It’s post-NFL Combine, which means it’s time for our Top 3 2025 NFL IDP Rookie Draft Targets from an early NFL fantasy football perspective!
First off. We strongly recommend waiting until after the 2025 NFL Draft before selecting any NFL IDP rookie in a draft. However, this Top 3 list highlights the best options if you’re looking for early targets. More importantly, these are the key players to watch during the draft, as their landing spots will significantly impact their value. After all, experienced IDP managers know that opportunity is everything. And better situations lead to greater chances for these rookies to make an immediate Year 1 impact. Furthermore, a strong preseason and the right scheme fit could turn these prospects into instant contributors. Keeping an eye on training camp reports and depth chart movement will be key to identifying breakout potential.
Top NFL IDP Rookie Pass Rusher
Abdul Carter DE/OLB – Penn State
In 2022, Abdul Carter was named a Freshman All-American and earned third-team All-Big Ten honors. He was also a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. Carter led his team with 6.5 sacks, starting 6 of the 13 games he played. He posted 56 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 4 pass breakups. By 2023, Carter had earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. He started all 13 games, recording 48 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception, 5 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.
In 2024, Carter reached new heights, earning first-team Associated Press All-American honors. He was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year. Carter also became a finalist for the Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, and Ted Hendricks Award. He led the FBS with 23.5 tackles for loss and ranked seventh with 12 sacks. Starting all 16 games, he finished with 68 tackles, 4 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles. Carter is expected to follow in the footsteps of top NFL edge rushers like Micah Parsons.
2025 IDP Projection
First Team Rotational Starter (Floor) with huge dynasty upside. And, where he lands is key for any quality 2025 production.
Top 3 Potential NFL IDP Landing Spots: Chicago – Cleveland – Tennessee (In Order)
Top NFL IDP Rookie Inside Linebacker
Jihaad Campbell Inside Linebacker – Alabama
Jihaad Campbell’s path to becoming one of the top defensive prospects in college football started in high school. Where he was a 5-star recruit and ranked among the top 15 overall prospects nationally. He played at Timber Creek High School in New Jersey, where his standout performance as a receiver and defensive end. Seeking a more competitive environment for his senior year, Campbell transferred to IMG Academy in Florida, where his skills were further developed under the guidance of seasoned coaches and former NFL linebacker Pepper Johnson. This move solidified Campbell’s status as one of the nation’s premier defensive recruits.
In 2022, as a freshman, Campbell played in 9 games as a reserve and on special teams, recording 1 tackle. It was a quiet start. But by 2023, Campbell was fully integrated into Alabama’s defensive rotation. That season, he played in 13 games with 8 starts. Showcasing his versatility and ability to make plays in a variety of situations. He finished the season with 66 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 3 pass breakups.
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Campbell’s breakout year came in 2024, when he earned first-team All-SEC honors after leading Alabama with 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. His performance highlighted his growth and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He also tied for the team lead with 2 forced fumbles and started all 13 games, adding 1 interception and 2 pass break ups to his impressive stat line. His consistency, his ability to make big plays when it counts, it all solidified his place as one of the top linebackers in the SEC and positioned him as a leader for Alabama’s defense.
2025 IDP Projection
First Team Rotational Starter (Floor) with solid dynasty upside. And, of course. Where he lands is also going to be key for quality 2025 production.
Top 3 Potential NFL IDP Landing Spots: Las Vegas Raiders – New Orleans Saints – Miami Dolphins (In Order)
Top NFL IDP Rookie Defensive Back
Travis Hunter CB/WR – Colorado
Travis Hunter was the top recruit in the 2022 class. He made history as the first five-star recruit to sign with an FCS program in 20 years. He was also the highest-rated recruit to commit to an HBCU. In high school, Hunter earned first-team All-American honors. He posted 85 receptions for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 4 interceptions. Hunter led his team to a state title. He also set a Georgia state record with 48 career receiving touchdowns.
In 2022, Hunter joined Jackson State, quickly making an impact. He led the team with 10 pass breakups and tied for the team lead with 2 interceptions. He played in 8 games with 5 starts, contributing 18 receptions for 188 yards, averaging 10.4 yards per catch, and 4 touchdowns. In 2023, he earned first-team Associated Press All-Purpose honors and first-team All-Pac-12 recognition on defense. He tied for the team lead with 3 interceptions and 5 PBUs. Starting 9 games, he finished with 30 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 57 receptions for 721 yards, averaging 12.7 yards per catch with 5 touchdowns. He missed 3 games due to a lacerated liver.
In 2024, Hunter had a standout year, winning the Heisman Trophy, Associated Press College Football Player of the Year, the Biletnikoff Award as the top wide receiver, and the Bednarik Award as the top defender. He also claimed the Lott IMPACT Trophy, awarded to the top defensive player with qualities like integrity, maturity, and performance. Other accolades included the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award and the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player.
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Hunter was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He received first-team All-Big 12 honors as both a wide receiver and cornerback. He also earned first-team Associated Press All-American honors for All-Purpose and cornerback. Additionally, he was second-team for wide receiver. Hunter led his team with 4 interceptions and 11 PBUs. He allowed only 23 catches and 1 touchdown on 41 targets in coverage (PFF). Offensively, he ranked in the top 5 in the FBS with 15 receiving touchdowns, 1,258 receiving yards, and 96 receptions. He also ranked tied for 10th in the FBS with 1.2 passes defensed per game.
Hunter is anything but ordinary, which is why we usually wouldn’t suggest a cornerback over a safety in most IDP drafts. That said, if he’s limited to playing cornerback, his fantasy impact could be restricted. If he becomes a shutdown defender, opposing offenses may avoid targeting him, further capping his value. However, if he’s just “good” at cornerback, opposing teams may target him. This could turn him into a goldmine for fantasy points, especially if he gets involved in punt returns or occasional offensive opportunities. If his NFL team occasionally uses him at wide receiver, both his scoring floor and ceiling could increase significantly.
He’s also the biggest risk to bust as an IDP target until we see something in camp. However, the biggest risk is picking him as a great WR option, only for him to play mostly IDP. Like we said, it’s early to tell for sure.
2025 IDP Projection (Risk Vs. Reward)
First Team Starter with a potential to bust at corner but give managers another great option on the offensive side of the ball. As a wide receiver, think dynasty more than redraft, and hope for the best in the long run.
Top 3 Potential NFL Fantasy Landing Spots: Hunter is highly unlikely to fall out of the top 5 in the draft. The New York Giants, New England Patriots, or Jacksonville Jaguars are the most probable landing spots. However, any of the top five teams could use a top wide receiver or cornerback. So then, the biggest question is, if he’s drafted as a wide receiver. Who will be his quarterback for the next few years? And perhaps unfortunately, at the moment, there’s not much to pick from on paper. And is Jacksonville and Trevor Lawrence the best option at number five, and Brian Thomas Jr. on the roster?
Current QBs on rosters, Will Harris – Titans, Deshaun Watson – Browns, Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito – Giants, or Drake Maye – Patriots. Thats tough! And any of those teams could stand a new QB as much as they would by picking Hunter. Let’s hope he’s drafted to be a defensive back, it’ll simplify things early.
Thanks for checking out my super early Top 3 2025 NFL IDP Rookie Draft Targets! We’ll be back soon in some form or another. Until then, enjoy preparing for your off-season fantasy football drafts with us!
