6 IDP Sleepers (2026 Fantasy Football)

The 2026 NFL season draws closer and closer every day, and that means fantasy managers are knee-deep in research for their redraft leagues. While most are able to get a firm handle on their cheat sheet for skill players, many fantasy managers still treat IDP as Latin. Playing the wire early is a sound strategy and has reaped benefits for many managers in leagues of all sizes. However, even with a wire heavy strategy, IDP managers need a couple of key building blocks to serve as their core on that end. For those who like to wait before filling out their IDP slots, identifying potential sleepers can be the difference between competing and contending. Let’s take a look at six names all fantasy managers should strongly consider after the top IDP names are off the board.

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6 IDP Sleepers (2026 Fantasy Football)

Kevin Winston Jr. (S – TEN)

The DB11 in fppg from Week 12 to Week 17, Kevin Winston came on strong for IDP managers down the stretch and became a must-have in dynasty leagues. Elite in run defense with some work to do in coverage, Winston should thrive in the box for the Titans under new DC Gus Bradley. Currently going off the board as a DB3/4, if at all (depending on your league size and IDP starting slots), Winston projects as potentially the best value on this list. Tap Winston as your DB3/flex and reap the elite DB2 rewards for the 2026 season.

Jalen Thompson (S – DAL)

Jalen Thompson has been one of the more consistent options at his position for years but may finally be ready to explode for IDP managers in Dallas. Now ready to be handed even more snaps in the box sans Budda Baker, Thompson has a path to solidifying himself as a DB1 mainstay this season. There is some risk that the Cowboys decide to use Downs in the box role at some point later this season, but they currently seem married to the idea of making him a nickel. Thompson has recorded at least 58 solos in five straight seasons, but should push to crack his career high of 79 (2021 and 2022) with Dallas. Currently treated as a DB3 by ADP and most rankings, Thompson is an easy top-20 option who will push for top-12 numbers. Remember his name on draft day.

Drake Thomas (LB – SEA)

Drake Thomas made IDP waves last season but is still somewhat of an afterthought in many fantasy drafts due to disappointing production down the stretch. However, what we did witness is his immense upside. From Week 4 to Week 12, Drake Thomas was the LB10 in fppg and the LB7 in total fantasy points. He thrived for the eventual Super Bowl champions and was rewarded for it with a new contract this offseason. Locked in as the starter beside Ernest Jones, Thomas should be an LB3 on draft day at worst, but is actually going as bench depth if he doesn’t go undrafted. Drake was the only player in the NFL last season to record three or more sacks, 10 or more tackles for loss, and eight or more passes defended, highlighting his unique versatility. Thomas has the potential to be the steal of your draft or the waiver wire gem that helps change the trajectory of your season. Target Drake in all formats.

Cody Simon (LB – ARI) or Jack Gibbens (LB – ARI)

Cody Simon was a trendy sleeper candidate this summer thanks to his expected ascension to a starting role in the desert. However, with Arizona starting Jack Gibbens alongside Mack Wilson instead of Simon against Las Vegas, that thought process has come into question. What it also does is provide a unique opportunity to add Simon at the very end of your fantasy draft, or on waivers when he is dropped by a manager when they become aware of the depth chart news. Simon is still expected to start for the Cardinals, but this is a reminder that his hold on the job may be tenuous at best with Jack Gibbens behind him. Gibbens has 28 starts in the NFL, plus an additional postseason start in last year’s Super Bowl, so even as a low-cost addition this offseason, there is a world where he starts over Simon if the second year linebacker falters. This will be a storyline to monitor leading up to your drafts, but it also gives us two names to circle. Whichever linebacker wins this job will be available late or for free in most fantasy leagues.

Jaelan Phillips (DE – CAR)

Jaelan Phillips is a stud when healthy. If we knew he would make it through a season healthy, it would be hard to leave him out of the top-15 discussion at defensive line. He has yearly double digit sack upside and is active enough against the run not to be a complete zero when he is not getting sacks. Jaelan has yet to cross the double digit barrier in the sack department, but even in a down year in 2025, he was fifth in the NFL with a 15.9 percent pressure rate, 11th in the league with 63 pressures, and sat just outside the top-10 in quick pressures with 21 (10th place Chris Jones had 24). Phillips has enough name equity that someone may reach for him, but for those in leagues without bullish Eagles fans, Jaelan will likely be available at the tail end of your fantasy draft and can offer top-15 upside.

Jalen Redmond (DT – MIN)

Jalen Redmond came on strong for IDP managers to close out last season, ranking as the DL13 in fppg from Week 10 to Week 17. He finished the season with just 6.0 sacks but chipped in 62 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 35 pressures, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and five passes defended. The only other players in the entire NFL to record at least 60 tackles, six sacks, and five passes defended were Maxx Crosby and Brian Burns. Jeffrey Simmons remains in a tier of his own due to his consistency, but Redmond belongs in the second tier with Nnamdi Madubuike, Quinnen Williams, Kobie Turner, Dexter Williams, and Cam Heyward, but can be added to your squad for a fraction of the cost. Rostering and starting defensive tackles is rarely a ‘sexy’ move, but it can be shrewd and effective, especially if you like to wait until the later rounds to fill out the IDP side of your roster.

Raju Byfield is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Raju, check out his profile and follow him @FantasyContext.