined to play in the NFL. He has three brothers, all currently playing in the NFL. Lineage is not all he has, though. Most noticeable is his relentless motor. Elliss never gives up on a play and has pursuit that just wears on his opponents. He is explosive off the line, and though he has a small frame, he has demonstrated strength and toughness at the point of attack with high-level block shedding.

25. S Jaden Hicks, Kansas City

Joey’s Rank (21), Kyle’s Rank (24)

Bellefeuil: The Chiefs got great value landing Jaden Hicks in the fourth round of the draft. Hicks is a physical presence as a run defender, with the range and ability to also play from depth. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Hicks pushed Bryan Cook for snaps next to Justin Reid at some point as a rookie. Hicks has intriguing IDP potential and makes for a great taxi squad stash, as Reid is set to be a free agent in 2025.

26. DT Kris Jenkins, Cincinnati

Joey’s Rank (28), Kyle’s Rank (27)

Bellefeuil: Jenkins is a big, strong, athletic dude. He is a stout run defender, and while his splash play numbers aren’t eye-popping, he has all the talent for more. The Bengals are said to be excited to integrate Jenkins into their defense, and he makes for a nice late-round target in true-position IDP leagues.

27. EDGE Austin Booker, Chicago

Joey’s Rank (26), Kyle’s Rank (30)

Haggan: Booker has a full toolbox, even though he has seen limited reps. His wingspan is massive and matches it with explosiveness. Booker does great working in counters and his repertoire leaves me excited. Outside of Montez Sweat, the edge position is wide open in Chicago.

28. LB Marist Liufau, Dallas

Joey’s Rank (27), Kyle’s Rank (29)

Bellefeuil: Liufau received third-round draft capital after the Cowboys selected him 87th overall. Liufau has a solid build with good length and provides upside as a blitzer, but he needs some development as a processor. Liufau is a deep IDP league late-round stash, as he sits in an oddly crowded linebacker room in Dallas, with a chance for relevance in 2025.

29. CB Mike Sainristil, Washington

Joey’s Rank (30), Kyle’s Rank (31)

Bellefeuil: Mike Sainristil is an impact nickel corner who is ready to contribute as a rookie. Sainristil shows good instincts against both the pass and run while also showcasing a knack for the big play. The former Michigan standout should slot in as Washington’s starting nickel corner, with intriguing potential in true-position and CB-required IDP formats.

30. LB Jordan Magee, Washington

Joey’s Rank (35), Kyle’s Rank (26)

Bellefeuil: Magee is an athletic, rangy linebacker who looks to fit today’s game well. The Washington depth chart is now crowded with Frankie Luvu, Bobby Wagner, and Jamin Davis. However, Wagner is only on a one-year deal and Davis could be an afterthought with the new regime. Magee is an interesting flyer in IDP rookie drafts as a taxi squad stash for later.

31. CB Terrion Arnold, Detroit

Joey’s Rank (25), Kyle’s Rank (36)

Haggan: Arnold has great athleticism, and his tackling technique is elite for a cornerback, ideal for IDP. When he comes downhill, it is with great burst, and he rarely misses a tackle. His footwork is smoother than Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing. He easily mirrors receivers, showing great transitions through all phases of routes.

32. CB Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia

Joey’s Rank (24), Kyle’s Rank (37)

Haggan: Mitchell has elite athleticism as well as elite ball skills. Not only does he showcase an impressive IQ with route recognition, but he also has the speed and burst to make unbelievable breaks on the football. His ability to get his hands on the football is next to none. Over the past two seasons, Mitchell came away with 37 passes defended, leading all of college football over that span.

33. DT Michael Hall Jr., Cleveland

Joey’s Rank (34), Kyle’s Rank (28)

Bellefeuil: Hall adds some juice to the Cleveland interior, as he’s a gap penetrator with pass-rush ability. Hall is a disruptive 3-technique that can push the pocket from the interior and is an upside defensive tackle target later in IDP rookie drafts. 

34. S Calen Bullock, Houston

Joey’s Rank (29), Kyle’s Rank (33)

Haggan: Bullock has shown signs of being a ball hawk; he just needs to be more consistent. He has great height and length, making him a dangerous player as a deep safety. It is very hard to get over the top of him. Add the fact that he has great route awareness and play recognition, and quarterbacks think twice about attacking him over the top. Bullock is also a strong open-field tackler, squaring up with good technique.

35. S Tykee Smith, Tampa Bay

Joey’s Rank (33), Kyle’s Ranks (32)

Haggan: Smith lands in a unique spot in Tampa Bay. They have a need for either a slot corner or starting strong safety. Both Smith and Antoine Winfield Jr can play both positions, and Winfield has thrived in the slot. Smith's versatility should have him on the field early, though where he lines up yet is undefined. 

36. LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Philadelphia

Joey’s Rank (36), Kyle’s Rank (34)

Bellefeuil: Trotter waited until the fifth round to hear his name called, with Philadephia drafting him 155th overall. Nakobe Dean and Devin White look to be the starters at linebacker as things sit, with White coming in on a one-year prove-it deal. Trotter is a stash who could fight for snaps next year if things don’t work out with the current front runners.

37. LB Ty’Ron Hopper, Green Bay

Joey’s Rank (38), Kyle’s Rank (35)

Bellefeuil: Hopper was a bit of a surprise as a third-round selection (91st overall). Green Bay needed depth at the position, and while Hopper is on the leaner side, he has some range and is aggressive as a blitzer. He’ll likely serve as a special teamer early on but is worth a stash in deep IDP leagues.

38. LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Buffalo

Joey’s Rank (41), Kyle’s Rank (38)

Bellefeuil: Ulofoshio was a combine riser after posting a 9.67 Relative Athletic Score. He’s a bit on the smaller side but is stoutly built and plays with good temperament. Ulofoshio enters a bit of a crowded Buffalo linebacker room, with Terrel Bernard, Matt Milano, Dorian Willaims, and Nicholas Morrow all there. He’s a deep league stash for down the road where you have room.

39. LB J.D. Bertrand, Atlanta

Joey’s Rank (42), Kyle’s Rank (39)

Bellefeuil: Atlanta added to their linebacker group, selecting JD Bertrand in the fifth round (143rd overall). Bertrand is a smart player who has led Notre Dame in tackles each of the last three seasons. For now, he’ll be just a depth player with Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen, and Nate Landman all on the roster—another one of those deep-league taxi stashes.

40. DT Maason Smith, Jacksonville

Joey’s Rank (37), Kyle’s Rank (44) 

Smith is a big man (6-foot-5 and 306 pounds) who utilizes a strong bull rush and effectively uses his quick first step and extension to get opposing linemen on their heels. Unfortunately, injuries limited Smith’s availability and production at LSU. Jacksonville used a second-round pick (48th overall) on Smith, hoping he can learn from veteran Arik Armstead and bolster their interior. Smith is worth a developmental dart throw in the later rounds or off waivers in true-position IDP leagues.