IDP play is becoming increasingly popular in the world of fantasy football. More and more leagues using an IDP system are gravitating away from a redraft of defensive players every year and sticking with a dynasty league setup.  

This is our second draft of this article and it is necessary because we now get a chance to see where the players we first profiled are going as well as introduce you to some new names. One can start to assess with even more accuracy just how successful a player will be defensively by looking at the system he is going into, looking at holes in the depth chart of the players respective new team. A final revision will happen just before the start of the regular season and in time for many of you to use the knowledge towards your respective fantasy draft. By this time we have seen just how a player seems to be fitting in during the preseason, injuries or other roster movement could mean increased/decreased playing time for the player.

In short there are many factors that go into evaluating just how successful a rookie will be. We are now going to look at the top 50 defensive prospects from a fantasy standpoint since the NFL draft is right around the corner. 

1. Jason Allen – Safety – Miami Dolphins 

Allen is a very safe bet for your IDP league because he is going to a team where he will be an immediate starter and safeties are usually more valuable than cornerbacks in a traditional IDP format. Allen has the ability to play cornerback and safety and the Dolphins have positions available at both but with Will Poole coming back from injury safety is the most likely spot for Allen. Regardless of where Allen ends up he will be a starter barring injury. 

2. Broderick Bunkley – Defensive Tackle – Philadelphia Eagles       

Bunkley winds up going to a team that coveted him for a long time and will have spot for him to start beside last years top pick, Mike Patterson. The Eagles rotate their tackles often so I don’t expect big tackle numbers from Bunkley but he should put up a nice amount of sacks, especially with teams paying so much attention to Eagles ends (Jevon Kearse and Darren Howard). 

3. Bobby Carpenter – Linebacker – Dallas Cowboys     

There is so much talent in front of carpenter that he can’t help but rack up tackles and make plays. Versatile linebacker who can rush the passer and play in coverage if needed. Carpenter can be lined up at multiple positions on the field and will be very valuable to the defense. Doesn’t get as much recognition as some of the picks before him. Watch him in your rookie draft he may be a player that falls too low and you can take him and receive unbelievable value. 

4. A.J. Hawk – Linebacker – Green Bay Packers 

This is an absolute no-brainer. If there is a rookie out there poised to lead his class in tackles you just found him in A.J. Hawk. Hawk is currently penciled in as a starter at outside linebacker on a team that spends a lot of time on defense. Hawk has the ability to play at all three linebacker spots and can rush the passer. Should be the first defensive player taken in most IDP rookie drafts. 

5. Michael Huff – Safety – Oakland Raiders 

You have to be a bit surprised the Raiders took the logical defensive choice here and stayed away from some marquee names at quarterback in the first round. Huff is an immediate upgrade over a failed first-rounder they drafted at the position, Derrick Gibson. Huff has the rare ability to, play both safety positions as well as cornerback so he can be shuffled around the lineup in the event injuries cause some lineup movement. Huff will be a starter on Opening weekend and is worth a first round selection in your rookie draft. 

6. D’Qwell Jackson – Linebacker – Cleveland Browns 

In Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 defense you need athletic linebackers on the outside and tackling machines o the inside. There was nobody who tackled on a more consistent basis at the NCAA level over the last two years than D’Qwell Jackson. I received some comments from people who were surprised by the comments I made about Jackson in my first piece. I stated since working as a Draft Scout since 2000 the only other linebacker to have graded as high as Jackson in play recognition skills was Brian Urlacher. Jackson could turn out to be a star in this defense. 

7. Kelly Jennings – Cornerback – Seattle Seahawks 

Smart corner who goes to a team with a need for a starting cornerback. Seattle had its sites set on Johnathan Joseph and Kelly Jennings for some time. Once Seattle was on the clock Joseph was gone so this was an easy selection. Jennings has an opportunity to be among the rookie leaders in interceptions. 

8. Manny Lawson – Linebacker – San Francisco 49ers 

Lawson has the opportunity to come into a situation in San Francisco tailor made for him. The 49ers installed a 3-4 alignment last season but really didn’t have the athletes that excelled in that defensive scheme. Lawson is ideal for this defense and will be given a lot of freedom to do what he does best, rush the quarterback. Lawson should be a 1^st or 2^nd round pick in your IDP rookie draft and has a chance to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. 

9. Ernie Sims – Linebacker – Detroit Lions 

Ernie Sims may have been the best linebacker I this draft other than A.J. Hawk. He will probably go lower in most drafts because of concussion concerns (he suffered 5 while at Florida State). If Sims shows he can stay healthy than you have a steal on your hands.
 

10. Victor Adeyanju – Defensive End – St. Louis Rams 

Adeyanju was a four year starter in college who got overlooked by many because he played at Indiana. Adeyanju will be backing up Leonard Little in St. Louis, a player who may be in his final year with the team. Adeyanju will have every chance to win a starting spot before next season and will see some action as a rookie as well. 

11. Daniel Bullocks – Safety – Detroit Lions 

Bullocks should be in one of the most heated position battles at the Detroit camp. Bullocks and Jon McGraw should be battling for the starting free safety spot with Jon McGraw. Even if Bullocks doesn’t win he will be a starter in the near future and playing on a team with a secondary that has to stay very active. 

12. Chad Greenway – Linebacker – Minnesota Vikings 

I’m not sure how Greenway will fit in with the Vikings but they need help at linebacker and he is almost assured of having a starting spot. There is a good mix of veterans and youngsters in Minnesota so there may not be as much pressure on greenway to perform right away. 

13. Tamba Hali – Defensive End – Kansas City Chiefs 

I was surprised Hali was drafted so high but he will make his mark stopping the run. Hali may not give the Chiefs the pressure on the quarterback they desire but he may have been the best defensive end in this draft when it came to playing the run. Tackles are always good for you in an IDP setting so he will provide value. 

14. Tye Hill – Cornerback – St. Louis Rams 

Tye Hill was the fastest player at the combine and he is now playing for a team that finished dead last in the NFL last season in terms of defensive interceptions. Hill will be given plenty of chances to make plays and since the Rams secondary doesn’t have a great reputation at the moment he should see a lot of passes coming his way. 

15. Thomas Howard – Linebacker – Oakland Raiders 

One of the fastest outside linebackers available and that is exactly what the Raiders love and want. Oakland hit the jackpot with linebacker Kirk Morrison last season so they were looking for a faster linebacker in this draft, they got their man in Howard. 

16. Richard Marshall – Cornerback – Carolina Panthers 

After parting ways with Ricky Manning Jr. an opening as the teams nickel corner became available and Marshall may be the man to move into this role. Physical corner who can play the run and fits nicely in the Panthers system. Is a player that shouldn’t be overlooked on your draft board. 

17. Haloti Ngata – Defensive Tackle – Baltimore Ravens 

Ngata may have been one of the best picks during the first round of the draft. He will be a valuable asset to the Ravens but he will occupy two blockers at a time and may not have the numbers you are looking for in your league. Ngata is the type of players that will others around him better but don’t be fooled into thinking he will post monster stats. Still Ngata will be effective and should be a starter right away. 

18. DeMeco Ryans – Linebacker – Houston Texans 

Ryans was one of the most well-rounded prospects in this draft and comes to a Houston squad desperately seeking defensive help. Ryans will be a valuable player for years to come. 

19.  Darryl Tapp – Defensive End – Seattle Seahawks 

What could be better than being drafted by the team that led the NFL in sacks a season ago. Seattle led the league in sacks without a single player in double figures which means pressure comes from everywhere on the field and there are a lot of players rotating in and out. With so much talent around him Tapp has the opportunity to make some noise as a rookie. 

20. Donte Whitner – Safety – Buffalo Bills 

Was there a bigger first round surprise than Donte Whitner going #8 overall? Perhaps not but I guarantee he wasn’t drafted that high to ride the bench. Whitner will get a number of opportunities early and can play both safety spots with ease. 

21. Jimmy Williams – Cornerback – Atlanta Falcons 

It’s all about versatility to the rookies coming into the secondary and Williams has a great shot at landing a starting spot at cornerback or safety. Williams could be utilized at corner in Atlanta because the top 4 corners on the depth chart before Williams arrived were all listed under 5-11. Atlanta desperately needed size in their secondary and Williams has plenty of it at 6-2. 

22. Mario Williams – Defensive End – Houston Texans 

Mario Williams was my #1 overall prospect in this entire draft and was for the entire draft process. That being said I feel teammate Manny Lawson will make a greater impact as a rookie because of his blitzing skills. Williams is a complete player who is great pursuing the run and his large wingspan usually causes havoc for opposing quarterbacks as he shuts down passing lanes. There will be so much attention focused on Williams as a rookie that the players around him may be the biggest beneficiaries. If your IDP league awards points for passes defensed or tipped at the line of scrimmage than Williams has even more value. Is a future Pro Bowler in this league but he may need a little more time to develop than some of the other elite defenders. 

23. Kameron Wimbley – Linebacker – Florida State                  

The Browns were eyeing Wimbley for the last month leading up to the draft. Wimbley fits the Romeo Crennel profile of a blitzing outside linebacker who can be moved to the defensive end spot in certain packages. Will platoon or start by opening weekend.
 

24. Darnell Bing – Linebacker – Oakland Raiders 

Bing was once thought of as a top 15 overall pick but he struggled with consistency as a sophomore and junior at USC. Since the strength of Bing is against the run it looks like the Raiders are going to give him a try as a situational linebacker. 

25. Antonio Cromartie – Cornerback – San Diego Chargers 

Best cornerback available in the draft but questions still surround the ACL tear he suffered before his senior season. Cromartie should have a clean bill of health and will be on the field. 

26. Elvis Dumervil – Linebacker – Denver Broncos 

Even though Dumervil is likely to stay buried on the depth chart he will provide a presence in pass-rushing situations. Dumervil is a great pick if you are looking for a developmental player to use in 2-3 years. 

27. Chris Gocong – Linebacker – Philadelphia Eagles 

Could be the threat off the edge at linebacker that has eluded Jimmie Johnson for years. Could be a real sleeper since teams have to pay so much attention to their improved front line. 

28. Abdul Hodge – Linebacker – Green Bay Packers 

Has a shot to put up a lot of tackles even though he is probably behind nick Barnett in the middle on the depth chart and A.J. Hawk if they move him outside. Will find a way to contribute but it may not be this season. 

29. Johnathan Joseph – Cornerback – Cincinnati Bengals 

May turn out to be one of the best selections in the area of the late first round but he will need some time to develop. Could see some time in nickel packages as a rookie. 

30. Mathias Kiwanuka – Defensive End – New York Giants 

Another player behind some talented players but the Giants have said they would like to rotate their ends more in an effort to keep them fresh and extend the career of Michael Strahan. 

31. Daniel Manning – Safety – Chicago Bears 

Could be the starter by the beginning of the season. The Bears have suffered numerous injuries in their secondary over the last few seasons so there is a great chance he will see plenty of action even if he isn’t technically a starter. 

32. John McCargo – Defensive Tackle – Buffalo Bills 

Is a player who can get penetration and will be a great player in the future. May need some time to learn from Larry Tripplett and Tim Anderson. 

33. Roger McIntosh – Linebacker – Washington Redskins 

Has a shot at being a starter. Pay attention to McIntosh in camp if he is labeled as a starter he could turn out to be one of the best defensive players available by the start of the season. 

34. A.J. Nicholson – Linebacker – Cincinnati Bengals 

Risky prospect because of “off-the-field” issues but he has a knack for creating turnovers. Cincinnati got a lot of production out of troubled Chris Henry last year, Nicholson could fall into the same category. 

35. Bernard Pollard – Safety – Kansas City Chiefs 

Every draft class has a safety that hits with force of a freight train and that man in the 2006 class is Bernard Pollard. Is the type of physical presence the Chiefs were looking for. 

36. Ko Simpson – Safety – Buffalo Bills 

Donte Whitner going to Buffalo ahead of Simpson may end up costing him a lot of playing time but he is so young and has time to develop. A player like Troy Vincent will teach Simpson a lot. 

37. Pat Watkins – Safety – Dallas Cowboys 

Dallas got a steal in Watkins, I project he could be a future Pro Bowler but he needs time to develop so your payoff with him will not be immediate.
 

38. Ray Edwards – Defensive End – Minnesota Vikings 

Disappointing junior season saw him fall down the draft boards. Even though he should have stayed for his senior season at Purdue to help his stock there is no denying his potential.                  

39. Cedric Griffin – Cornerback – Minnesota Vikings 

Looks like he will step in as the #3 cornerback right away, if one of the current starters is injured Griffin has a chance at instant success. 

40. David Pittman – Cornerback – Baltimore Ravens 

Top player on my board outside of Division I-A football. Baltimore is seeing a lot of turnover in the secondary so Pittman will have a chance to shine.  

41. Gabe Watson – Defensive Tackle – Arizona Cardinals 

Won’t be getting the big numbers or playing a glamorous position but Arizona seems to have injury problems with their DT’s every year. Watson could see more action than anticipated as a rookie. 

42. Gerris Wilkinson – Linebacker – New York Giants 

Looks like he could be a special teams ace until he gets his shot. 

43. James Wyche – Defensive End – Jacksonville Jaguars 

One of the best value picks of the 7^th round. Has a chance to succeed under jack Del Rio. 

44. Ashton Youboty – Cornerback – Buffalo Bills 

Good cornerback who is equally effective against the run and pass. Will play behind some experienced and talented veterans who will show him the ropes.
 

45. Parys Haralson – Defensive End – San Francisco 49ers 

Another defensive end who can play as an outside linebacker in San Francisco’s defensive scheme. 

46. Tim Jennings – Cornerback – Indianapolis Colts 

Tony Dungy’s Cover 2 scheme is usually kind to smaller secondary players. Jennings has a ton of athletic ability and could thrive in this system. 

47. Jesse Mahelona – Defensive Tackle – Tennessee Titans 

One of the best defensive tackles in this draft when it comes to getting pressure on the quarterback. Tennessee lacked depth at the position, this was a great pick.

48. Gerrick McPherson – Cornerback – New York Giants 

Buried on the depth chart but with his speed that might not be a problem for long. 

49. Terna Nande – Linebacker – Tennessee Titans 

Sheer athletic ability alone was enough to make him a late day 1 prospect. If Tennessee can keep him healthy he could turn out to be one of the best picks in this draft…period. 

50. Claude Wroten – Defensive Tackle – St. Louis Rams 

His positive drug test at the combine sent him into a draft day tailspin. Wroten winds up in a good situation, a team that lost both its starting defensive tackles from 2005, there will be an opportunity to prove himself.