Below are the fourth set of our weekly updated IDP rankings. The three categories (DL, LB, DB) include the 50 top IDP players based on current projections. Within each category, the defensive players are designated at their primary position, although depending on the platform hosting your league, some of the players will qualify at two positions (e.g., Olivier Vernon qualifies at both LB and DE on Yahoo), so study your league settings well to get a leg up on your competition.
This week’s rankings have a number of changes in both the linebacker and defensive back charts, and some alterations toward the lower end of the defensive linemen, so if you are coming up on your draft, study the permutations. Injuries are a constant source of frustration in fantasy football, and it behooves you to keep up to date on the depth charts before populating your rosters heading into Week One.
The rising players are the following:
Linebackers
Jayon Brown TEN
Jerome Baker MIA
Rashaan Evans TEN
Fred Warner SF
Kyzir White LAC
Defensive Linesmen
Romeo Okwara DE DET
Da'Ron Payne DT WAS
Defensive Backs
Quandre Diggs S DET
D.J. Swearinger Sr. S ARI
Kenny Vaccaro S TEN
Terrance Mitchell CB CLE
Morgan Burnett S CLE
Jaquiski Tartt S SF
Those falling in the rankings:
Defensive Linesmen
Ezekiel Ansah DE SEA
Defensive Backs
Budda Baker S ARI
Bashaud Breeland CB KC
The rankings are based on the following scoring system:
Solo Tackle (or Total Tackles) 1 point
Assisted tackle 1/2 point
Sack 4 points
Interception 6 points
Pass defended 1 point
Fumble forced 4 point
Fumble recovered 2 points
Safety 2 points
Blocked FG/PAT/Punt 6 points
All defensive TDs 6 points
As promised in the Draft Guide, there is the potential for revised rankings to be prepared, based on your specific league scoring system, if you send me the particulars in an e-mail. You need to track down this writer’s contact information somewhere else on the site, as there should be an effort expended to receive the reward.
Below are the top 50 DL/LB/DBs per current projections, and these will be updated weekly until the regular season kicks off:
Good luck and godspeed in all your fantasy efforts.
Player News
CBS’ Matt Zenitz reports the Patriots are “targeting” Lions DL coach Terrell Williams for their defensive coordinator vacancy.
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky writes that Christian Watson (knee) is “not likely” to be fully recovered from his torn ACL before the 2025 season starts.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Buccaneers DL coach/run game coordinator Kacy Rodgers is interviewing with the Packers on Tuesday for their defensive line coaching vacancy.
ESPN’s Stephen Holder reports Anthony Richardson will work with biometric coach Chris Hess this offseason.
The Athletic’s Dan Pompei believes Bears head coach Ben Johnson will “empower” Caleb Williams in 2025.
Rams WR Cooper Kupp said he intends to play next season but is unsure of his future in Los Angeles.