Fantasy News & Analysis

Fantasy Football: Post-draft top 300 dynasty IDP rankings

Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

  • Micah Parsons makes his case to be the top IDP asset: After another year of elite production and pass-rush metrics, Parsons’ move to a full-time edge role solidifies his spot at the top.
  • Where the 2023 rookie class fits in: With the NFL draft wrapped and landing spots sorted, see where this year’s rookie class falls in with the established veterans.
  • A new leader along the defensive interior: After years of being the clear top defensive tackle option, Aaron Donald’s spot has been taken by another, at least for dynasty purposes.
Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

Version 2.0 of the IDP dynasty rankings follows the NFL draft by adding rookie IDPs into the mix and moving around some of the more recently signed free agents in order to update the current dynasty landscape. 

Standalone rookie IDP rankings can be found here.

Preferred scoring for 2023 Dynasty IDP Fantasy Football rankings
Position Solo Tackles Assists Sacks Tackles for Loss QB Hits Pass Breakups
DE/DI 2.5 1.25 4 1 1 2
LB 1.5 0.75 4 1 1 2
CB/S 2 1 4 1 1 2
  • Age is a factor in dynasty leagues. This list is designed to create the best long-term dynasty roster.
  • This list assumes true position (DI, EDGE LB, CB, S) for players (e.g., outside linebackers are considered “edge defenders” to reflect real NFL value).
  • This is version 2.0 — these rankings are going to change throughout the offseason, so be sure to check the rankings page for updates and to sort by position.

Tier 1

RANK POSITION PLAYER TEAM
1 ED Micah Parsons DAL
2 ED Nick Bosa SF
3 ED Myles Garrett CLV
4 ED Maxx Crosby LV
5 LB Roquan Smith BLT
6 LB Nick Bolton KC
7 ED Jaelan Phillips MIA
8 ED Rashan Gary GB
9 ED Aidan Hutchinson DET
10 ED Kayvon Thibodeaux NYG
11 LB Fred Warner SF
12 LB Foyesade Oluokun JAX

When it comes to building a top-tier IDP roster, drafting the league’s best defensive players, especially along the defensive line, yields the best results. Outside of leagues where tackles/linebackers are heavily favored in scoring rules — which the suggested scoring for these rankings (above) does not — IDP managers will want to start by building around the best edge defenders in the league to solidify a position that is much harder to replace once the season rolls around.

The first four players that should be in consideration for the first picks in IDP dynasty drafts all earned 90.0-plus grades in 2022, posted elite pass-rush metrics that led to double-digit sacks on the year and are all 27 years old or younger. Going with either of these four players when given the choice will not disappoint when it comes to the return on investment that dynasty players are hoping for. Micah Parsons (ED1) age, combined with his transition to a full-time role on the edge in Year 2 and never failing to produce elite pass-rush metrics, gives him the slightest edge over the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa (ED2).

For IDP dynasty managers looking for a solid anchor at the linebacker position for multiple years, there are a few top choices, led by Roquan Smith (LB1) and Nick Bolton (LB2). There aren’t many safer bets to maintain full-time roles for years to come while consistently producing strong tackle numbers on a weekly basis, which includes Fred Warner (LB3). Foyesade Oluokun’s (LB4) first year in Jacksonville led to a career-high in overall grade (69.6) while still racking up tackles at an elite pace. His status as a full-time linebacker shouldn’t be in doubt considering his contract and strong play this past season.


Tier 2

RANK POSITION PLAYER TEAM
13 ED Will Anderson Jr. HST
14 DT Quinnen Williams NYJ
15 DT Jeffery Simmons TEN
16 ED Brian Burns CAR
17 ED Haason Reddick PHI
18 ED T.J. Watt PIT
19 ED Joey Bosa LAC
20 ED Chase Young WAS
21 LB Devin White TB
22 DT Chris Jones KC
23 LB Dre Greenlaw SF
24 LB Tremaine Edmunds CHI

Attacking positions of scarcity continues to be the most optimal way to build a successful long-term dynasty roster, and ensuring that the roster has a top-tier defensive tackle in DT-required leagues is the next step in solidifying those chances. Quinnen Williams (DT1) made his move to be Aaron Donald’s (DT6) heir apparent as the top interior defensive lineman for dynasty purposes following a career year across the board, including a 90.1 overall grade and 12 sacks. 

The truly elite edge rushers quickly wrap up this group, starting with the first rookie, Will Anderson Jr., (ED9) and finishing with Chase Young (ED14). Young has dealt with significant injuries and a lack of production over the past two seasons, but the physical attributes and underlying metrics that made him a No. 2 overall pick just three seasons ago keep him in the conversation for a potential resurgence going forward.

Brian Burns (ED10) and Haason Reddick (ED11) are both coming off career years in different ways, as Burns hit double-digit sacks for the first time while Reddick posted the best grades of his career, including a 90.0 pass-rush grade. Meanwhile, T.J. Watt (ED12) and Joey Bosa (ED13) are coming off a year plagued by injury, which led to disappointing production, but both players continue to be two of the best pure pass-rushers at their position and would serve IDP managers well as top edge options, assuming health.


Tier 3

RANK POSITION PLAYER TEAM
25 DT Jonathan Allen WAS
26 DT DeForest Buckner IND
27 DT Aaron Donald LAR
28 LB T.J. Edwards CHI
29 LB Nakobe Dean PHI
30 ED Danielle Hunter MIN
31 ED Josh Allen JAX
32 ED Montez Sweat WAS
33 LB Logan Wilson CIN
34 LB Pete Werner NO
35 LB Quay Walker GB
36 LB Jack Campbell DET

Donald’s move down the board isn’t a sign that his level of play has fallen off, but more about how many years he has left to play in the NFL, as retirement rumors have begun to surface over the past two offseasons.

The end of the last tier and the beginning of this one is about where most linebackers should come off the board. Now that the top-shelf defensive line assets have begun to drop off, dynasty managers can turn their focus to the linebackers that have the best shot to produce for multiple seasons, which starts by finding younger players who are either locked up with a long-term contract and will be given every opportunity to succeed and/or players who perform well enough to remain employed for years to come. Tremaine Edmunds (LB7) and T.J. Edwards (LB8) join the Bears and are coming off exceptional seasons. They should both play full-time roles in Matt Eberflus’ defense with a chance to continue their strong production.

Pete Werner (LB11) and Quay Walker (LB12) are next in line to be the top linebacker on their respective teams, especially when factoring in draft capital and age. First-round rookie Jack Campbell (LB13) joins these young linebacker options as a potential IDP star right away in Year 1, as he lands on a thin depth chart at the position in Detroit.

Danielle Hunter (ED15), 28 years old, may be the oldest of this group’s edge players, who are all just entering their prime, but Hunter continues to produce at a high rate while boasting positive underlying metrics that indicate he still deserves to be a high-end edge option for IDP.


Tier 4

RANK POSITION PLAYER TEAM
37 LB Devin Lloyd JAX
38 DT Jalen Carter PHI
39 ED Gregory Rousseau BUF
40 ED Harold Landry III TEN
41 ED Josh Sweat PHI
42 ED Kwity Paye IND
43 LB Bobby Okereke NYG
44 LB Troy Andersen ATL
45 ED Tyree Wilson LV
46 S Derwin James LAC
47 ED Lukas Van Ness GB
48 ED Myles Murphy CIN

Devin Lloyd’s (LB14) rookie season was far from ideal after being a first-round pick, grading poorly for most of the year and having to split duties with fellow rookie Chad Muma (LB44). It’s understandable if IDP managers don't trust Lloyd in drafts this offseason. Given the Jaguars’ investment in him, expect Lloyd to be given every chance to develop this season so that he can get back to the form that made him a first-round pick.

Derwin James (S1) tops these safety rankings for the second-straight season, but rest assured for anyone tempted to grab a safety or any defensive back at this point in drafts, there are plenty of viable options well outside even the top-100 IDPs that can start every week for fantasy purposes. James is the best of the bunch as far as dynasty leagues are concerned given his talent and ability to fill the stat sheet in a variety of ways. However, he is also going to be most costly, which should be taken into account for anyone drafting a deep position like safety this early.

A number of rookie edge defenders fill out this tier, including a top-10 pick in this year’s draft, Tyree Wilson (ED22), whose upside and athleticism will be what makes him worth the capital as he could turn into a top-tier talent, it just might take time. Fellow rookies, Lukas Van Ness (ED23) and Myles Murphy (ED24) will be on a similar path, as they may not get ideal snap shares early in their careers but are poised to start down the road as they develop into their prime.


Tier 5

RANK POSITION PLAYER TEAM
49 LB Shaquille Leonard IND
50 ED Matthew Judon NE
51 ED Travon Walker JAX
52 ED Azeez Ojulari NYG
53 LB Divine Deablo LV
54 LB Cole Holcomb PIT
55 LB Jordyn Brooks SEA
56 LB Ernest Jones LAR
57 LB Azeez Al-Shaair TEN
58 LB Matt Milano BUF
59 LB Drew Sanders DEN
60 LB Daiyan Henley LAC

Shaquille Leonard (LB17) and Jordyn Brooks (LB20) have significant injury concerns causing them not to be higher on this list, but both have a history of elite production and if they can get healthy and back on the field should continue to produce for fantasy managers.

Divine Deablo (LB18), Ernest Jones (LB21) and Azeez Al-Shaair (LB22) are some of the biggest risers in this version of the IDP rankings after dodging real competition for snaps during the first couple waves of free agency and the NFL draft. For Al-Shaair, he lands in Tennessee with the best shot to emerge as the Titans' LB1 this season and possibly beyond. As for Deablo and Jones, both players avoided their teams bringing in anyone of real significance to threaten their playing time, and in Jones' case, even saw Bobby Wagner (LB28) released to clear up room for him to flourish as a top IDP.


Tier 6

RANK POSITION PLAYER TEAM
61 LB Trenton Simpson BLT
62 LB Zaire Franklin IND
63 S Kyle Hamilton BLT
64 S Jaquan Brisker CHI
65 S Jalen Pitre HST
66 DT Javon Hargrave SF
67 DT Dexter Lawrence NYG
68 DT Christian Wilkins MIA
69 DT Daron Payne WAS
70 ED Sam Hubbard CIN
71 ED George Karlaftis KC
72 ED Felix Anudike-Uzomah KC

Top young safeties highlight this section. For anyone who missed out on James, there are plenty of comparable safety options to satisfy those needs. The 2022 NFL Draft supplied three of those options alone between Jaquan Brisker (S3), Kyle Hamilton (S2) and Jalen Pitre (S4). 

Hamilton likely holds the highest IDP upside among all safeties given his size and pure talent, and is no longer handcuffed in a limited role behind Chuck Clark (S36), which will lead to an every-down role. Hamilton should be able to unlock his potential for a high tackle floor, pass-rush upside and other big plays in Baltimore’s defense, making him a valuable safety target in dynasty leagues.


Tier 7

RANK POSITION PLAYER TEAM
73 ED Trey Hendrickson CIN
74 S Kamren Curl WAS
75 LB Bobby Wagner SEA
76 LB Brian Asamoah MIN
77 LB De'Vondre Campbell GB
78 LB Eric Kendricks LAC
79 LB David Long MIA
80 S Kyle Dugger NE
81 S Jeremy Chinn CAR
82 S Talanoa Hufanga SF
83 LB Zaven Collins ARZ
84 LB C.J. Mosley NYJ

Bobby Wagner, Brian Asamoah (LB29), Eric Kendricks (LB31) and David Long (LB32) all find themselves in somewhat new situations this offseason after being involved in free agency activity. Wagner returning to Seattle locks him into another productive starting spot for at least another season while Kendricks and Long will look to keep their productive careers rolling in completely new homes. Both players should see significant snaps to satisfy the starting needs of IDP managers for another season.


Tier 8

RANK POSITION PLAYER TEAM
85 LB Shaq Thompson CAR
86 LB Kaden Elliss ATL
87 LB Alex Singleton DEN
88 LB Jamin Davis WAS
89 S Budda Baker ARZ
90 S Minkah Fitzpatrick PIT
91 LB Frankie Luvu CAR
92 LB Josey Jewell DEN
93 ED Demarcus Lawrence DAL
94 ED Alex Highsmith PIT
95 ED Uchenna Nwosu SEA
96 LB Terrel Bernard BUF

When it comes to finding starting linebackers who can produce for at least one season, this tier still offers plenty of options, including Alex Singleton (LB37). The Broncos’ tackling machine will be valued much higher in redraft formats but may not be as trustworthy long-term in dynasty, especially as the team added Drew Sanders (LB24) in this year’s draft, who could be looking to take over at some point down the road.

As dynasty managers get into the deeper stages of the draft, there is still plenty of opportunity to add great depth players at the edge position who can serve as starters on any given week. DeMarcus Lawrence (ED32) is an excellent example of an over-looked dynasty asset, who can still produce a strong production floor thanks to his tackling ability while maintaining the high-level pass-rush metrics that allow him to have high-ceiling weeks as well. These are the types of IDPs that fantasy players may want to consider adding before moving onto a very deep defensive back pool to fill out the rest of the roster.


Tier 9

RANK POSITION PLAYER TEAM
97 LB Germaine Pratt CIN
98 ED Odafe Oweh BLT
99 ED Jermaine Johnson II NYJ
100 ED Josh Uche NE
101 ED Will McDonald IV NYJ
102 ED Nolan Smith PHI
103 S Xavier McKinney NYG
104 S Jamal Adams SEA
105 S Daxton Hill CIN
106 S Richie Grant ATL
107 S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson DET
108 DT Christian Barmore NE

Again, there is no shortage of viable starting IDP safeties as dynasty managers reach this stage of drafts. Not much separates the safeties in this group, so health and playing time will be the most significant deciding factors. Dynasty managers may choose to skew younger at the position, but even after this group, there will be plenty of options to meet those requirements as the draft rolls on.

Christian Barmore (DT12) also starts off the last run of weekly viable starting options at the defensive tackle position, which continues into the next large tier up until D.J. Reader (DT17). In DT-required leagues, this could be the last chance dynasty managers have to shore up a thin position before having to take shots on more inconsistent options.


Tier 10

RANK POSITION PLAYER TEAM
109 DT Leonard Williams NYG
110 DT Cameron Heyward PIT
111 S Antoine Winfield Jr. TB
112 S Jessie Bates III ATL
113 S Grant Delpit CLV
114 S Jevon Holland MIA
115 S Jalen Thompson ARZ
116 LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah CLV
117 LB Chad Muma JAX
118 LB Willie Gay Jr. KC
119 LB Isaiah Simmons ARZ
120 LB Christian Harris HST
121 ED Shaquil Barrett TB
122 ED Von Miller BUF
123 ED Bradley Chubb MIA
124 ED Derick Hall SEA
125 ED Ogbonnia Okoronkwo CLV
126 ED Arnold Ebiketie ATL
127 ED Drake Jackson SF
128 S Kevin Byard TEN
129 S Lewis Cine MIN
130 S Sydney Brown PHI
131 S Jordan Battle CIN
132 DT Calijah Kancey TB
133 S Brian Branch DET
134 LB Patrick Queen BLT
135 LB Lavonte David TB
136 LB Denzel Perryman LV
137 ED Carl Lawson NYJ
138 ED Baron Browning DEN
139 ED Dorance Armstrong DAL
140 ED Boye Mafe SEA
141 ED David Ojabo BLT
142 ED Za'Darius Smith MIN
143 ED Khalil Mack LAC
144 ED Jonathan Greenard HST
145 ED Zach Harrison ATL
146 DT Zach Allen ARZ
147 DT D.J. Reader CIN
148 LB Dorian Williams BUF
149 LB Demario Davis NO
150 LB Nicholas Morrow PHI

Depth can be just as important as starters for teams looking to make a serious run at a dynasty championship, and there are still plenty of excellent depth options above who are capable of filling in as needed on a weekly basis. There are also some young upside stashes to fill in taxi squads for those dynasty managers who like to stockpile younger players, including the first few rookie safeties, Derick Hall (ED43), Zach Harrison (ED55) and Dorian Williams (LB51).


Tier 11

RANK POSITION PLAYER TEAM
151 LB Jordan Hicks MIN
152 DT Ed Oliver BUF
153 DT Dre'Mont Jones DEN
154 DT Derrick Brown CAR
155 DT Dalvin Tomlinson MIN
156 S Brandon Jones MIA
157 S Jordan Whitehead NYJ
158 S Jordan Poyer BUF
159 S Harrison Smith MIN
160 LB Quincy Williams NYJ
161 LB Leighton Vander Esch DAL
162 ED Myjai Sanders ARZ
163 ED BJ Ojulari ARZ
164 ED Marcus Davenport NO
165 ED Samson Ebukam SF
166 ED Charles Omenihu KC
167 ED Carl Granderson NO
168 ED Yannick Ngakoue IND
169 ED James Houston IV DET
170 ED Preston Smith GB
171 ED John Franklin-Myers NYJ
172 ED Payton Turner NO
173 ED Randy Gregory DEN
174 DT Devonte Wyatt GB
175 S Julian Love SEA
176 S Jayron Kearse DAL
177 S Justin Simmons DEN
178 DT Osa Odighizuwa DAL
179 DT Kenny Clark GB
180 DT Travis Jones BLT
181 DT Vita Vea TB
182 S Vonn Bell CAR
183 S Tyrann Mathieu KC
184 S Tracy Walker DET
185 CB L'Jarius Sneed KC
186 CB Nate Hobbs LV
187 CB Charvarius Ward SF
188 LB Drue Tranquill FA
189 LB Kyzir White ARZ
190 ED Byron Young LAR
191 ED Joseph Ossai CIN
192 ED Darrell Taylor SEA
193 ED Nik Bonitto DEN
194 ED Cameron Jordan NO
195 DT Bryan Bresee NO
196 DT Stephon Tuitt PIT
197 DT Arik Armstead SF
198 DT Grover Stewart IND
199 ED Joe Tryon-Shoyinka TB
200 ED Isaiah Foskey NO
201 ED Tuli Tuipulotu LAC
202 LB DeMarvion Overshown DAL
203 LB Christian Kirksey HST
204 LB Jerome Baker MIA
205 LB Anthony Walker CLV
206 LB Ja'Whaun Bentley NE
207 LB Cody Barton WAS
208 DT Grady Jarrett ATL
209 DT Zach Sieler MIA
210 DT B.J. Hill CIN
211 LB Monty Rice TEN
212 LB Alex Anzalone DET
213 LB Devin Bush SEA
214 LB Akeem Davis-Gaither CIN
215 LB Malcolm Rodriguez DET
216 LB Kenneth Murray LAC
217 CB Taron Johnson BUF
218 CB Kyler Gordon CHI
219 CB Kenny Moore II IND
220 CB Sauce Gardner NYJ
221 CB Jalen Ramsey MIA
222 LB Rashaan Evans FA
223 LB Myles Jack FA
224 S Chuck Clark NYJ
225 S Terrell Edmunds PHI
226 S Justin Reid KC
227 S Kerby Joseph DET
228 S Ji'Ayir Brown SF
229 ED K.J. Henry WAS
230 LB Channing Tindall MIA
231 LB Elandon Roberts MIA
232 LB Micah McFadden NYG
233 LB SirVocea Dennis TB
234 LB Henry To'oTo'o HST
235 LB Owen Pappoe ARZ
236 ED Chandler Jones LV
237 ED Jadeveon Clowney CLV
238 ED Emmanuel Ogbah MIA
239 ED Boogie Basham BUF
240 ED Keion White NE
241 LB Damone Clark DAL
242 LB Leo Chenal KC
243 ED Trevis Gipson CHI
244 ED Romeo Okwara DET
245 ED Michael Danna KC
246 ED Brandon Graham PHI
247 ED Bud Dupree ATL
248 DT Logan Hall TB
249 DT Larry Ogunjobi PIT
250 DT Justin Madubuike BLT
251 DT Sheldon Rankins NYJ
252 DT Jordan Davis PHI
253 S Darrick Forrest WAS
254 S Rayshawn Jenkins JAX
255 S Marcus Maye NO
256 S Eddie Jackson CHI
257 ED Leonard Floyd FA
258 ED Deatrich Wise Jr. NE
259 ED Rasheem Green HST
260 ED Tyus Bowser BLT
261 ED Derek Barnett PHI
262 ED Frank Clark FA
263 DT Fletcher Cox PHI
264 DT David Onyemata NO
265 DT Keeanu Benton PIT
266 DT Adetomiwa Adebawore IND
267 S Antonio Johnson JAX
268 S Christopher Smith LV
269 S JL Skinner DEN
270 CB Adoree' Jackson NYG
271 CB Deommodore Lenoir SF
272 CB A.J. Terrell ATL
273 CB Mike Hilton CIN
274 CB Carlton Davis TB
275 CB Roger McCreary TEN
276 CB Trevon Diggs DAL
277 CB Tariq Woolen SEA
278 CB Trent McDuffie KC
279 CB Marcus Jones NE
280 CB Jaire Alexander GB
281 CB Chidobe Awuzie CIN
282 CB Devon Witherspoon SEA
283 S Amani Hooker TEN
284 S Marcus Williams BLT
285 S Keanu Neal PIT
286 S Micah Hyde BUF
287 S Xavier Woods CAR
288 S Donovan Wilson DAL
289 S Jimmie Ward HST
290 S Bryan Cook KC
291 S Andre Cisco JAX
292 S Jordan Fuller LAR
293 S Juan Thornhill CLV
294 S Adrian Phillips NE
295 S Anthony Johnson Jr. GB
296 S Mike Edwards KC
297 S Camryn Bynum MIN
298 S Trevon Moehrig LV
299 S Darnell Savage GB
300 S Nick Scott CIN
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