High Upside IDP Rookies – Volume 1

Hello all, I know it’s been a while. To be honest, it’s been a rocky year and lots of struggles for myself, so I took a much needed break. I’ve now returned and am ready to create debates and continue to bring you the IDP content you need to have a long-term, sustainable IDP team.

You may have read our esteemed colleague Duke’s rookie targets, where he details a few rookies who have fallen down the draft board some. He’s also provided higher rookie draft selections. Similarly, I will be doing the same, focusing primarily on higher draft selections first and slowly working my way down the draft board, where the upside may be more in question and I clarify why you need not worry. Let’s get started.

Jaelan Phillips – Linebacker/Edge – Miami Dolphins

Phillips is a high motor prospect with an amazing combination of size, speed and freak athleticism. He’s landed in Miami, a spot where I’m all about chasing Dolphins defensive players this year as they continue building an outstanding team. Standing 6’6”, about 260 pounds, he reminds me of a high motor Julius Peppers, except slightly faster. Some are pegging Phillips as a boom-bust prospect, giving you weeks in the 12+ and weeks where he can give you a goose egg. As a rookie, that very well may be the case. However, defensive coordinator Josh Boyer loves keeping an aggressive defensive style, which fits the mold for Phillips to wreak havoc. In Miami, he went into full dominance mode, racking up 11 TFL and 6.5 sacks in his final four games.

However, the 18th selection in the first round does have designation dependency. So be sure to check if he has the DL designation as his tackling may not compete with inside linebackers tackling but has great scoring opportunity for leagues that award more points for TFLs. He also has an injury history but his draft pedigree should be enough to not be concerned early on. With minimal competition, Phillips has the opportunity to start immediately for the team, giving optimal opportunity for stout numbers early in his career.

Nick Bolton – Linebacker – Kansas City Chiefs

With Anthony Hitchens being 29 and not being a true difference maker at linebacker, Nick Bolton has every opportunity to be a viable starter almost immediately for the Chiefs. A lot of people have their concerns with Willie Gay being selected; however, Nick Bolton is more well rounded and polished to make the tackles and TFLs necessary to be a more reliable IDP starter compared to Willie Gay being more of a coverage backer.

The 58th pick in the draft has all of the tools to be a complete linebacker to fill all categories. Although somewhat undersized at 5’11” and a somewhat concerning 4.7 40 time, there are a few possible early struggles on the lateral movements and eluding box traffic. As with Phillips, however, opportunity is king. Be comfortable rostering Bolton for the long haul–and no, I’m not talking about Michael Bolton!

Kwity Paye – Edge – Indianapolis Colts

One of the most athletic freaks landed in one of the best spots a rookie lineman could. However, what drives me to Phillips over Paye more is the fact that Paye only had 19 collegiate starts. Combine that with slower acceleration, there are definitely some early concerns to have an immediate impact as a starter. Long-term? I’m all about Paye’s potential to produce top-7 linemen fantasy numbers. His lateral quickness and ability to play low have me excited that after a year of polishing his skills in the league, he will be special. He slots in as an immediate starter and as I’ve been preaching: opportunity is king. You may need to temper expectations early on but the dividends to pay off long term is a strong possibility. Fun fact: Kwity in Liberian means “civilization.”

That’s all folks. I’m grateful to return and bring you content to bolster your defense and reinforce your IDP rookie draft debates with the right decisions. Be on the lookout for my next write-up as I dig deeper into the draft selections and help you find a few diamonds in the rough.

As for anyone struggling with mental health, always refer to SAMHSA’s National Helpline, which is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Reach them or refer them to anyone you may know struggling at: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

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