2024 IDP Rookie Mock Draft
The NFL Draft is so close now, you can almost touch it. Most of us in fantasy land are obsessing over who takes which quarterback, and at what pick. We’re eager to find out where presumed standout wide receivers of the future – Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze – land.
But in IDP circles, we’re keeping a close eye on where the draft prospects on defense go, and into what system they’re placed, so that we can identify who the fantasy difference makers may be.
Our two-round mock was based on a 12-team league, using five positions comprising DT, DE, LB, S, and CB. We assumed a tackle-heavy system and DT-premium scoring.
Round One
1.01 Dallas Turner, DE Alabama
Turner is an explosive athlete with an incredible first step. He got better every year in college and had elite production in 2023. Seven to ten sacks in his rookie year is a possibility.
– Jase Abbey
1.02 Edgerrin Cooper, LB Texas A&M
In a tackle-heavy format, I’m certainly going linebacker here, especially in a year where there are no “elite” edge prospects. Cooper is my top off-ball by a smidge over Payton Wilson, both are fast to the ball and can offer pass-rush upside, due to Wilson’s age (Cooper is 1.5 years younger) and injury history (multiple surgeries to right knee and shoulders).
– Jason King
1.03 Junior Colson, LB Michigan
Colson might not be the best athlete in this class, but I think he is the best linebacker. He has all the makings of a tackle machine that can put together a really good career for a decade.
– Justin Taylor
1.04 Laiatu Latu, DE UCLA
Personally, I’d have probably taken him at 1.01, if I was picking there. His ability to get after the QB equals fantasy gold to me. He may have concerns over injury history and size/arm length, but we’ll find out the level of concern the NFL has when he’s drafted, but I see that as why I’m getting the discount here. If all checks out, defensive rookie of the year!
– Eric Flynn
1.05 Jared Verse, DE Florida State
Verse is a power rusher but can win with speed also. Versatility is another strong point for him.
– Declan Cassidy
1.06 Payton Wilson, LB North Carolina State
He is the best linebacker in this class, but injury concerns will knock his stock down.
– Brian Gaynor
1.07 Chop Robinson, DE Penn State
Best nickname in the draft? Absolutely.
Best pure edge rusher in the draft? I also think absolutely.
– Damien Lyon
1.08 Byron Murphy II, DT Texas
I would normally not go defensive tackle here but Murphy is one of the best pass-rushing DTs with six sacks in 2023 and a pass-rushing grade of 91.5 from Pro Football Focus.
– Brandon Haye
1.09 Jer’Zhan Newton, DT Illinois
I love this guy. He is not a hulking mass but the dog in him is large. He’s a disruptive, aggressive run blocker with decent pass-rush ability. Pure heart!
– Ger O’Callaghan
1.10 Tyler Nubin, S Minnesota
He is the only safety who has the IQ and athleticism to maybe sneak into round one. He is the most versatile faety who can fit multiple schemes and systems.
– Josh Ofahulu
1.11 Trevin Wallace, LB Kentucky
This is a classic case of an extremely gifted athlete who needs to get the mental side of the game down. Taking a shot on him can help round out a team picking 1.11 if it hits.
– Adam Tzikas
1.12 Darius Robinson, DE Missouri
Robinson is not a plus athlete, but very solid and productive with inside/outside capabilities. There’s talk that he could sneak into the back of the first round. It would be a bonus if he ends up being classified as a DT.
– Seth Melton
Round Two
2.01 Bralen Trice, DE Washington
I was toying with taking Cedric Gray, but Trice has too much potential as a pass rusher to overlook. He needs to continue his development as a run defender, but that’s why he’s here in round two.
– Jase Abbey
2.02 Jeremiah Trotter Jr, LB Clemson
While I do have concerns given his lack of size and length, he does cover ground quickly. Again, given the tackle-heavy scoring format, I’ll continue to take swings at LB over DBs or the available EDGEs or DTs.
– Jason King
2.03 Cooper DeJean, CB Iowa
He can play all over the secondary and gives you the bonus of returning ability. He can be a difference-maker on defense.
– Justin Taylor
2.04 Cedric Gray, LB North Carolina
Gray is explosive and covers the field well. He had issues with missed tackles, but still made plenty (368 tackles made, 28 TFLs and 8.5 sacks in his time as a Tar Heel). I love guys who are on the field for all three downs and play “see ball, get ball”.
– Eric Flynn
2.05 Chris Braswell, DE Alabama
He has an excellent combination of power and speed, which makes him very disruptive. One year of production is a worry though.
– Declan Cassidy
2.06 Marshawn Kneeland, DE Western Michigan
Kneeland is a high motor, every-down defensive line player, with scheme flex to play for any team and make an immediate impact.
– Brian Gaynor
2.07 Braden Fiske, DT Florida State
Fiske is a high motor guy who can play on all three downs. He needs to bulk up to stay on the field, but if he does, he could be a major force at both stopping the run and in pass rush situations.
– Damien Lyon
2.08 Adisa Isaac, DE Penn State
He was overshadowed by Chop Robinson, but had more sacks and had a higher rush defensive rating according to PFF. He also had a higher coverage rating than Robinson. This is a steal in my opinion.
– Brandon Haye
2.09 Austin Booker, DE Kansas
He has a small sample size but looks to be a situational guy with elite edge-rush abilities. He is questionable if asked to move backwards, but explosive when hunting the QB.
– Ger O’Callaghan
2.10 T’Vondre Sweat, DT Texas
Sweat won the award for best interior lineman in the country. He had issues with off-field behavior, but his upside is sky-high. He is always double-teamed. In DT premium scoring, I’m taking the gamble.
– Josh Ofahulu
2.11 Jonah Elliss, DE Utah
Elliss is not an incredible athlete but wins with football IQ and motor. Has the qualities desired of a pass rusher and should stick on a roster for special teams.
– Adam Tzikas
2.12 Jaden Hicks, S Washington State
Hicks is a box safety with excellent size and athletic measurables – a tone-setter and thumper who can also slide out to coverage.
– Seth Melton
Dynasty Football is an international game, and there’s no doubt how Irish he is, as you’re sure to find. #PureCork
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