2025 NFL Draft: IDP Dynasty Fantasy Football Winners And Losers From The NFC
The NFL Draft is exciting yet nerve-wracking for dynasty fantasy managers. While we’re excited to welcome a fresh wave of talent, there’s always the concern that their landing spots might jeopardize the roles of players already on our rosters.
This article is the second in a two-part series examining the veteran IDP winners and losers following the 2025 NFL Draft. We kicked things off with the AFC and are now turning our attention to the NFC.
Winners
DeMarvion Overshown, LB DAL
The idea that Overshown could return in 2025 seemed unlikely after he tore the ACL, MCL, and PCL in his right knee in week 14. In December, former head coach Mike McCarthy said there was a “very realistic” chance the young linebacker would miss the entire 2025 season.
Recent post-surgery updates offered a more encouraging timeline for his return, and Overshown has set lofty goals in 2025.
#Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown — was was announced today as the first player in franchise history to wear No. 0 — has been progressing well in his recovery from a significant knee injury, and there’s optimism he could return around the middle of the 2025 season, per sources.… pic.twitter.com/SXjtigU0md
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 9, 2025
With Eric Kendricks no longer in the picture and Marist Liufau underwhelming in his rookie campaign, the Cowboys had an opportunity to reinforce the position via the draft. Instead, they were content with the free agent additions of Kenneth Murray Jr and Jack Sanborn – two veterans who can at least fill in on spot duty but pose little challenge to Overshown’s starting role or long-term value once healthy.
Marcus Davenport, EDGE DET
Few players have enjoyed as many second, third, and fourth chances as Davenport. After a mostly injury-plagued career, IDP managers could be forgiven for having moved on long ago. Many still believe in him because, during the rare moments he has been healthy, the former first-rounder has proven he has the tools to be a difference-maker.
The super-patient IDP managers among us may reap the benefits of playing the long game, as the Lions defied expectations by not selecting any real edge competition in the draft. The IDP community may have justifiably low expectations of Davenport, but Dan Campbell hasn’t lost faith.
Dan Campbell believes Marcus Davenport can be one “hell of a player” for the Detroit Lions this year. pic.twitter.com/oUNA2U8dmV
— Lions Nation Unite™ (@LionsNationU) April 1, 2025
The prospect that Davenport could remain healthy and benefit from playing alongside arguably the most talented edge rusher in the league makes him a low-risk, potentially high-reward option.
Theo Jackson, S MIN
Brian Flores has been a proponent of deploying three safeties at a high rate in Minnesota, with Cam Bynum, Josh Metellus, and Harrison Smith surpassing or flirting with 1,000 snaps each of the past two seasons. So, when Cam Bynum was allowed to leave in free agency, the Vikings were linked with several high-profile replacements, including rookie Nick Emmanwori.
The Vikings didn’t bring in a replacement for Bynum through the draft or free agency. Although a veteran addition is still possible, Jackson currently appears to be the frontrunner for an expanded role.
The former sixth-round pick is inexperienced but has played well when called upon and signed a three-year extension in March. Defensive captain Harrison Smith was a fan of the move.
Harrison Smith on Theo Jackson: "From the day he got here… Like, literally, the day… I was, like, How did he? How did the Titans let him go? That's not to knock the Titans, but he's a good player. … Everything I've seen from Theo, man, he's got a lot of ability." https://t.co/9bt8iKxJHI
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) April 21, 2025
Losers
Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE NYG
Thibodeaux still has plenty of time to justify being the fifth overall pick in 2022, but the early rewards have been disappointing. His die-hard truthers often highlight his 11.5 sacks in 2023, but those numbers came on just 43 pressures—an unusually high conversion rate. Once his finishing rate normalized, his sack totals followed suit and declined. His modest 9.4% career pressure rate points to a lack of progression.
With DLF’s No 1 dynasty rookie IDP Abdul Carter now in the mix next to Brian Burns, things just got even more complicated for Thibodeaux. General manager Joe Schoen said, “You can’t have enough pass rushers,” but in reality, all three players will probably rotate to a degree. Thibodeaux’s struggles mean it wouldn’t be surprising if he finished last among the group in snaps in 2024.
Dee Winters, LB SF
By moving on from Dre Greenlaw and De’Vondre Campbell, the 49ers created what could be a 1,000+ snap role at linebacker alongside Fred Warner.
Dee Winters was a popular pick to step up after impressing in a limited role last season, but his dynasty stock took a hit when San Francisco invested a third-round pick in Nick Martin. With that said, the rookie lacks the skillset to become an immediate contributor, and some analysts thought the pick was a reach.
NFL Draft Third Round Reaches/Steals according to consensus big boards and mock drafts
Steals
DAL: Shavon Revel
ATL: Xavier WattsReaches:
HOU: Jaylin Smith
SF: Nick Martin pic.twitter.com/9RsbhpH2XX— Kevin Cole (@KevinCole___) April 26, 2025
If Winters has a strong camp, he could still emerge as the early winner of the competition. However, the fact that the 49ers prioritized selecting a linebacker over other draft needs suggests Winters will probably have to exceed the team’s expectations to keep Martin at bay.
Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE ATL
Ebiketie was widely tipped for a breakout season in 2024 after demonstrating significant improvement in his sophomore year. With limited competition on the edge, it looked like his chance to shine. Unfortunately, he failed to take advantage of the opportunity and remained mired in a four—and sometimes five-man rotation.
After electing not to re-sign Matthew Judon, the Falcons invested heavily in the position this offseason, signing Leonard Floyd in free agency and investing two first-round picks in Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. In what has quickly become a deep group, Ebiketie may struggle to earn sufficient snaps to make him a consistent IDP option.
Xavier Woods, S TEN
Nominating an aging safety who took a step back in coverage may seem like picking low-hanging fruit, but this prediction may take a year to become a reality. The veteran is under contract through 2026, produced career-highs in snaps and tackles last season, and remains a leader in the secondary.
With that said, the Titans saw fit to invest a third-round pick in safety Kevin Winston Jr. He’s a developmental prospect who may take a year to find his feet, but he has undeniable talent and could compete for a role by 2026.
“If he wasn’t injured and he could have played his whole career, he would have been a first round draft pick”
Nick Saban on new #Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr.
— Lucas Panzica (@lucaspanzica) April 26, 2025
Ultimately, the rookie may end up replacing Amani Hooker – who is entering a contract year – but unless the move to Tennessee invigorates Woods’ career, cutting ties with the veteran in 2026 and saving $4 million may be the better option.
The NFL Draft is exciting yet nerve-wracking for dynasty fantasy managers. While we’re excited to welcome a fresh wave of talent, there’s always the concern that their landing spots might jeopardize the roles of players already on our rosters.
This article is the second in a two-part series examining the veteran IDP winners and losers following the 2025 NFL Draft. We kicked things off with the AFC and are now turning our attention to the NFC.
Winners
DeMarvion Overshown, LB DAL
The idea that Overshown could return in 2025 seemed unlikely after he tore the ACL, MCL, and PCL in his right knee in week 14. In December, former head coach Mike McCarthy said there was a “very realistic” chance the young linebacker would miss the entire 2025 season.
Recent post-surgery updates offered a more encouraging timeline for his return, and Overshown has set lofty goals in 2025.
#Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown — was was announced today as the first player in franchise history to wear No. 0 — has been progressing well in his recovery from a significant knee injury, and there’s optimism he could return around the middle of the 2025 season, per sources.… pic.twitter.com/SXjtigU0md
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 9, 2025
With Eric Kendricks no longer in the picture and Marist Liufau underwhelming in his rookie campaign, the Cowboys had an opportunity to reinforce the position via the draft. Instead, they were content with the free agent additions of Kenneth Murray Jr and Jack Sanborn – two veterans who can at least fill in on spot duty but pose little challenge to Overshown’s starting role or long-term value once healthy.
Marcus Davenport, EDGE DET
Few players have enjoyed as many second, third, and fourth chances as Davenport. After a mostly injury-plagued career, IDP managers could be forgiven for having moved on long ago. Many still believe in him because, during the rare moments he has been healthy, the former first-rounder has proven he has the tools to be a difference-maker.
The super-patient IDP managers among us may reap the benefits of playing the long game, as the Lions defied expectations by not selecting any real edge competition in the draft. The IDP community may have justifiably low expectations of Davenport, but Dan Campbell hasn’t lost faith.
Dan Campbell believes Marcus Davenport can be one “hell of a player” for the Detroit Lions this year. pic.twitter.com/oUNA2U8dmV
— Lions Nation Unite™ (@LionsNationU) April 1, 2025
The prospect that Davenport could remain healthy and benefit from playing alongside arguably the most talented edge rusher in the league makes him a low-risk, potentially high-reward option.
Theo Jackson, S MIN
Brian Flores has been a proponent of deploying three safeties at a high rate in Minnesota, with Cam Bynum, Josh Metellus, and Harrison Smith surpassing or flirting with 1,000 snaps each of the past two seasons. So, when Cam Bynum was allowed to leave in free agency, the Vikings were linked with several high-profile replacements, including rookie Nick Emmanwori.
The Vikings didn’t bring in a replacement for Bynum through the draft or free agency. Although a veteran addition is still possible, Jackson currently appears to be the frontrunner for an expanded role.
The former sixth-round pick is inexperienced but has played well when called upon and signed a three-year extension in March. Defensive captain Harrison Smith was a fan of the move.
Harrison Smith on Theo Jackson: "From the day he got here… Like, literally, the day… I was, like, How did he? How did the Titans let him go? That's not to knock the Titans, but he's a good player. … Everything I've seen from Theo, man, he's got a lot of ability." https://t.co/9bt8iKxJHI
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) April 21, 2025
Losers
Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE NYG
Thibodeaux still has plenty of time to justify being the fifth overall pick in 2022, but the early rewards have been disappointing. His die-hard truthers often highlight his 11.5 sacks in 2023, but those numbers came on just 43 pressures—an unusually high conversion rate. Once his finishing rate normalized, his sack totals followed suit and declined. His modest 9.4% career pressure rate points to a lack of progression.
With DLF’s No 1 dynasty rookie IDP Abdul Carter now in the mix next to Brian Burns, things just got even more complicated for Thibodeaux. General manager Joe Schoen said, “You can’t have enough pass rushers,” but in reality, all three players will probably rotate to a degree. Thibodeaux’s struggles mean it wouldn’t be surprising if he finished last among the group in snaps in 2024.
Dee Winters, LB SF
By moving on from Dre Greenlaw and De’Vondre Campbell, the 49ers created what could be a 1,000+ snap role at linebacker alongside Fred Warner.
Dee Winters was a popular pick to step up after impressing in a limited role last season, but his dynasty stock took a hit when San Francisco invested a third-round pick in Nick Martin. With that said, the rookie lacks the skillset to become an immediate contributor, and some analysts thought the pick was a reach.
NFL Draft Third Round Reaches/Steals according to consensus big boards and mock drafts
Steals
DAL: Shavon Revel
ATL: Xavier WattsReaches:
HOU: Jaylin Smith
SF: Nick Martin pic.twitter.com/9RsbhpH2XX— Kevin Cole (@KevinCole___) April 26, 2025
If Winters has a strong camp, he could still emerge as the early winner of the competition. However, the fact that the 49ers prioritized selecting a linebacker over other draft needs suggests Winters will probably have to exceed the team’s expectations to keep Martin at bay.
Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE ATL
Ebiketie was widely tipped for a breakout season in 2024 after demonstrating significant improvement in his sophomore year. With limited competition on the edge, it looked like his chance to shine. Unfortunately, he failed to take advantage of the opportunity and remained mired in a four—and sometimes five-man rotation.
After electing not to re-sign Matthew Judon, the Falcons invested heavily in the position this offseason, signing Leonard Floyd in free agency and investing two first-round picks in Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. In what has quickly become a deep group, Ebiketie may struggle to earn sufficient snaps to make him a consistent IDP option.
Xavier Woods, S TEN
Nominating an aging safety who took a step back in coverage may seem like picking low-hanging fruit, but this prediction may take a year to become a reality. The veteran is under contract through 2026, produced career-highs in snaps and tackles last season, and remains a leader in the secondary.
With that said, the Titans saw fit to invest a third-round pick in safety Kevin Winston Jr. He’s a developmental prospect who may take a year to find his feet, but he has undeniable talent and could compete for a role by 2026.
“If he wasn’t injured and he could have played his whole career, he would have been a first round draft pick”
Nick Saban on new #Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr.
— Lucas Panzica (@lucaspanzica) April 26, 2025
Ultimately, the rookie may end up replacing Amani Hooker – who is entering a contract year – but unless the move to Tennessee invigorates Woods’ career, cutting ties with the veteran in 2026 and saving $4 million may be the better option.
