10 Rookie IDPs to Target in 2025 Redraft Leagues
Mike Woellert identifies 10 rookies who could produce early in the 2025 season.
As the glow of rookie SZN fades away, we’re left with the question of how to handle these shiny new toys in redraft leagues. It’s important to remember that most rookies are overvalued at the start of the season, as they tend to earn their playing time as the season goes along. However, there are always exceptions to this rule.
I’ve identified ten rookie IDPs who appear primed for full-time snaps right away and are worth targeting in redraft. I’ve also included some defenders whose path isn’t as clear right now but who could climb the depth chart if things break their way.
1. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns
With Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s 2025 season ending before it even started, the spotlight is fully on second-round pick Carson Schwesinger.
The Browns spent significant draft capital on the off-ball LB, so Schwesinger will have the opportunity to earn a full-time role. The Browns have some vets in the room; Devin Bush (recently arrested), Jerome Baker, and Mohamad Diabate are the three I envision in a training camp battle for the LB2 spot.
The Browns have been primarily a nickel/2-LB defense under Jim Schwartz, but there’s been volatility at that spot. JOK (until his injury) and Jordan Hicks had those spots locked down. If Schwartz is comfortable with his LB2, he’ll deploy him full-time.
That’s how I think Schwartz is going to feel about Schwesinger.
I loved Schwesinger’s tape and think he has similar traits to JOK. He has elite instincts and play recognition, and he’s able to slice, knife, and work his way through contact. He’s good downhill and a gap shooter. He excelled in his first season as a starter and earned an 80.6 overall grade and recorded 136 tackles-including an impressive 2:1 solo-to-assist ratio. He just sniffs out the ball and makes the play.
I love this play from Schwesinger. He gets a good jump off the snap and keeps his head up and weaves through the traffic:
I think Schwesinger is in the conversation for LB3 as a rookie and looks to have a clear path to snaps opposite Jordan Hicks in 2025.
2. Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, Cincinnati Bengals
I love taking advantage of a disgruntled LB, which is what we have in Cincinnati. I think the Bengals selecting Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter in the draft told us what they think of Germaine Pratt’s future with the team.
Knight brings expertise and leadership to the locker room. In 2024, Knight transferred to South Carolina, where he emerged as a defensive leader, earning team captain honors and accolades such as the Rex Enright Team Captain Award, Most Outstanding Senior, and Joe Morrison MVP Defense Award.
Knight showcases exceptional sideline-to-sideline range with impressive acceleration and lengthy strides. His remarkable closing burst makes him dangerous both in pursuit situations and when attacking as a blitzer.
He diagnoses run plays quickly and mirrors running backs effectively.
On this play, he keeps his shoulders square and takes two quick shuffle steps downhill rather than opening his hips and turning to run. As the guard’s down-block closes the original B-gap, Knight widens a half-step so his play side (right) shoulder stays free. Knight plants on his third step and accelerates. That click-and-close timing means he meets the back at the line of scrimmage (LOS) instead of 2–3 yards downfield. Knight then makes a textbook tackle:
He’s a gap disruptor, uses his length well, and is a hustle player. Even if Pratt is, somehow, still a Bengal, I think Knight ends up winning a full-time role and is a valuable contributor. In redraft, I’m targeting him as an LB4.
3. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
I like Jihaad Campbell’s skillset and his fit with the Eagles. As of now, Nakobe Dean’s season, or at least a good portion of it, is in doubt. I’ve got Dean projected for about 600 snaps. I think Campbell gets the nod as a full-time LB while Dean is sidelined.
That gives him plenty of time to be productive opposite Zack Baun. Vic Fangio is known for maximizing the talents of versatile defenders. Campbell’s skill set aligns well with Fangio's schemes, as he played both off-ball and on the edge, with his edge snaps increasing from 8% to 14% in 2024, his pass-rush snaps increasing 65%, resulting in 20 pressures and 5 sacks. His 4.52 40-yard speed helps with that.
Campbell is a sure tackler (just a career 7.3% missed tackle rate) and finishes off the ball carrier and is above average in zone coverage with good eye discipline, reading quarterbacks effectively. He has the physical tools to be an effective defender.
On this play, Campbell doesn’t crowd the line until the cadence is already rolling, so the tackle and tight end never reset their stance to account for an extra first-level defender. He keeps a low pad level and closes the gap:
There are a few things to monitor throughout the offseason. There’s some uncertainty on how he’ll be used: at off-ball or edge. If he’s used like Micah Parsons, his tackle floor is lowered. He also had shoulder surgery, so there are medical red flags.
In redraft leagues, I’m not targeting him until the mid-to-late rounds, but he should have IDP value for the first few weeks of the season until Dean returns, then his snaps might be up in the air. I’d target him as an LB4/5 and maybe sell high (in redraft) after a few weeks of production ahead of Dean’s return.
4. Nick Martin, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Nick Martin was one of my favorite LB prospects. A bit undersized, he reminded me of Ivan Pace Jr. the way he flies around the field and is always around the ball.
Martin proved himself as a highly effective tackler and versatile playmaker during his collegiate career. In the 2023 season, he topped the Big 12 charts with 140 tackles (15.1% tackle rate), while adding 16 TFLs, along with 6 sacks, and 2 INTs. His production led to a First-Team All-Big 12 selection. A knee injury cut short a productive 2024, during which he recorded 47 tackles over 5 games (13% tackle rate).
Martin further highlighted his athletic ability at the NFL Combine by running a 4.53-second 40-yard dash—the kind of speed that also showed on tape. He’s going to be able to keep up with speedy back and mobile QBs.
Here’s an example of Martin’s speed and asset as a QB spy. This is nothing but chase down speed to get to the QB:
His closing speed (he’s been described as a “heat-seeking missile”) and lateral quickness make him a sideline-to-sideline threat, ideal for modern NFL defenses facing spread offenses and mobile quarterbacks. Martin hits with force and rarely misses in open space when healthy.
The 49ers lost Dre Greenlaw to free agency, which created a pretty clear path to snaps alongside Fred Warner. Saleh's defense, known for its aggressive 4-3 base alignment and emphasis on linebacker versatility, is well-suited to Martin's skill set. The 49ers, when under Saleh, were a nickel-heavy/2 off-ball LB defense.
With his production, athleticism, and draft capital (3rd round), I expect Martin to land the LB2 spot. I’m targeting him in the mid-to-late rounds of redraft leagues.
5. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
If your league will count Hunter’s defensive/offensive points in your league, no matter the designation, he’s one of the top rookie IDPs in 2025. I’m hedging here since I know not every league platform does that. With his landing spot in Jacksonville, Hunter should play primarily as a receiver, but should get snaps on defense at outside corner.
Hunter’s athleticism shines on both sides of the ball, like on this impressive INT. He allows the WR to go past and picks up the motion man, while always keeping his eyes on the QB. He sees #44 is the target and makes the play on the ball for the pick:
Hunter has a twitchy burst, fluidity, and top-end speed. He’s competitive on both sides of the ball and shows no fear in run support, racking up 60 solo tackles.
So, what to do with Hunter? It all depends on your league’s scoring. I’ve got him projected for just over 315 defensive snaps, so if he’s just labeled as a CB/DB with no offensive points, stay away. But if he gets WR points, he’s one of the top rookie options. Although, he’s probably going to higher than where I’m comfortable drafting him.
6. Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys
Donovan Ezeiruaku was my favorite edge rusher in the class, and his landing spot in Dallas didn’t do much to deter my thoughts on him. I thought he was a 1st-round prospect, and Dallas was able to snag him in the 2nd round. In my pre-draft ranks, I had him as my DL1, and I still think he can be the top rookie edge.
Ezeiruaku's breakout performance in 2024, coupled with his impressive pass-rush traits and analytics, establishes him as a refined pass-rushing specialist capable of making an immediate impact on third downs.
He generated a 25.8% win rate along with a 14% pressure rate and recorded 1.7 TFLs/game (which has become a key indicator in predicting edge rusher success). Not only that, he’s a solid run defender, who sets a good edge and uses his pass-rush moves to get into the backfield, posting an 83.6 PFF run defense grade.
It was the Pittsburgh game that bumped Ezeiruaku to my DL1 spot.
24.6% pressure rate
3.5 sacks
5 QB hits
28.1% win rate
On this sack, he’s coiled, weight on the front foot, and explodes outside. He’s closed the cushion and is at the tackle’s near hip. His inside hand chops down the tackle’s punch while the outside arm begins to rip under. He combines the rip with a two-handed swat and turns the corner:
Ezeiruaku brings a polished and developed moveset to the NFL. He’ll start as the third DL in the rotation behind Dante Fowler and should consistently see the field if Matt Eberflus wants fresh bodies on the field. He’ll also set the edge if they kick Marshawn Kneeland inside. If Eberflus goes nickel-heavy, he could see 25-30 snaps with more by mid-season. I’m happy to target him as a depth piece as my DL4.
7. Abdul Carter, EDGE, New York Giants
In the 2024 NFL Draft, it took 15 picks until our first defender was drafted. Setting aside Travis Hunter, it took just three picks before the first defender was selected in 2025: Abdul Carter. After playing off-ball linebacker previously, 2024 was Carter’s first year as a full-time edge, and all he did was generate an 18.8% pressure rate and 35.1% win rate while averaging 1.5 TFLs/game. He’s versatile, as he can still play off-ball and drop into coverage. Carter had an impressive PFF 81.8 coverage grade in 2024.
Carter has a nightmare trio of speed, burst, and agility.
On this play, Carter explodes the instant the ball moves, he’s already at full speed when the left guard is still rising out of his stance.
He’s still developing his move set and until then, will rely on his athleticism. There’s no doubt he’s a game-wrecker and should contribute immediately as a situational pass-rusher while developing his run defense. Kayvon Thibodeaux is the incumbent starter, but I’ve got Carter projected for more snaps than Thibodeaux (645 snaps). I expect Chauney Golston to play more 4/4i technique (lining directly over/inside tackle).
In redraft leagues, he’s more of a DL3 than a DL2. He has the upside for production if he’s the true EDEG2 opposite Burns and outsnaps Thibodeaux significantly.
8. Malaki Starks, S, Baltimore Ravens
Due to Ar’Darius Washington’s season-ending Achilles’ tear, Malaki Starks is looking at a full-time role as a rookie. However, will this translate to IDP production in 2025?
It will all depend on the deployment since the snaps won’t be an issue. Kyle Hamilton is expected to play more near the LOS as the slot/box safety, with Starks playing mid-range and deep. Now, we’ve seen these safeties be productive in seasons past, so it’s not necessarily a death knell.
Starks recorded a 10.1% tackle rate in 2024 (which is a solid number for a DB) and 197 career tackles. He also recorded 6 INTs and a 28.4 passer rating allowed in 2024. Starks produced a 16% play-on-ball rate during his time with Georgia. He’s fluid and has above-average sideline-to-sideline speed. His closing burst erases mistakes and limits yards after catch. He’s versatile in both man and zone.
On this play, Starks does a good job tracking the motion receiver (#0) and makes a break on him to prevent any yards after catch:
With a full-time role, Starks should see over 800 snaps. In redraft leagues, he has DB3 upside, but I feel more comfortable with him as a DB4 in those mid-to-late rounds.
9. Jahdae Barron, CB, Denver Broncos
Jahdae Barron is a versatile corner who can play all the spots—possibly even outside opposite Patrick Surtain. His IDP value, though, will come at nickel in the slot.
Barron produced a 28.1% play on ball rate as he transitioned to outside corner in 2024; however, he played over 200 snaps up near the LOS as a nickel corner and box safety.
I thought this was a good coverage rep from Barron. He hardly gives up separation and has good eyes and leverage discipline. He’s patient and matches the WR’s pace, he then slams on the brakes to get the tackle and limit the YAC:
Barron is a ballhawk, as he recorded 8 career INTs, and his 24 defended passes show his disruptive tendencies in coverage. If Barron gets the nickel role (a good chance of that), I think he’s a solid CB3 target in CB-required leagues.
10. Cody Simon, LB, Arizona Cardinals
I’ve liked Cody Simon during the draft process, and I was pleased with his landing spot with the Cardinals. They have a decent room, but there’s no one there who scares me, and I think with Simon’s attitude, he could earn snaps in 2025.
Simon experienced a breakout campaign in 2024, posting an impressive 18.8% tackle rate while emerging as a legitimate pass-rushing weapon from the off-ball linebacker position. He was deployed on a career-best 87 pass-rushing opportunities and delivered with a remarkable 23% pressure rate.
He diagnoses plays quickly, excels at pre-snap reads, and communicates effectively with teammates. In run defense, he attacks downhill. He’s quick off the snap, agile in short areas, and accelerates to top speed efficiently.
On this play, he’s patient and triggers to the play without losing leverage. He makes a quick, one strike shed and never stops his movement and gets in on the tackle:
Simon is familiar with the scheme and concepts of Nick Rallis’ defense, as they ran a similar defense at Ohio State. He could split reps with Mack Wilson for the dot, but he has a clear path to snaps if he shows out and communicates well to the defense during camp.
I think his ceiling as a rookie is around 700 snaps, so his positional battle is going to be one to monitor this offseason. If he ends up with a full-time role, he’ll be a solid LB3/4 target.
Just Missed the Cut
While these rookies didn’t crack my top 10 targets for redraft, things could change as the offseason unfolds. These IDPs could ascend the depth chart thanks to an injury ahead of them or with an impressive performance in training camp and preseason.
Nick Emmanwori, S, Seattle Seahawks
Nick Emmanwori is my rookie DB1 for dynasty leagues, and while I like the landing spot in Seattle, he’ll have to earn a starting job over Coby Bryant. He’s projected as a big nickel/subpackage safety who can play anywhere on the field. Last season, Seattle played three safeties on just over 45% of their snaps, so he’s going to get work.
Emmanwori is an athletic freak, but needs some refinement in processing and pursuit angles. I do expect him to be on the field plenty in nickel/dime packages, and if his learning curve matches his athleticism, he could be starting by mid-season.
Teddye Buchanan, LB, Baltimore Ravens
As of now, Teddye Buchanan’s path to playing time is special teams, as Malik Harrison and Chris Board leave behind over 500 special-teams snaps.
He is probably the LB3 behind Trenton Simpson, who was consistently pulled for dime packages and a third safety. So, yes, there is competition, but it’s not stellar.
If Buchanan earns first-team reps in camp, his processing and speed are going to show up. Orr loves using situational pressures, and Buchanan recorded 25 pressures this past season. He’s an explosive blitzer and can still drop into coverage. He’ll push Simpson for the LB2 opposite Roquan Smith and is the first man up for any injuries.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, San Francisco 49ers
While I’m not a fan of Mykel Williams, he got good draft capital and a solid landing spot in San Francisco opposite Nick Bosa. He’s going to get snaps and potentially single-team/unblocked opportunities opposite Bosa, so he could luck into sacks. The draft capital should put him ahead of Yetur Gross-Matos. I’d say 600 snaps is likely.
Mike Green, EDGE, Baltimore Ravens
Mike Green’s off-field issues dropped him out of the 1st round, but make no mistake, he has 1st-round traits and talent. Green’s speed-to-power and spin move show up from a wide-9, which is how Zach Orr deployed Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh.
He’ll probably start as a pass-rush specialist and can be a run defender if he sets the edge better than Oweh or Tavius Robinson. Green fits Orr’s multiple/blitz-heavy scheme, and if he plays well early, he could see significant snaps by mid-season.
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Atlanta Falcons
James Pearce Jr. lands in a crowded edge room with Arnold Ebiketie, Leonard Floyd, Jalon Walker, Bralen Trice, and DeAngelo Malone. That room produced the second-worst pressure rate (28.1%) in the NFL and recorded just 31 sacks.
Pearce averaged a TFL per game and produced a 29.8% win rate. He also showed dramatic development in his run defense, as he improved his 2023 run defense grade of 67.7 to 84.1 in 2024. I think Pearce ends up leading the pass rush rotation, and given his pass-rush upside, he’s the Atlanta edge rusher I’d prefer to target in 2025.
Danny Stutsman, LB, New Orleans Saints
I see Danny Stutsman as the heir apparent to Demario Davis. He brings elite speed, and throughout his college career, was a durable linebacker, logging over 2,500 snaps. He was highly productive with 376 total tackles and 37 TFLs. While he may not specialize in highlight-reel plays, his consistent ability to deliver impactful tackles makes him a reliable defensive cornerstone.
Stutsman is the first man up in the event of an injury or even poor play. I think he should be on your radar in redraft, not necessarily as a draftable piece, but as someone to have in the back of your mind for waivers.
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