The game of fantasy football is always evolving. We have gone from playing in 1QB and non-PPR scoring leagues to superflex and PPR scoring leagues with tight end premium bonuses. Furthermore, several leagues have removed the D/ST spot in their starting lineup, replacing it with another flex spot.
However, some leagues have replaced a traditional D/ST spot for individual defensive player (IDP) slots. Instead of getting fantasy points for one team’s defense, fantasy players can select individual defenders to put into their starting up. While Khalil Mack was a superstar last season with 17 sacks, the Los Angeles Chargers had a bottom-10 fantasy D/ST. Switching from a team D/ST to individual defensive players allows fantasy teams to draft the best parts of every NFL defense.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a consensus scoring setting for individual defensive players. Some leagues reward one point for every tackle, while others only give a point if it was a solo tackle. Meanwhile, some leagues give extra fantasy points for a tackle for a loss, while others don’t.
Therefore, fantasy players playing in leagues with IDP spots in the starting lineup should check the scoring system before the draft. Leagues that reward more points for tackles benefit linebackers. Meanwhile, leagues with scoring bonuses for quarterback hits benefit defensive linemen and pass rushers.
So, while these IDP draft targets might not be perfect for every fantasy league this year, let’s look at six individual defensive players that fantasy players should consider drafting in 2024.
- 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Fantasy Football Rankings
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
IDP Draft Targets (Fantasy Football)
Big-Name Draft Targets
Aidan Hutchinson (DET): ECR – DE4
Hutchinson has been one of the top pass rushers since entering the NFL. The former Michigan star totaled double-digit sacks in both years in the leagues, including 12 last season. However, he is more than just a sack artist. Hutchinson had double-digit tackles for a loss (14) and seven passes defended in 2023, both career highs. More importantly, the young pass rusher had three forced fumbles and two recoveries last season. While the Lions improved their defense in the offseason, Hutchinson should continue to put up double-digit sack totals.
T.J. Watt (PIT): ECR – LB15
Some leagues will have Watt eligible to play in a defensive line or linebacker spot, giving fantasy players massive flexibility. According to FantasyData’s IDP scoring, the superstar linebacker was the only defender to score over 200 fantasy points last year. Furthermore, he joined Foyesade Oluokun as the only defender to average 11 or more fantasy points per game in 2023. Watt is a sack machine, totaling 15 or more in four consecutive healthy seasons. Last year, he had the most sacks (19) and quarterback hits (36) in the NFL.
Antoine Winfield Jr. (TB): ECR – S1
The former Minnesota star signed a massive extension after having a career year in 2023. Winfield had 76 solo tackles, 46 assisted tackles, six sacks, eight quarterback hits, 12 passes defended, three interceptions, six forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries, all career highs. Furthermore, he led the NFL in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries, making him the only player to lead the league in both categories over the past 23 years. According to PFF, Winfield led all defensive backs in sacks despite ranking fifth in pass rush snaps (55).
Sleeper Draft Targets
Derrick Brown (CAR): ECR – DT4
Defensive tackles typically don’t have much value in fantasy football unless they are high sack producers like Denico Autry or Chris Jones. While Brown has averaged only two sacks per year in his career, the former Auburn star had a breakout season in 2023. Typically, the league leaders in tackles are all linebackers or box safeties. However, Brown had 103 total tackles last year, 22 more than any other defensive tackle. Furthermore, his 57 solo tackles were 12 more than the next closest defensive tackle, DeForest Buckner.
Alex Singleton (DEN): ECR – LB13
Singleton isn’t a household name at the linebacker position like Bobby Wagner and Roquan Smith. However, he had more solo tackles (106) than either superstar linebacker in 2023. The veteran finished third in total tackles (177) and fifth in assisted tackles (71) last year, both career highs. Furthermore, he had a career-high two tacks and two forced fumbles last season. Singleton played 100% of the defensive snaps in every game from Week 3 through Week 18 last year, providing fantasy players plenty of opportunities to rack up tackles.
Camryn Bynum (MIN): ECR – S13
The Vikings had one of the more underrated defenses in the NFL last season. While Harrison Smith is the leader of the defense, Bynum was the better safety for fantasy players. According to FantasyData’s IDP scoring, the former California star was the third-highest-scoring defensive back in 2023, totaling 143.7 fantasy points. He led all defensive backs in tackles (94) while ranking second in assisted tackles (43). Bynum is in the final year of his rookie contract. Don’t be surprised if he has a career year in 2024.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.