Dynasty Nerds 
Draft Nerds 
NerdHerd 
Welcome back, IDP Nerds! It’s time for the first edition of my 2027 Dynasty IDP Rookie Big Board. We’re still early in the process, but it’s never too soon to start looking ahead at the next group of defensive prospects who could make an impact on our dynasty rosters.
For this first edition, I’ve ranked my top 25 defensive prospects across defensive line, linebacker, and defensive back. I’ve also broken the rankings into four tiers to give IDP managers a better idea of how I value each player heading into the 2027 NFL Draft. These rankings will continue to change as we get closer to rookie draft season, but for now, let’s take a look at the first 25 players to make the board.
Height and Weight Table | 2026 Dynasty IDP Rookie Big Board
Top 25 IDP Rookie Prospects | NFL Draft Defensive Big Board (Condensed)
Below are IDP Director Jon Glosser’s Top 25 IDP Rookie Prospects
| Rank | Player | Pos | School | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colin Simmons | DL | Texas | 6’3″ | 246 |
| 2 | Dylan Stewart | DL | South Carolina | 6’5″ | 250 |
| 3 | Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa | LB | Notre Dame | 6’3″ | 234 |
| 4 | Chris Cole | LB | Georgia | 6’3″ | 235 |
| 5 | Matayo Uiagalelei | DL | Oregon | 6’5″ | 265 |
| 6 | Yhonzae Pierre | DL | Alabama | 6’4″ | 251 |
| 7 | KJ Bolden | DB | Georgia | 6’0″ | 195 |
| 8 | Princewill Umanmielen | DL | LSU | 6’4″ | 256 |
| 9 | Sammy Brown | LB | Clemson | 6’2″ | 235 |
| 10 | Boubacar Traore | DL | Notre Dame | 6’5″ | 253 |
| 11 | Will Heldt | DL | Clemson | 6’6″ | 260 |
| 12 | Rasheem Biles | LB | Texas | 6’1″ | 222 |
| 13 | Suntarine Perkins | LB | Ole Miss | 6’1″ | 220 |
| 14 | Kenyatta Jackson Jr. | DL | Ohio State | 6’6″ | 263 |
| 15 | Jelani McDonald | DB | Texas | 6’2″ | 201 |
| 16 | Tony Rojas | LB | Penn State | 6’2″ | 236 |
| 17 | Jaylen McClain | DB | Ohio State | 6’0″ | 203 |
| 18 | Brauntae “Tae” Johnson | DB | Notre Dame | 6’2″ | 200 |
| 19 | Kingston Lopa | DB | Cal | 6’5″ | 210 |
| 20 | Clev Lubin | DL | Louisville | 6’3″ | 260 |
| 21 | Ben Roberts | LB | Texas Tech | 6’3″ | 245 |
| 22 | Ty Benefield | DB | LSU | 6’3″ | 216 |
| 23 | Damon Wilson II | DL | Miami | 6’4″ | 250 |
| 24 | John Henry Daley | DL | Michigan | 6’5″ | 252 |
| 25 | Bray Hubbard | DB | Alabama | 6’2″ | 215 |
Tier 1: Elite Dynasty Prospects
No. 1 | Colin Simmons | DL | Texas | 6’3’’ | 246 lbs
Colin Simmons is my clear-cut top EDGE prospect in the 2027 class, and I have a hard time putting anyone else on his level right now. The Texas standout has been a problem for opposing offensive lines over his college career. He’s the type of pass rusher who can completely change a game, and we saw exactly that against Tennessee in 2026 when he set a school record with 5.5 sacks. What I love most about Simmons is how he combines his speed with the power to beat offensive linemen in different ways. He’s already playing at a level that makes me believe his transition to the NFL could be smoother than most prospects at his position.
Simmons has collected 31.5 sacks and 45.5 tackles for loss over his first 35 collegiate games, including an incredible 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in just six games during the 2026 season. His explosiveness, relentless motor, and ability to consistently create impact plays give him the potential to become a true difference-maker for IDP managers. The biggest concern is a high-ankle sprain suffered during the 2026 season, which has sidelined him and raises questions about his recovery. The scary part is that Simmons still has room to develop physically as he transitions to the NFL. He’s my clear-cut top dynasty IDP prospect in this class, with the potential to become an elite fantasy defensive lineman for years to come.
No. 2 | Dylan Stewart | DL | South Carolina | 6’5’’ | 250 lbs
The 2026 season hasn’t gone quite as planned for Dylan Stewart, who missed time with an injury and served a suspension following an incident against Alabama. Despite the setbacks, Stewart remains one of the most talented defensive prospects in this class. The South Carolina standout is a long, explosive EDGE rusher who has the rare physical ability to get around offensive linemen with ease. His combination of length, speed, and athleticism makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Stewart has collected 13 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, and nine forced fumbles over his college career, showing his ability to create impact plays when he gets into the backfield.
What separates Stewart from most EDGE prospects is his ability to defend the run just as effectively as he rushes the passer. That versatility gives him the potential to become an every-down NFL defender and a difference-maker for dynasty IDP managers. The biggest question surrounding Stewart is whether he can stay healthy and consistently produce at the level his talent suggests. The biggest difference between Stewart and Colin Simmons right now is the production we’ve seen on the field. Simmons has simply been more dominant statistically, and that’s enough to give him the edge in my rankings. However, Dylan Stewart is a rare talent with the tools to play on Sundays for a long time and become a cornerstone defensive lineman for dynasty managers.
Tier 2: High-Upside Dynasty Starters
No. 3 | Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa | LB | Notre Dame | 6’3’’ | 234 lbs
Leading off my second tier is Notre Dame linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, one of the most versatile defensive prospects in the 2027 class. The ability to play both MIKE and WILL linebacker gives him the flexibility to step into almost any NFL defense and earn a role. He’s an absolute stud against the run, with the sideline-to-sideline speed and instincts to consistently find himself around the football. His breakout 2025 season included 48 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks before a late-season knee injury cut his year short. Viliamu-Asa has been limited to five games in 2026 but has still managed to record an interception, giving him one in each of his three collegiate seasons.
What really stands out to me is how many different ways he can impact a game. He’s a reliable run defender, effective in coverage, and has shown the ability to create pressure as a blitzer. It’s rare to find a linebacker who can fill a stat sheet in so many different ways. The knee injury is worth monitoring, but his skill set gives him the potential to become a three-down NFL linebacker. We know how valuable opportunity is for linebackers in fantasy football, and I see KVA as a player who can give IDP managers a reliable tackle floor without relying on impact plays to carry his weekly production. That’s why he’s my LB1 in this class, even with some talented linebackers right behind him.
No. 4 | Chris Cole | LB | Georgia | 6’3’’ | 235 lbs
At this point, when dynasty managers hear Georgia linebacker, it’s hard not to get excited. The program has produced players like Roquan Smith, Nakobe Dean, and Quay Walker, and Chris Cole looks like another name who could make an impact at the NFL level. The versatile linebacker has continued to improve throughout his college career, with his tackle production increasing each season. Cole is averaging nearly five tackles per game during the 2026 season and put together an impressive October, collecting 31 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He’s a player who continues to find ways to make an impact regardless of what the defense asks him to do.
I believe Cole is a more polished coverage linebacker at this stage of his career, but his development against the run and ability to create impact plays make him an intriguing dynasty asset. His versatility gives him a legitimate opportunity to become an every-down NFL linebacker, which is exactly what IDP managers should be looking for. If he lands in a situation where he can earn consistent snaps early in his career, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become one of the more productive linebackers from this class. For now, KVA holds the top spot, but I don’t think the gap between these two is very big.
No. 5 | Matayo Uiagalelei | DL | Oregon | 6’5’’ | 265 lbs
The top EDGE rusher in my second tier is Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei. He’s a different type of pass rusher than Colin Simmons and Dylan Stewart, who rely heavily on their explosiveness and athleticism to win. Uiagalelei is more of a power rusher who uses his technique and ability to counter offensive linemen to get into the backfield. He’s a player who can make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks with his ability to collapse the pocket and create pressure. His production has been consistent, recording at least six sacks in three straight seasons. We saw just how disruptive he can be against UCLA in 2026 when he finished with seven tackles, two sacks, and a blocked field goal.
What I like the most about Uiagalelei is that he doesn’t need elite speed or athleticism to be effective. He knows how to use his size and strength to his advantage and has shown he can consistently win against offensive linemen. The biggest concern I have is his missed tackles, something he’ll need to clean up as he prepares for the NFL. That’s an area that could hurt his fantasy production, especially if he’s not finishing plays in the backfield. I don’t think he has quite the same ceiling as Simmons or Stewart, but I’m comfortable investing in a player who has consistently found ways to get to the quarterback without relying on elite athleticism.
No. 6 | Yhonzae Pierre | DL | Alabama | 6’4’’ | 251 lbs
Yhonzae Pierre was a relatively unknown prospect before the 2025 season when he put everyone on notice with 52 tackles and eight sacks. The Alabama EDGE rusher has been a nightmare for opposing offenses with his ability to consistently find his way into the backfield. He’s one of those players who always seems to be around the football, and his relentless motor makes it difficult to keep him out of a play. Pierre rarely gives up on a play, and that effort puts him in a position to create impact plays that can change a game.
I really love his upside as a long-term dynasty asset. A common theme with some of the top EDGE prospects in this class has been missed tackles, and Pierre is no exception. It’s something I believe he can clean up as he continues to develop. It’s also hard to be overly critical of an EDGE rusher who has collected 78 tackles over his last 21 games. Those aren’t numbers we typically see from college pass rushers, and that type of tackle production gives him a chance to be more than just a sack-dependent fantasy player. I believe Pierre has the talent to become a productive NFL pass rusher, but how much he improves as a tackler could determine whether he’s a consistent fantasy starter or a player we’re relying on for big plays.
No. 7 | KJ Bolden | DB | Georgia | 6’0’’ | 195 lbs
My top safety prospect in the 2027 class is Georgia’s KJ Bolden. His speed and football IQ are two of his biggest strengths, and when you combine those with his ability to consistently make tackles, it’s easy to see why he’s such an intriguing dynasty prospect. We’ve seen multiple defensive backs come out of Georgia and step right into an NFL role, and I don’t see any reason why Bolden can’t do the same. There aren’t many defensive backs who play for Kirby Smart and aren’t asked to do a little bit of everything. Bolden is no different, with the versatility to play multiple roles in the secondary and fit into just about any defensive scheme.
The biggest drawback with Bolden is that his impact-play numbers aren’t going to jump off the page. He’s not a player who’s going to pile up sacks or interceptions, but his ability to be a reliable tackler and use his track-level speed to eliminate big plays is extremely valuable to any defense. For dynasty IDP managers, I believe that tackling ability gives him a chance to become a consistent fantasy producer without having to rely on those big plays every week. Bolden is my DB1 because I trust his skill set to translate to the next level, even if he isn’t putting up huge interception numbers every season.
Tier 3: Quality Dynasty Assets
No. 8 | Princewill Umanmielen | DL | LSU | 6’4’’ | 256 lbs
We could see a Umanmielen brother selected in the NFL Draft for the second time in three years, as Princewill looks to follow his older brother Princely, who was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. I’ll be honest, Princewill is a prospect who intrigues me quite a bit more. After following Lane Kiffin to LSU for the 2026 season, he’s put together an impressive stretch of production. Through eight games, he ranks among the nation’s top five in sacks while averaging more than one per game. He’s not just a speed rusher either. Umanmielen has a variety of pass-rushing moves and knows how to use them to make life miserable for opposing offensive linemen.
His 25 tackles for loss during the 2025 season and through eight games in 2026 show just how disruptive he’s been against SEC competition. What I really like about his game is that he doesn’t have to rely on one particular move to get into the backfield. He’s shown the ability to win in different ways, which should help him as he makes the transition to the NFL. There’s plenty to like about his long-term upside, and I believe Umanmielen has the tools to become a productive fantasy defensive lineman. He’s sitting at the top of Tier 3 for now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s knocking on the door of Tier 2 before the 2027 NFL Draft.
No. 9 | Sammy Brown | LB | Clemson | 6’2’’ | 235 lbs
Clemson’s Sammy Brown comes in at No. 9 on my board, and he’s a linebacker I’ve really enjoyed watching. Brown recorded 186 tackles and 10 sacks over his first two seasons, and if you’ve watched him play, those numbers shouldn’t surprise you. The guy is a missile against the run. He has the ablity to get downhill and isn’t afraid to deliver a hit. That style of play has carried over into 2026, where he’s averaging more than six tackles per game while adding another two sacks to bring his career total to 12. I love seeing that type of production from a linebacker, especially one who has shown he can consistently get to the football. There’s plenty to like about Brown’s game, and I believe his tackling ability gives him a real chance to become a productive fantasy linebacker at the next level.
What really stands out to me is that Brown isn’t just a run-stopping linebacker. He’s shown the ability to stay on the field for all three downs and has the athleticism to keep up with tight ends and receiving running backs in coverage. He’s also been a reliable tackler, something that should give IDP managers confidence in his ability to produce consistent fantasy points. If Brown can carry that three-down ability into the NFL and continue producing against the run, there’s no reason he can’t challenge some of the linebackers ranked ahead of him. He’s one of the players in Tier 3 I could easily see moving up before our 2027 rookie drafts.
No. 10 | Boubacar Traore | DL | Notre Dame | 6’5’’ | 253 lbs
When looking at future EDGE rushers for IDP fantasy football, the words explosive first step always get my attention, and that’s exactly what Notre Dame’s Boubacar Traore brings to the table. He’s an intriguing prospect and a player who has shown he’s one of the better students of the game at his position. Traore has made some impressive strides with his technique since the 2025 season, which says a lot considering he was already coming off a year with 6.5 sacks. He’s a player who can make life difficult for opposing offensive linemen with how quickly he gets off the ball, and he’s continuing to find new ways to win his matchups.
I’m not completely sold on Traore being a three-down player early in his NFL career, but the growth he’s shown gives me plenty of hope for his fantasy future. His 2024 knee injury is something that concerns me when he gets to the NFL. Still, his upside as a pass rusher is hard to ignore. During a four-week stretch in 2026, Traore collected 15 tackles, a sack, and an interception, showing he can contribute more than just pressure on the quarterback. I love Traore’s potential to make impact plays, but I want to see him earn consistent opportunities against the run before I’m comfortable trusting him as an every-week fantasy starter.
No. 11 | Will Heldt | DL | Clemson | 6’6’’ | 260 lbs
The easiest way to describe Will Heldt is solid, and I think that’s a perfectly fine place to be for IDP managers. There’s nothing wrong with having a player you can count on to produce. Heldt made the jump from Purdue to Clemson after collecting 25.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks over his sophomore and junior seasons. He hasn’t missed a beat against tougher competition, recording seven sacks in his first eight games with Clemson in 2026 and putting NFL teams on notice. He’s not a player who’s going to blow you away with rare athleticism or an explosive first step, but his technique and ability to use his length to beat offensive linemen are among the best in this class.
I have a hard time finding many weaknesses in Heldt’s game, and that’s a big reason why I like him as a dynasty prospect. He knows how to win his matchups and doesn’t need to rely on being the fastest or strongest player on the field to make an impact. I don’t see the same elite ceiling as some of the EDGE rushers ranked ahead of him, but I do see a player who can contribute as both a tackler and pass rusher. Not every defensive lineman we draft needs to be a double-digit sack guy. Sometimes finding a player who can give you steady production without having to rely on a big week is just as valuable.
No. 12 | Rasheem Biles | LB | Texas | 6’1’’ | 222 lbs
Rasheem Biles is one of the more intriguing linebacker prospects in the 2027 class and a player I expect we’ll hear plenty about during the NFL Draft process. He put together back-to-back monster seasons at Pittsburgh, collecting 182 tackles and 10 sacks before making the move to Texas. He’s a good coverage linebacker who has a knack for reading run plays and using his speed to beat blockers to the football. That ability has led to multiple double-digit tackle performances throughout his college career. When I watch Biles, I see a player who brings that classic WILL linebacker mentality. He’s always looking to get involved and has the speed and instincts to be a real problem for opposing offenses in the run game.
The biggest concern with Biles is his size. At just 222 pounds, he’s on the smaller side for an NFL linebacker, something we’ve seen with multiple prospects in this class. The question for me is whether his production against ACC and SEC competition is enough to outweigh those concerns as he prepares for the next level. He’s already shown he can make plays against quality opponents, and his ability to contribute in coverage gives him a chance to earn a three-down role. The biggest thing I’ll be watching is whether he can hold up against the run and earn enough snaps to become a consistent fantasy producer. If an NFL team finds the right role for him, I believe Biles could outperform his current ranking.
No. 13 | Suntarine Perkins | LB | Ole Miss | 6’1’’ | 220 lbs
We move to arguably the most versatile defensive prospect in this class and a player I have a few devy shares of, Ole Miss linebacker Suntarine Perkins. He’s been one of the more disruptive defenders in the SEC throughout his college career, ranking among the conference’s top 25 in both tackles for loss and sacks. Perkins is a true hybrid defender who can put his hand in the dirt and rush the passer or drop into coverage and use his speed to make plays from sideline to sideline. He’s the type of player I could see thriving in a multiple-front defense, similar to what we’ve seen from the New England Patriots over the years. His ability to line up in different spots and still make an impact is what makes him such an intriguing prospect.
No surprise but the biggest concern with Perkins is his size. At 220 pounds, I have questions about whether he’ll be used as a traditional linebacker or more of a pass-rushing specialist. His positional designation could make a huge difference in his fantasy value, especially if he’s classified as a defensive lineman but doesn’t see enough snaps to produce consistent sack numbers. I’ve invested in Perkins in devy leagues because I believe in his talent, but I’ll be paying close attention to his NFL landing spot and how teams plan to use him before investing further in rookie drafts.
No. 14 | Kenyatta Jackson Jr. | DL | Ohio State | 6’6’’ | 263 lbs
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is a player I believe could end up being a much better NFL player than he was in college. The Ohio State standout has spent much of his five-year career playing alongside some extremely talented EDGE rushers, which hasn’t always given him the opportunity to stand out. Jackson earned a starting spot in 2025 and responded with career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. With additional defensive talent moving on to the NFL, he had an opportunity to take on an even bigger role in 2026. At 6’6″ and 263 pounds, Jackson has the length to make life difficult for opposing offensive linemen, and I think those traits will serve him well at the NFL level.
I don’t see Jackson as a player with the same high-end ceiling as some of the EDGE rushers ranked ahead of him, but that doesn’t mean he can’t become a valuable fantasy asset. He’s a player who knows how to use his length to his advantage and has benefited from learning alongside some of the best defensive talent in college football. I could see him becoming a consistent producer if he lands in a situation where he’s playing opposite an elite pass rusher, similar to what he’s experienced throughout his college career. The question for IDP managers is whether that role will give him enough opportunities to produce consistently or leave him as a better real-life player than fantasy option.
No. 15 | Jelani McDonald | DB | Texas | 6’2’’ | 201 lbs
We only saw one defensive back in my first two tiers, but that starts to change as we work through Tier 3. Texas safety Jelani McDonald is a player I’m very confident will move up my rankings before we get to the 2027 rookie drafts. He brings two things I love when evaluating defensive backs for dynasty leagues: the ability to consistently make tackles and the speed to keep up with talented pass catchers in coverage. McDonald can play at all three levels of the defense, which gives him plenty of opportunities to make plays and put up fantasy points. He’s increased his tackle totals in back-to-back seasons and was averaging six tackles per game through the early part of the 2026 season.
What I really like about McDonald is that he doesn’t need to rely on interceptions or big plays to be productive. His versatility should give him a chance to earn a significant role early in his NFL career, and that’s exactly what I look for when targeting defensive backs in rookie drafts. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become an early Day 2 selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, which could put him in a position to contribute right away. There’s a lot to like about his long-term fantasy outlook, and he’s one of the players in this tier I expect to be much higher on as we get closer to rookie draft season.
No. 16 | Tony Rojas | LB | Penn State | 6’2’’ | 236 lbs
Anytime I get the chance to cover a linebacker from Penn State, I can almost guarantee I’ll be impressed, and Tony Rojas is no exception. The former high school running back has some serious athleticism, and you can see every bit of it when you watch him play. Rojas has the quickness to get from sideline to sideline and always seems to find himself around the football. An injury cost him most of the 2025 season, so I was very interested to see how he would respond in 2026. His production has been impressive, collecting 40 tackles, 4 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble over a five game stretch. His October was especially impressive, averaging nine tackles per game.
IDP managers will at least need to be concereneed if Rojas can stay healthy. I think he brings more value to an NFL defense early in his career as a coverage linebacker than an every-down player. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it could limit his fantasy production if he doesn’t land in a situation that allows him to grow into a bigger role. He might need a year or two to develop physically before becoming a full-time starter. The talent is absolutely there, though, and his combination of speed, instincts, and playmaking ability makes him a player I’m excited to watch throughout the 2027 NFL Draft process.
No. 17 | Jaylen McClain | DB | Ohio State | 6’0’’ | 203 lbs
Jaylen McClain started his college career as part of Ohio State’s National Championship team, although he played a limited role during that run. He earned a starting job in 2025 and proved to be a reliable tackler, collecting 53 tackles while playing alongside 2026 first-round NFL Draft pick Caleb Downs. I’ll admit I was a little hesitant about what McClain’s production would look like without a player of Downs’ caliber next to him. He’s answered those questions in 2026 and is on pace to surpass his tackle total from the previous season.
From an IDP perspective, I really like McClain’s versatility. He’s a player who can line up at safety or play in the slot, which should give him more opportunities to earn snaps early in his NFL career. We have to remember that not every rookie defensive back is going to step into a starting role and play 100% of the defensive snaps. Players who can contribute in multiple spots have a better chance of getting on the field, and those opportunities can turn into fantasy production. McClain brings a style of play that I believe is ready for the NFL, and he’s a player dynasty IDP managers should be excited about adding to their rosters.
Tier 4: Dynasty Depth & Value Targets
No. 18 | Brauntae “Tae” Johnson | DB | Notre Dame | 6’2’’ | 200 lbs
Notre Dame safety Tae Johnson kicks off my fourth and final tier, which features several defensive backs. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise when you consider how often IDP managers stream the position. Johnson was a player I had much higher on my radar entering the 2026 season after a strong 2025 season where he collected 48 tackles and four interceptions. Unfortunately, an injury in the season opener has limited him to just one game in 2026. While there’s still a chance he returns before the season ends, I do have some concerns about whether he’ll declare for the 2027 NFL Draft after missing so much time. We’ve seen players return to college to improve their draft stock, and that’s something dynasty managers will need to keep an eye on.
The talent is certainly there when Johnson is healthy. One of my favorite things about his game is his versatility. Notre Dame has used him as a deep safety, slot defender, and box safety, and it doesn’t seem to matter where he lines up. He finds ways to create problems for opposing offenses. That ability to play multiple roles should give him a chance to earn snaps early in his NFL career, which is always valuable for fantasy production. We’ve seen Notre Dame produce some successful NFL safeties over the years, and Johnson has the tools to follow that path. There’s some risk with his injury and uncertain draft status, but I believe his ceiling is too high for dynasty IDP managers to ignore.
No. 19 | Kingston Lopa | DB | Cal | 6’5’’ | 210 lbs
It’s not often we see a ball-hawking safety built like Kingston Lopa. The former Oregon defensive back transferred to Cal for the 2026 season and has put together a breakout year, setting career highs in tackles (39), interceptions (5), and passes defended (3). Lopa barely saw the field during his time at Oregon, so we’re still working with a pretty small sample size. Trusting a player after one breakout season isn’t always the best strategy, and that’s a big reason why I have him in Tier 4. At 6’5″ and 210 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to match up with some of the NFL’s more versatile tight ends who can create problems for opposing defenses. His background as a wide receiver shows up on film, especially when he’s tracking the football and making plays in coverage.
There’s a fine line between being a freak athlete without a true position and being a defender who can use those physical tools to become an eraser in the secondary. That’s what makes Lopa such an intriguing prospect to me. One number I really love; nearly 77% of his tackles in 2026 have been solo tackles. Depending on your league’s scoring, those can be worth more than assisted tackles, and that type of production is exactly what IDP managers want to see. If Lopa can continue providing a reliable tackle floor alongside his ability to create turnovers, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him climb my rankings before the 2027 rookie drafts.
No. 20 | Clev Lubin | DL | Louisville | 6’3’’ | 260 lbs
Clev Lubin might be the one player in this class I like more than I should. The guy is just a gamer, and it doesn’t seem to matter where he’s playing because he continues to find ways to make plays. Lubin has collected 25.5 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles over his last 2 seasons. He’s a polished pass rusher who isn’t going to blow anyone away with his athleticism, but the production speaks for itself. He knows how to get into the backfield and has shown he can fill up a stat sheet in a hurry.
His consistency is one of the biggest standouts. Lubin recorded at least 4 tackles in 87.5% of his games through the first 8 contests of 2026. That’s a massive plus for a defensive lineman in fantasy football, where consistent tackle production can be hard to find. He’s not a player I’m expecting to become an elite NFL pass rusher, but I do believe he has the tools to become a reliable fantasy producer. There’s something to be said about having a defensive lineman you can trust in your lineup every week, and that’s exactly what I think Lubin could bring to dynasty IDP managers.
No. 21 | Ben Roberts | LB | Texas Tech | 6’3’’ | 245 lbs
Another high-volume tackler coming out of Texas Tech. Where have we heard that before? Ben Roberts might not be quite the tackle monster his predecessor Jacob Rodriguez was, but this guy can play. The Texas Tech linebacker is on pace to record his fourth consecutive season with at least 80 tackles, which is the type of consistency I love seeing from college prospects. Roberts might end up being a third-round pick or later in the 2027 NFL Draft, but if he lands in the right situation, I can absolutely see him becoming a productive NFL linebacker.
We’ve seen how valuable young linebackers with reliable tackle floors can be for IDP managers during the 2026 season, and Roberts brings a lot of those same traits. He’s not just a player who piles up tackles either. His instincts have helped him collect six interceptions and nine forced fumbles throughout his college career. Those are impressive numbers for a linebacker and show he has the ability to make plays beyond simply bringing down ball carriers. I’m not expecting Roberts to become an elite fantasy linebacker, but I do see a player who could earn a starting role and give dynasty managers consistent production. Sometimes that’s all you need from a linebacker you can acquire later in your rookie drafts.
No. 22 | Ty Benefield | DB | LSU | 6’3’’ | 216 lbs
Ty Benefield is an intriguing safety prospect who collected 235 tackles and five interceptions over three seasons at Boise State before making the move to LSU. He’s a big, physical defensive back who brings exactly what we love to see from a fantasy perspective: the ability to pile up tackles. At 6’3″ and 216 pounds, Benefield has the size to come down into the box and help defend the run while also possessing the ball skills to make an impact in coverage. Those are traits NFL teams should value, and they give him a chance to become a productive fantasy asset if he earns a consistent role.
The missed tackles are alarming for a future IDP manager. He was credited with more than 20 during his final season at Boise State, despite recording 70 solo tackles to lead the Mountain West Conference. That’s a number that’s hard to ignore when evaluating a player whose fantasy value could depend heavily on tackle production. His numbers haven’t been quite as impressive during his first season against SEC competition in 2026, but I still see a player with plenty of room to improve. If Benefield can clean up the missed tackles and continue developing his game, he has the potential to become a valuable depth piece for dynasty IDP managers.
No. 23 | Damon Wilson II | DL | Miami | 6’4’’ | 250 lbs
Damon Wilson II is a highly athletic EDGE rusher who has the ability to make life miserable for opposing offensive linemen. After putting together solid production at Georgia and Missouri, Wilson transferred to Miami for the 2026 season, where he recorded 3.5 sacks through the team’s first eight games. He’s an explosive pass rusher who can get off the line in a hurry and create problems for opposing quarterbacks. His combination of speed and athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect, especially when you consider how valuable players who can consistently pressure the quarterback are at the NFL level.
The biggest reason Wilson falls outside my top 20 is his ability to defend the run consistently. That’s an area of his game that still needs work, and it could limit his opportunities to stay on the field for all three downs. From an IDP perspective, fewer snaps against the run could mean a lower tackle floor and more reliance on sacks to produce fantasy points. Regardless, his ability to create impact plays as a pass rusher should draw plenty of interest from NFL teams. Even if Wilson starts his career as a rotational pass-rush specialist, I think he’s worth taking a chance on in the later rounds of dynasty rookie drafts.
No. 24 | John Henry Daley | DL | Michigan | 6’5’’ | 252 lbs
John Henry Daley might be one of the most underrated pass rushers in the 2027 class, and frankly, he’s a player I could see moving much higher in my rankings. Daley followed head coach Kyle Whittingham from Utah to Michigan for the 2026 season after putting together an incredible 2025 campaign. He finished with 11.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and over 50 quarterback pressures before suffering a late-season Achilles injury. Those are impressive numbers for any EDGE rusher, and they show just how disruptive Daley can be when he’s healthy.
A big question surrounding Daley is how effective he can be long term following his Achilles injury. He’s worked his way back, but NFL teams and dynasty managers will need to monitor whether he can return to his previous level of production. I believe he has the talent to earn pass-rushing opportunities early in his NFL career if he can return to the player we saw in 2025. There’s always risk when investing in a player coming off a significant injury, but the upside is hard to ignore. Daley is exactly the type of prospect I’m willing to take a chance on later in dynasty rookie drafts, especially if his injury concerns cause him to fall further than his talent suggests.
No. 25 | Bray Hubbard | DB | Alabama | 6’2’’ | 215 lbs
Rounding out my top 25 prospects is Alabama safety Bray Hubbard, a player who brings plenty of traits IDP managers should be excited about. He’s a physical safety who isn’t afraid to come down near the line of scrimmage and help stop the run. That ability has helped him become a reliable tackler, something we know is extremely valuable for defensive backs in fantasy football. Hubbard returned for his senior season in 2026 after increasing his tackle totals in back-to-back seasons, and he’s on pace to make it three straight years of improvement.
There’s little doubt in my mind that Hubbard would have been part of the talented 2026 IDP rookie class had he decided to declare for the NFL Draft after collecting 79 tackles, four interceptions, and two sacks in 2025. We’ve seen young defensive backs step into NFL starting roles and become productive fantasy players right away, and I believe Hubbard has the skill set to follow that path. His ability to play near the line of scrimmage should give him opportunities to pile up tackles, while his experience in coverage gives him a chance to stay on the field. Hubbard is a player I could see climbing this top 25 before the 2027 rookie drafts begin.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up the first edition of my 2027 Dynasty IDP Rookie Big Board. There’s plenty of talent in this class across all three defensive positions, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these prospects develop as we get closer to the 2027 NFL Draft. These rankings are far from set in stone, and we’ll keep adjusting as we learn more about each player’s NFL outlook. For now, I hope this gives IDP managers an early look at some of the names worth keeping an eye on as some managers have already started preparing for another dynasty rookie draft season.
Take Control of Your Dynasty Today
Want to see where your lineup stacks up? Start building like the pros with our most powerful tools and resources:
- 📱 Dynasty Nerds App → Analyze trades, compare rosters—see where you rank.
- 🏈 Dynasty Rankings → Updated player values for every position.
- 🎓 Rookie Mock Draft Hub → Find the next wave of talent for your drafts.
- 🚀 Join the NerdHerd → Unlock premium tools and exclusive extra podcast.
👉 It’s time to take control of your dynasty and see where your lineup truly ranks.
