The 2025 NFL Draft takes place in Green Bay, Wisconsin this year, and as always it will be full of excitement. Several lifelong dreams come true during the three day event, and it happening at the Mecca of professional football could be considered a religious experience for some. 

The ghost of the Green Bay Packers’ historic past will have a front row seat to the 2025 draft class. Including the best individual defensive player (IDP) of all-time, Reggie White. It is a good time to remind everyone that usually half or more of the players drafted in the NFL are defensive players.

 

 

 

NFL Draft Prospects 2025: Fantasy Football IDP Rookies

An IDP manager, be it dynasty or standard format, will have opportunities to select players that will have an immediate impact on their roster. The 2025 NFL rookie class is loaded with defensive talent, and some will help their franchise (and fantasy rosters) to trophies and titles.

The following list is a compiled top ten rookie IDPs from the 2025 NFL draft class.

Abdul Carter (Defensive Line/Edge), Penn State

Abdul Carter is the highest projected defensive player in this year’s draft, and for good reason. Almost all 6’ 3” 259 pound people do not have the combination of speed and power that Carter possesses. 

He had 68 combined tackles, 4 passes defended, 2 forced fumble, and most importantly 12 sacks. He will be an immediate force, and bolster an NFL defensive line… if he goes to the Cleveland Browns, then look out! Myles Garrett will draw all the attention, and Carter will take advantage of one-on-one opportunities.

Jihaad Campbell (Linebacker), Alabama

Jihaad Campbell is going to be a star at a dying position in the NFL, interior linebacker. Campbell played three seasons for the Crimson Tide and had an outstanding statistical year in 2024. 

119 combined tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception will earn him a high draft pick. Campbell has three down, “green dot” potential which gets any IDP head salivating. In leagues that reward tackles with high points, Campbell is a must target priority.

 

 

 

Mike Green (Edge/Linebacker), Marshall

Some question if Mike Green can make the jump from a smaller D-1 program to the NFL, but not Fantasy Alarm. 6’ 4” 248 (and still growing) with 81 tackles and 17 sacks is the perfect player to develop for a team in need of edge pressure. 

He is also graded as one of the best run stoppers at his position. Green is a must target in dynasty as he has the potential to be a perennial 10+ sack IDP, who is great at playing the run as well.

Donovan Ezeiruaku (Edge/Linebacker), Boston College

The former four year Eagle has displayed flashes of upside throughout his collegiate career. Some say he is a bit undersized at 6’ 2” 247 pounds, but his 24 sacks in two seasons says otherwise. 

An underappreciated aspect by many is an athlete’s intelligence and enthusiasm. Both are more powerful than strength and Ezeiruaku has an abundance of both. Look for him to be a great linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

Malaki Starks (Defensive Back/Safety), Georgia

Malaki Starks is the first defensive back mentioned, and a bonafide day one starter for any NFL organization. 

When the NFL put a premium on the quarterback, that put a premium on pass rushers, which put a premium on versatile tight ends, which is putting a premium on versatile safeties that can play in the box, and in coverage. At 6’1”, 205 pounds Starks can meet the running back at the first and second levels, but has the coverage skills to defend tight ends and slot receivers. 

A rare talent who leaves the Bulldogs with 198 tackles, 17 passes defended, 5 interceptions, and he also returned punts last year. Those numbers speak for themselves as very few are well rounded enough to have both, and as a reminder, PLAY WITH RETURN YARDS EVERYONE! BOTH TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL.

 

 

 

Jalon Walker (Linebacker), Georgia

The second consecutive Bulldog makes an appearance, and this time it is 2024 Dick Butkus Award Winner, Jalon Walker. He ended the season with 61 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 2 passes defended all while being the focal point of opposing offensive coordinators. 

He is one of the most athletic IDPs in this year’s draft, and will make an immediate impact for the organization that drafts him. Keep an eye for him in rookie drafts.

JT Tuimoloau (Edge/Defensive End), Ohio State

JT Tuimoloau is criminally low on most draft boards, but that is one reason Fantasy Alarm is above the rest, ability to recognize talent. Tuimoloau is 6’ 5” 269 pounds and has the size and versatility to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, which increases his draft stock. 

It also allows him to play three downs which was on display with the 2024 National Championship team. He recorded 61 tackles and 12.5 sacks last year, look for Tuimoloau to be a ‘surprise’ day one pick.

James Pearce Jr. (Edge/Defensive End), Tennessee

Pearce Jr. possibly has the most potential in the draft but does have raw aspects that need to be refined. At 6’ 5” 243 pounds every defensive coordinator is attempting to convince the GMs how he would greatly improve their defense, and he will not make it to the third round. 

He has recorded 17 sacks over his last two seasons and could develop into a sack specialist in the NFL. He is particularly worth a look in dynasty leagues with taxi squads.

 

 

 

Demetrius Knight II (Linebacker), South Carolina

Demetrius Knight II really made a jump at the combine with a 4.58 forty time, fifth fastest among linebackers. Some are concerned about his age, 25, but Knight was recruited to play quarterback out of high school, and converted to linebacker at Georgia Tech. 

He has racked up 178 tackles over the past two years, and despite concerns about his coverage ability he has 4 interceptions with the instinct of a former quarterback. He is a father of two children, and a mature, smart, and passionate football player. A great addition to any NFL or fantasy roster.

Travis Hunter (Cornerback/Wide Receiver), Colorado

The 2024 Heisman Trophy Winner has potential to be a MASSIVE “cheat code” in the world of fantasy football. If he is listed as an IDP via defensive back, he will very likely be a top three IDP in his first season. 

His offensive numbers are impressive (and would count towards his fantasy points), but over his three year college career at Jackson State and the University of Colorado his defensive numbers are just as impressive. 85 tackles, 24 passes defended, 9 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 1 touchdown. He made great strides on defense last year with 35 tackles, 11 passes defended, 4 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble.

Hunter needs to be on everyone’s draft board regardless of position, but if he is listed as an IDP then he is a must draft, first round candidate.

Fantasy Football IDP Rookies 2025

Fit is the most important aspect for an IDP, and it’s not just the professional level. Some of the mentioned players had their best year after switching schools/coaches. 

Keep an eye on where these top ten rookie IDP prospects get drafted, and as always know the rules of your leagues when drafting.

Bet Smart, Be Lucky, and IDP - Iggy -

 

 

 

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