With the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Combine, it’s time to analyze the defensive side of the ball. IDP, or Individual Defensive Players, is one of the best ways to play fantasy football since you have complete control over both sides of the ball.

 Attending the NFL Combine and hearing the buzz from the media and scouts was extremely beneficial in judging which players’ stock went up and down due to their performance. With these defensive players, draft capital is king. Overall, every little thing these players did will impact their draft stock in April at the 2023 NFL Draft.

Since many people are new or unfamiliar with IDP leagues, I’m going to give a brief breakdown of the basics. Unlike traditional fantasy football, there is no standard scoring system. The two main scoring systems are focused on sacks or tackles. Furthermore, in IDP leagues, each team typically drafts defensive players from various positions. Such as defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs but the main two formats favor defensive linemen and linebackers. 

In a tackle-heavy IDP scoring system, a tackle is often worth more points than other individual defensive stats. Stats such as sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles. The exact point values for each stat will vary depending on the league rules and settings. Generally speaking, a tackle might earn a player anywhere from 1 to 2 points or more. However, other stats might earn 0.5 points or less. 

However, in a sack-premium format, defensive linemen are very valuable. This type of scoring system can vary. Typically, a sack could earn a player anywhere from 2 to 5 points or more. That being said, other stats might earn 1 point or even less. Finally, a sack-heavy scoring system aims to give extra value to pass rushers. Those playhers are often considered the most entertaining and impactful defensive players in football.

Let’s get right into the biggest IDP risers and fallers from the 2023 NFL Combine.

Risers 

Nolan Smith – Defensive Line

Following the 2023 NFL Combine, Nolan Smith was one of the biggest risers at the edge position. He had a great Combine as he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash which is unbelievable for an edge player. Measuring in at 6’2″ and 238 pounds, being able to move like that is just ridiculous. For the rest of Smith’s measurements, he was amazing in every aspect. Overall, his performance earned him a Raw Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.2. 

The NFL is shifting to where all players need to be athletic no matter their position. That being said, Smith fits that mold perfectly and will likely get incredibly high draft capital because of it. At the moment, Smith is the consensus 23rd overall pick, but I can see him rising up boards as he gets closer to the draft. In Daniel Jeremiah’s most recent 3.0 Mock Draft, he had Smith going at pick 16. If he goes this high, there’s no way he won’t be an immediate starter which will be great for your dynasty fantasy football teams. 

In terms of IDP rankings, Smith is the consensus 6th overall defensive prospect. However, after this performance, I would have him above Isaiah Foskey and Trenton Simpson. All in all, this would make him my 4th overall defensive prospect in this talented 2023 rookie class. 

Owen Pappoe – Linebacker

At the linebacker position, one of the more underrated players in this class is Owen Pappoe. In the future, he can be an excellent pickup for your IDP teams. Pappoe started off his Combine very promising, weighing in at 6’2″ and 225 pounds. That’s even bigger than what he was initially listed at. For the actual Combine measurements, Pappoe tested in the green for everything bringing his RAS to a 9.24.

 Athleticism at the linebacker position generally translates to NFL success. At the NFL level, you need to be athletic to be a great tackler. At the moment, Pappoe is a 4th Round pick. However, after this performance, I expect him to be pushed up draft boards. In contrast to some of these other players mentioned, Pappoe may never be a first-round pick but being a mid to late-third-round pick isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. 

Currently, Pappoe has a consensus IDP ranking of 35th, but I believe he’s around the 28th to 30th range. Pappoe isn’t the most high-profile player, but he’s a guy whose stock should definitely get bumped up as a result of his performance at the NFL Combine. 

Jack Campbell – Linebacker

Jack Campbell was a player who showed out at the NFL Combine and should be viewed highly in your tackle-heavy IDP leagues. Campbell showed his fantastic size with an official measurement of 6′ 5″ and 249 pounds. Even though Campbell ran a 4.65 40, which isn’t fantastic, the rest of his measurements were great. 

In every other event, Campbell dominated, and as a result, he finished with a RAS of 9.98. This is exactly what you want to see from these linebacker prospects, so I have him jumping up in my rankings a bit after his performance in Indy. 

Campbell’s stock has already begun to rise to the mid-second round. Additionally, by the time everything is said and done, there’s a chance he goes in the late first to the early second round. At the moment, Campbell is the consensus 13th overall IDP player in this 2023 rookie class. Finally, I believe he should be the 9th overall defensive prospect. 

Fallers

Keion White – Defensive Line

Keion White was a player I was extremely excited to see at the NFL Combine. White has shown tremendous upside in college but never had a huge breakout year like some of these other guys. There has been a ton of hype around him leading up to the NFL Draft due to his fantastic size at 6 ‘5” and 285 pounds and the interest surrounding him by NFL teams. 

In Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock, he had him going at 27, which would be outstanding draft capital. Unfortunately, everyone was looking for White to break out and jump up draft boards at the Combine. White ended up only participating in the vertical and broad jump. Even though his measurements were good, he was expected to participate in everything else. Overall, he didn’t end up partaking in many of the drills, which raised many questions about him.

Due to this, White’s consensus draft projection has dropped down to the mid-second round. Obviously, that isn’t nearly as good as the late first round. With all of this in mind, White is my 13th IDP prospect. I’d be happy to take him if he falls any further than this. 

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2023 NFL Combine Risers and Fallers: Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Rookie Profiles

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– Dynasty Home –

All of our 2023 Rookie Content:

• ADP (1QB)
• ADP (SF/2QB)
• Rankings
• 2023 Class Preview
• Top 10 Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers
• Way Too Early Mock Draft

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