Jason King goes in-depth on last year's defensive backs and their IDP futures.
Jason King rounds out his comprehensive look at the best rookie defenders from last season.
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Welcome back to another installment of DLF's annual dynasty review series, where we break down each NFL division from a dynasty perspective.
If you’ve been following along, you know the routine by now. We’ll go team by team, looking at depth charts and key offseason moves before ranking each division’s position groups from best to worst. Finally, to tie it all together, we’ll predict each division’s MVP, biggest steal, biggest bust, and more.
We’ve already covered the AFC’s IDP landscape in two parts here and here as well as the NFC North and East.
The interior of the Cardinals’ defensive line features several young players, but none of them has yet to really show us anything. Zach Harrison and Brandon Dorlus are shifting to a wider alignment in 2025. Hopefully, that helps them become more impactful.
After years of substandard play from the edges, the current group promises much. James Pearce and Jalon Walker ranked second and fifth among all edge rushers in the 2025 draft class. It spells bad news for Arnold Ebiketie, who had low-end appeal as a potential breakout a year ago, but it’s the end of his story.
Expect Pearce, Walker, Ebiketie, and Floyd to split time and limit each other’s short-term value. Longer-term, Pearce could become a real IDP asset, and perhaps Walker, too.
Kaden Ellis was incredible last year. Were he not turning 30 in July, he would probably be placed far higher than the LB21 in the DLF Dynasty Rankings.
Injuries have plagued Troy Andersen, and he’s entering a contract year. Divine Deablo’s dynasty value has been in freefall for almost two years, but we can’t rule out the possibility that he’ll rebound after earning rave reviews from Raheem Morris.
Jessie Bates should remain one of the premier safeties in IDP. Jordan Fuller replaces Justin Simmons, but may be on a short leash with Xavier Watts in the fold.
Cornerbacks have generally produced well in Jeff Ulbrich-led defenses, which bodes well for A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes. Dee Alford was the slot corner in 2024, but after a poor year, he has a point to prove. There’s competition for his spot from rookie Billy Bowman and Clark Phillips.
