X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

Rookies Ready to Start in IDP Leagues - Kyle Hamilton, Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean, and more

Aidan Hutchinson fantasy football IDP rankings nfl rookies draft sleepers defensive players

Towards the latter part of the 2021 season, we advised our regular IDP readers that the 2022 NFL Draft class would be a bit of an outlier. We warned that those playing in standard or Superflex dynasty leagues should try to trade their 2022 assets for comparable 2023 picks if possible because the quarterback and running back groups in this rookie class are thin. Those warnings proved largely true, as NFL teams were tepid on this quarterback group and the running backs ended up in disappointing spots for fantasy purposes.

In that same article, we advised serious IDP players that this class would benefit them. We said this 2022 Draft class was deep at several key defensive positions and should provide some exciting prospects for those looking to replenish their tacklers. That prediction also proved to be largely accurate.

With that in mind, we are here to offer you several rookie defenders who project to be quality starters in many IDP formats. Those rookies are…

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:

 

1. Kyle Hamilton, DB, Baltimore Ravens

Hamilton is easily the best fantasy defender in this rookie class. As a defensive back (DB), he plays a premium position. He also has elite length, tremendous instincts, solid ball skills, and a supernatural ability to contain the edge. In short, Hamilton is a player who should rarely come off the field for the Ravens. Baltimore is a team that needed a talent boost in its secondary, and their coaching staff is reportedly talking about using Hamilton in various ways, including regularly putting him in the box. That kind of usage spells a tremendous fantasy floor, and he has the physical profile to provide you with some high-value turnovers as well.

Do not be fooled by Hamilton's poor 40-yard dash times. He plays faster on film than on a stopwatch and is joining a defense with a strong track record of developing safeties. Hamilton should be the second DB off the board in dynasty startup drafts after Derwin James. If you play in redraft, Hamilton is still a top-five player at his position, thanks to his immediate upside.

Current Pos. Rank in Redraft: DB4

Current Pos. Rank in Dynasty: DB2

 

2. Nakobe Dean, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

Dean is a polarizing prospect for several reasons. First, his health is in question. During the NFL Draft, there was talk that he fell due to concerns he would have to have surgery and miss his rookie year. His camp has stated that is not the case.

The second concern many have about Dean is his lack of size or speed. To put it simply, the former Bulldog is small for a linebacker, and he lacks top-end speed. Those are obvious red flags and reasonable reasons for people to fade him.

With all that said, you must be wondering… why rank Dean so high on this list if he's gimpy, small, and slow? Well, the easy answer is his Georgia film is like porn for fans of defense. Despite the Bulldogs' defense being loaded with elite talents and five-star recruits, it was Dean who inexplicably found himself involved in nearly every single play. Sometimes the diminutive 'backer would seemingly appear out of nowhere for a tackle, taking opposing running backs down faster and more surely than his more athletic teammates. Dean’s pure instincts and ability to find the ball remind us of former Miami Dolphins star Zach Thomas. Having that kind of profile on an Eagles team in need of linebacker help spells an LB2 with upside, all day.

The only note we have with Dean is to watch his participation in camp. If he’s healthy and playing with the first team, he could rise even higher in our ranks. If he’s being held out, fade him lower than we have him here.

Current Pos. Rank in Redraft: LB17

Current Pos. Rank in Dynasty: LB14

 

3. Aidan Hutchinson, DL, Detroit Lions

It’ll surprise many to find Hutchinson this low on our list, but he falls here for a few reasons. One reason he falls is the mere fact we prioritize DBs more highly than edge defenders, leading us to jump Hamilton over the top-overall prospect in this class. The second reason he falls is our unadulterated love for Dean, who has the film of someone who can leap to the front of a deep linebacker position if he’s healthy and playing.

The final reason we fade Hutchinson on this list is the limited sack upside we see early in his career. While the former Wolverine is a good bet to reach double-digit sacks at some point, we aren't convinced it will happen without more help on that line and in the secondary. We also aren't convinced that Hutchinson has the same sort of upside that players like Nick Bosa or Myles Garrett do, meaning we don’t see him leading the NFL in sacks at any point in his career.

The Lions still have a lot of work to do on their defensive line and in their secondary, leading us to cap our sack projections for Hutchinson in 2022. It also doesn’t help that we project the Lions to play from behind regularly and to have one of the lowest snap rates in the NFL. That all leads us to project solid tackle numbers but limited big plays for the Michigan product as a rookie.

Current Pos. Rank in Redraft: DL19

Current Pos. Rank in Dynasty: DL16

 

4. Lewis Cine, DB, Minnesota Vikings

Cine is a bit of a project, but he’s got the playstyle and tenacity to fill an in-the-box role early for the Vikings. That kind of role typically leads to a safe fantasy floor, as box safeties get far more tackle opportunities than those who play deep. It also helps that Cine is already getting starter snaps for the Vikings in minicamp, despite being a relatively raw prospect.

We like Cine in redraft formats, but we like him even more in dynasty. Cine can potentially develop into an all-around threat if he can add more weight while improving his fluidity in coverage. Consider him a boom-or-bust DB3 right now, but his upside merits DB2 consideration in dynasty.

Current Pos. Rank in Redraft: DB24

Current Pos. Rank in Dynasty: DB19

 

5. Devin Lloyd, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars

This one is fairly obvious. Lloyd was the top linebacker on many draft boards, and he is joining a Jaguars team that has a need at the position. Lloyd is already getting early opportunities to play in minicamp and should step into a full-time role as early as Week 1. While some of us liked Nakobe Dean’s film more, and players like Troy Andersen could have more long-term upside in dynasty leagues, Lloyd seems like a good bet to see plenty of snaps as a rookie.

The former Ute should make something of those snaps if he gets them. Lloyd is effective in all facets of the game, which should earn him a three-down role and give him a chance to make some big plays. Consider the Utah product to be a much safer bet than Zaven Collins or Jamin Davis were last summer if for no other reason than Jacksonville seems committed to giving him immediate starter snaps.

Current Pos. Rank in Redraft: LB19

Current Pos. Rank in Dynasty: LB16

 

6. Jalen Pitre, DB, Houston Texans

Texans' Head Coach Lovie Smith described Pitre as "outstanding" in minicamp, which fits our analysis of his film. At Baylor, Pitre was a well-rounded defender who split time at nickel corner and safety while managing 195 total tackles, eight sacks, and eleven turnovers across a long career.

While many project Pitre as a top-end nickel corner in the NFL, the Texans likely see him as a starting safety with nickel coverage skills and the ability to play in the box when necessary. That profile is promising for fantasy. Look for him to step into Justin Reid's vacated position, and provide starter-quality snaps in IDP leagues that start three or more DBs.

Current Pos. Rank in Redraft: DB22

Current Pos. Rank in Dynasty: DB20

 

7. Jermaine Johnson II, DL, New York Jets

Johnson makes this list over the more heralded Kayvon Thibodeaux for a few reasons. First among those reasons is Johnson’s high-end skills in run support. Johnson is a very willing, instinctive, and involved run defender. That should earn him considerable snaps early in his career, even if Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh thinks his pass rush needs some tuning.

Another reason we like Johnson to make an impact as a rookie is his role on an underrated defensive line in an underrated scheme. Coach Saleh has shown the ability to develop pass rushers, and he should get the most out of a line with Johnson, Quinnen Williams, and Carl Lawson on it.

Johnson has a good get-off and a sneaky spin move that should make fifty tackles and seven sacks a reasonable goal for him as a rookie. If he remains healthy, the former Seminole’s run support and pass rush upside make him a DL3 with DL2 upside in 2022.

Current Pos. Rank in Redraft: DL24

Current Pos. Rank in Dynasty: DL21



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Brock Bowers48 mins ago

Rebounds With Another Huge Day
David Njoku1 hour ago

Goes For Eight Catches, 66 Yards In Week 16 Loss
Jerome Ford1 hour ago

Runs For 92 Yards, TD In Week 16
Jaxon Smith-Njigba2 hours ago

With Monster Day In Week 16
Nathaniel Lowe3 hours ago

Traded To Washington
Kyren Williams3 hours ago

Posts Another Big Line In Rams' Road Win
Kenneth Walker III4 hours ago

Unlikely To Return On Sunday
A.J. Brown4 hours ago

Leads The Way Versus Washington
Chuba Hubbard4 hours ago

Leads The Way In Overtime Victory
Zay Flowers4 hours ago

Nelson Agholor Pick Up DNPs On Sunday
Justice Hill4 hours ago

Absent In Sunday's Practice Estimation
Ja'Marr Chase4 hours ago

Tallies 16th Score Of The Season
Tank Dell4 hours ago

Unsurprisingly A DNP In Practice Estimation
Linus Ullmark4 hours ago

Red-Hot Ahead Of Meeting With Oilers
Joe Burrow5 hours ago

Throws Three Scores On Sunday
Jameson Williams5 hours ago

Torches Bears Defense
Jahmyr Gibbs5 hours ago

Comes Through Against Bears
George Pickens5 hours ago

Limited In Practice Estimation
Pyotr Kochetkov5 hours ago

Achieves Rare Feat In Sunday's Win
Bijan Robinson5 hours ago

Scores Twice, Tallies Over 100 Yards In Victory
Jonathan Taylor5 hours ago

Eclipses 200 Rushing Yards, Scores Three Times In Week 16
Sebastian Aho5 hours ago

Scores Third Goal In Four Games
Jared Goff5 hours ago

Has Big Day Against Bears
Michael Amadio5 hours ago

In Concussion Protocol
Dorian Thompson-Robinson5 hours ago

Has A Rough Game On Sunday, Should Start In Week 17
Mackenzie Blackwood5 hours ago

Takes On Kraken Sunday
Matt Rempe5 hours ago

Slapped With Eight-Game Suspension
Saquon Barkley5 hours ago

Has Another Massive Performance On Sunday
Joel Embiid6 hours ago

To Return On Monday
Trey Lyles6 hours ago

Available On Sunday
Keegan Murray6 hours ago

Available On Sunday
Domantas Sabonis7 hours ago

Uncertain For Sunday
Moritz Wagner7 hours ago

Suffers ACL Tear
Jesús Luzardo13 hours ago

Phillies Acquire Jesus Luzardo From Miami
Mark Stone15 hours ago

Tallies Three Points In Saturday's Victory
Patrik Laine15 hours ago

Extends Goal Streak To Three Games
Nico Hischier15 hours ago

Busy In Saturday's Victory
Connor Hellebuyck15 hours ago

Posts Fourth Shutout Of The Season
Quinn Hughes15 hours ago

Posts Three-Point Game In Saturday's Loss
Bo Horvat15 hours ago

Tallies Goal, Two Helpers In Victory
Moritz Wagner1 day ago

Won't Return On Saturday
Dalano Banton1 day ago

Won't Play On Saturday
Royce O'Neale1 day ago

Moves Into Starting Five
Jaden Ivey1 day ago

Available On Saturday
Paul George1 day ago

Cleared To Play On Saturday
Alex Bregman1 day ago

Mets Showing Interest In Alex Bregman
Giannis Antetokounmpo1 day ago

Now Out On Saturday
Draymond Green1 day ago

Expected To Suit Up Saturday
Moses Moody1 day ago

Out Versus Minnesota
Joel Embiid1 day ago

Resting Versus Cleveland
Jalen Suggs1 day ago

Unavailable Saturday
Keyonte George1 day ago

Won't Face Nets Saturday
Khris Middleton1 day ago

Cleared To Face Washington
Giannis Antetokounmpo1 day ago

Not Expected To Play On Saturday
Carlos Santana1 day ago

Inks One-Year Contract With Cleveland
Josh Giddey1 day ago

Out Versus Boston
Trae Young1 day ago

Unavailable Against Memphis
Dorian Finney-Smith1 day ago

Ruled Out Against Utah
Josh Naylor1 day ago

Traded To Arizona
Ilya Samsonov1 day ago

Starts Versus Kraken Saturday
Leevi Merilainen1 day ago

Starts For Senators Saturday
Cam York1 day ago

Re-Enters Flyers Lineup Saturday
Lars Eller1 day ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Auston Matthews1 day ago

Unavailable Saturday
Roman Josi1 day ago

Returns To Action In Overtime Win
Paul Goldschmidt1 day ago

Agrees With Yankees On One-Year Deal
Mikko Rantanen2 days ago

Tallies Two Helpers, Extends Point Streak On Friday
Nathan MacKinnon2 days ago

Tallies Three Points On Friday
Charlie Lindgren2 days ago

Sharp On Friday
Chicago Cubs2 days ago

Roki Sasaki Meets With Cubs
Christian Walker2 days ago

Agrees To Three-Year Deal With Astros
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.3 days ago

Extension Remains In Play For Toronto
New York Mets3 days ago

Roki Sasaki Meets With Mets On Thursday
Max Kepler3 days ago

Phillies Sign Max Kepler To One-Year Deal
Marcus Semien3 days ago

Rangers Could Look To Rest Marcus Semien More
Jesús Luzardo3 days ago

Cubs Trade Talks For Jesus Luzardo Are "Dead"
Josh Naylor3 days ago

Mentioned In Trade Talks With Mariners
Nolan Arenado4 days ago

Blocks Trade To Astros
Devin Williams4 days ago

Yankees Name Devin Williams As The Closer
Cody Bellinger5 days ago

Traded To The Yankees

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Bryce Young - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Waiver Wire Express - Week 17 Lightning Round Including Kendre Miller, Tyjae Spears, Trey Benson, Olamide Zaccheaus, Dalton Schultz, Bryce Young, more

Allow us to extend a congratulatory handshake for making it through Week 16 as we press onto the championship week(s) to come. Most of you have no more bye weeks to hide behind as it's all hands on deck in pursuit of a title. Let's start our push to the podium with our fantasy football […]


Jared Goff - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Picks

NFL Week 16 Fantasy Football Weather Report

Congratulations! You made it to the fantasy football semifinals AND we're less than one week away from Christmas! But that also means the weather continues to take a turn for the worse. And in the NFL, weather can significantly impact games, particularly as we head into the colder months of the season. In this article, […]


Josh Jacobs - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Picks

Saints vs. Packers MNF Start 'Em, Sit 'Em - Jordan Love, Kendre Miller, Josh Jacobs, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and more

The final game of Week 16 and the fantasy football semi-final slate is a total mismatch on paper, yet it could still be crucial to fantasy managers trying to reach the championship round of their league. Read our Monday Night Football matchups analysis article for the Saints vs. Packers game to help make any fantasy […]


Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans - Tampa Bay Bucs, Fantasy Football

Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Sunday Night Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Baker Mayfield, Cooper Rush, Rico Dowdle, Mike Evans, CeeDee Lamb, and more

We are well into the fantasy football playoffs and we have an excellent matchup for Sunday Night Football between two teams who are capable of providing offensive fireworks, as the Tampa Bay Bucs and Dallas Cowboys are set to square off in a Week 16 primetime matchup. Led by Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, the […]


James Conner - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em - Week 16 Matchups Analysis

Welcome back, RotoBallers, to another start'em and sit'em piece as we look ahead to Week 16! This Week 16 matchups analysis and Start 'Em, Sit 'Em will help you make the right lineup decisions in the second round of the fantasy football playoffs.  With only two weeks left in most fantasy leagues, a championship title is within reach. […]


Tyreek Hill - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Injury Reports For Week 16 (Sunday Morning Updates): Tyreek Hill, Tony Pollard, Alvin Kamara, Cade Otton, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and more

Heading into Week 16 of the NFL season, injuries continue to impact the upcoming schedule. These play a huge factor in start/sit decisions for fantasy managers. Our injury updates and reports for Week 16 as of Sunday, December 22, 2024, will give you the latest updates on key fantasy football players. The injury news for […]


Bucky Irving - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

NFL DFS Lineup Picks For FanDuel, DraftKings - Buccaneers vs. Cowboys SNF Showdown (Week 16)

Welcome back, RotoBallers! We have an NFC showdown tonight, as it’ll be Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) heading to Texas to take on Cooper Rush and the Dallas Cowboys (6-8). The Buccaneers aim to secure their foothold in the NFC South while Dallas looks to keep their playoff hopes alive. Let’s see […]


Chigoziem Okonkwo - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Fantasy Football Playoffs Strength of Schedule: Easy/Tough Matchups for QB, RB, WR, TE

The fantasy football postseason is here, and over the next two weeks, fantasy championships will be won and lost based on the decisions you make about your lineup. This is the time of year when you need to look at what's right in front of you (Week 16) and at what's to come (Week 17). […]


Video: Week 16 Booms, Sleepers, and Streamers - 2024 Fantasy Football Start 'Em Analysis

It's crunch time, RotoBallers! Our YouTube team is bringing the HEAT for the fantasy football playoffs... check out our Week 16 booms, sleepers, and streamers to get the edge in your postseason matchups! NFL Network and RotoBaller contributor LaQuan Jones gives in-depth fantasy football advice, breaking down some of his high-upside, sleeper, and value plays […]


Tyreek Hill - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Week 16 PPR Rankings for Fantasy Football Playoffs: Overall Updates Include Cooper Kupp, Tyreek Hill, Kendre Miller, Tyjae Spears, Patrick Taylor, DJ Moore

It's playoff time! Let's go punch that ticket to the fantasy football playoff championship game! Below, you'll see our NFL team's updated Week 16 fantasy football PPR rankings for 2024. Let's see where key players like Cooper Kupp, Tyreek Hill, DeVonta Smith, Rico Dowdle, Tony Pollard, and Xavier Worthy stand for the Week 16 slate. […]


Derrick Henry - Fantasy football rankings, nfl dfs

Steelers vs. Ravens Start 'Em, Sit 'Em - Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson, Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, Mark Andrews, more

Happy holidays, RotoBallers! We get the gift of two NFL games on Saturday in Week 16. Fantasy football playoffs are in full swing and these Saturday matchups will undoubtedly impact the fate of your league's championship. Below you can read our matchups analysis article for the Steelers vs. Ravens game to help make any fantasy […]


Jayden Reed - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Week 16 FLEX Rankings for Fantasy Football (RB, WR, TE) - Updates Include Jayden Reed, Jerry Jeudy, Malik Nabers, Chuba Hubbard, Jonnu Smith

The 2024 NFL season is almost finished, meaning it's time to compete for the fantasy football championship. We're here to help with our NFL team's updated Week 16 fantasy football FLEX rankings for 2024. Comparing two flex options at different positions can be a tough task, so let's see where key FLEX options like Jayden […]


Aaron Rodgers - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Week 16 Superflex 2QB Rankings for Fantasy Football: Updates for Sam Darnold, Brock Purdy, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Mason Rudolph

After a long season of tough start 'em, sit 'em calls, just two more slates remain. Hopefully, you're well-equipped to win the fantasy football championship in your league. Our Week 16 fantasy football Superflex rankings (2QB) for 2024 are here to help you navigate close start-or-sit calls. Below, you can see where RotoBaller has key […]