As the NFL welcomes a new class of talented defensive players (IDP), fantasy football enthusiasts are keenly evaluating which rookies might make significant impacts in the upcoming season.
This article delves into the potential fantasy football contributions of standout rookies Dallas Turner, Chop Robinson, Byron Murphy II, and Johnny Newton. We explore not only their potential for immediate fantasy relevance but also their long-term prospects within the dynamic landscape of NFL defenses. Whether you’re drafting for a redraft league or strategizing for dynasty formats, understanding the strengths and developmental trajectories of these young defensive talents can give you a critical edge in your fantasy football planning.
Take a look at our recent Top Rookies Post-Combine Articles:
This article is a summary of our recent video on the IDP+ YouTube Channel, summarized by IDP+ Ai and edited by a staff member.
Dallas Turner
Dallas Turner is emerging as a top prospect in the upcoming NFL draft due to his versatility and robust defensive skills. Capable of playing both as a stand-up linebacker and a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, Turner’s adaptability allows him to fit into nearly any defensive framework. His well-rounded abilities to disrupt the run game and exert pressure on the quarterback set him apart as a potential staple in an NFL defensive lineup. His intelligence on the field, demonstrated by his precise recall of play details, suggests a high football IQ, which is highly valued at the professional level. Scouts are particularly optimistic about his ability to transition smoothly into the NFL, bolstered by his capacity to understand and implement complex defensive schemes.
- Immediate Impact: Turner’s well-rounded skill set makes him a strong candidate for early fantasy relevance. His ability to both stop the run and pressure the quarterback can translate into immediate fantasy points, particularly in leagues that reward diverse defensive statistics. His readiness to start in a multitude of defensive schemes enhances his value from the outset.
- Long-Term Impact: As Turner gains NFL experience, he’s projected to become a significant fantasy asset. With the potential to develop into a 10-sack per season player, his long-term value in dynasty leagues is considerable. Turner’s versatility and high motor suggest he could be a consistent performer and a staple in fantasy lineups for years to come.
Chop Robinson
Chop Robinson has gained significant attention from scouts and analysts alike due to his explosive get-off at the snap, which rivals some of the quickest in the league. His standout performance, especially noted in a game against Michigan, showcased his ability to single-handedly disrupt the offensive game plan, forcing them to minimize their passing attempts due to his pressure. Despite concerns regarding his size and reach, Robinson has demonstrated a formidable capability against the run, assuaging some doubts about his physical attributes. His aggressive play style and resilience on the field suggest that he could overcome physical mismatches through sheer effort and technique. Robinson’s potential is seen in his ability to make game-changing plays, which makes him a compelling choice for teams looking to enhance their pass rush.
- Immediate Impact: Robinson’s explosive first step and ability to disrupt plays make him a potentially impactful fantasy player right from his rookie season. His game against Michigan highlighted his capability to take over games, which could lead to high fantasy scores on days when he’s particularly active in the backfield.
- Long-Term Impact: While there are concerns about his consistency and ability to handle NFL-level offensive linemen, Robinson’s ceiling is high. If he can refine his technique and build on his natural athleticism, he has the potential to become a standout IDP (Individual Defensive Player) option. Managers in dynasty leagues should consider his high-risk, high-reward profile.
Byron Murphy II
Byron Murphy II stands out as a premier defensive tackle in his class, known for his explosive penetration and ability to dominate inside the line. Murphy’s exceptional performance metrics, particularly in pass rush win rate, suggest he is more than capable of transitioning his collegiate success into the professional ranks. Despite concerns about his size and arm length potentially limiting his effectiveness against larger NFL linemen, Murphy’s quickness and strength allow him to consistently outmaneuver his opponents. His style of play aligns well with NFL teams that prioritize disruptive interior linemen who can collapse the pocket and disrupt both the run and pass games effectively.
- Immediate Impact: Murphy’s explosiveness and high motor might allow him to make an immediate fantasy impact, especially in formats that highly value tackles for loss and sacks. His ability to win in small sample sizes at the college level suggests he can make splash plays that score well in fantasy settings.
- Long-Term Impact: The development of Murphy’s overall game will be critical to his long-term fantasy value. If he can enhance his technique and maintain his playmaking ability, he could become a top-tier fantasy defensive tackle. His potential for a high tackle rate and ability to pressure the quarterback from the interior position him as a valuable asset in dynasty formats.
Johnny Newton
Johnny Newton, hailing from Illinois, is celebrated for his robust defensive capabilities, particularly in his bull rush and agility at the line. Despite lacking the prototypical size for a defensive tackle, his first-team All-American honors attest to his effectiveness on the field. Newton’s agility and quickness enable him to navigate through blockers and apply pressure in the backfield consistently. His potential fit with teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, who could utilize his skills to fill significant gaps in their defensive line, underscores his value. Newton’s knack for making plays behind the line of scrimmage and his ability to chase down plays from behind exemplify his high motor and relentless pursuit, traits that will serve him well in the NFL.
- Immediate Impact: Newton’s exceptional instincts and bull-rush ability could translate into immediate fantasy points in leagues that reward defensive line play. His knack for making plays behind the line of scrimmage and ability to chase down plays from behind make him a potentially lucrative pick for fantasy managers seeking defensive tackles who can score beyond just sacks.
- Long-Term Impact: Given his high motor and effectiveness in college, Newton has the potential to grow into one of the more reliable fantasy defensive tackles. If he continues to develop his skills at shedding blockers and improving his pass rush technique, Newton could become a consistent source of fantasy points, particularly in leagues that value tackles and tackles for loss.
Leatu Latu
Leatu Latu emerges as a standout in the edge rusher category, celebrated for his impeccable technique and robust play. As the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Latu’s prowess on the field is marked by his ability to combine speed with power effectively, making him a formidable force against both the run and the pass. Concerns about his medical history, particularly a spinal fusion surgery akin to the one undergone by Peyton Manning, have caused some trepidation among scouts. However, if medical evaluations are favorable, Latu’s high floor and immediate productivity potential could make him a top draft choice. His playing style, which includes a diverse array of pass rush moves and a consistent motor, has drawn comparisons to NFL players like Trey Hendrickson, highlighting his readiness to impact at the professional level.
- Immediate Impact: Latu’s technique and readiness to contribute from day one make him an appealing option for fantasy teams needing defensive points. His ability to consistently apply pressure and tackle effectively positions him as a potential early contributor, especially if he clears medical evaluations. Fantasy managers should consider him a viable starting option in leagues that reward defensive plays heavily.
- Long-Term Impact: Given his high floor and technical proficiency, Latu is poised to be a steady source of fantasy points over the long term. As he grows within an NFL system and if his health sustains, he could develop into a cornerstone of fantasy defense squads, much like Trey Hendrickson has for his real-life team.
Jared Verse
Jared Verse, from Florida State, is noted for his dynamic play on the edge, possessing the raw athleticism and versatility to play across multiple defensive schemes. Despite needing a strong supporting cast to maximize his effectiveness, Verse’s ability to outmaneuver tackles and leverage his speed and power makes him a valuable asset. His draft stock might hinge significantly on finding a team that provides the right environment for his skills to flourish, ideally a team with a strong interior presence to complement his edge rushing capabilities. Verse’s potential for significant impact in the NFL could be realized if placed in a system like that of the Indianapolis Colts, where he could line up next to established defenders and thrive.
- Immediate Impact: Verse’s immediate fantasy value may depend significantly on his landing spot. If drafted into a supportive environment with strong internal defensive linemen, he could surprise fantasy managers with good rookie year numbers. However, his performance might be inconsistent if the team structure doesn’t support edge rushers well.
- Long-Term Impact: With the right development and team fit, Verse has the potential to become a significant fantasy asset. His natural athleticism and ability to learn could see him evolve into a more consistent performer, possibly reaching higher sack and tackle numbers as he matures into his role.
Chris Braswell
Chris Braswell from Alabama is known for his intellectual approach to the game, coupled with exceptional football intelligence. His interactions at the Senior Bowl highlighted his deep understanding of defensive techniques and his adaptability across different defensive positions. While he may not exhibit the standout physical attributes seen in some peers, his strategic knowledge and ability to recall play details make him a promising candidate for teams looking for a smart, coachable player. Braswell’s potential as a late bloomer in the NFL, with the ability to consistently contribute tackles and sacks, makes him an intriguing prospect, especially as a second-round pick with considerable upside.
- Immediate Impact: Braswell’s understanding of the game and versatility may not immediately translate into high fantasy numbers. His role could be more about utility in the early stages, contributing in ways that are not always quantifiable in standard fantasy scoring, such as forcing quarterbacks to hurry throws or drawing double teams.
- Long-Term Impact: As he gains experience and physicality, Braswell could become a more prominent fantasy figure. His intellectual approach and adaptability will serve him well as defenses evolve, potentially making him a sleeper pick for future seasons once he fully adapts to the NFL pace and finds his niche within his team’s strategy.
Braden Fisk
Braden Fisk, another notable player from Florida State, has shown great promise through his performances, particularly noted at the Senior Bowl. Despite concerns about his size for a traditional defensive tackle role, Fisk’s speed and relentless motor allow him to perform effectively as a pass rusher. His ability to engage multiple blockers and his agility to disrupt plays make him a versatile option for defensive coordinations looking for flexibility along the defensive line. Fisk’s draft prospects are bolstered by his ability to adapt and excel in various defensive setups, potentially making him a valuable late-round pick for teams like Dallas, where he could benefit from established stars on the defensive line.
- Immediate Impact: Fisk’s role as a potentially dynamic pass rusher might offer some intriguing matchups for fantasy managers, especially in formats that reward pressures, hits, or tackles for loss. His senior bowl performance suggests he can stand out, but he may be more of a situational player initially.
- Long-Term Impact: The long-term value of Fisk in fantasy leagues will largely hinge on his development and how his team utilizes his unique skill set. If he can refine his technique and gain strength, he could become a more integral part of his team’s defensive line, offering more consistent fantasy outputs as part of a rotation or even as a starter.
Thank you for reading this article by @IDP_Plus. This article was created using IDP+ Ai and edited by @natecheat. Be sure to check out the video above by @RideOrDynasty, which is what this article is based off of!
