IDP Rookie Rankings 2026: Dynasty Tiers, Strategy & Top Draft Targets
A full tier-based breakdown of the 2026 IDP rookie class and how to attack your dynasty rookie draft.
While the offensive rookie draft options disappointed us coming out of the NFL Draft, it was our beloved IDP stars like Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Caleb Downs who stole the show. Now, rookie drafts might look different than they ever have, making a full rankings breakdown all the more important so we can dominate them.
All rankings are based on Big 3 IDP Scoring, which favors more big plays, such as sacks and pass breakups. Scoring varies by IDP leagues, so if you have questions about which player is more valuable in your league, for instance, always feel free to reach out.
Tier 1
The top IDPs in this year’s rookie drafts were all top-10 picks in the NFL Draft, and while this feels obvious, it isn’t always a given. What makes this top tier even more enticing and important for 2026 rookie drafts is that the uncertainty and lack of star power on the offensive side of the ball pushed all three of these IDPs into first-round consideration. Most years, we’re looking at one, maybe two, IDPs in Round 1 of rookie drafts, and even then, that feels like a reach. But this year, the IDPs are the stars, so don’t hesitate to grab them where you’re not used to, because drafts will dry up very quickly without them.
Sonny Styles gets the nod as IDP1 for me, as he and Arvell Reese earned the highest draft capital for the linebacker position since Devin White (5th overall) in 2019. While draft capital alone doesn’t create stars, Styles truly earned that spot, delivering a 97th percentile score in my linebacker prospect model, highlighted by an elite 9.99 Relative Athletic Score (RAS). Styles will compete immediately with Leo Chenal and Frankie Luvu for a healthy role in Dan Quinn’s defense, and considering the talent and investment, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him take on a significant role in Year 1. Even without a clear path to snaps as a rookie, Styles projects as an elite long-term prospect at the position, of which there just aren’t that many of these days.
Arvell Reese was an IDP I was hesitant to target heading into the draft because of uncertainty about how he would be utilized in the potential defenses that could draft him, but John Harbaugh's comments that the team plans to use him at off-ball linebacker helped soothe any concerns I originally had. While Reese is undoubtedly going to get work as a blitzer, where he’ll have a chance to utilize his pass-rush prowess, doing so as a near full-time linebacker will keep his production floor better balanced than if he were a true hybrid-type player. Reese is the immediate favorite to start next to Tremaine Edmunds in New York, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him be a contender for defensive rookie of the year in 2026, considering the talent and opportunity.
There is an IDP for all league types in this top tier, and depending on your scoring settings, you may find this group easily interchangeable. Styles should lead the way in tackle-heavy formats, Reese can serve as a great balanced scoring option, and David Bailey makes the most sense as the top big-play scoring option in this class. As the second overall pick, Bailey will undoubtedly go high in rookie drafts, and he deserves that level of expectation coming out of college as a high-end scorer in the IDP prospect model with a 9.04 score. When it comes to top-10 picks at the position, there are some IDP busts like Clelin Ferrell, Solomon Thomas, and Tyree Wilson, but all of those players came in below or well below the 90th percentile of scorers in the model, where Bailey scores in the 98th percentile, greatly increasing his odds to hit. The New York Jets should get plenty of run out of their second overall pick for years to come, and IDP managers looking for the top pass rusher in this class should have Bailey near the top of that list.