I started writing this annual rookie review series beginning with the 2020 draft class, and the interior defensive line hasn\u2019t given us much to get excited about. Until now.<\/p>\n
Sure, Carolina\u2019s Derrick Brown<\/a> and Baltimore\u2019s Justin Madubuike<\/a> – both from the 2020 draft class – have come around and developed into dynasty DT1s. And 2021\u2019s top tackle, Christian Barmore<\/a> of New England, rebounded this year from an abysmal 2022 to get back into the DT2 conversation.<\/p>\n But last season, with the Packers\u2019 Devonte Wyatt<\/a> representing the only tackle remotely resembling a fantasy asset, was the bottom. From a dynasty perspective we needed a class like this to replenish a position that is likely soon to lose longtime studs Aaron Donald<\/a> and Cameron Heyward<\/a>, especially with the 2024 rookie group lacking any elite-level standouts.<\/p>\n This is the first offering in this 2023 IDP rookie review series. Still to come are the edge rushers, linebackers, and finally safeties. The cornerback class was nice too but corners simply don\u2019t carry dynasty value from year-to-year, so I don\u2019t pay them much mind when looking through a dynasty lens.<\/p>\n Before getting into the rankings and brief reviews, credit goes to Pro Football Reference<\/a> (PFR) for all statistics except for pressures, which come via Pro Football Focus (PFF). The \u201cbackfield disruption score\u201d is quarterback hits plus tackles for loss, divided by snaps and multiplied by 100. (See the 2022 edge review for an explanation<\/a>. I was referring to it as \u201cplays in the backfield\u201d at that time) If you want to see how this plays out at the interior defensive lineman position in 2023, the top ten (500 snaps minimum) looks like this:<\/p>\n Examples of players in the bottom ten include the the likes of the Patriots’ Lawrence Guy<\/a> (0.19) and Davon Godchaux<\/a> (0.44), Carolina nose Shy Tuttle<\/a> (0.37), Kansas City’s Derrick Nnadi<\/a> (0.40) and the Chargers’ Austin Johnson<\/a> (0.47). These names shouldn\u2019t surprise anyone.<\/p>\n One final note: I\u2019m 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 linemen starters.<\/p>\n Quinnen Williams, Jeffery Simmons<\/a>, Chris Jones, Dexter Lawrence and DeForest Buckner have some company in my elite tier of defensive tackles.<\/p>\n Stats to know:<\/p>\n Coming out of Georgia, Carter was the most well-regarded pass rushing defensive tackle prospect of this century. His snaps and his effectiveness tailed off over the second half of 2023, but otherwise he didn\u2019t disappoint as a first-year pro. His size, quick feet and hands, speed and power were all on display over the course of the season, and offensive linemen resorted to holding to give their quarterbacks time to escape the pocket or get rid of the ball (just watch the clips below).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n .@Eagles<\/a> @breadmanjalen<\/a> has everything he needs to be as good as he wants. #BaldysBreakdowns<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/2h0wmkixFN<\/a><\/p>\n — Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 21, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/a>About the Series and Statistics<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Tier One: Elite Assets<\/h2>\n
<\/a>1. Jalen Carter<\/a>, PHI<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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