The IDP class is pretty strong this season, and I wanted to bring some of my favorite people in the space together for a mock draft. We will get together after the landing spots are in stone, but it’s critical to look before, too. Some drafts are held before, and it feels like before the draft, you get a better idea of the player with no system, and the draft is purely projection and talent-based.
Let’s quit beating around the bush and get to the mock. We are drafting with balanced scoring. I like IDP123, where cornerbacks and defensive tackles score on the same level as all other positions (or at least close). After each mock drafters’ first pick, I will give each of them a short intro. Thank you for reading!
1.01 Jared Verse, EDGE Florida State
Despite the very fair scoring given to me by the creator of this format, I surmised the positional groups and felt the edge class was too good to pass up. The player I am taking here is Jared Verse.
Should the #Eagles target Florida State DE Jared Verse in the 2024 NFL Draft?
— The Swoop Scoops (@TheSwoopScoops) March 31, 2024
22’-23:
→ 88 TOT
→ 45 TOT
→ 18 SCK
→ 2 FF pic.twitter.com/XKwjOwbqrA
Had he come out last season, draft experts had him as a top-12 draft pick, ahead of Will Anderson and Boye Mafe. So expect that kind of hype in what’s considered a down year for IDP as a whole. Instead, he decided to go back to school. As a fifth-year player, he compiled nine sacks on 14 QB hits and 35 hurries. He may not be the truest sack pass rusher, but he is clearly the most refined.
- IDP Hunter – writer for Fantasy Six Pack and IDP Guys, Top 4 ECR IDP Ranker for FantasyPros
1.02 Dallas Turner, EDGE Alabama
Turner is an exciting young pass rusher with loads of potential. He features a quick first step, excellent length (34-⅜’’ arms), with speed and bend to take the edge in a flash. Turner has a strong chance to go in the top ten when the draft gets here and has the potential to be a productive IDP edge asset for the long haul. Sign me up.
- Kyle Bellefeuil – IDP Contributor for FootballGuys
1.03 Laiatu Latu, EDGE UCLA
Elite edge rushers are a premium asset in fantasy football. Latu has great size (6′ 5″ 259 lbs) and strength for an edge. His main concern is his medical history (neck injury) but I believe he has shown in his time since the injury at UCLA that he can be a special player.
- Justice – Co-Host of the Devy IDP Grind and G5 Hive Podcast, IDP Specialist for Campus2Canton
1.04 Payton Wilson, LB NC State
Wilson has a beautiful blend of speed, athleticism, size, and instincts. he completely filled the stat sheet, showcasing as an asset in coverage as well as a blitzer. Teams should be able to look past his age and injury history to jump and draft a linebacker of his capabilities.
- JoeyTheTooth – IDP Writer, Ranker, and Projections for FootballGuys
1.05 Cedric Gray, LB North Carolina
Wilson is the gem of the LB class, but Gray has the potential to be a productive LB at the next level. He’s a bit smaller than a typical three-down LB, but he’s tenacious against the run with ridiculous instincts. Gray can also rush the passer, but his pass coverage needs work and may hold him back a little.
- Dwight Peebles – Writer and Editor at Dynasty Nerds and Campus2Canton
1.06 Chop Robinson, EDGE Penn State
Perhaps no one saw their draft stock rise after the NFL Combine as much as Penn St. EDGE Chop Robinson. As a three-year collegiate player, Robinson never eclipsed 455 snaps in a single season. His athleticism projects him to be an NFL starter, though Robinson has questions about whether he can develop his handwork and angles at the next level.
- Mase – Content Creator at RPO Football, IDP Ranker at FantasyPros
1.07 Edgerrin Cooper, LB Texas A&M
A big run on EDGE players coming off the board forced my hand. I need to grab one of the top LBs here in hopes high draft capital will give him a chance to see positive usage right away.
- Jon Glosser – Senior Writer, Ranker, and IDP Team Lead at Dynasty Nerds
1.08 Junior Colson, LB Michigan
#Texas LB Jaylan Ford has some awesome spatial awareness in coverage over the middle of field. Can carry vertical routes up the seam and undercut underneath routes developing around him.
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) March 27, 2024
Ball production (6 INTs over last 2 years) could make him an excellent value pick on Day 3. pic.twitter.com/c9TTNgbtMl
Colson led the Wolverines in tackles with 95 and helped Michigan win the National Championship this past season. He can be a three-down linebacker with his ideal size and coverage ability. He just needs to improve in shedding blocks and run play recognition to become the top linebacker in this class.
- Leo – Founder of RPO Football, #1 Weekly IDP Ranker at FantasyPros for 2022 and 2023, and IDP Analyst for FTN Fantasy
1.09 Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB Clemson
With the top players off the board, picking from the second group isn’t ideal for the first pick. I went with a player that has a decent high floor, experience, and NFL DNA.
- Hollywood – Co-Host of the Devy IDP Grind Podcast and contributor at IDP Nation and 13 Horns
1.10 Tyler Nubin, S Minnesota
Having already secured the top EDGE in this draft class, I went for strategy and took the top DB as well. To be fair, I’m very interested in this defensive line class but could not pass up the opportunity to have this combo. Fun fact on Nubin: His QBR rating dips to 17.9 when targets are targeted at him on the field. He is the clear, far-and-away DB1 for IDP and real-life football. – IDPHunter
1.11 Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, DT Illinois
Newton is an athletic, versatile big man who can be shifted along a defense’s front. He also brings intriguing pass rush upside with 13 sacks and 102 pressures, per PFF, over his past two seasons. In true-position formats such as this, I’ll take a shot on a big fella with a knack for splash plays. – Kyle
1.12 Byron Murphy II, DT Texas
Murphy had a productive season at Texas, where he was a second-team All-American and Big 12 DL of the Year. He also tested well at the combine. Murphy uses his great balance and strength to provide a pass rush from the interior, which could be a valuable asset for fantasy purposes. – Justice
2.01 Chris Braswell, EDGE Alabama
As I mentioned in a recent article, Braswell is my dark horse to be the top EDGE defender of this class as a rookie. It’s his natural feel in coverage that may land him on the field early. He has great instincts in zone as an EDGE. Braswell also has a lightning-fast first step, which he converts into jarring power. Tack on a high-level football IQ, and you have the makings of a three-down player. – JoeyTheTooth
2.02 Kamren Kinchens, S Miami
Kinchens has loads of experience and is the most versatile safety in the class. He’s fierce in run support and reads and anticipates plays well. He’s got ball skills and good instincts in coverage. Kinchens may not produce at more than a DB2/3 level, hindering his IDP value a little. – Dwight
2.03 Darius Robinson, EDGE Missouri
With the 2.03, I selected the 6’5” standout defensive lineman out of Missouri. Robinson has an NFL-ready frame and some versatility in his game, as he has performed well inside and outside the defensive line in his collegiate career (1,358 defensive snaps dating back to 2019). I believe that versatility will give him more opportunities to get on the field and improve his game. – Mase
2.04 Bralen Trice, EDGE Washington
At one point, I had Bralen Trice as a first rounder, but I feel more comfortable selecting him early day 2.
— • Colton Edwards • (@cedwardsNFL) March 30, 2024
That's due to his lack of length compared to others and lack of athleticism.
I like his upper body power and hand placement in both pass rushes and run defense. He's… https://t.co/9xMc9zISdS pic.twitter.com/tN6fS1K9TA
Trice comes into the NFL with a thick frame, ready to battle with the big boys. He has body-rattling strength in his hands with his initial punch, plus violent grip and rip moves. Trice is versatile and can play as an EDGE in a 4-3 or DE in a 3-4. He’s working best when he’s working inside, where his somewhat limited athleticism is not as noticeable. – Jon
2.05 Jaden Hicks, S Washington St.
At 6’2″, I really like Hicks’ versatility and ability to play on all three levels of the defense. As NFL defenses employ more three-safety formations, I’m hoping he lands with a team that will maximize his ball skills and instincts. Also glad to see he tested favorably at the NFL combine and at his pro day (4.48). – Leo
2.06 Cole Bishop, S Utah
After taking a gamble and losing by not selecting Nubin at 1.09, I rebound and get the next best safety in this class. He’s a versatile and high-production player who tested off the charts at the NFL Combine. – Hollywood
2.07 Cooper DeJean, S Iowa
Continuing my trend of taking the top players at their position, that fell to me here was CB Cooper DeJean, a three-letter sports athlete who may play safety at the next level. He is valued as a top-notch returner for leagues that feature kick-returning points, so that is an extra benefit here. I’m ecstatic about having three first-round graded players in this draft! – IDP Hunter
2.08 Jonah Elliss, EDGE Utah
Elliss had a breakout final season at Utah, compiling 16 tackles for loss and 12 sacks over ten games. He’s a little on the smaller side but utilizes his quick first step, motor, and spin move to be a handful off the edge effectively. Scheme fit will be key for Elliss as he profiles more as a 3-4 EDGE rusher, but his game has some upside. – Kyle
2.09 Braden Fiske, DT Florida State
Fiske made the jump from G5 to P5 and proved he belonged! He had impressive performances in the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. While DT is not generally a sexy position for fantasy purposes, Fiske provides a pass rush from the interior that makes him an attractive option for NFL and Fantasy Teams alike. – Justice
2.10 Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama
Arnold may be the most versatile defensive back in this class. He brings a large frame to the table as a cornerback and uses every bit of that length, attacking the catch point and jamming receivers, and is effective in all phases of the game. Arnold is a scheme-proof defensive back and should see plenty of playing time. – JoeyTheTooth
2.11 Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE Western Michigan
Western Michigan DE Marshawn Kneeland has a Top-30 visit with the #Eagles, per @TonyPauline.
— Word On The Birds (@WordOnTheBirds) March 30, 2024
At 6’3” 267 pounds and possessing 34 1/2” long arms, Kneeland is a very powerful pass rusher with a high motor who always seems to have an impact on the pocket or backfield.
2023… pic.twitter.com/YlleP8TTUd
Kneeland has strength and can set the edge, and he possesses a ferocious bull rush. He’s strong at the point of attack, and his motor is always running; he’s never out of a play. Kneeland will need time to develop and isn’t an elite athlete, but could be a fun rotational pass-rusher. – Dwight
2.12 Jaylan Ford, LB Texas
Ford is a solid run defender and can effectively rush the quarterback (36 pressures in the past two seasons at Texas), who I have ranked in my second tier of linebackers in the 2024 draft class. – Mase
3.01 Javon Bullard, S Georgia
Bullard has the versatility to play both ‘big nickel’ and deep safety. He will be scheme-dependent, but he has a chance to produce right away in the right system. – Jon
3.02 Adisa Isaac, EDGE Penn State
If you miss out on the top EDGER rushers like Turner, Verse, Latu, and Robinson, you might as well wait until the third round and take a chance on a player like Isaac, who has good measurables and edge rush upside. He will take time to improve his pass-rush arsenal, but I like that he has shown up in run defense, which could help him develop into a three-down player down the road. – Leo
3.03 Mohamed Kamara, EDGE Colorado State
Having secured options at both LB and S, it was time to address a pass rusher. Kamara looks and played the part in college, and that should follow him to the NFL. He has a variety of pass-rush tools in his toolbox, and a creative DC will use him a lot. – Hollywood
3.04 Tommy Eichenberg, LB Ohio State
In this draft’s format, I already took premium players with DL-CB-DB. If there was one position I wanted to punt this year, it was definitely a linebacker. This draft class has been historically low and speculated to be one of the worst classes for IDP since 2021, and you could blame the linebackers and safety room for that.
Therefore, this was one position I wanted to play the best player available. Once the top five linebackers come off the board, consider Tommy Eichenberger, who has had 200 tackles in the last two seasons. Consistency here. What’s remarkable about Tommy is he’s incredibly reliable at tackling which should exploit this scoring. Especially in this kind of format, where you get two points for the tackle is king, Eikenberg had 82 tackles last season, 40 of which were solos.
My only concern is he’s a bit bigger and slower than the modern-day players who play this position, so he may just be a two-down box linebacker. Still, he’s graded as a mid-second rounder in IDP draft boards, and I got him in the third, so I will take my chances here as they all have questions. – IDP Hunter
3.05 Trevin Wallace, LB Kentucky
Wallace is an explosive athlete who lit up the combine, registering a 4.51 40-yard dash, 37.5’’ vertical, and 10’7’’ broad jump. While he’s a bit of a developmental prospect, if his eyes catch up to his athletic traits, he could be fun for IDP. – Kyle
3.06 Nathaniel Watson, LB Mississippi State
At Mississippi State, Watson made a habit of living in the other team’s backfield, racking up tackles for loss and sacks. He also excelled at tackling while in the box and rarely missed a tackle. All of these assets make him an intriguing option for your fantasy team. – Justice
3.07 Austin Booker, EDGE Kansas
Kansas edge-rusher Austin Booker with two of the best rushes of the week within a few plays of each other during the ‘3rd down drop back pass’ portion of practice today. Inside spin + long-arm stab. pic.twitter.com/dlhONVXmmX
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) January 31, 2024
Booker has tremendous length with a tremendous wingspan and long strides. He gets on top of the quarterback quickly. Though he has limited playing time, he showcased an NFL-ready package of pass-rushing moves. Booker pairs that with eye-popping athleticism, great bend, and strong pursuit speed, and he is becoming a quick riser on draft boards. – JoeyTheTooth
3.08 Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo
If I am taking a corner, which I don’t typically advocate, it’s Mitchell. He’s the top corner in the draft and a likely top fifteen pick, and he’s not afraid to tackle. Mitchell may be targeted as a rookie, and I could see him raking in 60+ tackles. He’s got good instincts and vision and mirrors wideouts well. – Dwight
3.09 Curtis Jacobs, LB Penn State
Jacobs ran a 4.58 at the NFL combine and showed good hands when initiating contact with offensive blockers this past season at Penn St. I don’t think any one thing stands out in Jacobs’s game; however, depending on this landing spot, he may play consistently enough to carve out a role for himself in the NFL. – Mase
3.10 Calen Bullock, S USC
Bullock is a young safety with high potential. He may be a two-year stash, but his potential alone at this value is worth the pick. – Jon
3.11 Marist Liufau, LB Notre Dame
Luifau may need to prove himself on special teams to begin his career, but he has solid size and speed to earn a rotational role. He has shown good coverage and blitz ability, but to become an integral piece of a linebacker group, he will need to improve his inconsistent run defense. – Leo
3.12 Darius Muasau, LB UCLA
Having secured a player at all three levels already, I go back and get another LB at one of IDP’s most important positions. Muasau isn’t as highly regarded as some other LBs in this class but has really good upside and talent as a complimentary LB. – Hollywood
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