Welcome back, IDP Nerds! We’re on the verge of kicking off Week 1 of the preseason. Which means the regular season will be here before we know it. The next few weeks will force dynasty managers to make difficult roster decisions. Depth charts are beginning to take shape, and we get our first real look at how teams plan to use their IDPs. It’s August, so training camp hype is everywhere. For IDP managers, I’m less interested in who made the play in practice that is posted on social media. I’m more interested in who is earning snaps. Opportunity drives fantasy production, and winning IDP training camp battles can be the difference between a rotational player and someone who rarely leaves the field.
I’ve identified 10 IDP training camp battles that I’ll be watching closely, including three at defensive line, four at linebacker, and three in the secondary. We’ll break down what’s at stake, who has the early advantage, and most importantly, what each battle means for dynasty managers heading into Week 1.
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IDP Training Camp Battles
| Position | Training Camp Battle | Team | Fantasy Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| DL | DJ Wonnum vs. Derrick Moore | Detroit Lions | Medium |
| DL | K’Lavon Chaisson vs. Dorance Armstrong | Washington Commanders | High |
| DL | Jacob Martin vs. Keldric Faulk | Tennessee Titans | Medium |
| LB | Dorian Williams vs. Kaleb Elarms-Orr | Buffalo Bills | High |
| LB | Dee Winters vs. Jaishawn Barham | Dallas Cowboys | High |
| LB | Trevin Wallace vs. Claudin Cherelus | Carolina Panthers | Medium |
| LB | Pete Werner vs. Danny Stutsman | New Orleans Saints | High |
| DB | Dru Phillips vs. Ar’Darius Washington | New York Giants | Medium |
| DB | Ronnie Hickman vs. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | Cleveland Browns | High |
| DB | Jacob Parrish vs. Keionte Scott | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Medium |
Fantasy Impact
Some of the names on this list might not be familiar to every IDP manager, and that’s part of what makes training camp so important. Not every starting job carries the same fantasy value, either. I’ve given each battle a High or Medium fantasy impact based on the potential role, expected snap share, and how much winning the job could change a player’s dynasty value. At the end of the day, we’re looking for players who can turn opportunity into fantasy production and ultimately help us compete for a dynasty championship.
Defensive Line Training Camp Battles
Defensive line can be one of the more frustrating positions for IDP managers because opportunity doesn’t always turn into consistent fantasy production. It’s easy to chase last season’s sack totals only to end up with a player who disappears from your lineup when those impact plays aren’t there. That week-to-week inconsistency is something we’re always trying to avoid when building a reliable DL rotation.
That’s why these three training camp battles have my attention. Each one has the potential to produce a player who earns enough snaps and opportunities to become a reliable fantasy option instead of another sack-dependent defensive lineman you’re hoping hits each week.
D.J. Wonnum vs. Derrick Moore | Detroit Lions
What’s at Stake: Starting EDGE role opposite Aidan Hutchinson
Fantasy Impact: Medium
Early Leader: D.J. Wonnum
If you’re a dynasty manager who doesn’t want to pay the price for an elite EDGE rusher, sometimes the next best strategy is targeting the player lining up opposite one. Aidan Hutchinson demands so much attention from opposing offenses that whoever wins this job should see plenty of opportunities to win one-on-one matchups.
Veteran D.J. Wonnum joins his third NFL team looking to recapture some of the production we saw in Minnesota, where he recorded eight sacks in both 2021 and 2023. He’ll look to replace Al-Quadin Muhammad, who averaged 10 fantasy points per game and finished as the DL62 last season. Wonnum might have the early advantage, but his seven sacks over his last 24 games leave me questioning how much consistent fantasy production he can provide.
That’s where rookie Derrick Moore becomes interesting. Detroit selected the former Michigan pass rusher 44th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft after a season in which he recorded 9.5 sacks and generated 34 quarterback pressures. Moore might begin the preseason behind Wonnum, but the talent and draft capital give him every opportunity to eventually win this job. If he does, playing opposite Hutchinson could put him in a great position to make an immediate impact.
My Pick: Derrick Moore
Dynasty Action: HOLD
K’Lavon Chaisson vs. Dorance Armstrong | Washington Commanders
What’s at Stake: Starting EDGE role
Fantasy Impact: HIGH
Early Leader: K’Lavon Chaisson
The Washington Commanders finished 14th in the NFL with 42 sacks last season, but players responsible for 19 of those sacks are no longer on the roster. That leaves plenty of production up for grabs. Washington added Odafe Oweh in free agency after he recorded 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons, but the battle to start opposite him is one IDP managers should be watching closely.
K’Lavon Chaisson revived his career in New England last season, recording 7.5 sacks and finishing as the DL61. He now joins a Dan Quinn defense that has found success in getting production from veteran pass rushers like Dante Fowler Jr. and Von Miller. Chaisson enters camp with the early advantage and has a real opportunity to turn last year’s bounce-back season into sustained fantasy production.
I’m not ready to count out Dorance Armstrong, though. We’ve already seen him produce in Quinn’s defense dating back to their time together in Dallas. Armstrong was off to a phenomenal start last season, scoring at least 22 fantasy points in four of his first five games before an injury in Week 7 ended his season. Despite the limited sample, he finished as the DL17 in fantasy points per game.
That’s what makes this battle so interesting. Armstrong has already proven he can be productive in this defense, yet his injury has created a buying opportunity while Chaisson receives the early camp buzz. If Armstrong can get healthy and regain his role, I’m willing to bet on the familiarity with Quinn’s system and the production we’ve already seen. At his current price, he’s one of my favorite low-cost bounce-back targets at defensive line.
My Pick: Dorance Armstrong
Dynasty Action: BUY
Jacob Martin vs. Keldric Faulk | Tennessee Titans
What’s at Stake: Starting EDGE role
Fantasy Impact: MEDIUM
Early Leader: Jacob Martin
Not every training camp battle is going to feature two players dynasty managers are rushing out to acquire, and this one certainly fits that description. The Titans enter 2026 with a new-look defense under head coach Robert Saleh, who has worked with highly productive pass rushers throughout his career. Jermaine Johnson, who previously played under Saleh in New York, appears locked into one EDGE spot, leaving the other side up for grabs.
Jacob Martin is a name that popped up on the IDP waiver wire last season after setting a career high with 5.5 sacks. The 30-year-old has spent most of his career as a rotational pass rusher and hasn’t carried much dynasty value, but earning a starting role alongside Jeffery Simmons would at least put him on the radar in deeper leagues. I’m still not expecting Martin to suddenly become a consistent fantasy producer this late in his career.
The more intriguing player for dynasty managers is rookie Keldric Faulk. He checks nearly every physical box NFL teams look for in a starting defensive end, but the production never fully matched the talent at Auburn. Faulk recorded just 10 sacks across 37 college games, which contributed to him sliding on draft day before Tennessee traded up to select him.
I’m not expecting Faulk to suddenly become a double-digit sack player as a rookie, but he won’t need to carry this defensive front either. Playing alongside Johnson and Simmons should give him opportunities. Faulk was available late in many IDP rookie drafts, making him exactly the type of developmental player I’m willing to stash while we see how this competition plays out.
My Pick: Keldric Faulk
Dynasty Action: STASH
Linebacker Training Camp Battles
Let’s be honest, this is what you all came for. Linebacker is king in IDP fantasy football, and if there’s one position where dynasty managers need to pay close attention to training camp battles, this is it. We’ve talked all offseason about how valuable consistent linebacker production can be, and sometimes all it takes is an opportunity for a relatively unknown player to become a weekly fantasy starter.
A linebacker jumping from a rotational role to playing 80% defensive snap share can completely change his fantasy value quickly. That’s why I put so much emphasis on identifying these players before the role is officially theirs and the buying window closes. With four potentially valuable starting jobs still being decided, these are the training camp battles I’ll be watching the closest throughout the preseason.
Dorian Williams vs. Kaleb Elarms-Orr | Buffalo Bills
What’s at Stake: Starting linebacker role
Fantasy Impact: HIGH
Early Leader: Dorian Williams
The Buffalo Bills are undergoing their biggest defensive change since Sean McDermott arrived in 2017. Buffalo will transition to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, and one of the biggest questions for IDP managers is who earns the starting linebacker job next to Terrel Bernard. While I’m expecting a bounce-back season from Bernard, the second linebacker spot might not be decided until the end of the preseason.
Dorian Williams enters camp with the early advantage after spending most of his first three seasons in a reserve role. He’s been extremely durable, missing just one game while totaling 220 tackles. We already have proof that Williams can produce when given the opportunity. He stepped in for an injured Matt Milano in 2024 and averaged nearly 14 fantasy points per game on his way to an LB30 finish. If Williams can finally lock down a full-time role, we’ve seen the potential for him to be a 100-tackle linebacker and a sneaky value for IDP managers. The added motivation of a contract year doesn’t hurt either.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: a late-round rookie is making noise and pushing a veteran for snaps. Kaleb Elarms-Orr has already started turning heads in training camp, including showing the ability to hold his own against James Cook in coverage. There’s something to be said for a player drafted specifically for a new defensive system, and Elarms-Orr has the production to back up the early hype after leading the Big 12 with 130 tackles last season.
This battle has short and long-term dynasty implications. Both Williams and Bernard have contract decisions approaching, which could eventually create an even bigger opportunity for the rookie. I’m not waiting for Elarms-Orr to win the job before buying. A strong preseason could send his dynasty value climbing quickly, and he’s exactly the type of young linebacker I want to acquire while the price is still reasonable.
My Pick: Kaleb Elarms-Orr
Dynasty Action: BUY
Dee Winters vs. Jaishawn Barham | Dallas Cowboys
What’s at Stake: Starting linebacker role
Fantasy Impact: HIGH
Early Leader: Jaishawn Barham
The Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker position has been anything but consistent over the past few seasons. We’ve watched them cycle through young players and veterans while relying heavily on a next-man-up approach. Dallas appears committed to DeMarvion Overshown bouncing back after injuries disrupted his first two seasons, while veterans Kenneth Murray and Logan Wilson are no longer in the picture. That leaves the second linebacker spot wide open, and IDP managers should be paying close attention.
Dee Winters is coming off the best season of his career with San Francisco, starting all 17 games and recording his first 100-tackle season. Dallas acquired him for a fifth-round pick during the 2026 NFL Draft, but surprisingly, he hasn’t consistently worked with the first-team defense during training camp. An injury ahead of him has recently opened the door for more opportunities, and we’ve already seen Winters prove he can step into a starting role when called upon. He finished as a top-36 linebacker last season and gives Dallas a proven option if the younger players aren’t ready.
The player I’m most interested in for dynasty is Jaishawn Barham. Dallas selected the former Michigan Wolverine in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft and wasted little time getting him involved with the starting defense. Barham carried that role from minicamp into training camp before an injury in early August forced him to the sidelines. That’s obviously not ideal for a rookie competing for snaps, especially after reports of a strong start to camp.
Dynasty managers love betting on youth and draft capital, and I’m right there with them on this one. Barham should see plenty of playing time in 2026 once healthy, and the injury may have actually created a better buying opportunity by cooling some of the early camp hype. I’m willing to take advantage of that discount rather than waiting for him to return and potentially reclaim the starting job.
My Pick: Jaishawn Barham
Dynasty Action: BUY
Trevin Wallace vs. Claudin Cherelus | Carolina Panthers
What’s at Stake: Starting linebacker role
Fantasy Impact: Medium
Early Leader: Trevin Wallace
The Carolina Panthers are a long way removed from the days of Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis locking down the linebacker position, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t fantasy value to be found in Carolina. Even in an underwhelming season last year, Panthers linebackers still produced LB34 and LB64 finishes. The addition of Devin Lloyd gives Carolina an immediate upgrade at LB1, leaving the second starting spot as the one IDP managers should be watching.
Trevin Wallace enters his third season after recording at least 60 tackles in each of his first 2 years despite playing just 25 games. He averaged 11 fantasy points per game last season and reached double-digit points in 8 of his 12 appearances. Wallace enters the preseason as the favorite to start alongside Lloyd, and if he can finally stay healthy, there’s enough production here for him to become a dependable weekly option for dynasty managers.
Health is really the only reason we’re discussing this as a legitimate battle. Claudin Cherelus has appeared in 27 games over the past two seasons and has proven to be a reliable run defender when Carolina has needed him. He doesn’t offer the same versatility or fantasy upside as Wallace, but availability matters. If Wallace continues to struggle staying on the field, the Panthers know they have a veteran who can step into that role.
For dynasty managers, I’m not overthinking this one. Wallace should be given every opportunity to lock down the LB2 job, and we’ve already seen enough production to know what he can do with consistent snaps. Cherelus deserves a spot on the watchlist throughout the preseason, but Wallace is the player I want. I’m holding out hope that Year 3 is finally the season we get a full year of him as a starting linebacker.
My Pick: Trevin Wallace
Dynasty Action: HOLD
Pete Werner vs. Danny Stutsman | New Orleans Saints
What’s at Stake: Starting linebacker role
Fantasy Impact: HIGH
Early Leader: Pete Werner
The New Orleans Saints turned to a familiar face after Demario Davis departed in free agency, bringing Kaden Elliss back to New Orleans after three consecutive 100-tackle seasons in Atlanta. Elliss should immediately step in as the Saints’ LB1, but he also enters his age-31 season. That makes the battle behind him even more interesting for dynasty managers looking beyond just Week 1.
Pete Werner has been an underwhelming IDP asset since the Saints drafted him. Through five seasons, he has yet to record 100 tackles and has finished as the LB46 and LB48 over the past two years. More concerning was his usage last season, when his defensive snap share dropped from over 82% in each of the previous two seasons to just 62% in 2025. Werner enters the preseason penciled in as the LB2 on New Orleans’ first unofficial depth chart, but I’m not convinced that job is safe.
That’s where Danny Stutsman becomes interesting. The former Oklahoma linebacker was a tackling machine in college, piling up more than 370 tackles before New Orleans selected him in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He flashed in a reserve role as a rookie, recording 53 tackles despite playing just 19% of the defensive snaps. If Werner continues to underwhelm, Stutsman has the profile and production to force his way into a much larger role.
I went back and forth between a Medium and High Fantasy Impact on this battle. New Orleans’ defensive backs soak up plenty of production, with four DBs topping 150 fantasy points last season, but there’s still value in finding an every-down linebacker in this defense. I’m betting on the younger player here. Whether it happens by the end of preseason or closer to the middle of the year, I expect Stutsman to eventually push Werner out of the way. Until we get more clarity, he’s exactly the type of linebacker I want sitting at the end of my dynasty bench.
My Pick: Danny Stutsman
Dynasty Action: STASH
Defensive Back Training Camp Battles
We close things out with the most streamable position in IDP fantasy football. If you’ve followed my content over the years, you’ve heard me say it countless times. I’m almost always willing to wait on defensive backs because quality fantasy production can be found without paying a premium for the position. That’s exactly what makes these training camp battles worth watching. Opportunity can change quickly in the secondary, and we’ve seen relatively unknown players turn into weekly fantasy starters simply because they earned an every-down role.
Dru Phillips vs. Ar’Darius Washington | New York Giants
What’s at Stake: Starting nickel position
Fantasy Impact: MEDIUM
Early Leader: Dru Phillips
The New York Giants were a great source of fantasy production in the secondary last season, with three defensive backs averaging more than 14 fantasy points per game. Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin appear locked into the starting safety spots, leaving the nickel role as the position IDP managers should be watching throughout the preseason.
Dru Phillips would normally be the favorite to keep the job, but an injury has opened the door for veteran Ar’Darius Washington to earn more first-team opportunities. Washington followed John Harbaugh from Baltimore to New York, and that familiarity shouldn’t be overlooked. Harbaugh already knows what Washington can bring to his defense, which makes this a legitimate competition if Phillips continues to miss time.
Both players have shown they can produce when given opportunities, but I’m sticking with Phillips. He’s been the more reliable option and has already recorded 137 tackles and 13 passes defended over the past two seasons. That’s exactly the type of production I’m looking for from a nickel defender in IDP leagues. Washington’s familiarity with Harbaugh makes him worth monitoring, but I’m not ready to move away from a young defensive back who has already proven he can produce in this role.
My Pick: Dru Phillips
Dynasty Action: HOLD
Ronnie Hickman vs. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | Cleveland Browns
What’s at Stake: Starting safety role
Fantasy Impact: HIGH
Early Leader: Ronnie Hickman
The Cleveland Browns continue to be one of the better defenses to target for IDP fantasy production. Ronnie Hickman took advantage of his opportunity last season, breaking out with 103 tackles on his way to a DB38 finish. He even outscored veteran Grant Delpit, who has been a reliable dynasty asset throughout his career. Hickman enters a contract year with plenty to play for, but Cleveland’s investment in the position makes this battle much more interesting beyond just Week 1.
The Browns selected Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft after an impressive career at Toledo. The rookie will likely begin the season behind Hickman and Delpit, but I’m betting on the talent here. Cleveland didn’t invest second-round draft capital in McNeil-Warren to keep him on the sidelines, and his versatility should give the coaching staff plenty of ways to get him involved even if he doesn’t immediately earn a traditional starting role.
This is one of those battles where I’m looking beyond who starts Week 1. Hickman should have the early advantage, but McNeil-Warren is the player I want on my dynasty roster. The Browns will find ways to get him on the field, and if an injury strikes or the team eventually moves on from Hickman, his opportunity could grow quickly. I’d rather buy the rookie now than wait until his snap share increases and his price follows.
My Pick: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Dynasty Action: BUY
Jacob Parrish vs. Keionte Scott | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What’s at Stake: Starting nickel position
Fantasy Impact: MEDIUM
Early Leader: Jacob Parrish
One of my favorite defensive back battles to watch this preseason is Jacob Parrish battling with Keionte Scott. Parrish put together an impressive rookie season with 76 tackles and three interceptions, giving dynasty managers another productive option from the Tampa Bay secondary. Scott enters the NFL coming off a monster season with Miami, where he recorded 64 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and two interceptions returned for touchdowns.
We’ve seen Tampa Bay consistently produce valuable defensive backs for IDP managers, which makes this competition so interesting. With Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith locking down the safety positions, Parrish enters the preseason with the advantage after proving he can produce in this defense as a rookie.
This is a tough one because I’m a big fan of Scott’s long-term upside, but I’m sticking with the player who has already earned the role. Parrish should keep the job and remain a hold for dynasty managers after an encouraging first season. That doesn’t mean Scott should be forgotten. Keep him firmly on your watchlist because I believe he’ll eventually find his way onto the field and become a productive IDP asset. It might take a year or two for the opportunity to catch up to the talent.
My Pick: Jacob Parrish
Dynasty Action: HOLD
Biggest Training Camp Battle for IDP Managers
Of all 10 battles on this list, Dorian Williams vs. Kaleb Elarms-Orr is the one I’ll be watching the closest. We all know how I feel about linebackers in IDP fantasy football, and this is exactly the type of competition that can create a weekly starter at a relatively low price.
Williams has already proven he can produce when given the snaps, but Elarms-Orr is the player I’m betting on long term. Whether he wins the job before Week 1 or has to work his way into the lineup, I’m buying the upside now. If the rookie takes this job earlier than expected, today’s price could look like a steal a few months from now.
Final Thoughts
Training camp means we’re officially one step closer to the regular season, and these battles are only going to get more interesting as preseason games get underway. The hype is fun, but for IDP managers, it’s all about figuring out which players are actually earning snaps and putting themselves in position to produce for our dynasty teams. Over the next few weeks, pay attention to first-team reps and, most importantly, who is still on the field when the starters are playing.
That’s also what should make this series fun to look back on once the regular season kicks off next month. Some of these battles will go exactly how we expect, while I’m sure a few of my picks will look completely wrong. That’s part of the fun. The goal is to identify these opportunities before the roles are settled and the rest of your league catches up.
As always, you can find me on X @Glosser13. My DMs are always open, so feel free to reach out if you want to talk IDP, dynasty strategy, or any of these training camp battles. Good luck this preseason, IDP Nerds!
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