IDP Rookie Recap: Week 17

Week 17 just concluded, and almost every fantasy football championship has been decided. Congrats if you were crowned the champion of your league, nicely done. We’ve also reached that time of year where NFL teams are looking to see what they have in their young players. This week, we look back at Week 17 and see which names performed the best. At this time of the season, a lot is going on (injuries, bye weeks, etc), and it can be challenging to keep track of everyone. When it comes to the young phenoms of the league, it’s never too late to adjust your IDP portfolios. I use the Top 14 as I feel that’s the best average league size of teams. The scoring will be based on our IDP Nation Listener League II settings. If you would like to review the scoring system, you can use this link to view our scoring system. When compiling this list each week, I try to include as much info as possible to help you make better decisions for your teams.

#1 Xavier Watts, SAF, Atlanta Falcons

We start this week's IDP Rookie Recap off with a familiar name, SAF Xavier Watts for the Atlanta Falcons, who is making his 7th appearance on this weekly list. He was a favorite in the draft process, and fantasy managers are being rewarded. Last week versus the LA Rams, he started his 16th game of the year, playing 65 defensive snaps (100%), with totals of five total tackles, four solo stops, 80% solo rate, two interceptions returned for 32 yards, and three PBUs, for 28.3 fantasy points. What a performance for the rookie on championship week in fantasy. His five interceptions are the most for a Falcons rookie since Deion Sanders (5) in 1989. He ranks 3rd on the team in tackles (89), PBUs (10), and ranks 2nd in the NFL in interceptions (5). Atlanta hit a home run getting Watts in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft! A must roster option in all IDP formats, especially in dynasty leagues.

Season Stats: 16 Games, 16 Starts, 1026 Defensive Snaps (99%), 36 Special Teams Snaps (8.6%), 89 Tackles, 55 Solos, 61.7% Solo Rate, 5 Interceptions, 32 Return Yards, 10 PBUs, 9.2% Missed Tackle Rate, 230.4 Fantasy Points, 14.40 Avg

#2 Jason Marshall, CB, Miami Dolphins

Next up on this week's IDP Rookie Recap, we get the first cornerback of the week, Jason Marshall of the Miami Dolphins, who is making his 1st appearance on this weekly list. Marshall has received more reps the past few weeks and had a season-best 57 defensive snaps (85.1%) versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. It would be the best statistical game of his rookie season, as he recorded seven total tackles, four solo stops, a 57.1% solo rate, with one TFL, one interception, returned for 24 yards, and two PBUs for 26.8 fantasy points. Marshall has the size and talent to excel at this level; he just needs the snap share to be more consistent. He’s worth a taxi squad stash in deep roster dynasty leagues.

Season Stats: 11 Games, 1 Start, 217 Defensive Snaps (30.6%), 82 Special Teams Snaps (30.1%), 22 Tackles, 14 Solos, 63.6% Solo Rate, 1 TFL, 1 QB hit, 1 Interception, 24 Return Yards, 4 PBUs, 8.3% Missed Tackle Rate, 67.0 Fantasy Points, 6.09 Avg

#3 Nohl Williams, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

Coming in at number three this week, we get our second cornerback, Nohl Williams of the Kansas City Chiefs. This makes the 2nd appearance for Williams this season on the IDP Rookie Recap. Williams has taken on a larger role over the past month and played the most snaps (72) of his rookie season, last week versus the Denver Broncos. It would be his 4th start of the season, and he registered eight total tackles, seven being solo stops, 87.5% solo rate, three TFLs, for a total of 26.6 fantasy points. If Williams can continue getting the snap share he has had the past month, he’ll be a solid stat producer with some big-play games mixed in. A great Taxi squad option for deep roster dynasty leagues.

Season Stats: 16 Games, 4 Starts, 395 Defensive Snaps (40.4%), 270 Special Teams Snaps (69.2%), 42 Tackles, 25 Solos, 59.5% Solo Rate, 3 TFLs, 5 PBUs, 78.7% Missed Tackle Rate, 112.0 Fantasy Points, 7.00 Avg

#4 Denzel Burke, CB, Arizona Cardinals

As we continue at number four, we get our third consecutive cornerback on this week’s IDP Rookie Recap. This is Denzel Burke’s 4th appearance on the weekly list this season. Due to injuries, he’s seen his workload increase over the second half of the season and has responded well to that. Last week, versus the Cincinnati Bengals, he made his seventh start of the year, playing 75 defensive snaps (97.4%), with a box score of six total tackles, five solo stops, 83.3% solo rate, one TFL, and two PBUs, for 23.1 fantasy points. Burke currently leads the Cardinals in interceptions (3) and PBUs (11), and his staking his claim to be their starter going forward. Again, if you play in deep roster position-specific leagues, Burke is worthy of a taxi squad spot.

Season Stats: 16 Games, 7 Starts, 604 Defensive Snaps (56.4%), 80 Special Teams Snaps (18.8%), 43 Tackles, 29 Solos, 67.4% Solo Rate, 2 TFLs, 3 Interceptions, 11 PBUs, 14.0% Missed Tackle Rate, 146.8 Fantasy Points, 9.17 Avg

#5 Cody Simon, LB, Arizona Cardinals

Coming in at number five on this week's IDP Rookie Recap, we get back-to-back Arizona Cardinals and the first linebacker, Cody Simon. This is the 4th appearance for Simon on this weekly list, and last week, versus the Cincinnati Bengals, he had one heck of a game. He set a career high with 15 total tackles, with four being solo stops, a  26.6% solo rate, with one QB hit for a total of 20.8 fantasy points. Simon took over as the starter in Week 8 and hasn’t disappointed. He’s played 100% of the defensive snaps in seven of his eight starts and has also produced six or more tackles in six of those eight contests. After having just nine total tackles in the first seven games, he’s recorded 59 (7.37 per game) since becoming the starter. Simon looks to have secured a starting role beyond this year, and fantasy managers should look at adding him to their fantasy rosters. High snap volume for a bad team equals a lot of stats. Simon is a solid dynasty league option.

Season Stats: 15 Games, 8 Starts, 495 Defensive Snaps (50.2%), 68 Tackles, 25 Solos, 36.7% Solo Rate, 2 TFLs, 1 QB Hit, ½ Sack, 1 Forced Fumble, 2 PBUs, 15.0% Missed Tackle Rate, 106.8 Fantasy Points, 7.12 Avg

#6 Ricky Barber, DT, Washington Commanders

At number six this week, we get our second newcomer and first defensive tackle, Ricky Barber, for the Washington Commanders. I don’t know much about Barber other than that he has been buried away on the Commanders' practice squad this season. He was elevated for the Christmas Day game and played his first NFL game versus the Dallas Cowboys. Barber played 15 defensive snaps and made the most of them. He was super efficient, tallying five total tackles, three being solo stops, 60% solo rate, with one TFL, one QB hit, and one sack for 20 fantasy points. Barber looks the part and performed well in his only shot so far, but just an injury fill-in and has been demoted back to the practice squad. Maybe a name to add to your watchlist in deep leagues, but not someone I am rostering at this time.

Season Stats: 1 Game, 15 Defensive Snaps (16%), 5 Tackles, 3 Solos, 60% Solo Rate, 1 TFL, 1 QB Hit, 1 Sack, 20.0 Fantasy Points, 20.00 Avg

#7 Malachi Moore, SAF, New York Jets

Next up on the IDP Rookie Recap, we get the second safety, Malachi Moore of the New York Jets, on this week’s list. Moore has been one of the few bright spots for the Jets and one of the best IDP rookies this season. This makes his 10th appearance on the weekly list, and he has been a tackling machine as of late. Last week versus the New England Patriots, he had a statline consisting of seven total tackles, four solo stops, a 57.1% solo rate, one TFL, and one PBU for 19.8 fantasy points on the week. Moore has recorded seven or more tackles in each of the last five games and seven of the last nine. Over those last nine games, he has recorded 65 total tackles (7.22 per game) and ranks second on the team in total tackles (91) and solo stops (53) this season. He’s one of the best IDP rookie fantasy options this season and should be rostered in all IDP formats.

Season Stats: 16 Games, 14 Starts, 877 Defensive Snaps (83.2%), 139 Special Teams Snaps (30.6%), 91 Tackles, 53 Solos, 58.2% Solo Rate, 3 TFLs, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery, 3 PBUs, 7.1% Missed Tackle Rate, 202.5 Fantasy Points, 12.66 Avg

#8 Darius Alexander, DT, New York Giants

We start the second half of this week's IDP Rookie Recap with our second defensive tackle, Darius Alexander, for the New York Giants. This makes his 2nd appearance on this weekly list, and both times the Giants were playing on the road. Last week versus the Las Vegas Raiders, he played 34 defensive snaps (57.6%), with totals of three tackles, two were solo tackles, 66.6% solo rate, with one TFL, two QB hits, and one sack, for 18.5 fantasy points. Alexander is a position-specific league dynasty option in deep leagues. He’ll need more time to develop before he becomes a viable fantasy option, but he has shown some upside as a pass rusher from the interior. Alexander has worked himself into a decent rotation up front for the Giants, and that should continue going forward. A great buy-low option for the future.

Season Stats: 15 Games, 2 Starts, 351 Defensive Snaps (35.5%), 17 Special Teams Snaps (4.3%), 16 Tackles, 7 Solos, 43.7% Solo Rate, 4 TFLs, 6 QB Hits, 3½ Sacks, 1 PBU, 20% Missed Tackle Rate, 75.3 Fantasy Points, 5.02 Avg

#9 Mason Graham, DT, Cleveland Browns

We continue this week's IDP Rookie Recap with another defensive tackle, Mason Graham, for the Cleveland Browns. For all the things that the Browns have done wrong with their roster, drafting Graham in the first round was not one of them. He has started every game for the Browns this season, and last week versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, he played the most snaps (52/78.8%) in a game for him this season. Graham recorded six total tackles, four were solo stops, 66.6% solo rate, with one TFL for 18.5 fantasy points. That makes the seventh time he’s scored double-digit fantasy points this season and his 5th appearance on this weekly list. Graham is a must roster dynasty option in IDP position-specific dynasty leagues, and is who I am looking to add to my IDP portfolios in all of those types of leagues. Playing alongside a star like Myles Garrett has its benefits, and Graham is taking advantage of it, and so should you.

Season Stats: 16 Games, 16 Starts, 710 Defensive Snaps (71.9%), 45 Tackles, 27 Solos, 60% Solo Rate, 7 TFLs, 4 QB hits, ½ Sack, 4 PBUs, 8.2% Missed Tackle Rate, 148.8 Fantasy Points, 9.30 Avg

#10 Abdul Carter, DE, New York Giants

Coming in at number ten on this week’s IDP Rookie Recap, we get our second New York Giant and first defensive end, Abdul Carter. The highest drafted IDP rookie this past offseason got off to a slow start in the sack department, but has picked it up over the last few weeks. Carter had just ½ a sack in the first 12 games of the season, but has 3½ over the last four contests. Last week versus the Las Vegas Raiders, he had a box score consisting of three total tackles, two being solo stops, 66.6% solo rate, with two TFLs, four QB hits, and ½ a sack, for 18.3 fantasy points. This is Carter’s 5th appearance on the weekly IDP Rookie Recap this season. He has started four of the last five games after starting only one of the first eleven games. He gets unfairly compared to Micah Parsons, but he is showing his potential. In fantasy leagues where he can be played as a DE instead of LB, he gets a value boost. Carter is also getting to play alongside and learn from one of the league's best pass rushers, Brian Burns. Carter is the future for the Giants, but temper expectations for now.

Season Stats: 16 Games, 5 Starts, 791 Defensive Snaps (74.6%), 36 Special Teams Snaps (8.6%), 43 Tackles, 25 Solos, 58.1% Solo Rate, 7 TFLs, 22 QB Hits, 4 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles, 2 Fumble Recoveries, 2.3% Missed Tackle Rate, 156.3 Fantasy Points, 9.77 Avg

#11 Tonka Hemingway, DT, Las Vegas Raiders

As we move along to number 11 on this week’s IDP Rookie Recap, we get the fourth defensive tackle to make this week’s list, Tonka Hemngway for the Las Vegas Raiders. Hemingway missed a big chunk of the first half of the season but has carved out a nice role since his Week 10 return. Last week versus the New York Giants, he played 27 defensive snaps (42.2%), with a stat line of two total tackles, both being solo stops, one TFL, one QB hit, one sack, and one PBU for 17.5 fantasy points on the week. Hemingway is not a player I am targeting for my IDP rosters at this time, but I am okay with you adding him to your taxi squads in position-specific leagues until we see how his role plays out. This is Hemingway’s 2nd appearance on the weekly IDP Rookie Recap this season.

Season Stats: 8 Games, 168 Defensive Snaps (31.3%), 37 Special Teams Snaps (19.8%), 7 Tackles, 6 Solos, 85.76% Solo Rate, 3 TFLs, 3 QB Hits, 2 sacks, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1PBU, 12.5% Missed Tackle Rate, 48.5 Fantasy Points, 6.06 Avg

#12 Nic Scourton, DE, Carolina Panthers

At number 12, Nic Scourton for the Carolina Panthers, is the second defensive end on this week's IDP Rookie Recap. This is the 5th appearance this season for Scourton on the IDP Rookie Recap this season. He made his seventh career start last week against the Seattle Seahawks, playing 45 defensive snaps (68.2%), with totals of four total tackles, one being a solo stop, 25% solo rate, one TFL, and one sack for 16.3 fantasy points on the week. He ranks second on the team this season in sacks (4½), QB hits (8), and TFLs (7). Not eye-popping numbers, but you can see the potential he has. Scourton surprisingly has seven games with four or more tackles, which is really good for a pass rusher. His best value will be in fantasy leagues (true position), where you can play him as a defensive end. 

Season Stats: 16 Games, 7 Starts, 661 Defensive Snaps (66.82%), 59 Special Teams Snaps (15.4%), 42 Tackles, 18 Solos, 42.8% Solo Rate, 7 TFLs, 8 QB Hits, 4½ Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 PBU, 6.7% Missed Tackle Rate, 127.5 Fantasy Points, 7.97 Avg

#13 Shavon Revel, CB, Dallas Cowboys

Next up on the IDP Rookie Recap, we get our fourth cornerback, Shavon Revel, for the Dallas Cowboys. Revel was a favorite of mine in the draft process despite the competition level he played against in college. He missed the first part of the season (9 games), but upon his return, he’s been superb for the Cowboys and fantasy managers. He’s started the last five games and recorded five-plus tackles in each contest, and six or more in four of the last five games. Last week versus the Washington Commanders, he tallied six total tackles, three being solo stops, 50% solo rate, with one PBU for 15.1 fantasy points. The Cowboys recently cut Trevon Diggs, and I believe the production/cost of Revel had a significant impact on the decision, along with Diggs' injuries. Revel is a straight-up ball player and is someone I am looking to add in all of my position-specific leagues. Revel’s playing time and talent tell you all you need to know, and at the very least, he’s a taxi squad stash! This is Revel's 3rd appearance on the IDP Rookie Recap this season.

Season Stats: 7 Games, 5 Starts, 334 Defensive Snaps (80.7%), 35 Tackles, 23 Solos, 65.78% Solo Rate, 1 TFL, 3 PBU,s 12.5% Missed Tackle Rate, 89.5 Fantasy Points, 12.79 Avg

#14 Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

We close out this week’s IDP Rookie Recap with LB Jihaad Campbell for the Philadelphia Eagles. This is his 6th appearance of the season on the weekly IDP Rookie Recap, and his first since Week 5. Campbell started the first seven games of the season in place of Nakobe Dean, and then was a backup for the next seven. He returned to being a starter in Week 17, and it was like he never missed a beat. Last week versus the Buffalo Bills, he made his ninth start, playing 71 defensive snaps (93.4%), while registering seven total tackles, with four being solo stops, 57.1% solo rate, with one fumble recovery for 14 fantasy points on the week. The Eagles drafted him in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, and he is that caliber of player. Campbell should be rostered in all IDP formats going forward.

Season Stats: 16 Games, 8 Starts, 648 Defensive Snaps (61.3%), 51 Special Teams Snaps (12.27%), 70 Tackles, 38 Solos, 54.2% Solo Rate, 2 TFLs, 1 QB Hit, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 Interception, 2 PBUs, 6.7% Missed Tackle Rate, 126.0 Fantasy Points, 7.88 Avg

All Stats Provided By: Pro Football Reference

Thanks for reading my article. Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or DM me with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy.