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 with 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 lineup.
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Fantasy Football IDP Draft Targets
While Trey Hendrickson was a superstar last season, leading the NFL with 18 sacks, totaling four more than any other player, the Cincinnati Bengals had an average 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.
Furthermore, some players will be listed at different positions depending on the fantasy platform. T.J. Watt might be listed as a defensive lineman on one platform and a linebacker on another. He could also be eligible for both positions on a third platform. Therefore, check out your platform’s eligibility rules and flexibility before drafting.
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 2025.
Big-Name IDP Draft Targets
Myles Garrett (CLE): ECR – DL4
Garrett is a future Hall of Famer and arguably the best defensive player in the league. Last year, he was the DL2 behind Trey Henderson, averaging 8.5 fantasy points per game. The superstar finished second in the NFL with 14 sacks, while no other Brown had more than five. Despite consistently being double-teamed, Garrett has had double-digit sacks every season of his career since his rookie year. Furthermore, the former Texas A&M star led all defensive linemen in tackles for a loss (22) and forced fumbles (three).
Zaire Franklin (IND): ECR – LB1
While he isn’t a big-name linebacker like Bobby Wagner, Fred Warner, or Roquan Smith, Franklin has been outstanding for IDP fantasy players the past few years. He led the NFL in total tackles (173) while ranking third in solo tackles (93) last season. Franklin also finished second in the league with five forced fumbles. The veteran averaged 10.8 fantasy points per game last year, a career-high. He has finished as a top-10 linebacker the past three seasons, including the overall LB1 spot in 2024.
Travis Hunter (JAC): ECR – DB16
Fantasy players must check their league rules when it comes to Hunter. If you can start the rookie in an IDP spot and get points for his defensive and offensive stats, he is worthy of a top-30 pick. However, Hunter isn’t worth drafting as a defensive target if you only get his defensive points when started in an IDP spot. Despite having 96 receptions on offense, the former Colorado star was a full-time player on defense last season, leading the team with four interceptions and 11 passes defended.
Sleeper IDP Draft Targets
Braden Fiske (LAR): ECR – DL67
The Rams have one of the more underrated defenses in the league. Last year, the team traded up in the 2024 NFL Draft to secure Fiske, parting with two second-round picks and a fifth-round selection to draft him. The former Florida State star was productive as a rookie, finishing as the DL20, averaging 5.3 fantasy points per game. More importantly, Fiske finished first on the team in sacks (nine) and forced fumbles (two). He should be even better heading into his second season.
Frankie Luvu (WAS): ECR – LB27
Many were shocked when the Commanders signed Luvu to a significant contract in free agency last year. However, the veteran had an outstanding season in Washington, setting career highs in several categories, including sacks (eight), quarterback hits (14), and passes defended (seven). Furthermore, he had double-digit tackles for a loss, six sacks, and nine or more quarterback hits in three consecutive seasons. More importantly, Luvu has averaged 8.4 or more fantasy points per game in three straight years despite not playing on an elite defense.
Mike Sainristil (WAS): ECR – DB42
Last year, the Commanders finished as the D/ST23, averaging 5.2 fantasy points per game. However, their defense has several fantasy-impactful players, including Sainristil. He was the DB26 last season, averaging six fantasy points per game, the highest-scoring rookie defensive back. The former Michigan star led Washington in passes defended (14), totaling twice as many as any other Commander. Furthermore, Sainristil finished 10th in the NFL in passes defended. Don’t be surprised if he makes the Pro Bowl in his second year in Dan Quinn’s system.
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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.
