The 2022 NFL Draft is over, and we can finally turn our attention to dynasty fantasy football, the one thing that really matters in life. For anyone who plays in an IDP (Individual Defensive Player) league, these are my top-10 dynasty IDP rookies.
1. Devin Lloyd (LB – JAX)
The Jacksonville Jaguars seem to be moving in the right direction. One move they made that made me happy was drafting Devin Lloyd at the end of the first round. He wasn’t the first linebacker taken in the draft, but he’s probably the best. The draft capital alone is enough to make Lloyd a tantalizing IDP option (27th overall), but what really grabs me is that the Jaguars traded up to take Lloyd with the pick. He’s also going to a defense that is in flux, so Lloyd could be in for a very big year.
The Jaguars picked up Foyesade Oluokun in free agency. Oluokun will make life a little easier for Lloyd by giving the rookie a veteran presence to rely on. It’s not rare to see rookie linebackers struggle to take command of a defense (looking at you, Patrick Queen), but a veteran teammate can make all the difference, especially from a performance standpoint. Given his size, opportunity, and sneaky good rushing skills, Lloyd is easily my top dynasty rookie in IDP leagues.
2. Nakobe Dean (LB – PHI)
Nakobe Dean fell in the draft, ultimately landing with the Eagles in the third round. The fall was unexpected, especially considering that Dean was PFFs highest-graded linebacker on college football’s top defense. According to reports after the draft, the Georgia star refused to have surgery on a lingering pectoral injury. The injury is certainly a concern for his immediate impact, but Dean’s abilities are truly tantalizing from a fantasy perspective. He has the speed to burn and high-end pass-rush abilities. Going in the third round was not ideal, nor is the injury news, but his long-term value can’t be understated. He’s in an ideal scenario with the Eagles, a defense that desperately needs linebacking help, so he’s more than worthy of the second spot in this ranking.
3. Quay Walker (LB – GB)
Oh boy. The first linebacker taken in the draft was a surprise. Walker went to the Green Bay Packers, landing in a defense that just signed All-Pro linebacker De’Vondre Campbell to a long-term deal. Campbell was a revelation for IDP managers last season, and Walker has the skill set to potentially matches Campbell. Walker won’t be the focal point of the defense, but he’s got fantastic coverage skills and physical traits.
With the Packers losing Za’Darius Smith in free agency, it’s not hard to imagine they might move Walker into several different positions. He’s got size, speed, and length. I’m more confident in Dean and Lloyd, but Walker could be the Micah Parsons of this draft, if only because the Packers will move him wherever they can to keep him on the field.
4. Kyle Hamilton (S – BAL)
Kyle Hamilton is the top rookie defensive back for fantasy purposes, but I can understand the argument for him being the top overall IDP rookie. The Baltimore Ravens drafted him in the middle of the first round, which means he’s going to step into a starting role for a top-tier defense right away. His size and speed make him a potential stat god. He can step up against the run, but he’ll also have value in the defensive backfield. You don’t need to overthink this one. He’ll be an IDP star for years to come. Think Derwin James but bigger and less injured.
5. Aidan Hutchinson (DL – DET)
Aidan Hutchinson lands fifth on this list, but it depends on what kind of league you play in. Because there are so few IDP studs on the defensive line, Hutchinson could leapfrog the higher-ranked players on this list.
The Lions drafted the son of Michigan, fulfilling Hutchinson’s dream of playing for his favorite childhood team. From a realistic standpoint, this defense will heavily rely on Hutchinson for years. The Lions had almost no pass-rush last year, and Hutchinson stands to be the difference-maker. Almost no analyst sees him as the next JJ Watt, but he’s destined to put up consistently good numbers for a long time.
6. Kayvon Thibodeaux (DL – NYG)
Kayvon Thibodeaux was taken fifth overall by the New York Giants. It’s very likely he would have been available a couple of picks later for the Giants’ second pick (seventh overall, which they used on tackle Evan Neal). Still, you’d be grasping at straws to convince anyone he’s not deserving of his high draft value.
It seemed like he spent the entire 2021 college season as the consensus first overall pick. Teams had questions about his character, which ultimately led to his drop in the rankings. Regardless of what you think about his character, the Giants are a perfect spot for him to land. He’ll get action right away on a defensive unit that ranked in the bottom half of the league in 2021. His potential ceiling is higher than Hutchinson’s, but potential is just something you haven’t done yet. I prefer the “sure thing” bet on Hutchinson, but I have no qualms with adding Thibodeaux to my IDP rosters and watching him ascend in the coming years.
7. David Ojabo (EDGE – BAL)
David Ojabo was delivered a brutal blow during the pre-draft process. He tore his Achilles, which means he’ll need about six months to recover. Luckily, he’s only 21 years old and the Baltimore Ravens drafted him. The team won’t need him right away, and his value to them is more long-term than immediate. He could easily be at the top of this list had he not gotten injured.
In most IDP leagues, the linebacker position is the most valuable. Ojabo is an excellent target for dynasty teams that are rebuilding but not ready to compete. He may not play this year, but he’ll eventually be a cornerstone in one of the most fantasy-friendly defenses in the league.
8. Lewis Cine (S – MIN)
The Vikings confused many by drafting Lewis Cine at the end of the first round. So be it. Cine is an excellent player, and he’ll start right away, lining up next to Harrison Smith. He played for Georgia this past season, which means he’s one of the most pro-ready players who got drafted. He’s good in coverage and can step up to help against the run. I expect him to have a decent rookie season, but he’ll eventually become the leader of the Minnesota defensive backfield. He’s going to be a high-end dynasty IDP starter for a while.
9. Jaquan Brisker (S – CHI)
Don’t sleep on Jaquan Brisker. Cine and Hamilton are more pro-ready, but Brisker was drafted by the Chicago Bears, a team that is perennially one of the top defensive units. The Bears are also rebuilding, so he’ll likely get the chance to play a lot in his rookie season. Brisker is the kind of player that can manage and understand various coverages, line up against TEs and make big plays. He needs some time to develop physically, but he’s an ascending physical talent that should help anchor the Chicago defensive backfield for years to come. I like him long-term better than I like Cine, but I think Cine makes a more immediate impact.
10. Christian Harris (LB – HOU)
Before the draft, some considered Christian Harris to be the best linebacker available. He played for Alabama and is pro-ready, which is great for the Houston Texans. Harris will step in immediately for the Texans, potentially even leading the team in tackles. The Houston roster is talent-starved, so Harris will be loved immediately by the franchise. He’s quick, powerful, and still improving. I love him for his long-term and immediate value. He’s my favorite target in IDP drafts.
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Tim Metzler is a featured writer at FantasyPros, known for multiple article series’, including 5 Under 25, Expert Consensus Rantings, his in-season Running Diary, and his dynasty IDP rankings. For more from Tim, check out his archive and follow him @Timmy_The_Metz.
