• The Tooth’s Post-Draft Top 10 IDP Rookies

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    The 2022 draft has concluded, and we have all the landing spots now. Here are Joey The Tooth's top 10 IDP rookies.


    The 2022 NFL draft is complete, and we know where each player landed — or didn't. There was not much of a shakeup at the top of my rankings, though, after the top four, things have changed quite a bit. In this article, I will cover my top 10 IDP rookies. At the tail end of the article, I will mix in some of my favorite sleepers that emerged from the draft.

    1) Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Detroit Lions

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    Aidan Hutchinson was my pre-draft top-ranked rookie, and his landing spot did not change a thing. I am convinced that he is a top-two player in this draft, and so did NFL scouts — Hutchinson was selected second overall. His blend of athleticism, technique, and versatility make him a polished edge defender.

    Hutchinson comes into a situation where the edge rushers for Detroit overachieved in 2021. He finds himself at the top of the depth chart on the defensive line and will serve an every-down role. Hutchinson should have an impressive rookie season, but he should also help elevate his teammates.

    2) Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Jacksonville Jaguars

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    Lloyd's spot in my rankings hasn't changed either, though he is more of a 1B than landing second in my rankings. He is an instinctual player with thumping power and diagnosis in the run game. Lloyd also showed terrific ability to get after the quarterback during his senior season. With the Jaguars lacking playmakers, he was a smart selection to trade up for.

    Lloyd lands in a depth chart teaming up with Foyesade Oluokun, who is coming off a season in which he led the entire NFL in tackles. The two should form a nice tandem, with Lloyd showing off some of his blitzing prowess throughout the season.

    3) Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, New York Giants

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    Many believed that Thibodeaux would have a catastrophic drop in the 2022 draft after speculation about his desire and love for the game. The Giants were smart and took advantage of that, grabbing a top-three talent at fifth overall. Thibodeaux is absolutely explosive off of the edge with some of the most impressive physical tools in this class.

    He teams up with last year's rookie standout Azeez Ojulari who finished his rookie season with eight sacks. Add in the fact they have Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams in the middle, and this defensive line can be imposing. Lorenzo Carter left in free agency, and Thibodeaux should fill his starting role from day one.

    4) Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Baltimore Ravens

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    Kyle Hamilton has always been one of the most talented players in this draft class. He only fell a bit in my pre-draft rankings due to playing the safety position. After landing with the Ravens, Hamilton ascended to the top of my top 10 IDP rookies list. He filled a position of need and then some. Hamilton can line up all over the field and likely spends a lot of the time in the box or even at linebacker.

    With the Ravens grabbing Marcus Williams in free agency to play deep and rostering Chuck Clark to play the strong safety role, Hamilton can play wherever the Ravens need him. With Patrick Queen being a disappointment and the lack of playmakers next to him, Hamilton has a strong chance to lead the Ravens in tackles, making him a cheat code at defensive back.

    5) Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles

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    If his swag alone doesn't garner this rank, his playstyle definitely does. Dean was the leader of a historically great defense in 2021 in Georgia. It was not Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt, Quay Walker, or Travon Walker, all of whom were selected before Dean. He is a bit undersized and had medical concerns around a pectoral injury, but his play diagnosis, speed, coverage ability, and leadership are next level.

    Dean lands with the Eagles who have had terrible linebacker groups over the recent few years. T.J. Edwards was a bright spot in 2021 with some efficient tackling, though his upside is limited. The Eagles signed Kyzir White in the off-season after a career year, though he has had an up and down career to date. Dean has the most potential upside of the group and is the linebacker I want in Philly.

    6) Quay Walker, Linebacker, Green Bay Packers

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    Walker is my biggest riser of the top 10 IDP rookies, and it is solely based on draft capital. Pre-draft, I had him firmly below teammate Channing Tindall in my rankings, based purely on upside alone. Walker showed incredible athleticism at the scouting combine which likely vaulted him up draft boards with his solid overall ability at the position.

    The landing spot was a bit odd with Green Bay as the Packers ran predominantly one linebacker defensive looks in 2021. They also signed De'Vondre Campbell to a new contract. This has all the makings of the Packers taking on a new identity on defense, devoting more capital to stopping the run game, an area where they have struggled mightily.

    7) Christian Harris, Linebacker, Houston Texans

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    Harris was my LB3 pre-draft, and he shifts slightly to my LB4, mainly due to what is ahead of him, for now, on the depth chart. In Houston, the Texans have veterans Christian Kirksey, Kamu Grugier-Hill, and Neville Hewitt temporarily at the top of the depth chart. Both Kirksey and Grugier-Hill had very good 2021 seasons. Still, the Texans needed to add more youth to this group.

    They traded up five spots to grab Harris, and he brings much more excitement to the group than any of the incumbents. If Harris can ascend up the depth chart during the pre-season, he could easily surpass Quay Walker and possibly Dean as well.

    8) Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, New York Jets

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    I, for one, thought that Johnson would be a top 12 pick, though many edge needy teams decided to pass on the talented edge-rusher. The Jets, who had a phenomenal draft, struck gold by trading back into the first round grabbing Johnson at 26th overall. Johnson brings much-needed pass-rushing to the Jets defensive line, plus terrific run defense to boot.

    He joins Carl Lawson, who is returning from a torn Achilles, and John Franklin-Myers who was inconsistent during his first season with Gang Green. Johnson has the potential to come in as a starter come the first week of the season.

    9) Travon Walker, Edge, Jacksonville Jaguars

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    What a fall from grace, the number one overall pick to ninth in my rankings. In all honesty, this is higher than I had him pre-draft. the only reason he is one of my top 10 IDP rookies is because of his draft capital alone. Walker is an athletic phenom, posting some of the best scouting combine measurables ever. What he has lacked throughout his career is elite production.

    Walker is an oversized edge, though is not a natural edge rusher. He does his best work at 3-technique, or as an interior pass-rusher. I fear that the Jaguars are going to miscast Walker and play him predominantly on the edge to pair with Josh Allen, ultimately capping Walker's production. Still, he is the top overall pick for a reason, he could easily prove me wrong.

    10) George Karlaftis, Edge, Kansas City Chiefs

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    Karlaftis is a seamless fit on the Chiefs' defensive line. His power and patience match perfectly schematically with how they deploy their pass rushers. Karlaftis has power and athleticism for days, something that the Chiefs have been lacking for a few years.

    The Chiefs currently roster Frank Clark, who has been a severe disappointment and can stay out of trouble, and Melvin Ingram who is on the last legs of his career. Karlaftis is the Chiefs' top edge rusher instantly and should have an impact from day one.

     Sleepers

    • Amare Barno, Edge, Carolina Panthers - Barno joins the Panthers' defensive line that needs extra punch. After Brian Burns, they have Marquise Haynes who has been nothing but a subpackage player for his career, as well as Yetur Gross-Matos who has in fact been a gross disappointment. Barno brings elite athleticism and could form one of the most explosive pass-rush tandems in the NFL.
    • Sam Williams, Edge, Dallas Cowboys - Williams has one of the quickest first steps in this draft class. He was second in the SEC in sacks in 2021 with 12.5 and was a dominant force. He carries second-round draft capital to the Cowboys who were looking for their Randy Gregory replacement.
    • Leo Chenal, Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs - Chenal would not be considered a sleeper pre-draft, though his landing spot left little to be desired. Nick Bolton and Willie Gay Jr. currently start in Kansas City, though they have shown little trust in Gay. He could not even overtake Anthony Hitchens for a starting role. Do not be surprised if Chenal overtakes Gay.
    • Channing Tindall, Linebacker, Miami Dolphins - I had Tindall ranked ahead of Quay Walker pre-draft and still think he possesses more upside. His speed is true sideline-to-sideline and brings far more excitement and versatility to the defense than Elandon Roberts does. Tindall should be able to take a starting role come week one.

    Summary

    My rankings had a bit of a shakeup after the 2022 NFL draft. This list includes my top 10 IDP rookies and some of my favorite sleepers after the draft concluded. I have also finished updating my projections post-draft including rookies as well. My projections now have over 300 players listed and will hopefully help adjust rankings to your scoring accordingly. 2022 is going to be a fun season!


    Thank you for checking out my article! Follow me on Twitter at @JoeyTheToothIDP, and check out all of my IDP, Devy, and Offensive work on my IDP Guys author page. Stay up to date with the latest breaking news in fantasy football with The IDPGuys!

     

    Joseph Haggan

    I am the proud father to an amazing young girl and husband to an unbelievable wife. Senior writer for IDPGuys, as well as projections creator and co-founder of our elite IDP Scoring Tool.
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