IDP (individual defensive player) leagues are a wonderful experience. While it often takes new managers a few years to get acclimated to the many facets of IDP leagues, even experienced managers can use help gaining an edge against the competition.
I’ve been competing in redraft and dynasty IDP leagues since I joined my first IDP league in 2007. The following players are individual defensive players that I will be targeting in the 2022 fantasy football season.
LINEBACKERS
Cole Holcomb (LB-WAS)
Holcomb is entering his fourth season in the NFL and has already outperformed expectations. In 2021, Holcomb proved to the IDP community and his coaching staff that he’s worthy of being the team’s middle linebacker going forward, setting career-highs in nearly every statistical category. He’s only the LB15 in redraft rankings and could easily jump into the top five. If there’s any concern about him, it’s that Jamin Davis, a first round draft pick in 2021, may push him for snaps. Additionally, if your IDP league values sacks and interceptions at an increased margin, you may wish to target other linebackers. Holcomb is a tackling machine, not a sack artist. Keep in mind, however, that Holcomb has already overcome great odds in his career, starting out as a fifth round draft pick, so I anticipate he’ll maintain his high tackle total, as well as attempt to improve his defensive repertoire. You can expect roughly 140 total tackles and a potential increase in other statistical categories.
Bake Martinez (LB-NYG)
Martinez missed nearly the entire 2021 campaign with a torn ACL. Reports are clear that he’s nearing his old form again. At just 28 years old, he’s got plenty of career left. I’m willing to bet on him this season. He’s the LB13, but some IDP managers may be afraid to draft him. Don’t be that guy. His season finishes since 2017 are 3rd, 6th, 22nd, 4th and 576th (torn ACL). If you open a dictionary and look up the word “consistency,” you’re bound to see a picture of Blake Martinez. In addition to his great track record, he’s got a new defensive coordinator this season. Reports indicate Martinez may be used as a pure middle linebacker, meaning he could have a ridiculously clear path to LB1 numbers. I’m personally anticipating a slower start to the season for him, but he should peak during the fantasy playoffs.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Budda Baker (DB-ARI)
If there’s any DB1 this season that is being drafted at a discount, it’s Budda Baker. He’s perennially got the potential to be the overall DB1. He’s being drafted as the DB4. I’m willing to look at a few DBs later in the draft, but I really want at least one guaranteed stud. Budda Baker will be that guy this season. His big play ability to unrivaled. I think there are many IDP managers that will attempt to overthink the Baker selection and go a different direction, either because Baker seemingly had a down season in 2021, or because he ended the season banged up. Like Martinez at LB, Baker is a consistently great fantasy player. He’s going to play in the box plenty this season and he’ll push to set career highs in a bounceback season.
Kamren Curl (DB-WAS)
Curl is my favorite DB sleeper right now. He’s the DB17 right now, but he’s got the potential to jump into the upper echelon of DBs. He’s entering his third season in the NFL, but his primary competition for playing time in the box, Landon Collins, is no longer on the team. He’s going to see a lot of time where DB tackles are bountiful. The best comparison for what we might see from him this season is Curl’s rookie stats, which led to him finishing as the 59th best overall IDP player. He struggled to match his stellar rookie numbers last season, but he’s going to have improved opportunities in 2022. Buy the dip and don’t be surprised when he notches a new career-high in tackles.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Maxx Crosby (DL-LV)
Crosby has only been in the league for three seasons and he is already the entire identity of the Las Vegas Raiders defense. He’s currently going as the 8th defensive linemen off the board, which is a fair price for Crosby. However, there’s a lot to like about the Raiders star. Firstly, the Raiders club is finally piecing together a reasonable defensive unit. Crosby is no longer alone as a pass-rusher, joined this season by Chandler Jones. The pair will work nicely together, allowing one another to see less focus from offensive lines. That freedom will be key to Crosby’s success. He ranked first last season with generated pressures, totalling 108. He was trailed by Aaron Donald, with 102, and Nick Bosa, with 88. However, those generated pressures rarely ended with a sack. Crosby only had eight, whereas Donald had 12.5 and Bosa had 15.5. Crosby can create pressure, but this is the season he seals the deal and ascends the rankings as a true sack artist. He’s so close to being an IDP MVP.
Khalil Mack (DL-LAC)
Khalil Mack is much closer to the end of his career than to the beginning, but I think he’s about to have a resurgent season. Perhaps some of you are too young to remember when the name Khalil Mack struck fear into the heart of any IDP manager who didn’t have him on their roster. After a tragic career tangent with the Chicago Bears, Mack has now landed on a Los Angeles Chargers defense that could easily be the best defense in the league. Mack will be rushing the QB opposite of Joey Bosa. The pair of sack artists will be nearly impossible for offensive line coaches to scheme against. Here’s some context to consider: Mack had a down season in Chicago in 2021. He only played in 7 games and tallied just 15 tackles. However, he put up six sacks over that time. Imagine extending those numbers over a full season and in a scenario where the double-team block is focused on another player. Mack could legitimately lead the league in pressures, sacks and forced fumbles. As the IDP 121st player overall, I will have him on every IDP roster I field this season.
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, whichallows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
Tim Metzler is a featured writer at FantasyPros, known for multiple article series, including 5 Under 25, Expert Consensus Rantings, his in-season Running Diary and his dynasty IDP rankings. For more from Tim, check out his archive and follow him @Timmy_The_Metz.
