While the majority of the focus for fantasy football is on the offense, dynasty individual defensive player (IDP) managers have to weigh the pros and cons of the rookies on the defensive side of the ball. With IDP leagues gaining popularity, all aspects of the game are now receiving increased scrutiny. Below you will find our rookie rankings to help you draft IDP options in your dynasty leagues for 2022.
The elements considered here are the caliber and upside of the players and their potential roles, with a primary focus on 2022 and 2023. The intriguing element of IDP rankings is the various scoring systems. These rankings assume a balanced system where big plays earn 3 points (sacks and interceptions), tackles are worth 1.5 points, and touchdowns are worth 6 points. Position eligibility is from Sleeper.
2022 IDP rookie rankings 1-10
1. Devin Lloyd, LB | Jaguars
2. George Karlaftis, DL | Chiefs
3. Travon Walker, DL | Jaguars
4. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DL | Giants
5. Aidan Hutchinson, DL | Lions
The top five in our 2022 IDP rookie rankings all have plenty of star power. However, the order of them may surprise a few people, especially with Karlaftis and Walker above Hutchinson and Thibodeaux. The primary reason for that is the group they are playing with to start their careers. Karlaftis and Walker join star-studded pass rushes where the focus of the offense will likely be on those other players. That is not the case for Hutchinson and Thibodeaux, who will likely be the focus on their respective teams.
6. Quay Walker, LB | Packers
7. Kyle Hamilton, DB | Ravens
8. Jermaine Johnson, DL/LB | Jets
9. Troy Andersen, LB | Falcons
10. Nakobe Dean, LB | Eagles
For the remainder of the top 10 of our 2022 IDP rookie rankings, the focus switches more to the IDP staple position of LB. Walker looks set to be a starter but might not be a three-down player immediately. The remaining four are projected for backup roles initially. However, Hamilton and Johnson should see rotational snaps and the dual eligibility for Johnson is a nice bonus on Sleeper.
Andersen and Dean could easily start for the Falcons and Eagles this year. There are rumors that Atlanta are looking to move Deion Jones this offseason. If that happens, Andersen could be a Day 1 starter. Dean has some competition to beat out, but if he isn’t starting in 2022, he should be in 2023 and is too talented to pass up despite the draft day fall.
11-20
11. Arnold Ebiketie, DL | Falcons
12. Jaquan Brisker, DB | Bears
13. Boye Mafe, DL | Seahawks
14. Lewis Cine, DB | Vikings
15. David Ojabo, DL | Ravens
This is an intriguing group for a number of reasons. Those ranking 11 through 14 could all be Day 1 starters and that is a huge bonus for IDP formats. Ebiketie has an easier path to consistent playing time than Mafe, but Mafe has the bigger ceiling if he is a Day 1 starter and does not fall into a frustrating rotation.
Among the DBs, Brisker has the clearer road to being the box safety. However, if you hear before your draft that Cine is likely to play the box safety role in Minnesota, switch them around. Ranking Ojabo at 15 is banking on talent over opportunity. While he could be a backup in 2022, he has immense upside and could start in 2023.
16. Channing Tindall, LB | Dolphins
17. Christian Harris, LB | Texans
18. Josh Paschal, DL | Lions
19. Kingsley Enagbare, DL | Packers
20. Derek Stingley Jr., CB | Texans
Tindall is just one injury away from starting for the Dolphins and comes with plenty of talent. He could also be the starter at a key IDP position in 2023. Placing Harris at 17 does not feel great, but this is an opportunity call. He lacks the talent of some other LBs here but could be a starter early in 2022, which cannot be underrated.
Paschal and Enagbare are upside swings at this point. Paschal has a route to starting opposite Hutchinson. If so, he could slip under the radar and be a sneakily effective option. Enagbare could very easily find himself in the Packers’ rotation, replacing Za’Darius Smith. If so, he could be an intriguing option as an outside pass rusher. Stingley is also an upside swing at 20th in our 2022 IDP rookie rankings simply based on the playmaking ability we saw as a freshman.
21-30
21. Chad Muma, LB | Jaguars
22. Sam Williams, DL | Cowboys
23. Leo Chenal, LB | Chiefs
24. Bryan Cook, DB | Chiefs
25. Devonte Wyatt, DL | Packers
26. Daxton Hill, DB | Bengals
27. Trent McDuffie, CB | Chiefs
28. Logan Hall, DL | Buccaneers
29. Nick Cross, DB | Colts
30. Drake Jackson, DL | 49ers