Union

2024 IDP Rookie Review: Interior Defensive Linemen

USATSI 25076526
Braden Fiske | © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jason King Posted On February 21, 2025
Save To Favorites

I started writing this annual rookie review series beginning with the 2020 draft class, and I’ve always enjoyed starting up front and inside, and working out and back. So we begin with the interior defensive linemen before going to edges, off-ball linebackers, and safeties.

Granted this year’s class isn’t quite as good as last year’s, where we saw an infusion of top-end talent including Jalen Carter, Calijah Kancey, Kobie Turner, Bryan Bresee and Gervon Dexter, but it’s pretty good, with a handful of potential difference-makers in defensive tackle-required leagues.

About the Series and Statistics

Before getting into the rankings and brief reviews, credit goes to Pro Football Reference (PFR) for all statistics except for pressures, which come via Pro Football Focus (PFF). The “backfield disruption score” is quarterback hits plus tackles for loss, divided by snaps and multiplied by 100. (See the 2022 edge review for an explanation. I was referring to it as “plays in the backfield” at that time) If you want to see how this plays out at the interior defensive lineman position in 2024, the top ten (500 snaps minimum) looks like this:

  1. Leonard Williams, SEA (5.87)
  2. Zach Allen, DEN (5.71)
  3. Calijah Kancey, TB (5.18)
  4. John Franklin-Myers, DEN (4.88)
  5. Dexter Lawrence, NYG (4.36)
  6. Zach Sieler, MIA (4.27)
  7. Cameron Heyward, PIT (4.11)
  8. Dalvin Tomlinson, CLE (3.94)
  9. Calais Campbell, MIA (3.90)
  10. DeForest Buckner, IND (3.80)

Examples of players at the bottom of this list include the likes of Daniel Ekuale (0.69) and Davon Godchaux (0.29) of the Patriots, LaBryan Ray (0.64) and Shy Tuttle (0.16) of the Panthers, and Otito Ogbonnia (0.59) of the Chargers. These names shouldn’t surprise anyone.

One final note: I’m assuming the readers of this particular article are in defensive tackle-required and premium scoring formats: that is, defensive tackles get some sort of premium over other positions for statistics such as tackles, tackles in the backfield, and/or sacks. Only a small handful of these tackles have any value in leagues that just require general defensive lineman starters.

Tier One: Elite Assets

Carter and Kancey made it here from last year’s rookie class. I’m not ready to go there yet with anyone in tier two, but there’s hope. For now, Dexter Lawrence, Jeffery Simmons, Quinnen Williams and DeForest Buckner are all in this tier for me.

Tier Two: Current or Future Fantasy Starters

We’re at a pretty good place in time for fantasy defensive tackles. Kobie Turner, Zach Allen, Zach Sieler, Justin Madubuike, Derrick Brown, Chris Jones, Christian Wilkins, Jonathan Allen and Leonard Williams are all in this tier for me. These three are solidly in that mix.

1. Braden Fiske, LAR

  • Drafted: second round, No. 39 overall pick (Florida State via Western Michigan)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-4, 295
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 25

Stats to know:

  • played in all 17 games; 661 defensive snaps (59 percent snap share)
  • 51 pressures; eight-and-a-half sacks; ten quarterback hits; ten tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 3.02
  • 20 solo tackles, 24 assists; seven missed tackles (13.7 percent missed tackle rate)

Trust in Les Snead, Sean McVay and the Rams decision-makers. Do this, and you’ll be OK in your rookie drafts. We knew Fiske was a major draft winner when Los Angeles traded up 13 spots in the second round to pair the one-year Seminole star with his college teammate, Jared Verse. Knowing Aaron Donald was about to head off into retirement, L.A. drafted Byron Young, Turner, Verse and Fiske in a two-draft span to rebuild its defensive line with productive playmakers. Impressive.

His play against Seattle, highlighted in the following video starting at the 1:07 mark, showcases his explosive movements, ability to flatten to the quarterback, and stay free despite having T-Rex-like 31-inch arms.

 

The next two rookie tackles may have higher long-term upside, but Fiske is already proven – and producing at fantasy DT2 levels.

2. Johnny Newton, WAS

  • Drafted: second round, No. 36 overall pick (Illinois)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-2, 295
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23

Stats to know:

  • played in 16 games; 515 defensive snaps (51 percent snap share)
  • 18 pressures; two sacks; seven quarterback hits; six tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 2.52
  • 19 solo tackles, 25 assists; one missed tackle (2.2 percent missed tackle rate)

The 2024 NFL Draft will forever be looked upon fondly by Washington fans, and not just for delivering a franchise savior in Jayden Daniels. At least two of Washington’s three second-round picks were big hits, with Newton and corner Mike Sainristil showing their impact potential in year one.

Newton was the defensive tackle of choice for many a fantasy analyst leading up to the draft. Medicals likely contributed to his slide into the second round, as Newton had surgery in January for a Jones fracture in his right foot before needing “a procedure” on the left foot in May. Newton made his debut in week two, and turned the corner in week eight with a seven-pressure performance vs. the Bears. As promised, his relentless hand usage made it difficult for guards to lock him up. And though the numbers aren’t eye-popping, Newton’s play was noticeable down the stretch.

Competition for snaps is of course a short-term concern for Newton’s fantasy value. While Jonathan Allen is a potential cap casualty, I think it’s more likely his contract will be restructured and extended. Da’Ron Payne has another couple of years left on his contract as well, making this a potential three-headed monster inside. Even with all three on the roster, Newton should see a decent enough snap share to warrant starting consideration, especially in leagues allowing for more than one starter at tackle.

3. Byron Murphy II, SEA

  • Drafted: first round, 16th overall pick (Texas)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-0, 306
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 22 (turns 23 on September 8)

Stats to know:

  • played in 14 games; 451 defensive snaps (49 percent snap share)
  • 21 pressures; half-a-sack; one quarterback hit; two tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 0.66
  • 12 solo tackles, 24 assists; zero missed tackles

The second overall defensive player taken in the draft, Murphy clearly had a disappointing debut given expectations. He’s not a bust though – he’s just playing the same three-technique position as Leonard Williams, who at age 30 had his best season on record and was the IDP MVP in many leagues.

Murphy missed weeks four through six with a hamstring injury, and started nine games from weeks eight through 16. Considering he was limited in two other games, his snap share was actually pretty healthy – the production just wasn’t there. Some of that can be chalked up to his role in Mike McDonald’s scheme as a complementary player but it’s enough to raise some level of concern that he’s no longer my top defensive tackle from the class.

Murphy is still set up well long-term. Williams will be 31 this season. Jarran Reed (32) and Johnathan Hankins (33) are free agents, and Dre’Mont Jones‘ fit and status seems to be up in the air. Roy Robertson-Harris, acquired from Jacksonville in-season, may or may not return given his contract structure, but regardless he’s also approaching his age-32 season. If you can be patient with Murphy, I still like his chances of ascending to a fantasy DT1. He still has that off-the-line quickness and power that made him the 16th overall pick (he’s No. 91 in this clip):

 

Tier Three: Worthy of a Roster Spot

There are enough reasons to like each of these defensive tackles that I’d deem them worthy of a roster spot in all-but-shallow league formats. In essence I’d like to see how they improve with a full NFL off-season before making a dynasty determination. In ten-team leagues or 12-team leagues that lump defensive linemen together or require just one defensive tackle starter, they’re probably just waiver wire guys worth keeping an eye on.

4. Michael Hall Jr., CLE

  • Drafted: second round, No. 54 overall pick (Ohio State)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-3, 300
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 22

Stats to know:

  • played in eight games; 232 defensive snaps (46 percent snap share)
  • 16 pressures; one sack; six quarterback hits; three tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 3.88
  • eight solo tackles, six assists; zero missed tackles

Based on play alone, Hall justifies excitement as an explosive three-technique with lateral agility, great balance, active hands, power to push guards, and speed in the open. His rate of plays in the backfield – reflected in the backfield disruption score – was tops among rookies, and similar (albeit on less than half the snaps) to Kancey’s score in 2023. And, Hall is young. Really young. He played the entire rookie season as a 21-year-old. If you want a good look at what Hall brings to the table, watch this NFL Film Room cutup of his week seven snaps.

But, because it’s the Browns, there’s a lot more to this story. First, he was suspended five games to start the year after getting charged with domestic violence in an incident with his fiancee. Based on the 911 audio, it’s pretty surprising he didn’t serve actual jail time. Multiple knee injuries also factor into the picture, as Hall suffered an MCL sprain that cost him weeks 11-14, and then was carted off the field early in the second half of the Browns’ season finale vs. Baltimore. I wasn’t able to find anything that indicated what the injury was, but the Browns indicated surgery would not be necessary. They also didn’t rule it out.

Even with the off-field concerns and the injuries, I remain high on Hall. Cleveland has a big-time need for a long-term solution inside, with Shelby Harris entering his age-34 season and Dalvin Tomlinson nearing 31. Don’t go overboard with offers due to the high risk associated with Hall, but he’s a boom-or-bust buy candidate to explore in trades.

5. Darius Robinson, ARI

  • Drafted: first round, No. 27 overall pick (Missouri)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-5, 286
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23 (turns 24 on September 13)

Stats to know:

  • played in six games; 183 defensive snaps (50 percent snap share)
  • two pressures; one sack; one quarterback hit; one tackle for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 1.09
  • four solo tackles, six assists; zero missed tackles

A pre-season calf injury followed by a setback robbed Robinson of two-thirds of his rookie season – he also lost his mother during that timeframe – and the jury is very much still out on his fantasy prospects. Truthfully I have no idea what to make of him right now after Robinson provided just two pressures on 183 snaps. A late first-round pick, Robinson had tweener size concerns and seemed on the surface like an odd fit for Jonathan Gannon’s defensive scheme. Plus, Gannon is a believer in a heavy defensive line rotation, making it hard for any lineman to get consistent enough volume for fantasy impact. Overall I’m more dubious than optimistic, but the man was a disruptive force in the SEC in his final year of collegiate play.

6. T’Vondre Sweat, TEN

  • Drafted: second round, No. 38 overall pick (Texas)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-4, 366
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24

Stats to know:

  • played in all 17 games; 699 defensive snaps (66 percent snap share)
  • 23 pressures; one sack; three quarterback hits; four tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 1.00
  • 22 solo tackles, 29 assists; seven missed tackles (12.1 percent missed tackle rate)

Weight and commitment concerns (witness his DWI arrest in April 2024) dropped Sweat to the early second round, but his first-round skillset was immediately on display in Tennessee. Sweat is not just a two-down nose or nose-shade – his power and pass-rush moves allow him to generate push and free him up for pressure. He’s an impressive combination of size and skill. (Watch this fantastic breakdown of Sweat’s week 15 work vs. Cincinnati.)

Sweat logged nearly 700 snaps as a rookie, and that’s probably the most surprising part of his debut considering the conditioning concerns for a 365-pound man. Should he be able to build upon that snap volume, we’re looking at a possible weekly DT2 in short order. If he needs frequent substitutions to stay fresh, he’s going to remain a spot-starter for fantasy.

7. Ruke Orhorhoro, ATL

  • Drafted: second round, No. 35 overall pick (Clemson)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-4, 294
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23 (turns 24 on October 13)

Stats to know:

  • played in eight games; 148 defensive snaps (28 percent snap share)
  • six pressures; zero sacks; one quarterback hit; one tackle for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 1.36
  • four solo tackles, seven assists; zero missed tackles

Orhorhoro started a second-round run on defensive tackles, going one pick ahead of Newton, three ahead of Sweat and four ahead of Fiske. Even Stephen A. Smith could tell you Atlanta goofed, but still, we didn’t get much of a chance to see what Orhorhoro could produce. We might not see it in 2025 either, with aging vets Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata both scheduled to return for another season. Past that, neither is a threat to Orhorhoro, if his quickness and length (34-inch arms) translate into quick wins and penetration into the backfield. That just didn’t happen very often for Orhorhoro as a rookie. He’ll get his opportunity though given the draft investment, and for that reason it’s worth hanging onto Ruke in defensive tackle-required leagues with big taxi squads. The traits are there, and he could be primed for a big jump in value by next off-season.

Tier Four: Watch List

If you’re in a 14- or 16-team league, or a league with a lot of roster spots and/or oversized taxi squads, you could consider rostering tackles in this tier based on draft capital or brief flashes in their rookie seasons. Otherwise you’re better off using your roster spots on other positions.

8. Maason Smith, JAC

  • Drafted: second round, No. 48 overall pick (LSU)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-5, 306
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 22 (turns 23 on October 13)

Stats to know:

  • played in 11 games; 384 defensive snaps (51 percent snap share)
  • 14 pressures; three sacks; four quarterback hits; three tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 1.82
  • ten solo tackles, seven assists; zero missed tackles

A bit of a surprise top-50 pick, Smith brings length and strength to an interior line. Part of the problem I had with him as a prospect also showed up as a rookie: he has three-technique size but lacks the desired quickness to be an impact player from that position.

From a disruption standpoint, Smith had his best game of the year in week 15 at Las Vegas. He’s number 94 in this cut-up, often lined up in the left-side “B” gap.

 

First-time NFL defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile stated that Jacksonville’s defensive personnel are already a good match for his style, so there’s that. There’s a good bit of coachspeak in his introductory press conference of course, and the change in front office and coaching regime add an element of the unknown with Smith.

9. DeWayne Carter, BUF

  • Drafted: third round, No. 95 overall pick (Duke)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-3, 305
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24

Stats to know:

  • played in 11 games; 315 defensive snaps (42 percent snap share)
  • eight pressures; zero sacks; three quarterback hits; five tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 2.54
  • 11 solo tackles, three assists; zero missed tackles

Carter didn’t light the world on fire by any means, but he was solid as a rotational tackle behind starters Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones despite missing five games in the middle of the season with a wrist injury. The 33-year-old Jones has another year on his deal, so Carter will likely again see a backup rotational role as a sophomore. Moving forward he looks like a solid NFL starter, but the ceiling is low-end fantasy backup.

10. Kris Jenkins, CIN

  • Drafted: second round, No. 49 overall pick (Michigan)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-3, 305
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23 (turns 24 on October 10)

Stats to know:

  • played in 15 games; 497 defensive snaps (49 percent snap share)
  • 11 pressures; three sacks; five quarterback hits; three tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 1.61
  • ten solo tackles, 21 assist; two missed tackles (6.1 percent missed tackle rate)

Ranking fourth among rookie interior linemen for snaps played, Jenkins gave us a good look at what he probably is at the NFL level. And that’s a solid tackle – capable of good outings, such as his two-sack outing in week 16 against the Browns, but mostly just providing a handful of tackles. Given his NFL bloodlines and draft pedigree, Jenkins is probably worth keeping rostered in defensive tackle-premium leagues with deep taxi squads. In leagues with other settings, I don’t think I’d prioritize him as a buy or hold right now, as defensive tackle is often considered Cincinnati’s most likely direction in the first round with B.J. Hill hitting free agency.

11. Evan Anderson, SF

  • Undrafted (Florida Atlantic)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-3, 326
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23

Stats to know:

  • played in 12 games; 267 defensive snaps (34 percent snap share)
  • six pressures; one sack; two quarterback hits; two tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 1.50
  • 13 solo tackles, 11 assists; two missed tackles (7.7 percent missed tackle rate)

Anderson outperformed every “day three” draft pick on this list. Quick – especially for a nose tackle who weighed in at 377 pounds as a freshman at FAU – is the first word that comes to mind with Anderson, who is effective at shooting gaps and making plays in the backfield. His key stop late in San Francisco’s week ten win at Tampa Bay is exemplary of Anderson’s potential as a disruptor in the backfield:

 

While interior defensive line will likely be a focus for the 49ers in this year’s draft, Anderson earned a larger snap share and projects for a solid rotational role as a 23-year-old sophomore.

12. Leonard Taylor III, NYJ

  • Undrafted (Miami, Fla.)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-3, 305
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23

Stats to know:

  • played in 14 games; 261 defensive snaps (28 percent snap share)
  • nine pressures; one-and-a-half sacks; four quarterback hits; four tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 3.07
  • 13 solo tackles, 11 assists; three missed tackles (11.1 percent missed tackle rate)

Taylor somewhat surprisingly factored into the Jets’ defensive line rotation as an undrafted rookie, likely due to the relative ineffectiveness of veterans Solomon Thomas and Javon Kinlaw – both of whom are free agents this off-season. There’s a higher ceiling for Taylor than you might think given he slid out of the draft; he’s always shown flashes but has struggled to be a consistent presence. There’s a new coaching staff in town, of course, but Taylor likely has justified consideration for a backup rotational role. He’s a long way from becoming a fantasy factor, but he’s also not a write-off.

13. Jordan Jefferson, JAC

  • Drafted: fourth round, No. 116 overall pick (LSU via West Virginia)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-2, 316
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23 (turns 24 on September 24)

Stats to know:

  • played in eight games; 151 defensive snaps (26 percent snap share)
  • three pressures; one sack; one quarterback hit; one tackle for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 1.33
  • five solo tackles, seven assists; zero missed tackles

I really wish we would have seen more snaps from Jefferson – the second of two LSU defensive tackles selected by the then-Trent Baalke-led front office – over aging free agent-to-be Jeremiah Ledbetter, and the mostly ineffective DaVon Hamilton and Tyler Lacy, considering how Jacksonville’s season played out. Jefferson’s an easy tackle to root for as a strong, try-hard presence. I think he’ll for sure factor in as a rotational piece in 2025 with some upside for more. Like his fellow LSU and Jaguars classmate (Smith), Jefferson profiles more as a contributor than a difference-maker.

14. Mekhi Wingo, DET

  • Drafted: sixth round, No. 189 overall pick (LSU)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-0, 291
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 22

Stats to know:

  • played in 11 games; 176 defensive snaps (25 percent snap share)
  • five pressures; zero sacks; one quarterback hit; zero tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 0.57
  • one solo tackle, eight assists; zero missed tackles

Like many of his defensive line mates in Detroit, Wingo’s season ended prematurely due to serious injury. The torn ACL he suffered on Thanksgiving may very well keep him on the Reserve/PUP list to open the 2025 season, and is a significant setback for a prospect who came into the league with questions about whether his lack of length would allow him to shed blockers and add weight to hold his own vs. the run. Physically, rehab will be the focus of his off-season vs. development for an already powerful body. That’s very unfortunate since Wingo went largely unnoticeable with the snaps he did receive.

Still, Wingo is young, and his fierce playstyle and active upper body are positive from an IDP perspective. He’s worth a stash in 14- and 16-team, defensive tackle-premium leagues, provided you have lots of room on taxi squads and can keep prospects there for three seasons. Otherwise, he’s going to be tough to hang onto through rookie drafts and the grind of the regular season.

15. Khristian Boyd, NO: I for one was pretty disappointed we didn’t get to see more of Boyd as a rookie. The sixth-round pick out of Northern Iowa is a big boy with whole-body strength, decent pass rush chops and college production. His stubby sub-32-inch arm length leaves questions about his ability to consistently shed blockers though, and he’s probably going to settle in as a versatile backup. With just 74 career snaps on tape, there’s still an air of mystique and intrigue to Boyd. His most meaningful fantasy impact as a rookie was not for doing good, but rather giving Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith a concussion in week three.

16. Jonah Laulu, LV

  • Drafted (by Indianapolis): seventh round, No. 234 overall pick (Oklahoma via Hawaii)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-5, 292
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 25

Stats to know:

  • played in all 17 games; 475 defensive snaps (43 percent snap share)
  • ten pressures; one sack; two quarterback hits; three tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 1.06
  • 15 solo tackles, 20 assists; zero missed tackles

That Laulu finished third among Vegas interior linemen in defensive snaps (behind Adam Butler and John Jenkins) speaks to the Raiders’ lack of depth exposed by Christian Wilkins’ week five, season-ending foot injury. Still, Laulu performed well as a three-technique/4-tech despite not joining the team until late August. With Wilkins returning, Laulu projects to maintain a rotational role considering both Butler and Jenkins, who will be 36 during the 2025 season, are looming free agents. From an IDP perspective, I’m only keeping an eye on him as there’s little chance of fantasy value.

Tier Five: Not Worth Rostering

There’s nothing to see here for fantasy but I took a look to be sure.

17. Brandon Dorlus, ATL: The fourth-rounder out of Oregon had a nice body of work behind him but the only thing consistent about Dorlus during his rookie season was his name on the inactive list. Given Atlanta’s desperate need for pass-rush juice, it’s not a good sign that Dorlus saw just 19 snaps. He’s also shaping up to be a tweener in Jeff Ulbrich’s defense.

18. Justin Eboigbe, LAC

  • Drafted: fourth round, No. 105 overall pick (Alabama)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-5, 292
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24

Stats to know:

  • played in five games; 26 defensive snaps (7 percent snap share)
  • Zero plays in the backfield
  • one solo tackle, one assist; zero missed tackles

Eboigbe was certainly a letdown for a fourth-round pick, barely seeing snaps in a low-profile interior room that featured Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia and Teair Tart. All but Ogbonnia are free agents, and an exit by Fox, in particular, could allow Eboigbe to see the field more often in 2025. Still, we’re looking at a long-term longshot for fantasy significance.

19. McKinnley Jackson, CIN

  • Drafted: third round, No. 97 overall pick (Texas A&M)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-2, 331
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23

Stats to know:

  • played in 13 games; 248 defensive snaps (28 percent snap share)
  • seven pressures; one sack; one quarterback hit; two tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 1.21
  • six solo tackles, nine assists; zero missed tackles

The second of two “day two” defensive tackles selected by the Bengals, Jackson is more of a prototype nose tackle than anything. He mostly saw work in the “B” gap as a rookie though, something that probably will change in Al Golden’s scheme. As much as I like the upside for IDPs under Golden, as a nose Jackson just won’t be consistent enough from a snap or production standpoint to matter for fantasy.

20. Logan Lee, PIT: A sixth-round pick out of Iowa, Lee never saw the field as a rookie after the Steelers stashed him on injured reserve with a minor pre-season injury. Late to the league as a 24-year-old rookie, Lee hopefully took advantage of a redshirt year to add bulk. Though 6-5, his listed 286 pounds is much lighter than what Pittsburgh looks for in its 3-4 defensive ends. Lee is likely destined to follow the path of recent Pittsburgh draft whiffs DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk, and at best is a longshot to carry fantasy relevance even if he works his way into a rotational role.

21. Jowon Briggs, CLE

  • Drafted: seventh round, No. 243 overall pick (Cincinnati)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-1, 313
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24

Stats to know:

  • played in six games; 133 defensive snaps (34 percent snap share)
  • four pressures; zero sacks; two quarterback hits; one tackle for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 2.26
  • three solo tackles, ten assists; one missed tackle (7.1 percent missed tackle rate)

Briggs’ 133 snaps was more than anyone anticipated, but still, it was a small sample size. The results were probably just as unanticipated, with decent backfield production. Briggs remains a fantasy longshot but should get a longer look in 2025 if he follows the team’s direction in the off-season.

22. Jaden Crumedy, CAR

  • Drafted: sixth round, No. 200 overall pick (Mississippi State)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-4, 309
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 25

Stats to know:

  • played in five games; 121 defensive snaps (34 percent snap share)
  • one pressure; half-a-sack; one quarterback hit; zero tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 0.83
  • four solo tackles, nine assists; one missed tackle (7.1 percent missed tackle rate)

Crumedy was never all that productive at Mississippi State even though he has decent quickness off the line, so it wasn’t surprising that he didn’t do anything to impress on limited but respectable snaps during his rookie season. Derrick Brown’s early exit surely contributed to Carolina’s run game woes – the Panthers were an all-time bad defense vs. opposing run games – but the Panthers are sure to pursue interior linemen this off-season, limiting Crumedy’s opportunity to see the field and develop. And how much more of a development curve exists is a real question given Crumedy’s collegiate snaps and age.

23. Tyler Davis, LAR

  • Drafted: sixth round, No. 196 overall pick (Clemson)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-0, 291
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 22

Stats to know:

  • played in 16 games; 299 defensive snaps (29 percent snap share)
  • four pressures; half-a-sack; one quarterback hit; two tackles for loss
  • Backfield disruption score: 1.01
  • 12 solo tackles, 17 assists; two missed tackles (6.5 percent missed tackle rate)

The Rams struck gold with Turner (2023) and Fiske (2024) in the two most recent drafts. A late day three selection, Davis is obviously not of the same ilk as the two starters in post-AD (Aaron Donald) times. Not the greatest of athletes to begin with and lacking elite traits, Davis’ rookie season was pretty on par with what I think we can expect going forward: a waiver wire tackle who can stay there.

24. Levi Drake Rodriguez, MIN: As a non-Combine invitee and seventh-round draft pick out of Texas A&M-Commerce, Drake Rodriguez was always going to be regarded as a supreme long-shot to make a fantasy impact. Logging one solo tackle on six defensive snaps during his rookie campaign didn’t give us much to go on. The current depth chart shows opportunity along Minnesota’s defensive interior, with regulars Jerry Tillery, Jonathan Bullard and Jihad Ward all entering free agency. Still, it’s hard to see Drake Rodriguez stepping up into a 400-plus snap rotational role over the next few seasons.

Jason King
Latest posts by Jason King (see all)

Related Items:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Latest Articles

See All Articles
Group-3386-min

Part of the Betsperts Media and Technology Group

Betsperts
BNF - horizontal - dark
Betsperts Golf
Bleachernation
4for4

Copyright 2006-2025 Betsperts Media Group. All rights are reserved.

Find us here