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IDP Defensive Tackles : Top 5 Rookies

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We all know of the main two options at defensive tackle, but who else is out there for rookie defensive tackle?

Hey everyone, this is my first article on the site. I understand that there is already a Joey around these parts so I’m cool with going by the Snowman. The fantasy snowman, first time ever thinking that or writing that but I think I like it. It is very exciting to get to work on providing my opinions on who you should target for your IDP league. I’m going to be doing a top 5 for each position, DT-DE-LB-CB-S. I’m starting out the gate with the defensive tackles. Now let me preface this that I’m not extremely high on this defensive tackle class but there are a few gems that could end up being contributors for your fantasy team. Please let me know any and all feedback, positive or negative on what I can do to improve and your thoughts on my rankings! IDP fantasy football baby.

 

5. Jordan Elliott – Cleveland Browns

Jordan Elliott is more of a wait-and-see player. I love his personal potential and possible situations potential. He was originally a Texas Longhorn but transferred to Missouri, where he racked up 18 tackles for loss & 6 sacks in 2 seasons. Still very much a developing player, technique, and maturity-wise, but a guy who has committed himself to the craft and the weight room.

Now the opportunity for Elliott won’t be there right out of the gate as he has a strong pair of defensive tackles in front of him in Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi. However, Richardson’s contract guarantees will be met this season and Ogunjobi is in the last season of his contract & will demand a market if the Browns do not re-sign him early. Elliott will have a chance to continue to learn and get sprinkled in here and there his first year. I believe he is a player worth monitoring, more specifically for the future years.

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4. Marlon Davidson – Atlanta Falcons

Davidson is a player that could end up being listed as a DE to start but I believe he will primarily be a defensive tackle when it’s all said and done. Hopefully, he splits his time and carries an IDP dual designation. He is on the Falcons who have plenty of depth across the board but Davidson is unique enough to play any of the positions on the line and make an impact. Davidson should enter the field on passing downs on the inside and will rotate in and out on the outside on the other downs.

Production-wise, he made a huge jump in his development from his junior to senior seasons. He ended up with 17 sacks in his collegiate career and 7.5 of those came in his senior year alone, to go with 12.5 TFL (29.5 career). He will not be rushed into starting right away but as a rookie with a possibility of dual designation, he is absolutely on my watchlist.

 

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3. Justin Madubuike – Baltimore Ravens

Madubuike is a player that I’m all in on. He is a raw athlete but his talent is elite. Luckily for him, he landed in an organization that always gets the absolute best out of their players in the Ravens. He’s a player who is at the top of my watchlist for rookie DT. He is built to be a 3 down DT once he fully develops. Madubuike should see the field a lot in year one and has plenty of experienced veteran players to lean on and learn from. He had double-digit tackles for loss in both his previous collegiate seasons & he reminds me heavily of Quinnen Williams.

Any IDP fantasy player that is in the market for a defensive tackle, should keep their eyes on Madubuike. He could be one of the next big things at the position.

 

2. Javon Kinlaw – San Francisco 49ers

My top two guys, spoiler alert, are chalk picks. The players that everyone knows about and loves. Kinlaw is my #2 guy. Only 1 of 2 rookie DT that I would roster immediately if I were DT needy. He is a major talent, top to bottom but with that major talent comes major concerns. Injury concerns. How will his knee hold up at the next level, if at all? No way around the red flags flying but it’s impossible to ignore his talent. He needs to become a little more consistent overall but he teams up with the monster DL already in San Fran, will provide him with lighter 1 on 1 matchup for him to wreak havoc.

Kinlaw had 10 passes deflected in his 3-year career at South Carolina and with 10 1/2 inch hands to go with his 6’5″ 320 lb body, expect a lot more of those to come. He also had 6 sacks his senior year of college, while dealing with knee issues. Will be a starter instantly on a loaded front. I’m willing to bet on the talent that has red flags.

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1.  Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers

The top guy on my list and probably every list out there. There was a point in time during the NCAA season that I thought he was the best defensive player in the entire draft, over Chase Young & Isaiah Simmons. He fell in my overall defensive rankings, although to only 1 player (Simmons). I was in awe when I watched Derrick Brown. Smashing through double teams with ease, lining up on the edge and still being the fastest one to the QB. Things he did vs other players were straight-up ruthless.

Brown is a player I would take a flier on even if I didn’t necessarily need a defensive tackle. He will come in and be the guy right away. A day one starter with one of the best first steps I’ve ever seen. Fills an instant need and will quickly pile up the TFL. A collegiate career of 33.5 TFL and a not too shabby 13 sacks. Although he has en elite bull rush, he must develop a secondary pass rush. The pure power, speed, and balance he plays with is frightening for opposing OL. He never missed a game in his college career, we as fantasy players should feel comfortable penciling in our lineup weekly. Set it and forget it with Derrick Brown. He is as good as gold for the IDP defensive tackle owners.

Make sure you give the team a follow on Twitter at @IDPGuys & @DynastyFBDigest. Then triple up and follow your boy @JPriv13!

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