2025 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Top IDP Players

2025 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Top IDP Players

In addition to the growing popularity of Dynasty leagues, fantasy football fanatics are also growing to love Individual Defensive Player (IDP) leagues. Marrying the two into IDP Dynasty leagues increases the fun. For football fans interested in the next wave of defensive players, FullTime Fantasy‘s 2025 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Top IDP Players has you covered.

Also, check out our Dynasty Dashboard and the top 10 rookie tight ends to target in 2025.

IDP Overview

As the 2025 fantasy football season approaches, dynasty managers in IDP leagues are gearing up for rookie drafts. This year’s defensive class is loaded with talent, particularly at edge rusher and linebacker. The group offers a mix of immediate contributors and high-upside prospects.

This 2025 IDP rookie class is stacked with edge rushers who could deliver immediate sack production, alongside a few tackle machines at linebacker and safety. Travis Hunter’s unique dual-threat potential adds intrigue, but his value will depend heavily on your league’s settings.

Prioritize players like Carter, Walker, and Pearce for their pass-rush upside, while Stutsman and Schwesinger offer tackle floors that can anchor your lineup. Keep an eye on the 2025 NFL Draft for landing spots, as scheme fit and opportunity will refine these rankings. For now, these 2025 dynasty rookie rankings: top IDP players are the ones to target as you build your dynasty IDP roster for the future!

1. Abdul Carter, EDGE (Penn State)

Carter is the crown jewel of this IDP rookie class. A versatile defender who has lined up both as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, he led the Big Ten in tackles for loss (22) and sacks (11) in his final college season. His explosive athleticism and relentless motor make him a likely top-10 NFL Draft pick, and he could be an instant fantasy star if he lands with a team that maximizes his pass-rushing role. Target him early—he’s a potential cornerstone for your IDP roster.

2. Travis Hunter, CB/WR (Colorado)

Hunter is a unique case, as his fantasy value hinges on how his NFL team deploys him. And how your league scores him. A Heisman winner with elite ball skills, he posted 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a wide receiver. He also excels as a cornerback, with six interceptions and 10 passes defended. If your league allows dual-position scoring (offense and defense), Hunter could be the No. 1 overall rookie pick. Even as a corner-only IDP, his playmaking ability makes him a high-upside target. However, corners are typically less valuable unless they rack up tackles or picks.

3. Jalon Walker, EDGE/OLB (Georgia)

Walker’s blend of speed and versatility makes him a tantalizing IDP prospect. Capable of playing off the edge or as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker, he recorded eight tackles and three sacks in a single game against Texas in 2024. His athletic profile suggests he’ll be a Day 1 NFL starter, and his ability to generate sacks and tackles makes him a prime target for fantasy managers seeking a multi-category contributor.

4. Mason Graham, DL (Michigan)

Interior defensive linemen rarely top IDP rankings, but Graham’s disruptive presence is an exception. A projected top-5 NFL Draft pick, he combines first-step quickness with power, tallying 3.5 sacks and a career-high tackle count in 2024. If he lands with a team that lets him penetrate and chase down quarterbacks, Graham could be a rare DT worth targeting early in rookie drafts, especially in leagues that reward sacks heavily.

5. James Pearce Jr., EDGE (Tennessee)

Despite a slight dip in production (7.5 sacks in 2024 after 10 as a sophomore), Pearce remains one of the most explosive pass rushers in this class. His speed off the edge and bendy frame draw comparisons to elite NFL rushers, and he’s likely to be a first-round pick. Pearce’s fantasy value will soar if he joins a defense that lets him pin his ears back and hunt quarterbacks, making him a top-tier IDP target.

6. Nic Scourton, EDGE (Texas A&M)

Scourton led the Big Ten with 10 sacks in 2023 at Purdue before transferring to Texas A&M, where he continued to flash his pass-rushing prowess. At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, he has the size and strength to hold up against the run while still generating pressure. He’s a safe bet for consistent sack production as a rookie, making him a reliable mid-round IDP pick.

7. Jihaad Campbell, LB (Alabama)

Campbell is widely regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6’3″ and 244 pounds, the Alabama junior combines ideal size, explosive athleticism, and versatility. In 2024, he led the Crimson Tide with 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, earning first-team All-SEC and All-American honors. His 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine highlights his elite speed, while his ability to blitz, cover, and stop the run makes him a three-down player. Despite a recent shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, he’s projected as a late first-round pick, offering high-impact potential for any NFL defense.

8. Carson Schwesinger, LB (UCLA)

Schwesinger is a riser in this class after a breakout senior year at UCLA. A one-year starter, he showcased elite production and instincts, though his average size and speed cap his ceiling slightly. Still, his potential to rack up tackles in the right scheme makes him a sneaky value pick, likely available in the second round of IDP rookie drafts.

9. Nick Emmanwori, S (South Carolina)

At 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, Emmanwori is a physical freak who could play safety or linebacker in the NFL. His size and tackling ability (he’s a high-efficiency tackler) suggest he’ll thrive near the line of scrimmage, where safeties can pile up fantasy points. If he’s the first safety off the board in the NFL Draft, expect him to climb IDP boards as a rookie with top-24 potential at his position. One of the fastest risers after the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

10. Mykel Williams, EDGE (Georgia)

Williams rounds out the top 10 with his raw athleticism and upside. Another Georgia product, he’s a bit unpolished but has the tools to develop into a dominant pass rusher. His 2024 stats were modest. However, his physical traits and projected first-round draft capital make him a worthwhile gamble for IDP managers looking for a long-term investment.

Best of the Rest

Shemar Stewart (EDGE) Texas A&M

Mike Green (EDGE) Marshall

Princely Umanmielen (EDGE) Mississippi

Jay Higgins (LB) Iowa

Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE) Boston College

Cody Simon (LB) Ohio State

Malaki Starks (S) Georgia 

Demetrius Knight (LB) South Carolina 

Landon Jackson (EGE) Arkansas 

Danny Stutsman (LB) Oklahoma