Welcome to peak 2024 rookie draft prep season!
As the calendar hits May, dynasty fantasy football managers are looking back at the NFL Draft and seeing what impact the 257 picks and subsequent UDFA process had on the rookies they like the value of this year. Who are some of the top IDP prospects to target in rookie drafts? Let’s dive into the top 30 to know for your rookie drafts.
Who Are the Top 15 IDP Rookie Options?
- Laiatu Latu, EDGE | Indianapolis Colts
- Jared Verse, EDGE | Los Angeles Rams
- Junior Colson, LB | Los Angeles Chargers
- Dallas Turner, EDGE | Minnesota Vikings
- Edgerrin Cooper, LB | Green Bay Packers
The EDGEs are far and away the prize of this class and the safest projection. Personal preference will dictate the order in which Verse, Turner, and Latu get picked. For me, while Latu is less athletic, his game will translate much quicker with his more refined pass-rush arsenal. The fact that he was taken first confirms the medicals, and he can post double-digit sacks in Year 1. Verse has some of the best combination of a true three-down skill set while also showing high sack upside. He’s also only played defense since 2019 at Albany after playing tight end in high school. Landing with the Rams should enable Verse to play a ton his rookie year, and he’s also got a high floor with his run defense. Turner has a super high ceiling as well, as shown by his crazy athletic testing. He ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, comparable to many WRs despite being 247 pounds. His pass rush win rate is a red flag, though, and drops him to third among the EDGEs. Finally, the likely top two linebackers round out the top five. Both have elite speed and solid size to be true three-down LBs at the NFL level. The big thing for both Colson and Cooper is the solid opportunity ahead of them. Colson might well wear the green dot in Week 1. Cooper might take a few weeks, but he should see opportunity early in 2024.
- Chop Robinson, EDGE | Miami Dolphins
- Trevin Wallace, LB | Carolina Panthers
- Byron Murphy II, DT | Seattle Seahawks
- Payton Wilson, LB | Pittsburgh Steelers
- Darius Robinson, EDGE | Arizona Cardinals
A couple more EDGEs here with the Robinsons, who couldn’t be more different. Chop Robinson is a freaky athlete who’s got crazy upside, though may require patience on a crowded depth chart. Darius, meanwhile, is bigger and has inside-out versatility. He compares athletically to Cameron Jordan of the Saints, and can play a ton early in Arizona. On film alone, Wallace is my LB1. He has the size and athleticism to be a three-down guy. And the fact that former NFL LB Dan Morgan, the Panthers GM, is who took Wallace early in Round 3? He’s a fantastic draft and stash LB to ascend either mid-2024 or next offseason to a full-time role. Wilson is a massive risk and probably belongs more on a competitive roster, but his talent would have him as a top LB. The medicals are the issue, so if you draft him, don’t expect many years of production. It may be that he’s done by the end of his rookie contract (four years). Finally, the first DT in the rankings is Murphy, mainly because the upside is tantalizing. He will likely require patience from any manager, as it can take time for a defensive tackle to hit. Seattle provides a relatively open depth chart, though, so Murphy should get enough run to be relevant in Year 1 with serious long-term upside.
Which Other Rookie IDP Options Should You Consider?
- Marist Liufau, LB | Dallas Cowboys
- Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE | Dallas Cowboys
- Jaden Hicks, S | Kansas City Chiefs
- Jonah Elliss, EDGE | Denver Broncos
- Braden Fiske, DT | Los Angeles Rams
- Ruke Orhorhoro, DT | Atlanta Falcons
- Javon Bullard, S | Green Bay Packers
- Mike Sainristil, CB | Washington Commanders
- Tyrice Knight, LB | Seattle Seahawks
- Adisa Isaac, EDGE | Baltimore Ravens
- Bralen Trice, EDGE | Atlanta Falcons
- Jordan Magee, LB | Washington Commanders
- Cooper DeJean, CB | Philadelphia Eagles
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB | Philadelphia Eagles
- JD Bertrand, LB | Atlanta Falcons
This group is sort of a pick-your-poison. Some of them will be hits in the long term, but it’s hard to expect much from any of them in Year 1. Kneeland has a high ceiling, went Round 2, and is my top guy in this tier for this reason. All the linebackers in this range are Day 3 picks, so they’ll need to prove themselves in training camp to get an opportunity. Liufau seems most likely to earn that shot, but likely in 2025. Trice had good production, while Braswell, Elliss, and Fiske are all upside shots. DeJean is CB1 with his ball skills, but I’ll likely pass on him and take slot cornerbacks like Sainristil, who should be the starting nickel in Washington from Day 1 and is my CB1 with his combination of tackle floor with sack and interception upside.
As we look ahead to the 2024 fantasy football season, why not start preparing for your rookie drafts with our dynasty rookie rankings? Additionally, as you look to improve your team heading into 2024, our dynasty trade calculator can help you find the perfect deal to boost your championship chances.
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