Alas, the 2022 football season is over. Up next is the NFL Scouting Combine, which takes place from February 28th through March 6th. While most fantasy football managers will be paying attention to the offensive players, there are those of us who crave the truly robust fantasy football experience of IDP (Individual Defensive Player). Let’s take a look at some of the top defensive prospects in the 2023 NFL draft and consider if they might have value on an IDP roster.
Will Anderson (EDGE)
Anderson has been touted as a premier edge-rushing talent for years, and there’s little doubt amongst analysts that he’ll live up to that billing. For me, he’s my top IDP target in rookie drafts. That being said, I want to temper expectations. He’s more likely to see a rookie season like Kayvon Thibodeaux than Nick Bosa, with occasional boom weeks amidst consistent no-show weeks. To be clear, his ability as a pass-rusher makes his weekly upside high, but he’ll also have a low weekly floor.
There are concerns about his upside, primarily relating to his size. He’s 6’4” and 235lbs, but he may register different numbers at the NFL combine. Considering that college athletes often see a slight downtick in height and weight during the NFL Combine, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Anderson’s numbers take a hit. Anything other than an increase in size would be to his detriment, since his current height and weight are considered to be unremarkable. Anything less would be worrisome.
Statistically, Anderson had an incredible 2021 season at Alabama, where he posted 101 tackles and 17.5 sacks. Those are the kinds of numbers IDP managers would love to see from a potential Top-5 pick in the NFL Draft. However, in 2022, Anderson put up only 51 tackles and 10 sacks, a stark decrease from the previous season. In short, Anderson will need to be used appropriately, hopefully as a sack artist. He’s got the chance to have an immediate impact, and having a top defensive end can be all the difference in IDP leagues. Until the draft happens and we get a better idea of his landing spot and potential scheme, Anderson is the top rookie IDP target in 2023.
Tyree Wilson (EDGE)
Wilson is almost the inverse of Anderson, but could possibly be taken ahead of him in the NFL Draft.Anderson has few of the enviable physical traits one might expect from a defensive end but he seemingly has the wherewithal to make big plays. Wilson has all of the physical traits that Anderson doesn’t, but he lacks that consistent pass rush motor to be a threat to blow up a play whenever he’s on the field. Still, I expect Wilson to be used in a variety of ways, making him a high-floor, low-ceiling candidate.
To clarify, Wilson is 6’6” and 275lbs. He posted 36 tackles and 7 sacks in 2022. He doesn’t seem to possess the speed necessary to threaten QBs on every down, but he does have the size and ability to be a havoc-wreaking presence anywhere on the defensive line. His value for IDP managers will depend largely on where he is drafted and how he is utilized. That being said, his physical traits make him a legit threat to make a monster jump over time. He has a higher long-term ceiling than Anderson, in my opinion, but he’ll need time.
Drew Sanders (LB)
Sanders is 6’5” and 235lbs and hasl the potential makings of a stud middle linebacker. His length, frame and speed will provide any team that takes him with a rangy defender who can drop back into coverage or rush off the edge.
He won’t be great right away. He’s undersized for a true middle linebacker, and he’s got limited collegiate-level experience at the linebacker position. He’s exactly the kind of player that smart teams love. He’ll get bigger over time, but his natural ability means his potential is higher than the other linebackers in his class. Any IDP manager willing to take a shot on him should expect to wait for his most productive seasons.
Brian Branch (DB)
It’s hard to find a consensus defensive back that IDP enthusiasts love. The 2022 NFL Draft featured multiple defensive backs with high fantasy interest prior to the draft, including Jaquan Brisker and Kyle Hamilton. Branch is about as close as I can come to my favorite DB in this rookie class. He’s a violent tackler with less big-play upside than I’d like, but his landing spot could make him much more enticing.
Branch is a junior out of Alabama, where he showcased versatility and an ability to play well against the run. More importantly, he consistently played in a hybrid linebacker role. While true safeties have high-upside value from their big play threat, hybrid linebacker/defensive backs can rack up tackles. Depending on his landing spot, he could be an instant contributor for NFL and IDP rosters alike, especially if he’s utilized in that hybrid role.
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Tim Metzler is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Tim, check out his archive and follow him @Timmy_The_Metz.