The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is over. Sigh. Let’s take a look at some of the rookie defenders who you should continue to monitor heading into the NFL Draft. I was able to put together a shorter list prior to the NFL Scouting Combine. Check out what I said here.

Will Anderson (DL/LB) 

Consummate IDP (Individual Defensive Player) managers have had their eyes on Alabama’s Will Anderson for years. He’s the undisputed top IDP rookie in 2023, not only because he’s got the skills to be a double-digit sack artist, but also because some NFL team is going to invest some serious draft capital in him. He’ll most likely be a top-5 pick and be set to make an immediate impact. He’s lengthy and quick, but he can occasionally get stuck against smart linemen. In an ideal scenario, he’d add some size and become more versatile, but he’s so good at what he does that it’s almost not necessary. His speed and early-step power will make him a high-ceiling, low-floor edge defender for years to come.

Tyree Wilson (DL) 

Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson is possibly the edge defender that IDP managers will regret not taking in rookie drafts. While Will Anderson is a speedy sack artist, Wilson has all of the physical traits that Anderson doesn’t, making Wilson a versatile, multi-tool elite defender that will find success at multiple positions, rather than just as a pass-rushing entity. He’s 6’6” and 275lbs, much larger than Anderson but lighter than Jalen Carter. Wilson posted 36 tackles and 7 sacks in 2022. He doesn’t have the speed to be a perennial double-digit sack artist, but his size and athletic profile make him a long-term value for IDP managers. His value will fluctuate depending on where he is drafted and how he is utilized, but he’s going to be an impact player no matter where he ends up. He has a higher long-term ceiling than Anderson, but perhaps a lesser immediate impact for IDP purposes.

Jalen Carter (DL) 

Georgia Bulldog Jalen Carter is easily the best defender in the draft. As an interior defensive lineman, his IDP value is automatically lower than the likes of the big pass-rushers in the draft. He’s the kind of talented lineman who can play anywhere on the defensive front. He’s got the size, strength, speed and technique to be whatever a team needs him to be, but it’s hard to imagine him being used as an outside presence. He can beat double teams, play hard against the run, tack on a few sacks and just plain be an all out menace. Opposing offensive coordinators will have a difficult time accounting for him on every play. The only real downside – and it’s pretty big – is that he was arrested on March 1st for reckless driving and racing charges. The off-field issues likely won’t be resolved before the NFL Draft. He was a potential first overall pick, but now it’s anyone’s guess how far he may fall. I think his current value in rookie drafts is worth the risk.

Trenton Simpson (LB) 

Clemson’s Trenton Simpson could be the first linebacker taken in the NFL draft, which will likely push him near the top of many IDP rookie drafts. I don’t mind taking him in rookie drafts but not if his value increases too much. Linebackers are IDP workhorses and Simpson has the frame and speed to potentially be a solid option for a few years, hopefully longer, but he has some downside. In college, he gained experience as both an inside and outside linebacker. He ultimately was heralded as a better coverage defender as an outsider linebacker than as a pure middle linebacker. His play recognition isn’t currently what it needs to be to play the IDP-beloved Mike LB position. With that in mind, his experience and ranginess will help him find the field over time, though his rookie season may be less than ideal. IDP dynasty managers should be more interested in Simpson than redraft IDP managers. Still, he’s probably the best LB in this year’s draft.

Drew Sanders (LB) 

Arkansas’s Drew Sanders has the potential makings of a dynamic middle linebacker. His length, frame and speed will provide any team that takes him with a rangy defender who can drop back into coverage or rush off the edge. Wherever he goes in the NFL, stats are sure to follow. In his senior season, he posted 103 tackles, 9.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles, along with 1 interception. That was his first season as a middle linebacker, which goes to show how naturally talented he is. However, he desperately needs to add more weight or he won’t last long in the NFL. He is, in other words, a year away from being a real IDP contributor. He’s the kind of player that smart teams love: his potential is high and his draft cost won’t destroy your immediate roster. Any IDP manager willing to take a shot on him should expect to wait for his most productive seasons, but once he reaches that point, you’ll be kicking yourself for not rostering him sooner.

Brian Branch (DB)

The fantasy jury is still out on Alabama’s Brian Branch. He may be a Safety at the NFL level, but he may be slotted in as a Cornerback. The latter is the more likely scenario, but this draft seems to lack solid DB talent for IDP purposes, so you should keep Branch on your radar. He’s a violent tackler with less big-play upside than I’d like. In college, he showcased versatility and an ability to play well against the run, ultimately landing in a hybrid linebacker role. Depending on his landing spot, he could be an instant contributor for NFL and IDP rosters alike, and if he’s utilized in that hybrid role he’ll notch more than a few tackles for your fantasy squad.

Ji’ayir Brown (DB)

Penn State’s Ji’Ayir Brown is my favorite defensive back in this draft, at least for fantasy purposes. He’s sufficiently sized and has ideal athletic traits, but he runs a hair slow and his instincts are a work in progress. However, he’s a pure Safety, which is more than can be said about the rest of the top defensive backs in the 2023 NFL Draft. Playing as a Safety gives Brown an immediate advantage for IDP managers. Brown should see plenty of time in the box, racking up tackles, as well as time in the defensive backfield, where he’ll likely come away with a few interceptions. He finished his senior season at Penn State with 74 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 4 interceptions. He logged 10 total interceptions over his final 2 collegiate seasons. The guy knows how to ball out and his lacking speed and instincts mean he’ll potentially be picked on by opposing quarterbacks. That may sound unfortunate, but IDP stats are dependent on being near the ball, regardless of whether it’s a result of good or bad actual performance.

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Tim Metzler is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Tim, check out his archive and follow him @Timmy_The_Metz.