• LB Dynasty IDP Rankings

    Dynasty  IDP Posted on  —by Justin Frye @JFryeDP
    Embed from Getty Images

    Welcome to the 2022-2023 offseason! Following the completion of the 2022 season, here are my updated top 28 LB dynasty IDP rankings.

    Below are my 2023 LB dynasty IDP rankings based on my current knowledge. Due to injury or variability, I have notes for my top 28 players and some others. I didn't try to project team changes, so all players are assumed to return to their 2022 teams. An asterisk (*) next to the player denotes a pending free agent.

    In case you missed it, I've already posted my top 28 edge players with some additional names here. My top 18 DTs are published here. Come back soon for CB and S-specific rankings. Enjoy!

    Tier 1 LB Dynasty IDP Rankings

    Foundational players, I want to roster at least one of:

     

    1. Roquan Smith, LB, Baltimore Ravens

    Smith does a little bit of everything and just impacts matchups. There might be younger guys in the top tier, but given a choice, Smith would be my top LB to start my IDP roster with.

    2. Foyesade Oluokun, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars

    Oluokun has now led the league in tackles each of the last two years. Jacksonville brought out a better version of him, too, as he tripled his previous career high in TFLs and continued putting heat on QBs.

    3. Nick Bolton, LB, Kansas City Chiefs

    Bolton continues to just be a ball-hawking LB who's always nearby. I didn't expect the Chiefs to give him a full-time role. Elite young LB to build around.

    4. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Seattle Seahawks

    Back-to-back 160 or more tackle seasons. He and Bolton are possibly the top 2 in these after next year, but it'll depend on how he returns from the torn ACL suffered in Week 17.

    5. Devin White, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Elite young LB who produces next to a stud teammate as well. The only knock I have is why hasn't he broken 140 tackles in a year. While still a massive total, the four above him all hit 161 or more.

     

    Tier 2 LB Dynasty IDP Rankings

    Elite players who I'd love as my second LB, or have multiple if I have no Tier 1 guys:

     

    6. T.J. Edwards*, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

    This one might seem aggressive, but 130 and 159 tackles after taking over partway through 2021. I'm not sure where he will play in 2023, but he's a proven tackling machine at this point and still only 26.

    7. Pete Werner, LB, New Orleans Saints

    Might be a forgotten man, but over his first 8 games in 2022, Werner totaled 70 tackles. If it weren't for the injury thats nearly 150 tackle pace. Buy in now if his manager forgot.

    8. Zaire Franklin, LB, Indianapolis Colts

    Might be aggressive but Shaq Leonard can't get healthy and Bobby Okereke is not under contract for 2023. With Franklin signed for cheap, at least one of the others won't be there.

    9. Bobby Wagner*, LB, Los Angeles Rams

    Another ho-hum 140 tackle season for Wagner. While not technically an impending free agent, it's been reported he's getting released. Maybe a move to the Bills or Dolphins to chase a ring?

    10. Patrick Queen, LB, Baltimore Ravens

    Queen is a tough one, playing second fiddle to Roquan Smith now. That could be a boon long term, though. Learn from the best and avoid focusing of the offense.

    11. Dre Greenlaw, LB, San Francisco 49ers

    Staying up with trends is important, and while Greenlaw as the 49ers LB1 might seem a hot take, Greenlaw has been better at producing stats for IDP managers.

    12. Frankie Luvu, LB, Carolina Panthers

    2022's breakout LB, Luvu, is likely to reprise his top LB role for 2023 in Carolina. This ranking is more about 2023 than beyond, as that production may go way down if he leaves.

    13. Drue Tranquill*, LB, Los Angeles Chargers

    Another 2022 breakout. I'm not sure why the Chargers would let him walk. That being said, he might not fit into their cap crunch, and he'd be a fun fit for the... Giants? 149 tackles in 2022 with another 5 sacks means he'll be sought after.

    14. Cole Holcomb*, LB, Washington Commanders

    Holcomb put up 142 tackles in 2021 and was pacing at nearly 10 per game in 2022. He should be sought after as well in free agency and will be sought after in IDP leagues once he signs.

    15. Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers

    Warner, this low, is likely a sell for me. While a fantastic real-life LB, his IDP value is less than that. I do like Warner, but elite LBs in IDP have a very short shelf life, so the best time to sell is when they hit the top of the rankings.

    16. C.J. Mosley, LB, New York Jets

    Mosley is a risk this high. His talent is still worth this, but the Jets could cut bait this offseason and save about $8.5M. After averaging 163 tackles the last two years, though, he'll land on his feet somewhere if cut.

    17. Quay Walker, LB, Green Bay Packers

    I'm likely to be too low on Walker, but LBs need to be on the field. Doing things like pushing trainers is just idiotic. I hope it doesn't erode the Packers' trust because he belongs at the top of Tier 2.

    18. Devin Lloyd, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars

    Another first-round LB from last year, and again I'm content being low on them. Oluokun is a tackle machine, and Lloyd lost his job to Chad Muma as the season progressed. He's here only because of draft capital.

    19. Willie Gay, LB, Kansas City Chiefs

    Gay likely could benefit from leaving KC after this coming year. Gay was inconsistent but had several strong performances in 2022. His upside is worth keeping here and hoping for a trade or to leave after 2023.

     

    Tier 3 LB Dynasty IDP Rankings

    These are great players who I'm fine with as my second LB or ecstatic as a third LB:

     

    20. Ernest Jones, LB, Los Angeles Rams

    For now, Jones is here. I'd be shopping him if the Rams replace Wagner with another LB. If he can take over a full-time role, though, he likely is closer to 2022 Frankie Luvu's stats and a Tier 2 LB.

    21. Logan Wilson, LB, Cincinnati Bengals

    Another guy I'm low on vs what I see from others. His career high is 123 total tackles as the starting full-time LB for multiple years. Why? He's just a guy to me, and LBs accumulate stats when on the field.

    22. Shaquille Leonard, LB, Indianapolis Colts

    Leonard is stuck, likely one more year in Indianapolis if he can get healthy. While running the risk he could bounce back, I'm out on him and would sell if a window opens before or during the upcoming season.

    23. Alex Singleton*, LB, Denver Broncos

    Singleton is a monster, and I hope someone gives him a starting job in 2023. He had 163 tackles this year despite not being the Broncos' top LB and only starting 12 games.

    24. Josey Jewell, LB, Denver Broncos

    The other Broncos LB and the top guy, Jewell is not as strong an IDP player as Singleton, but he is the only Bronco LB under contract.

    25. Divine Deablo, LB, Las Vegas Raiders

    The Raiders need to help Deablo stay healthy in 2023. In 2022, he played in 8 games and had 74 tackles. It's likely they pay up for a QB, potentially picks and dollars. This limits the risk of Deablo being replaced. A top 2023 breakout candidate for me at LB.

    26. Christian Harris, LB, Houston Texans

    Another breakout option in 2023, Harris just got a perfect coach to help him grow. Demeco Ryans was a star in Houston and coached the 49ers' defense that had Warner and Greenlaw both top 20 in total tackles.

    27. Shaq Thompson, LB, Carolina Panthers

    While not officially a free agent, Thompson is likely to be cut. He lost the primary LB role to Luvu and can save Carolina over $13M by cutting. Look for him to find a role somewhere as an LB2 for a team. Which team will drive his 2023 value

    28. Troy Andersen, LB, Atlanta Falcons

    Projecting forward with this one, Andersen was a favorite of mine last draft cycle. With Mykal Walker in a contract year and cheap cut, and Rashaan Evans a free agent, Andersen should take over a full-time role. With the elite athleticism, expect numbers to follow.

    Additional Depth Veterans

    I'm excited to roster but willing to move to get younger if not playing regularly:

    De'Vondre Campbell, LB, Green Bay Packers

    Jerome Baker, LB, Miami Dolphins

    Could be cut to save against the cap, but likely there another year at least.

    Monty Rice, LB, Tennessee Titans

    Cheap way to add a starter. Titans' LBs continue to rack up tackles regardless of player.

    Tremaine Edmunds*, LB, Buffalo Bills

    Lavonte David*, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    With Tom Brady retiring, Tampa Bay could let David walk too. If not signed before free agency opens, he'll count nearly $7M in dead cap on top of a new deal. So if he is not back before free agency, he is likely gone.

    Quincy Williams*, LB, New York Jets

    Deion Jones*, LB, Cleveland Browns

    Leighton Vander Esch*, LB, Dallas Cowboys

    David Long*, LB, Tennessee Titans

    Demario Davis, LB, New Orleans Saints

    Matt Milano, LB, Buffalo Bills

    Unlikely cut with Edmunds a free agent, but would save money.

    Myles Jack, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

    Phased out as the year went along, he can be cut to save $8M against the cap.

    Jordan Hicks, LB, Minnesota Vikings

    Can save $5M against the cap if he's cut and could be replaced by Asamoah below. Likely one of him or Kendricks is gone (if not both).

    Eric Kendricks, LB, Minnesota Vikings

    Can save $9.5M against the cap if he's cut and could be replaced by Asamoah below. Likely one of him or Hicks is gone (if not both).

    Ja'Whaun Bentley*, LB, New England Patriots

    Cody Barton*, LB, Seattle Seahawks

    With Jordyn Brooks recovering from a knee injury, whoever Seattle brings in has a high ceiling in 2023.

    Ascending Talent

    I don't want to have to play these guys weekly, but I love stashing on my bench:

    Nakobe Dean, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

    Both starters are pending free agents.

    Chad Muma, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars

    Lower here due to draft capital, but is he really the LB2 or LB3 in Jacksonville? I'd rather buy Muma than Lloyd.

    Jack Sanborn, LB, Chicago Bears

    Do the Bears look to upgrade? If not, he's way too low.

    Brian Asamoah, LB, Minnesota Vikings

    See Hicks and Kendricks above. Cheap dynasty speculative buy.

    Zaven Collins, LB, Arizona Cardinals

    Jamin Davis, LB, Washington Commanders

    Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Detroit Lions

    Terrel Bernard, LB, Buffalo Bills

    Edmunds' replacement?

    Damone Clark, LB, Dallas Cowboys

    Both starters are pending free agents. Can Clark take one starting spot?

    Channing Tindall, LB, Miami Dolphins

    Exciting option with Vic Fangio in town leading the defense

    Leo Chenal, LB, Kansas City Chiefs

    Thanks for checking out my LB dynasty IDP rankings, the third in the series of dynasty rankings I'll publish over the next couple of weeks. Happy trading for LB Dynasty IDP players! Feel free to contact me on Twitter to tell me what you love or yell at me that I'm an idiot!

    Thank you for reading my LB Dynasty IDP article! Please follow me for more content via Twitter @FFFBallers  and @IDPGuys, and check out my IDP Guys author page and the IDP Guys website.

    • Back to top