The Dynasty Nerds are back with a quick hitter dynasty game: rookies vs. vets. Garret Price sits in the hot seat while Andrew Mott fires off player-for-player decisions based on current startup ADP and consensus rankings, with the NFL Draft looming as the ultimate tiebreaker.

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Key rookie vs vet calls

The headliners start at RB, where Garret leans Jeremiah Love over Ashton Jeanty thanks to receiving upside and projected volume, then pivots to the safe side at QB with Jordan Love over Fernando Mendoza. At WR, Garret prefers the ceiling of Carnell Tate over Ladd McConkey, but sticks with the established profile of Marvin Harrison Jr. over Makai Lemon.

Tight end and the 1.07 mystery box

At TE, Kyle Pitts gets the nod over Kenyon Sadiq, and the episode closes with a classic dynasty takeaway: sometimes the pick itself is the asset. Garret takes KC Concepcion over DJ Moore, framing 1.07 as a flexible “wait for the draft” decision, not a locked-in player.

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In February, the Barracuda were dealing with a rash of injuries at forward, losing AHL All-Star Cam Lund and Ethan Cardwell to season-ending injuries within a couple of days. Shortly after, it was announced that Shane Bowers would miss the rest of the regular season, if not more. Not to mention, centers Filip Bystedt and Colin White missed a combined 15 games over that same stretch due to injuries.

Because of that, the Barracuda were forced to scour the ECHL for potential options. They recalled Kyle Crnkovic from the Wichita Thunder and signed the ECHL’s leading goal scorer at the time, Brendan Hoffmann, to a professional tryout contract. In just 44 games, the 24-year-old Hoffmann had 32 goals and 19 assists in 51 contests with Idaho. Nearly two months later, he still leads the Steelheads in both goals and points despite not playing for the team since early February.

For the fourth-year pro, it was the first time in his career he’d have a chance to play in the AHL, just a step away from the world’s top league. Four days after joining the Barracuda, he made his AHL debut on Feb. 14 against the Henderson Silver Knights, collecting an assist. Four games later, he scored his first AHL goal, a moment he won’t soon forget.

“I couldn’t stop smiling for like the first 10 to 15 seconds, obviously. It’s really cool to have that milestone,” said Hoffmann.

Throughout his hockey career, which began in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, of all places, he’s taken things one season at a time, never looking too far ahead. Growing up in a family with no connection to the sport, he was introduced to hockey in the most unlikely of  ways.

“I actually saw a women’s hockey player who I think was training for U-18 U.S. camp, or something, and she was doing a private lesson when I was on a school trip to the local ice rink. That was what made me want to play hockey. So, it was actually a girl playing hockey that made me want to play… that first impression is what sold me.”

That serendipitous introduction began an unorthodox journey, from the Southern United States to Canada and the OHL, then to the ECHL, and now to San Jose.

Once the flame was sparked, Hoffmann fell in love with the sport. He watched highlights every morning before school, and although there weren’t many local players to look up to, there were a few, including Bryan Moore, who, like Hoffmann, grew up in Charlotte, played in the OHL, and later appeared in nine games with the Barracuda from 2016 to 2018.

As he improved and grew, his parents sat him down one day and asked how serious he was about hockey. By then, there was no turning back. He was hooked, and from that point on, his parents were too. He began commuting three hours to Atlanta, where the pool of talent was much larger. Eventually, he was recruited to play in Toronto in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, a league that has produced hundreds, if not thousands, of professional players. In 2017, he was selected by the Erie Otters in the seventh round (140th overall) of the OHL Priority Draft.

He went on to play four seasons in Erie, posting a career-best 34 points (20 goals, 14 assists) in his final year in 2021-22.

With his junior career over, he thought his hockey journey might be, too.

“I was going to retire if I didn’t get my first tryout with Reading about four years ago in the Coast. So, I mean, I’ve always kind of just been like, ‘Hey, anything can happen.’”

That mindset has defined his career, one season at a time, one game at a time.

“It’s not too bad getting to play hockey for a living, and you never know what can happen. I’ve always been grateful to come to the rink and say it’s my job every day.”

While hockey is his full-time job, he’s also looked beyond the sport. He is currently taking online courses at Penn State and is set to graduate within the next two years with a degree in cybersecurity, with an emphasis on finance and computer engineering.

With the Barracuda, his role is different than it was in Idaho. He’s expected to use his six-foot-four, 220-pound frame, get to the net, play responsibly, and wear teams down, something he’s more than happy to do.

“We’ve got a lot of really skilled players on this team that can make high-end plays. For me, I think it’s important to embrace any role you’re given to win games. I don’t think there are many coaches and GMs who don’t like a guy that can play up and down the lineup, so whatever they need from me, I’m more than happy to do.”

While he’s played mostly in the bottom six with the Barracuda, his ability to score hasn’t gone unnoticed. Because of that, he’s earned time on the second power-play unit.

From March 15 to March 21, he scored in three consecutive games despite averaging just under 11 minutes of ice time per game.

“He comes in and has done everything that we have asked of him,” said Barracuda head coach John McCarthy. “He understands our identity, and he’s fit right in on the ice and in the room.”

Playing on a PTO doesn’t guarantee anything long term, but Hoffmann is embracing the opportunity and enjoying the ride, no matter how long it lasts.

“The guys have been great, and it feels like home. Nothing is guaranteed, so I’m just here to help the team win however I can.”

With the playoffs just around the corner, Hoffmann has solidified himself as a reliable option on a nightly basis and an asset to a team with ambitions of playing deep into the spring.

No matter where his career takes him, his love for the game has always been his biggest driving force, steadily improving, moving up levels, and becoming the best version of himself.

Jagger May and Andrew Mott are back for a special two-round Mock Draft Monday with a twist. Each host controls one conference, with the Rams and Dolphins handed over to the computer for some added chaos. With the NFL Draft less than three weeks away, this is the most complete mock they have run all cycle.

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Apr 2, 2026

By: Tucker Terranova

Henrik Tikkanen’s time with the Bridgeport Islanders has featured the full range of highs and lows that come with being a professional goaltender. It has also produced a career year in which he has established himself as a netminder worthy of head coach Rocky Thompson’s trust down the stretch. 

“I’m having a lot of fun and feel like a kid on the ice,” Tikkanen said. “When you do things the right way on a day-to-day basis, you eventually get rewarded.” 

As Bridgeport pushes for its first playoff berth since the 2021-22 season in a tightly contested Atlantic Division, Tikkanen has taken hold of the crease at a critical time. After beginning the season in the ECHL with the Worcester Railers, he has started seven of the Islanders’ last eight games and has earned that trust with six straight wins over that stretch. 

It is a continuation of the best season of the 25-year-old’s professional career. In 25 games, Tikkanen has posted a 16-7-1-1 record with a 2.38 goals-against average, which ranks seventh in the American Hockey League, and a .907 save percentage, which ranks 13th. In addition, Tikkanen was named an ECHL All-Star for his strong play in his eight games with Worcester.

“It’s nice to know that the coaches trust you, but at the same time, you have to respond to what they’re asking from you,” Tikkanen said. “You have to be at your best every night, especially at this time of year. My main goal is just to help the team as much as I can.” 

Recently, Tikkanen has helped Bridgeport climb the standings with timely saves and clutch performances. That includes a 15-save third period in the Islanders’ April 1 game against the Hershey Bears and a perfect showing in the shootout on March 27 in a come-from-behind win against the Laval Rocket. That performance featured a highlight-reel scorpion save that made its way across the AHL’s social media platforms and drew attention across the league. 

“I didn’t realize that I had that save in my tool bag,” Tikkanen joked. “It’s great to make big saves for my team. All you can do is focus on one save at a time. Normally, late in games, adrenaline finds a way to take over.” 

Tikkanen is finding joy again after a season that challenged him both professionally and personally. As part of a Bridgeport team that struggled to generate consistent momentum a year ago, this season has provided a much-needed reset. 

“Last year was tough on me,” Tikkanen said. “After last season, I just wanted to start having fun again. This is supposed to be enjoyable, and I’m starting to find that again.” 

A major reason for that renewed perspective is life away from the rink. Tikkanen recently became a father, and the experience has reshaped how he approaches both hockey and his day-to-day routine. 

“I’ve really enjoyed being a dad and seeing my girl grow up,” Tikkanen said. “It brings a lot of joy to my life when I get out of the rink, and she is the first thing I see when I get home. It’s also helped me take my mind off hockey when I leave the rink.” 

Hailing from Lohja, Finland, Tikkanen brings a larger-than-life personality that extends beyond his 6-foot-8 frame. He was selected 214th overall by the New York Islanders in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Draft, and his draft experience offered an early lesson in the unpredictable nature of the sport. 

“I honestly didn’t have a clue that I even had a chance to be drafted,” Tikkanen said. “I woke up in the middle of the night, checked my phone and saw a ton of phone calls and messages. I had no clue, but I was very excited.” 

From there, Tikkanen spent two seasons playing professionally in Finland and Sweden before making the jump to North America. He joined Worcester for the 2022-23 season and later made his Bridgeport debut on Dec. 29, 2023, when he recorded 34 saves in a 6-5 win against the Springfield Thunderbirds. 

Adjusting to the North American game presented challenges that Tikkanen embraced. The smaller ice surface and increased pace required refinements to both his positioning and decision-making. 

“The game is a little faster over here with the smaller rink and faster players,” Tikkanen said. “In North America, more teams are trying to create offense, while the European style is a bit more defensive. I enjoy facing more shots and the traffic that comes with playing goalie here. It’s more of a challenge, but I enjoy that.” 

One of the most unique aspects of Tikkanen’s game is his size. He is the tallest goaltender in the AHL and would become the tallest in National Hockey League history if he makes his debut. While that stature provides natural advantages in net coverage, it also presents technical challenges that he continues to refine. 

“I don’t want to rely just on my size,” Tikkanen said. “I’m able to play a little deeper than most, but I also want to be able to skate and read the game well. At the same time, having long limbs creates a lot of holes in the net and some challenges in that regard.” 

Tikkanen credits much of his development to the coaching and mentorship available within the Islanders organization. Between Islanders’ director of goaltending development and scouting Chris Terreri, goaltending coach Sergei Naumovs and former NHL goaltender Corey Schneider, he has access to 25 years of NHL playing experience and 42 years of coaching experience. 

“We’ve done a lot of things that I feel like I have been able to actually apply to my game this season,” Tikkanen said. “I have built a really strong relationship with all three of them, and they’ve each taught me different ways that I can improve.” 

Now in his third season in North America, Tikkanen believes this year stands out as one of the most enjoyable of his career. A renewed sense of confidence and cohesion within the locker room has translated to improved play on the ice. 

“It’s a whole new atmosphere inside the room, and we all trust each other and love coming to the rink each day,” Tikkanen said. “Personally, I feel a lot better. I feel like I am here for a reason, and my teammates are there to back me up.” 

As the regular season winds down, the focus remains on securing a playoff berth and building momentum for a potential run. Tikkanen emphasized the role the fan base has played in supporting the team throughout the season and the importance of delivering meaningful games down the stretch. 

“We really love our fans and want to give them a fun run at the playoffs,” Tikkanen said. “Seeing this building packed has really helped our team. We want to see how far we can take this and hopefully give them things to cheer about.” 

Tikkanen’s passion for the game is evident every time he steps on the ice. It has fueled both his individual success and Bridgeport’s late-season push, while reconnecting him with the joy that first drew him to the position. 

“It’s been a really fun year for me,” Tikkanen said. “Between the birth of my daughter and the guys on this team, I’m always going to remember it.” 

Welcome back, IDP Nerds! The NFL Draft is now less than a month away, and dynasty managers are officially on the clock. This time of year, most rookie mock drafts focus on the offensive stars, but the IDP landscape is just as important—and far less predictable. Draft capital, landing spot, and scheme fit can completely reshape a defender’s fantasy outlook overnight, so understanding these factors help you make smarter draft choices.

Now is the perfect time to take an early look at how a two-round IDP rookie draft could shake out. Values have already shifted significantly since my 2026 IDP Rookie Big Board dropped in late October, and more movement is coming. Recognizing how rankings influence your draft strategy can help you identify value and avoid reaching. Let’s dive into these defensive prospects as your league’s rookie drafts quickly approach.

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Round 1 | IDP Mock Draft

No. 1 | Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State | 6’5” | 244 lbs

If you’re looking for one of the biggest risers in this class, it’s Sonny Styles. Recruited to Ohio State Buckeyes football as a safety, Styles showcased early versatility and elite playmaking ability in space before making the full-time transition to linebacker. The pedigree is there—his father played linebacker at Ohio State—and now Styles is carving out his own path as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 class.

He backed it up at the NFL Combine, testing as one of the top linebackers across the board and putting any remaining doubts to rest. Since moving to linebacker in 2024, Styles has totaled 182 tackles, 7 sacks, and an interception—exactly the kind of production IDP managers chase. Look for players with a combination of size, athleticism, versatility, and production like Styles to prioritize in your rookie draft.

No. 2 | David Bailey | DL | Texas Tech | 6’4” | 251 lbs

One of the most dangerous EDGE players in this class, David Bailey, wasted no time dominating after transferring to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He led the NCAA with 14.5 sacks in 2025, matching his total from three seasons at Stanford Cardinal football in just one year. His breakout has skyrocketed his draft stock, with real buzz building around teams potentially moving up to grab him as high as No. 3 overall.

Bailey’s first step is elite, and he lived in the backfield all season. He finished second in the FBS with 81 pressures, consistently winning with burst, bend, and natural pass-rush instincts. He can turn the corner with ease and keeps tackles off balance snap after snap. Bailey is the top pass rusher in this class for me, and he’s the one rookie I’d bet on to lead this group in sacks right away.

No. 3 | Arvell Reese | DL/LB| Ohio State | 6’4” | 241 lbs

Arvell Reese is one of the most polarizing defenders in this class. The Ohio State Buckeyes football standout put together a breakout season with 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. At just 20-years old, he’s still developing, but the athleticism and versatility are already obvious after splitting time between linebacker and EDGE.

The big question for IDP managers is simple: do you fade the positional uncertainty, or bet on the talent? We’ve seen this before with Isaiah Simmons, but Reese feels different. He’s proven he can handle multiple roles in a defense. Reese is a likely top-5 pick, which means he’ll be on the field early and often. My bet is he lands as an off-ball linebacker with pass-rush upside—a role that can unlock serious IDP production. If that happens, you’re looking at a true cheat code-type player for fantasy.

No. 4 | Rueben Bain Jr. | DL | Miami | 6’2” | 263 lbs

The biggest talking point around Rueben Bain has been his arm length and how it might impact him at the next level. The concern is real, but so is the production. The 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year led the nation with 83 pressures while adding 9.5 sacks.

Bain may not profile as a true franchise EDGE, but he’s a proven, productive player who consistently wins. He was a key factor in helping the Miami Hurricanes football team reach the National Championship. I’m not big on comps, but Lance Zierlein comparing him to Brandon Graham makes a lot of sense. If you’re getting a player who can give you a 5+ sack floor with steady pressure production, that’s a win for IDP managers.

No. 5 | Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas | 6’2” | 238 lbs

In IDP formats, linebacker still drives consistent production—especially when you can find value outside the top tier. Anthony Hill fits that mold. The Texas Longhorns football standout has all the tools to develop into a long-term impact LB at the next level. He’s athletic, instinctive, and consistently in the right spot. Turn on the tape, and he’s almost always around the football making plays as both a blitzing LB and in coverage.

Anthony Hill’s tackle numbers dipped in 2025, but his impact plays are what stand out. Over the past two seasons, he’s totaled 12 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 7 forced fumbles—exactly the kind of production that translates to fantasy upside. This is a deep linebacker class, but Hill is the type of player you want to grab before a run at the position starts.

No. 6 | T.J. Parker | EDGE | Clemson | 6’4” | 263 lbs

This time last year, T.J. Parker was one of the most exciting names for IDP managers after an 11-sack season that included 19.5 tackles for loss and a school-record 6 forced fumbles at Clemson Tigers football. He didn’t follow that up in 2025, finishing with just 5 sacks as offenses adjusted and sent more attention his way, which cooled some of the draft hype.

Once the top tier of EDGE rushers is off the board, you’re betting on upside—and Parker still has plenty of it. The need to develop counter moves is real, but that’s a fixable part of his game. The traits and production are there, and I’m betting on the talent to translate. If his draft capital backs it up, IDP managers are going to feel a lot more comfortable taking the shot here.

No. 7 | CJ Allen | LB | Georgia | 6’1” | 230 lbs

There’s a lot to like about CJ Allen, a young linebacker from the Georgia Bulldogs who is still developing. He’s improved his tackle totals in each of his first three seasons, finishing by leading the defense in tackles last year. While he may not be the fastest LB in the class, he plays fast enough and has the range to work sideline to sideline.

CJ Allen projects as a three-down linebacker at the next level, and that’s what matters for IDP. He’s a strong tackler with a high football IQ and consistent effort snap to snap. For me, Allen closes out the second tier of linebackers in this class. If you’re targeting the position, this is the spot to get your guy before the drop-off hits.

No. 8 | Caleb Downs | DB | Ohio State | 6’0” | 206 lbs

If you’re looking for an alpha in this class, it’s Caleb Downs. The Ohio State Buckeyes football star is the first defensive back off the board, and even with the hype around other DBs, this is an easy call.

Caleb Downs wraps up his three-year career with multiple All-American honors, a National Championship, and over 250 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 2 punt return touchdowns. He also took home the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, the Jim Thorpe Award, and the Ronnie Lott Trophy. This is a plug-and-play IDP asset. Downs checks every box and is the type of defensive back who will anchor your roster for years.

No. 9 | Akheem Mesidor | DL | Miami | 6’3” | 259 lbs

The second EDGE from Miami Hurricanes football to crack the top 10, Akheem Mesidor, brings experience and proven production. A six-year player, he finished top five in the NCAA in sacks, pressures, and tackles for loss last season while playing alongside Rueben Bain. Mesidor may be one of the older prospects in the class, but that experience shows up on tape. He’s effective as both a pass rusher and run defender, giving him a path to early snaps at the next level. If you miss out on the top tier of EDGE rushers, Mesidor is a strong fallback with immediate IDP value.

No. 10 | Cashius Howell | DL | Texas A&M | 6’2” | 253 lbs

Size will be a talking point for Cashius Howell, but the production has been off the charts. The 2025 SEC Defensive Player of the Year put up 11.5 sacks last season. There are concerns about whether he can be a true three-down player at the next level, but we’ve seen situational pass rushers still deliver strong IDP value. If Howell lands in the right role, his sack upside alone makes him worth the investment. You don’t want to be on the outside looking in when it comes to a rookie with this kind of pass-rush ceiling.

No. 11 | Keldrick Faulk | DL | Auburn | 6’6” | 276 lbs

As we get toward the end of the first round, Auburn Tigers EDGE rusher Keldric Faulk becomes an interesting bet. He’s the opposite of many EDGE defenders in this class—size isn’t the concern, production is. Faulk managed just 10 sacks across 37 games at Auburn and doesn’t show the explosive first step you typically want from a high-end pass rusher. That said, the traits are there, and this is where you start betting on projection. If the draft capital and landing spot line up, Faulk is worth the gamble—especially with the defensive line talent starting to thin out after an early run on the position. Don’t be afraid to chase the upside here.

No. 12 | Dillon Thieneman | DB | Oregon | 6’0” | 201 lbs

Outside of Caleb Downs, this first round has leaned heavily toward defensive linemen and linebackers—as expected. We close it out with Dillon Thieneman, a safety who checks a lot of boxes for both NFL teams and IDP managers. Thieneman tested as the most athletic safety at the combine and backed it up with elite production—300 tackles and 8 interceptions across 39 career games.

Dillon Thieneman is exactly what you want at the DB position. We’ve seen rookie safeties produce right away in IDP, and Thieneman has that same upside. His ability to move around the secondary only adds to his value and gives him a strong path to early fantasy production.

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Round 2 | IDP Only Rookie Mock Draft

No. 13 | Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | DB | Toledo | 6’3” | 201 lbs

The second round opens with a run on defensive backs, with Emmanuel McNeil-Warren going right after Dillon Thieneman. He’s an easy player for IDP managers to get behind—a big, physical safety who delivers hits and thrives near the line of scrimmage. McNeil-Warren profiles as a true box safety, which is exactly what you want for consistent fantasy production. He’s posted 60 tackles in each of the last three seasons while adding 5 interceptions, showing both a solid floor and some playmaking ability.

It’s not often we see three defensive backs come off the board this early, but that’s the case in this class. The early success of rookie DBs in IDP has started to shift how managers approach the position—and McNeil-Warren fits that trend perfectly.

No. 14 | Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech | 6’1” | 231 lbs

Jacob Rodriguez is a player whose value could rise quickly with the right landing spot after the 2026 NFL Draft. The Texas Tech Red LB standout has been elite over the past two seasons, posting back-to-back 127-tackle campaigns. He capped off a massive 2025 season by taking home both the Chuck Bednarik and Dick Butkus awards, while also finishing fifth in Heisman voting.

That said, I’m probably a bit lower on Rodriguez than most IDP managers. He’s already drawing comparisons to Carson Schwesinger, which will likely boost his draft stock, but there are still questions—especially in coverage. The production is undeniable, and he has the tools to be a long-term starter. The key will be whether NFL teams can protect him in coverage and maximize his strengths.

No. 15 | Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnatti | 6’4” | 239 lbs

Jake Golday is one of the more interesting projections in this class. He’s more comfortable as a stand-up EDGE than a true off-ball linebacker, but the size and explosiveness are there to make an impact at the next level. He’s not going to impress anyone in coverage, but he’s disruptive against the run and around the line of scrimmage.

This is the range where IDP managers start drafting for need, and you can never have enough linebacker depth. Golday likely begins his career as a situational pass rusher, but if he flashes early, he has a path to earning consistent snaps.

No. 16 | Peter Woods | DL | Clemson | 6’2” | 298 lbs

It’s not often IDP managers look to interior defensive linemen this early, but Peter Woods is different. Like his teammate at Clemson Tigers football, T.J. Parker, Woods took a big step forward in 2024 before struggling to repeat that form last season.

Woods is a disruptor from the interior, generating over 50 pressures since 2023 while showing the ability to fit in multiple schemes. That kind of consistent interior pressure is hard to find and translates well to IDP production. In DT-premium formats, Woods should absolutely be in play here.

No. 17 | Zion Young | DL | Missouri | 6’6” | 262 lbs

Zion Young brings size, power, and real upside off the edge. When he’s able to play through contact and set the edge, he can be a problem for offensive linemen. The Missouri Tigers football standout led the team and finished second in the SEC in tackles for loss last season. This is the range where IDP managers can still find solid depth along the defensive line. If the draft capital and landing spot align, Young is a player who could see his value rise quickly.

No. 18 | Kyle Louis | LB | Pittsburgh | 6’0” | 220 lbs

Kyle Louis is the type of player who makes IDP drafting tricky. Built more like a safety, he’s been used in a hybrid linebacker role for the Pittsburgh Panthers over the past two seasons. He’s a standout in coverage, but there are real questions about his long-term impact as a run defender. If he were to get a DB designation, his value would jump significantly—but that’s something we’ll have to monitor.

The production is easy to buy into with 10 sacks and 6 interceptions over the last two seasons—and his playstyle pops on tape. This is the type of upside swing IDP managers should be targeting late in drafts.

No. 19 | Josiah Trotter | LB | Missouri | 6’2” | 237 lbs

Football runs in the family for Josiah Trotter, the son of Jeremiah Trotter and brother of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. He’s likely to be the third from the family to hear his name called on draft day. Trotter brings the read-and-react ability you want at linebacker, consistently diagnosing plays and getting to the football. He has coverage limitations and durability being the biggest concern, but the instincts are there. He may need time to carve out a role early in his career, but finding this level of production at linebacker this late in rookie drafts is rare.

No. 20 | Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State | 6’2” | 326 lbs

At this point in the draft, you’re targeting players who can develop on your taxi squad and eventually return value. Kayden McDonald fits that profile. The Ohio State interior lineman put up 65 tackles last season, including 9 tackles for loss. Early on, his value will come as a run defender, but if the tackle production carries over, he becomes much more interesting for IDP, especially in DT-required formats.

No. 21 | Gabe Jacas | DL | Illinois | 6’4” | 260 lbs

Gabe Jacas is one of the most physical defenders in this class, and that shows up every snap. The effort and production make him an easy late-round target for IDP managers. Jacas totaled 19 sacks and 6 forced fumbles over the past two seasons, consistently finding ways to impact the game. That kind of production is exactly what you want when taking a swing late. If you’re looking to add depth along the defensive line, Jacas is a strong upside bet at this point in the draft.

No. 22 | Jalon Kilgore | DB | South Carolina | 6’1” | 210 lbs

Jalon Kilgore brings intriguing upside as a potential box safety. The South Carolina DB has shown the versatility to be both a high-volume tackler and a playmaker, leading the SEC with 5 interceptions in 2024. He’s not the greatest in coverage, but if he lands in the right situation—especially alongside a veteran—his value could climb quickly. This is the range where IDP managers can still find value at defensive back, and Kilgore is a strong upside target late in drafts.

No. 23 | A.J. Haulcy | DB | LSU | 6’0” | 215 lbs

I’ll keep targeting late-round defensive backs who can become difference-makers in the right scheme. A.J. Haulcy has produced wherever he’s played, showing consistency across multiple schemes. Haulcy has totaled 8 interceptions over the past two seasons, flashing real playmaking ability. He also brings enough of a tackle floor to give him weekly stability. That combination of floor and upside makes him a strong value this late in the draft.

No. 24 | Keionte Scott | DB | Miami | 5’11” | 193 lbs

We close this draft with a third straight defensive back, this time landing on Keionte Scott. The Miami Hurricanes CB made an immediate impact in his lone season, posting 64 tackles, 5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions—both returned for touchdowns. Scott is a rare profile at the corner, bringing linebacker-like physicality and tackling ability. He projects as a nickel CB who can support the run right away, which is exactly the type of role that can produce sneaky IDP value. For those in CB-required leagues, this is the type of late-round target that can pay off early.

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Level Up Your IDP Game

Don’t stop here — dive deeper into the world of Individual Defensive Players with our best resources:

•  IDP Hub → All of our IDP articles in one place.
•  IDP Rankings Tiers → Updated IDP rankings for every position.
•  The Glossery → Our Top 500 all-in-one rankings for Superflex, TE Premium, and IDP.
•  Dynasty Calendar → Never miss a key date in your dynasty league.

Take control of your defense with Jon Glosser and the Dynasty Nerds team.

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