2024 IDP Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookies: Top Landing Spots For Defensive Tackles and Defensive Backs

Terrion Arnold | © John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Abbey Posted On April 8, 2024

As the 2024 NFL Draft draws near, our focus shifts from evaluating college prospects to considering which teams will draft them. Talent is undoubtedly essential, but landing spots are also a significant factor in determining whether rookie NFL players earn an opportunity to make an early impact.

This article will identify the ideal landing spots for the defensive tackles and defensive backs you should target in your rookie drafts.

Defensive Tackles

Byron Murphy II, DT Texas

Ideal landing spot: Los Angeles Rams

Murphy has what it takes to develop into the best pass rusher among the interior defensive linemen prospects. He plays with a relentless motor, possesses one of the best first steps at the position, and boasts excellent athleticism, as demonstrated at the NFL Combine.

A look at the most athletic defensive tackles among 2024 combine participants according to the NGS athleticism score.

🥇 89 – Braden Fiske (@FSUFootball)
🥈 86 – Byron Murphy II (@TexasFootball)
🥉 83 – Kris Jenkins (@UMichFootball)

*Pending shuttle and bench press results pic.twitter.com/4QAni3W6G6

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) February 29, 2024

Aaron Donald ’s retirement leaves a gaping hole in the heart of the Rams’ defensive line. Kobie Turner’s emergence as an impact player softens the blow, but adding Murphy would create a young tandem with the potential to develop into a quarterback’s nightmare. It’s extremely unlikely Murphy II is available for the Rams to select at pick 19, but we can dream.

Jer’Zhan Newton, DT Illinois

Ideal landing spot: Miami Dolphins

Newton’s lack of length may discourage some NFL teams from drafting him. However, his college production suggests he has what it takes to overcome his shortcomings. Teams that covet prospects with impressive technique will like what they have seen. The DLF team ranks the talented 21-year-old as the ninth overall rookie and highest-ranked DT in their Dynasty Rookie IDP Rookie Rankings.

Jer'Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois, 4)
vs Penn State 2023

For the uninitiated, these aren't highlights, but all of the plays that I felt were worth a look. And Newton just had a TON in this game.

Full analysis and evaluation will be available later. pic.twitter.com/nadN0I3tdv

— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) January 20, 2024

The Dolphins opted not to use their franchise tag on Christian Wilkins, allowing him to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Raekwon Davis was also allowed to leave. The duo’s departure vacated almost 1,500 snaps from the position, creating a positional void. Benito Jones joined the team in free agency, but the former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman is not the long-term answer. Drafting Newton would provide the Dolphins—a team with postseason ambitions—with a player who could contribute in his rookie year.

T’Vondre Sweat, DT Texas

Ideal landing spot: Los Angeles Chargers

Sweat does not possess the athleticism of Murphy II or Newton and offers limited upside as a pass rusher. However, he contributes in other ways. At 6’4” and 366 lbs, the 22-year-old cuts an imposing figure, demonstrating the mass and power to take on double teams, collapse the pocket and stuff the run effectively.

T'Vondre Sweat instantly changes the equation for how teams have to plan their rushing attack. His pure size often demands multiple blockers and, even then, not necessarily enough to shut him out.

DeMeco Ryans defense could add someone teams will run *away* from with Sweat. pic.twitter.com/J0rVEmtfRg

— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) April 2, 2024

The Chargers’ run defense has been dreadful for over a decade. Sweat alone would not resolve the problem, but he would go some way to improving the unit. The franchise hasn’t had a standout player at the position since Antonio Garay in 2010, and drafting Sweat—a player often compared to Vita Vea—would give them a dominant presence in the middle of their defensive line.

Defensive Backs

Tyler Nubin, S Minnesota

Ideal landing spot: New York Giants

Nubin is an instinctual safety. He anticipates routes and uses his exceptional ball skills to create takeaways, leading to an impressive 12 interceptions in the last three years. A versatile player, the 22-year-old can also contribute in run support; his missed tackle rate has improved every season for three consecutive years.

It will be interesting to see how Nubin’s poor performance at the combine affects his draft stock. I still think he’ll be one of the first three safeties selected, and he’s the highest-ranked safety in my rankings, but his poor athletic testing creates some doubt in my mind.

The Giants will feel the loss of Xavier McKinney. The former first-round pick played every snap in 2023 and delivered the best performance of his four-year career. Expecting Nubin to fill McKinney’s shoes would be a big ask. Still, Nubin has the ceiling to suggest he could become an excellent NFL safety, and landing with the Giants would be great for his value in IDP fantasy leagues.

Javon Bullard, S Georgia

Ideal landing spot: Dallas Cowboys

Bullard lacks prototypical size at 5’10” and 198 lbs, but he’s capable in run defense, willing to take on would-be blockers and rarely misses tackles. The 21-year-old excels in pass coverage, demonstrating the versatility to play as a deep safety and in the slot, further adding to his appeal.

#Georgia safety Javon Bullard

5-foot-10, 197.

• Split-field range/ball skills
• Coverage traits/transition speed
• Alley runner/cuts-off the ball
• Short-area burst/downhill urgency
• Route ID/Play recognition
• Star/Slot ability pic.twitter.com/6fvHfJNVzw

— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) February 18, 2024

The Dallas Cowboys have two excellent outside cornerbacks in Tre’von Diggs and Da’Ron Bland, but slot defensive back Jourdan Lewis‘s performance has deteriorated in recent years. Upgrading the position would help the defense immeasurably, and by signing with the team which led the league in pressure, Bullard would have ample opportunities to create takeaways.

Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama

Ideal landing spot: Detroit Lions

Arnold is my top-ranked cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft class. He’s an excellent athlete, blanketing wide receivers in man coverage with an aggressive style of play. The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2023 season, silencing critics who questioned his ball skills by producing five interceptions and 13 pass breakups.

The Lions’ cornerbacks are a weak position group. Cameron Sutton, who performed well below expectations in 2023, was released in March, and Jerry Jacobs’ level of play declined. Introducing Arnold to this group would immediately upgrade the unit, and the rookie would be in a great spot to play a significant role from the outset.