Five IDP Rookie Sleepers from the 2024 NFL Draft
Accurately spotting sleeper candidates with the potential to exceed expectations can often be the difference between fantasy glory and mediocrity. These are the IDP rookie sleepers you should be excited to target in the late rounds of your drafts and waivers.
Austin Booker, EDGE CHI
The Chicago Bears made one of the best picks in the fifth round when they selected Booker with the 144th pick. The 21-year-old is a developmental prospect, having played only 500 snaps in college. Still, even with little tape at our disposal, it was apparent that Booker possesses an explosive first step and an advanced repertoire of pass-rush moves.
Montez Sweat signed with the Bears midway through last season, and although he recorded eight sacks in nine games, the team ranked last in the NFL in both pressures and sacks generated. Booker will compete for snaps with DeMarcus Walker and Dominique Robinson on obvious passing downs, and it would not surprise if he outperformed both.
Gabriel Murphy, EDGE MIN
Much has been made of Murphy’s shortcomings. At 6’2”, he lacks the prototypical length of an NFL edge rusher, which raises questions about how much weight he can add to his 247 lb frame.
Still, the 23-year-old former UDFA is more technically proficient than his peers who were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, has proven adept at rushing the passer from multiple alignments, and boasts athleticism in abundance.
UCLA edge Gabriel Murphy has a chance to be a steal for the #Vikings as a UDFA. Like Ivan Pace Jr, he’s undersized but has elite athleticism and was super productive in college. Last year: 8 sacks, 16 TFL, 61 pressures. Fourth-round grade from @dpbrugler. pic.twitter.com/nd1AC68M4r
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) April 27, 2024
The loss of Danielle Hunter, DJ Wonnum, and Marcus Davenport vacated almost 2,000 snaps at the Vikings’ edge position. The team spent the 17th overall pick on Dallas Turner to pair him with free agent signing Jonathan Greenard, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores gave the ineffective Patrick Jones II over 600 snaps in 2023. Murphy has a shot at surpassing Jones II in the rotation.
Trevin Wallace, LB CAR
Wallace has become a trendy name in IDP circles following his stellar performance at the NFL Combine, where his speed, agility, and acceleration were on display for all to see. His meteoric rise is such that labeling him a sleeper is perhaps a stretch.
Trevin Wallace is a LB prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.65 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 95 out of 2649 LB from 1987 to 2024.
Splits projectedhttps://t.co/YKzYaX2mph pic.twitter.com/fpX0mM4Z8D
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 1, 2024
If the 21-year-old can develop his ability to diagnose plays, his athleticism could make him a disruptive force against the run and pass, earning him what all IDP managers covet in linebackers—a three-down role.
Unfortunately, Wallace has two veterans blocking his path to snaps in 2024. Shaq Thompson is reportedly doing well in his recovery from the ankle injury, which forced him to miss 15 games last year. Josey Jewell joined the team in free agency to mitigate the departure of Frankie Luvu.
However, Thompson is 30 years old, coming off a significant injury, and in the final year of his contract. Jewell, also 30 years old, has proven to be a mediocre talent for most of his career. The Panthers may view Wallace—DLF’s sixth-ranked rookie linebacker – as the heir to the throne.
Tyrice Knight, LB SEA
Knight is far from a complete linebacker. He lacks speed, and despite leading all linebackers at the NFL Combine with 21 reps on the bench, his ability to shed blocks is below par.
What Knight does well cannot be ignored. The 23-year-old rarely misses tackles and was highly productive as a three-year starter at UTEP, accruing 344 combined tackles, seven sacks and five forced fumbles.
A lot of high-end reps from #UTEP's Tyrice Knight
Has his inconsistencies no doubt, but the highlight reel plays happen every 3 plays…
Definition of a draft gem pic.twitter.com/Ib5IofqG2v
— Hail Mary Sports (@hailmarysportss) April 24, 2024
Pre-draft, I discussed how the Seattle Seahawks is a favorable landing spot for linebackers. Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks are no longer with the team, and Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker were signed to one-year deals.
We may have to wait a season to learn whether Knight is given a sizeable role, but should injuries occur, that timeline may be brought forward.
Kamren Kinchens, S LAR
It feels bizarre to list Kinchens as a sleeper, considering just a few months ago, he was widely expected to be one of the top safeties in the NFL 2024 Draft. However, his stock took a significant hit after his disastrous performance at the NFL Combine, where he finished last among safeties in the 40-yard dash and the broad jump.
Fortunately for Kinchens, the Los Angeles Rams overlooked his athletic limitations, selecting him with the 99th pick, making him the sixth safety selected.
Kinchens’ landing spot couldn’t be better. The Rams’ safety position has been overhauled after jettisoning Jordan Fuller and John Johnson, who combined for over 1600 snaps in 2023. Kam Curl will start after joining the team in free agency, but Russ Yeast is mediocre at best.
