Discover IDP fantasy football value from 2025 rookies and bounce-back veterans poised to deliver big stats in tackles, sacks, and turnovers.
In contrast to team defenses, IDP fantasy pigskin incentivizes subtle scouting of players who accumulate tackles, sacks, and turnovers.
Identifying early value in rookies and comeback stars can make or break a season, as they tend to slip under the radar in drafts but put up huge points.
Each season presents a new harvest of talent and rejuvenated veterans ready to excel, and 2025 is no different.
Scouting Rookies for Instant IDP Fantasy Impact
Rookies can be goldmines for IDP leagues, particularly those who fall into good situations. The trick is finding players with clean paths to playing time and schemes that will optimize their skill sets.
Penn State’s Abdul Carter, selected by the New York Giants, is a great example. A full-time edge rusher in 2024, Carter compiled 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. With the Giants, he’s set to start right away, probably exceeding 10 sacks as part of a pass-rush-heavy system. The athleticism alone makes him an elite DL1 candidate for 2025.
One more rookie to monitor is Philadelphia Eagles pick Jihaad Campbell. If Nakobe Dean’s recovery is uncertain, Campbell may start next to Zack Baun. This is precisely the kind of situation that creates value in daily fantasy, as a player with a minimum salary could see significant snaps, and that’s what fantasy managers are hoping for. The more resourceful among them will also put the Underdog Fantasy Promo Code to good use, which provides bonus credits, as well as a free pick for a head start, of which you can learn more if you click here.
As a run defender, coverage backer, and blitzer, Campbell’s versatility sets him up to compile stats in all categories and replicate Shaquille Leonard’s 2018 rookie breakout. With his tackle-accumulating floor and contributions via sacks, Campbell is a high-ceiling LB2 in deeper formats.
Pretty crazy Jihaad Campbell fell allllll the way to Eagles at 31 in the draft for injury concerns…only for him to ready literally day one of camp
They did it again pic.twitter.com/hsrSJbkkRH
— Aidan Powers (@aidan_34_powers) July 23, 2025
The Jaguars’ two-way player Travis Hunter is a special situation. Although his main position is as a wide receiver, his defensive cornerback snaps might provide CB1 numbers in leagues that give points for both offense and defense. His top-notch ball skills and ability to intercept the ball, showcased at Colorado, might result in 3-5 interceptions as a part-time defender, which would be a cheat code for IDP managers.
Returning Stars Set to Bounce Back
Veteran players who are coming off down years or injuries usually provide undervalued value.
Foyesade Oluokun, the linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, is a top bounce-back candidate. Having led the NFL in tackles in both 2022 and 2023, injuries hampered him in 2024. Healthy once again, Oluokun’s status as the defensive signal-caller guarantees a return to 150+ tackles, making him a set-it-and-forget-it LB1 at a discount in drafts.
Along the defensive line, Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett is a perennial stud but fell to DL2 status in a few leagues last year amid a crowded rotation. With a new defensive coordinator who prioritizes pass rush in 2025, Garrett’s path to 15+ sacks is cleared, particularly with rookie Quinshon Judkins commanding offense attention. His ADP as a late-round IDP selection belies his elite ceiling.
'I expect to get to the Super Bowl': Browns' Myles Garrett won't lower 2025 expectations https://t.co/bHQXpf9KOS
— NewarkAdvocate.com (@NewarkAdvocate) July 24, 2025
IDP Fantasy Success Stories
IDP leagues flourish on under-the-radar players who turn into pillars.
Consider Ivan Pace Jr., a 2023 undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings. Buried on the depth chart to start, Pace’s tenacious chase and nose for the ball resulted in a 2024 breakout, compiling 110 tackles and 3 sacks. His ascension from waiver-wire addition to LB2 status illustrates how scheme fit and effort can turn the tables on a player’s estimated value.
Another instance is Jalen Pitre, a safety for the Houston Texans. A 2022 draftee, Pitre’s rookie season was unassuming, but by 2024, he had become a top-10 DB, courtesy of 126 tackles and 4 interceptions. Being able to play close to the line of scrimmage and cover tight ends made him a matchup-proof commodity, rewarding managers who invested in his development.
Strategies for Unearthing Value
To discover the early IDP value, prioritize the opportunity and scheme.
Rookies in high-volume positions, such as Carter and Campbell, provide immediate dividends.
For veterans, look for players such as Oluokun and Garrett, whose established production eclipses short-term downturns.
Keep an eye on training camp reports for snap counts and depth chart movement, as these frequently foreshadow breakout potential. Lastly, emphasize multi-category contributors who meld tackles, sacks, and turnovers to optimize points. The 2025 season is full of IDP potential for those willing to dig deep.
Thank you for reading my IDP Fantasy Football value article. You can read more of my sports betting content on my IDP+ Author page. After that, feel free to connect with me on Twitter @MarcSaulino and follow @IDP_Plus to stay informed about everything NFL-relevant by becoming a member.
