4 IDP Fantasy Football Must-Have Players (2025)

If you want to win your IDP leagues this season, you can’t just settle for safe veterans—you need difference-makers who combine talent, opportunity, and upside. Every year, we see new players step into featured roles and immediately become fantasy staples, and 2025 is no different. From rookies thrust into starting jobs, to breakout pass rushers, to unique players who break the IDP mold entirely, these are the must-have defenders you’ll want on your rosters.

IDP Fantasy Football Must-Haves

Carson Schwesinger (LB – CLE)

Opportunity is lying at Carson Schwesinger’s feet after being drafted by Cleveland in the second round. The Browns lost two key linebackers in Jordan Hicks (retirement) and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (injury) for this season. Schwesinger has been wearing the green dot during training camp and projects to be a three-down linebacker out of the gate.

Nolan Smith Jr (DL/LB – PHI)

The Eagles lost a lot in their pass rush with Brandon Graham (retirement) and Josh Sweat leaving town. Insert former first-round pick Nolan Smith with loads of opportunity in front of him. In the playoffs, Smith finished with four sacks and 14 total tackles. He capped off his season with six tackles, two sacks, and a scoop and score in two playoff games.

Jared Verse (DL – LAR)

My pick for defensive player of the year is Jared Verse, coming off an all-time rookie season that ended with a Pro Bowl nod and defensive rookie of the year. Verse led the league with 89 pressures last season and has a safe tackle floor with weekly sack upside.

Travis Hunter (DB/WR – JAX)

If you’re playing on a platform that scores offensive and defensive points for Hunter and allows him to be played on defense, you must leave your draft with him. He can be a cheat code regardless of your IDP scoring or number of starters.