With the NFL draft behind us, rookie drafts are now kicking off or soon approaching. Joey Haggan and I have collaborated to form our consensus Top 40 IDP rookie rankings to help you navigate the waters of your rookie drafts. Below you will find our consensus top 40 IDP rookies, and a quick write-up on each player from one of us. Our ranks are based on IDP dynasty true-position formats, where you start each defensive position individually (DT, EDGE, LB, S, and CB). Good luck to everyone with your drafts, and remember to enjoy this fun time of year!

Be sure to check out our IDP Rookie Top 40 Tiered Big Board that pairs with this article!

1. CB/WR Travis Hunter, Jacksonville

Joey’s Rank (1), Kyle’s Rank (1)

Bellefeuil: The Jaguars paid a premium to land the special dual-threat talents of Travis Hunter. The Jacksonville brass have said the plan is to primarily use Hunter at wide receiver, with him learning the defensive scheme and potentially seeing some reps at cornerback. The degree of this situation is something we haven’t seen before in IDP land. Hunter looks destined to earn points on both sides of the ball and garner dual designation on certain platforms. He’s a cheat code in your CB or DB slot, and an advantage as a WR who gets awarded points from both sides of the ball in others. 

2. EDGE Abdul Carter, New York Giants

Joey’s Rank (2), Kyle’s Rank (2)

Haggan: Carter was widely considered the top IDP edge defender in college football, leading into his final year. He more than firmly cemented this designation with a stellar 2024 season. Carter's 24 tackles for a loss were the most common in college football. His burst is second to none, and he has tremendous footwork. He can stop on a dime, juke his opposition out of his shoes, and win with plenty of power. The Giants' defense and pass rush landed an exciting, electric talent with the fourth overall pick.

3. LB Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland

Joey’s Rank (3), Kyle’s Rank (4)

Bellefeuil: Schwesinger didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called on Day Two of the draft, as Cleveland selected him with the first pick in the second round. Schwesinger possesses a three-down skill set and is fully capable of handling lead duties for the Browns' defense. Given the uncertainties surrounding Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s health and future, along with Jordan Hicks and Jerome Baker being aging veterans, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Schwesinger’s role grow as things progress in year one. Regardless, Schwesinger looks to be the future at linebacker in Cleveland, and his dynasty outlook is bright and promising.

4. LB Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia

Joey’s Rank (7), Kyle’s Rank (3)

Bellefeuil: Campbell is a versatile defender who can affect the game in a big way at both off-ball linebacker and off the edge. While the Eagles have said they don’t want to pigeonhole him into one position, I still believe Campbell’s best fit is spending the majority of his time at linebacker while flexing out to the edge in certain looks. We saw what Vic Fangio did with Zack Baun last year–he will know how to utilize his new rookie defensive weapon. With Nakobe Dean’s injury timeline still unclear, there is an opportunity for Campbell to see meaningful snaps as a rookie if he’s ready. If things work out that way, Campbell and Baun would be a fun duo to watch for us IDP gamers.

5. EDGE James Pearce Jr., Atlanta

Joey’s Rank (5), Kyle’s Rank (5)

Haggan: There are plenty of candidates for the number two IDP edge defender in this year's draft, but I am giving it to Pearce. He has the most impressive bend in this draft class, almost folding in half off the edge. Pearce uses his hands like a seasoned vet. He counters, sticks, jabs, shows a great swim move, and has improved his run defense drastically. The Falcons made an aggressive move to land Pearce on the first night of the draft, and he will add a much-needed boost to their edge unit.

6. S Nick Emmanwori, Seattle

Joey’s (6), Kyle’s Rank (6)

Haggan: Emmanwori has the build of a modern-day linebacker. He is a bruiser in run defense, with a condor-like wingspan, sideline-to-sideline speed, and a sub-4.40-second 40-yard dash. Emmanwori can be an instant impact player, manning the strong safety slot or nickel corner/safety. He has the size, strength, speed, and natural cover ability to mirror tight ends. He is your prototypical box safety with the coverage skills to move around. Mike Macdonald will have fun utilizing his new defensive weapon in Seattle. 

7. EDGE Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati

Joey’s Rank (4), Kyle’s Rank (8)

Haggan: Stewart is a freak of nature athletically, with NFL size to boot. His biggest knack in college was his inability to finish, having just 1.5 sacks in his final season. Stewart was able to rack up plenty of pressures, though. The Bengals are a great landing spot with Sam Hubbard retiring and the uncertainty of Trey Hendrickson's contract. Stewart should at least be able to enter a pass-rush rotation right away.

8. LB/EDGE Jalon Walker, Atlanta

Joey’s Rank (8), Kyle’s (10)

Bellefeuil: Walker lands on a Falcon defense needing help off the edge. While he’s a versatile hybrid defender, his best path to success as a rookie is likely as an edge rusher and/or spy defender, where he can use his athleticism to make plays. Walker has some developing to do at off-ball linebacker, but the idea of him possibly being Kaden Elliss’ understudy is certainly intriguing.

9. LB Demetrius Knight Jr., Cincinnati

Joey’s Rank (12), Kyle’s Rank (7)

Bellefeuil: Knight is a sound tackler whose experience and physicality should transition quickly at the next level. The Bengals drafting Knight in the second round leads us to believe Germaine Pratt’s days in Cincinnati are numbered, whether they grant his trade request or just move on. Knight has a legitimate chance to be in the starting lineup alongside Logan Wilson when Week 1 arrives.

10. EDGE Mykel Williams, San Francisco

Joey’s Rank (9), Kyle’s Rank (12)

Haggan: From what I have seen on tape, Williams does not seem to have the dominant abilities of some of the other edge players. Yet, he was highly recruited and was considered a lock in the first round–and indeed did land with the 49ers at eleventh overall. What he does well is set a strong edge, and he has natural instincts in run defense, almost always being in position.

11. DT Mason Graham, Cleveland

Joey’s Rank (13), Kyle’s Rank (9)

Bellefeuil: Cleveland’s interior defensive line needed some reinforcements, and that’s exactly what they got with Graham at the fifth overall pick. Graham is disruptive off the snap, a strong run defender, and there is untapped upside to his game as an interior pass rusher. Graham should be a rock-solid defensive tackle asset for the future in your true-position dynasty leagues and has appeal in such redraft leagues as well.

12. EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dallas

Joey’s Rank (10), Kyle’s Rank (13)

Haggan: Ezeiruaku had great tape and production during his final collegiate season. He's a bit undersized, though, making his NFL transition a little tougher. Still, the Cowboys liked him enough to grab him in the second round, giving him plenty of appeal as a rotational pass rusher. 

13. EDGE Mike Green, Baltimore

Joey’s Rank (15), Kyle’s Rank (11)

Haggan: Green had one of the better seasons we have seen from IDP edge defenders in recent history. He led all IDP edge defenders with 17 sacks while trailing just Abdul Carter in tackles for a loss with 23. His Senior Bowl showing only boosted his draft stock, routinely showcasing elite explosion. Green has a full arsenal of pass-rush moves with an elite-level swim move, looking like Michael Phelps, and a smooth-as-silk spin move. Green might have slipped to the second round, but he will be hungry and has the game to make an early impact in Baltimore.

14. EDGE Nic Scourton, Carolina

Joey’s Rank (11), Kyle’s Rank (17)

Haggan: Scourton gets plenty of grief for his dip in sack production when he moved to the SEC for his final collegiate season. He still spent plenty of time in opposing backfields. His 14 tackles for a loss were just one shy of his previous season of 15. He also led the Big Ten in sacks in 2023 with 10. Scourton has a full array of pass-rush moves with an incredible spin move and bull rush. He has a thick frame and transfers power from his lower body to his upper half. Carolina's edge unit gets a boost with their new second-round rookie.

15. DT Walter Nolen, Arizona

Joey’s Rank (14), Kyle’s Rank (14)

Bellefeuil: Looking for more out of their pass rush and defensive front this season, Arizona added a key piece, drafting Walter Nolen at sixteenth overall on draft night. Nolen is a versatile defender who can be shifted along the defensive line, using his combination of size and athleticism to cause havoc. Nolen has a knack for making splash plays and should get plenty of opportunities to be an impact defender for the Cardinals’ defense.

16. S Malaki Starks, Baltimore

Joey’s Rank (16), Kyle’s Rank (16)

Haggan: Starks’ skill set is built to be a box safety, though that is a position you do not see as much, with Dime, Nickel, and Cover 2 packages being more common in the modern NFL. He has a picturesque tackling technique with a quick trigger downhill. Starks was the first safety off the board (27th overall) and should fit in nicely in Baltimore.

17. DT Derrick Harmon, Pittsburgh

Joey’s Rank (20), Kyle’s Rank (15)

Bellefeuil: As a big fan of Derrick Harmon, his fit landing in Pittsburgh is exciting. Harmon is a big, long, athletic, versatile defender who can create serious pressure from the interior. And who better to learn from as a rookie than Cameron Heyward, right? Harmon is a prime target in true-position rookie drafts if your roster needs help at the defensive tackle position.

18. LB Nick Martin, San Francisco

Joey’s Rank (22), Kyle’s Rank (18)

Bellefeuil: Martin is a run-and-chase linebacker who can cover ground quickly with his speed and burst. A knee injury limited Martin to five games this season, but San Francisco selecting him in the third round means they are comfortable with his medicals. Martin might be on the smaller side (5-11 and 221 pounds), but he did tie for first among linebackers with 26 bench reps at the combine. With Dre Greenlaw gone to Denver, there is an opening next to Fred Warner for the taking. Martin is a great stash with a chance to push for a significant role and a game fit for IDP production.

19. S Xavier Watts, Atlanta

Joey’s Rank (18), Kyle’s (23)

Haggan: Watts has elite ball-hawking skills. He has 14 passes defended and 13 interceptions over the past two seasons. Add 134 tackles during that span, and Watts has immense potential as one of the top IDP defensive backs. He is a wide receiver who transitioned to linebacker and safety over the past five seasons. Watts has elite processing, read-and-react ability, and incredible instincts. He should be an impact player when he gets his shot for the Atlanta defense.

20. EDGE JT Tuimoloau, Indianapolis

Joey’s Rank (17), Kyle’s Rank (25)

Haggan: Tuimoloau has impressive play strength. He is absolutely overwhelming at the point of attack. His hand usage is powerful. He uses a grip-and-rip move to ragdoll his opposition. Tuimoloau has one thing going for him that other draft prospects are missing: he was dominant in Ohio State's playoff run to their eventual Championship Title. Tuimoloau may not be the most polished of the IDP edge defenders in this draft, but his strength, will, motor, and determination make him a very intriguing addition to the Indianapolis edge unit. 

21. EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo, Tennessee

Joey’s Rank (21), Kyle’s Rank (22)

Haggan: Oladejo has a thick NFL body with great length (33” arms). He's an explosive athlete but lacks a pass-rush plan. He could improve his play diagnosis as well. Oladejo landed in a great spot with the Titans. They just lost Harold Landry III and are incredibly thin at the position, making him an intriguing late-round pick. 

22. EDGE Princely Umanmielen, Carolina

Joey’s Rank (17), Kyle’s Rank (24)

Haggan: Umanmielen is an electric player off the edge, with a non-stop motor matched with great length and strength. Umanmielen has long arms that he uses with a strong jab and can walk offensive tackles back out of their stance. His most impressive move is his inside spin counter, but he shows excellent footwork in almost every rep. While he might begin his career as a situational pass rusher in Carolina, Umanmielen has all the tools to become a three-down edge defender.

23. LB Chris Paul Jr., LA Rams

Joey’s Rank (24), Kyle’s Rank (20)

Bellefeuil: Chris Paul Jr. might have slipped to the fifth round, but the landing spot with the Rams is a soft one. Paul is a better talent than former undrafted free agent Omar Speights, and Troy Reeder and Nate Landman are only on one-year deals. Paul is a sound tackler with three-down appeal. Even if he doesn’t get much run this year, your patience could pay off in year two if he’s on your taxi squad. 

 24. LB Danny Stutsman, New Orleans

Joey’s Rank (26), Kyle’s Rank (19)

Bellefeuil: Stutsman’s combination of size, speed, and aggressiveness getting downhill makes him built for IDP production. However, he has some things to clean up, particularly in coverage, if he’s going to be more than a two-down thumper. Learning from Demario Davis as a rookie should benefit Stutsman's development. And Davis can’t play forever, right? Stutsman is a nice late-round dart to keep on your taxi squad for year two.

25. LB Cody Simon, Arizona

Joey’s Rank (27), Kyle’s Rank (21)

Bellefeuil: Simon is another day three linebacker who finds a soft depth chart. Newly signed Akeem Davis-Gaither looks to be the lead man in Arizona. However, Mack Wilson Sr. doesn’t play a traditional linebacker role, and Owen Pappoe isn’t scaring anyone. Simon is solid enough against the run and an effective blitzer, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he made some noise in camp. 

26. S Andrew Mukuba, Philadelphia

Joey’s Rank (23), Kyle’s Rank (27)

Haggan: Mukuba has a wealth of experience as an IDP defensive back four-year starter—three with Clemson in the ACC and one with Texas in the SEC. Mukuba is a sound tackler who shows great technique when wrapping up. He shows positional versatility with the ability to play both safety spots, outside cornerback, and slot corner. This versatility gives him a better shot at seeing more playing time as one of the more multifaceted IDP defensive backs in this draft class. He has eye-popping speed with natural ball skills.

27. S Kevin Winston Jr., Tennessee

Joey’s Rank (28), Kyle’s Rank (28)

Haggan: Winston's 2024/25 season was cut short due to a partially torn ACL. His sophomore season in 2023, though, was one for the ages. He led Penn State in tackles with 61 while adding five passes defended, an interception, and two fumble recoveries. He did this while boasting a mind-boggling 2% missed tackle rate, unheard of from IDP defensive backs. Winston is the type of safety IDP managers are looking for. He is an elite tackling safety with the size and strength to play off-ball linebacker, but he has the cover skills to play single-high safety if needed. 

28. DT Kenneth Grant, Miami

Joey’s Rank (30), Kyle’s Rank (26)

Bellefeuil: The Dolphins needed help on the inside and got themselves a big presence in Kenneth Grant. Not only is Grant an imposing figure, but he moves well for a big man. The only drawback with Grant is how much time he spends at nose tackle, eating blocks and occupying space. However, he has the game and opportunity to be a defensive tackle asset for us who play in true-position or DT-required formats.

29. EDGE Ashton Gillotte, Kansas City

Joey’s Rank (25), Kyle’s Rank (32)

Haggan: Gillotte may have had even better draft capital had he come out last year, but still landed in Kansas City in the early third round. Though his sack numbers dropped in 2024/25, Gilotte has always been a pressure machine. Without much competition in Kansas City, Gillotte could see immediate playing time.

30. CB Jahdae Barron, Denver

Joey’s Rank (29), Kyle’s Rank (33)

Haggan: Barron is another physical cornerback in the 2025 draft. He does not have the height of Will Johnson, but eclipses the 200-pound mark, making him a stoutly built cover man. Barron shows elite cover ability and route diagnosis, which he uses to jump routes and get to the spot before the receiver does. He is a physical tackler matched with terrific technique. Denver and IDP gamers alike will be happy Barron is on their rosters. 

31. DT T.J. Sanders, Buffalo

Joey’s Rank (32), Kyle’s Rank (34)

Bellefeuil: Sanders is an athletic defensive tackle who is quick off the snap and can be a handful as a pass rusher. Sanders doesn’t profile as a space-eater, so learning from another athletic interior disruptor in Ed Oliver could be a bonus to landing on a strong defense. There is potential and intrigue in Sanders’ game for him to be a productive defensive tackle asset down the road. Especially, if Oliver gets too expensive or maybe the Bills find ways to utilize the two together in certain looks, who knows? 

32. EDGE Jordan Burch, Arizona

Joey’s Rank (31), Kyle’s Rank (37)

Haggan: Burch is a lean and physically imposing edge defender. He has great bend and burst off the edge. Burch needs plenty of work as a run defender, but the Cardinals are a team that needs pass-rushers badly. Burch provides that with solid third-round draft capital.

33. CB Will Johnson, Arizona

Joey’s Rank (34), Kyle’s Rank (36)

Haggan: Johnson has a rare size matched with elite movement. He can swivel his hips to mirror shifty receivers and has the strength to press and fight with stronger receivers. Johnson also reads coverages to a maniacal degree, jumping routes in zone coverage that he can take to the house every time. Injury caused Johnson to slip to the second round, but there’s no doubt Arizona got a first-round talent in their new cornerback.

34. DT Alfred Collins, San Francisco

Joey’s Rank (35), Kyle’s Rank (39)

Bellefeuil: The 49ers needed help along their defensive interior and grabbed Collins in the second round. Collins is a big, stout run defender who should be able to contribute early on in that area. However, he doesn't offer a ton right now as an interior pass rusher. If he can develop a more effective pass rush to pair with his tackle floor as a run defender, Collins could be a nice defensive tackle asset for us IDP gamers. 

35. LB Jack Kiser, Jacksonville

Joey’s Rank (48), Kyle’s Rank (29)

Bellefeuil: Kiser is a solid, experienced, captain-patch type of linebacker. He’s a sound tackler with experience playing special teams, which the coaches always covet. The Jaguars declined Devin Lloyd’s fifth-year option, and Chad Muma is on the final year of his rookie deal, though he’s been disappointing. Kiser will likely serve in a special-teams/reserve role as a rookie, but the Jaguars’ linebacker depth chart could look different in his second season.

36. EDGE David Walker, Tampa Bay

Joey’s Rank (37), Kyle’s Rank (40)

Haggan: Walker is one of the most productive edge rushers in this draft, though his doubters will say it was in the FCS. Walker is a baller with at least eight sacks in all four collegiate seasons, ranking top three in tackles for a loss in the FCS in 2022 and 2024. He is a talented edge rusher who has a plan every snap. He has the potential to be a pass rush specialist in Tampa Bay.

37. LB Teddye Buchanan, Baltimore

Joey’s Rank (47), Kyle’s Rank (30)

Bellefeuil: Buchanan features a strong, athletic build, checking the boxes athletically with a 4.60 40-yard dash and 9.41 Relative Athletic Score. His game also has some IDP appeal as he’s a solid run defender and an effective, crafty blitzer who can use his tools to find ways to get pressure. Malik Harrison is now in Pittsburgh, and Trenton Simpson fell further and further out of favor as the season progressed last season. If Buchanan can impress during the offseason program and training camp, he could get in the mix for snaps next to Roquan Smith.

38. S Jonas Sanker New Orleans

Joey’s Rank (36), Kyle’s Rank (41)

Haggan: The Saints have missed a downhill safety presence since Vonn Bell left. Sanker is just that. A downhill rocket, very capable in run defense with 205 tackles over the past two seasons. Justin Reid and Tyrann Mathieu aren't getting any younger, and Sanker has the potential to make an impact.

39. EDGE Landon Jackson, Buffalo

Joey’s Rank (41), Kyle’s Rank (38)

Haggan: Jackson is another player with the build of an NFL player. He is one of the better edge-setters in this draft class, with a relentless motor and high IQ. He also has great lateral agility, which he showcases in stunts. Jackson is not short on pass-rush moves, with a great cross chop, jab, bull rush, or counters. He adds depth and upside to the Bills' pass rush. 

40. LB Barrett Carter, Cincinnati

Joey’s Rank (49), Kyle’s Rank (31)

Bellefeuil: After selecting Demetrius Knight Jr. in the second round, it was a bit of a surprise the Bengals used a fourth-round pick on Barrett Carter. Even if Germaine Pratt does find a new team as we project, things are still a bit crowded in the Cincinnati linebacker room with Logan Wilson and Knight. Carter has some attributes with his game, but is just a taxi squad stash who could require a lot of patience.