IDP Only Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Rounds Two and Three

Eric Coleman

This article covers rounds two and three of the IDP only pre-draft rookie mock. It is important to remember this mock occurred about a week before the NFL draft. The comments from the drafters were made at that time. I am writing this while the draft is occurring, so I will add some draft commentary if that player has been drafted. This data should help in evaluating player’s skill and landing spot as we see value changing post draft. Click here for round one of this mock.

For this mock, we did three rounds with twelve teams. We are assuming starting 3 DL, 3 LB, 3 DB, and one defensive flex. The wrinkle here is the scoring format. DLF alumni Tyler Huggins and Eric Breeze came up with a great attempt to even out the scoring of offense and defense. They took this idea even further and tried to even out scoring for all the defensive positions, trying to reward points for things that actually correlate to on field ability such as passes defended for cornerbacks. The full scoring can be found here. Just keep in mind the scoring is extremely even across positions just as the league that started this scoring is named: No Player Left Behind. I also asked each drafter to assume they had a competitive squad with no glaring short term needs. With all the scoring and league assumptions out of the way, let’s get to the picks!

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2.01– Keanu Neal, S Florida

Tyler Huggins (@HBombIDP) thoughts: Easily my favorite fantasy option amongst the defensive backs. This setup allows for starting 4 DB’s and the scoring is quite favorable. I’m running to the podium to take a tier 1 DB over what is left at the other positions.

My Thoughts: One of my favorite players in the pre-draft process gets drafted 17th overall to the Atlanta Falcons. The fit doesn’t get much better here. Neal is a punishing hitter but has nice tackling form as well. His reads and instincts are some of the top in this class. I think his coverage skills are adequate to play every snap. I expect him to rack up tackles behind the porous Falcons linebacking core. This fit will undoubtedly cause Neal rise up draft boards.

2.02– Kevin Dodd, DE Clemson

Eric Olinger’s (@OlingerIDP) thoughts: This was difficult for me because as a Notre Dame and a big time Jaylon Smith fan I really wanted to take him but his injury is legit. The next best option, in my opinion, is Darron Lee from Ohio State. He’s a prototypical weakside, three down linebacker in the mold of Alec Ogletree. I’d like to see him put 10-15 pounds of NFL weight room muscle on his frame but has day one starting potential in both NFL and fantasy leagues. Raw as sushi, Dodd’s story is similar to Ziggy Ansah’s, the star defensive end for the Detroit Lions. Dodd only played one year of high school football and only put one year of elite college football on film while playing across from Shaq Lawson. A lot will depend on where he lands in the draft but just about any team in the NFC South would be great. I’m hoping for 8+ sacks as a situational pass rushing rookie before moving into a full time role.

My Thoughts: Dodd should form a nasty front with Jurrell Casey, DaQuan Jones, and Karl Klug for the Titans. I have been a big backer of his, but this fit concerns me in the short term. Dodd may be rotational player to start, but should become a five technique stud by next season. I expect him to fall a little in drafts due to this placement.

2.03– Su’a Cravens, LB Southern California

Alexander Onoshku’s (@Dynasty_Al) thoughts: Often compared to Deone Bucannon, Cravens fits that S/LB hybrid role that is en vogue in the NFL these days. Should rack of tackles and big plays no matter where he lines up.

My Thoughts: Another short term fit concern with Cravens at the Redskins. I was worried Cravens would be a big nickel and dime linebacker; those are exactly the early reports we are hearing out of Washington. I think it is only a matter of time until Cravens proves he needs to stay on the field, but we need to lower or expectations for him at first.

2.04– Scooby Wright, LB Arizona

Drew Dodson’s (@DrewDodsonNFL) thoughts: The injury took his name off of people’s lips, but this time last year he was my LB3. His lack of athleticism is disappointing, but ultimately I want the player who is a natural at the position instead of the guy that needs to be taught how to be a real LB by the NFL.

My Thoughts: As I write this, we are half way into the fourth round of the NFL draft and Wright has not been drafted yet. Some Mike linebacker needy teams have not filled their hole yet. Wright as the chance to play solid snaps immediately as a two down thumper. I love Wright’s tackling skills and instincts, we just need to hope for the right fit and depth chart.

2.05– Kyler Fackrell, LB Utah State

Ryan Finley’s (@RyanCFinley) thoughts: Great size, coverage skills, and a guy that racked up a ton of tackles over the past two seasons. In a draft beset with injury, he actually had an ACL injury two years ago and came back. That means something. This guy can do a lot of different things on the field, and I could see him surprise.

My Thoughts: Fackrell was selected in the third round by the Packers. He plays faster than he looks because he is just so smooth. I expected the Packers to take a true Mike here. There is a chance that Fackrell plays in the middle as a coverage compliment to Jake Ryan. He could also be primarily a pass rusher. We really are stuck waiting to see how the Packers will use him. I love the talent, but draft with caution in fantasy.

2.06– Jalen Ramsey, S/CB Florida State

Eric Braun’s (@FFPlanetX) thoughts: An absolute elite defensive prospect and now and in the future in this scoring system Ramsey projects quite well.

My Thoughts: Ramsey could be a generational talent, but his fantasy value took a hit in many leagues as a corner with the Jaguars. The good news with this scoring, he still holds a lot of value due to the passes defended. This draft position feels about right, in this scoring, after knowing the fit.

2.07– Emmanual Ogbah, DE/OLB Oklahoma State

Steve Wyremski’s (@SteveWyremski) thoughts: 4-3 DE who tested quite well at combine. I wish his on field play was as consistent, but he’s a solid pass rusher who is a good bet to land in a favorable scheme.

My Thoughts: The Browns selected Ogbah with the first pick in the second round. I suspect he will be classified as an OLB, which will hurt his value. On the other hand, I prefer Ogbah as a standup pass rusher, so it actually may help with his production. This high of draft pick should help him play a significant number of snaps in his first year. I think this fit makes him similar to Bud Dupree last year.

2.08– Kentrell Brothers, LB Missouri

Adam Tzikas (@Adamtz) thoughts: Had to get one of the Kentrell Brothers. Not great in coverage, Brothers makes up for it in football IQ and play awareness. Really fun to watch and a decent to good tackler. Not going to rack up sacks, but should have a nice tackle floor in a good situation. Mid to late round ILB sleeper for a team, can fight for a spot.

My Thoughts: As of the fourth round of the NFL draft, Brothers has not been drafted yet. I put Brothers in the same category as Scooby Wright until we get some information from the NFL draft.

2.09– Jonathan Bullard, DE Florida

Matt Price (@MPricer) thoughts: Ideally goes to a 4-3 team as a right defensive end that can slide inside as a 1 or 3 tech for passing downs. A bit of a tweener, but that versatility may be attractive to teams. High motor disruptive player that is quick off the line but needs to play with a bit more discipline from snap to snap.

My Thoughts: Bullard had his name called in the third round by the Bears. I think this is a great fit and he should start right away beside the block soaking Eddie Goldman. The good news is that I think he will get a lot of snaps in his first year, but he will be classified as a DE not a DT in this scheme. Bullard may have moved above Kevin Dodd in my IDP rankings.

2.10– Robert Nkemdiche, DE/DT Ole Miss

Bruce Matson’s (@BMatz08) thoughts: He’s a high ceiling, low floor type of player. Nkemdiche has off the field concerns but the upside is worth the risk. He has the ability to end up being the best defensive linemen in this draft and it’s hard to pass on him at 2.10.

My Thoughts: Nkemdiche gets a nice draft pedigree bump from being a first round selection to the Cardinals. The other good news is that the Cardinals have track record of helping players keep their nose clean. I am little concerned about his first year snap count but the talent is there. This is someone that I will most likely avoid in drafts and try to catch as a discount later in the year.

2.11– Shalique Calhoun, DE/OLB Michigan State

Doug Green’s (@BigBoardIDP) thoughts: Calhoun has plenty of upside, a strong motor and was dominant during his time with the Spartans. He’s probably best suited as 4-3 end. Even if he lands with a 3-4 team he plays the run well enough to hold his own as a DE.

My Thoughts: The Raiders may have one of the best defenses on paper. So far they have selected Karl Jospeh, Jihad Ward, and Calhoun to add to their already start studded cast. This could give Calhoun DE eligibility, but his snap count will be limited in year one. This another great talent, but it may take him a year to be a big IDP contributor.

2.12– Karl Joseph, S West Virginia

Bee’s (@IDPwithBEE_8o8) thoughts:  It might take him a year to evolve back into form coming off a knee injury, but Joseph can play. Lot of depth still remains in this draft, so I went ahead I targeted one of my top safeties in this class. Joseph has the potential to become a top 12 DB, going to rack up a ton of tackles.

My Thoughts: Joseph being selected in the first round signals that his knee should be good to start the year. The fit at Oakland will also allow him to focus on strong safety complementing Reggie Nelson’s coverage skills. Keanu Neal and Karl Joseph will be the top safeties in this year’s IDP rookie drafts, and it is hard to differentiate their values currently.

Round 3:

  • Miles Killebrew, S Southern Utah
  • Vernon Hargreaves, CB Florida
  • Jeremy Cash, S Duke
  • Tyler Matakevich, LB Temple
  • Kamalei Correa, LB Boise State
  • Charles Tapper, DE/OLB Oklahoma
  • Vernon Butler, DT Louisiana Tech
  • Andrew Billings, DT Baylor
  • Antonia Morrison LB, Florida
  • Carl Nassib, DE Penn State
  • Sheldon Rankins, DE Louisville
  • Nick Kwiatkoski LB, West Virginia

That wraps it up for the pre-draft IDP coverage. Be sure to be on the look-out for a post draft IDP mock and some integrated mocks with offensive players. If you play IDP, you really should consider following the drafters above on twitter. Those folks are my go to consultants on an everyday basis, and I become infinitely smarter hearing their perspective.

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eric coleman
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