Top IDP Rookies of 1st Round

Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Hunter could be the ultimate cheat code for IDP. Before the draft, he stated that he wanted to play for a team that would allow him to play both wide receiver and cornerback. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up three spots to select him at #2 overall and are willing to give him playing time at both positions. We have also seen that Sleeper has announced that they will credit Hunter for points on both sides of the ball, possibly making him the ultimate cheat code. It remains to be seen if other sites will follow suit. Hunter is better at corner than anyone the Jaguars have on their roster, and only has Brian Thomas to compete with as the top receiver. He will be one of the most coveted players in rookie drafts.

Abdul Carter, EDGE, New York Giants

The New York Giants have been at their best and won Super Bowls when they have had a top-end pass-rushing group. From the days of Lawrence Taylor to the Michael Strahan era, it's always been about their pass rushers. They selected Carter with the 3rd overall pick to be the bookend to veteran Brian Burns and give them potentially one of the league's best duos. Playing in the NFC East, which is loaded with Superman QBs, the Giants hope they have the kryptonite with the addition of Carter. Carter is just tapping into his potential as an EDGE rusher, and that’s scary for everyone else. He’s the top pass rusher in this class and should easily hit double-digit sacks routinely.

James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have continued to miss on finding a pass rusher over the past few years, but they keep going back to the well and have finally struck gold. They drafted Jalon Walker with the 15th overall pick, but traded a lot to jump back into the first round and select James Pearce Jr at #26 overall. Pearce Jr had some off-field questions that caused him to slide down draft boards, but make no mistake, he has Top 15 talent. He’s produced at elite numbers at the elite conference in college football (SEC). The Falcons have finally found their guy, and Pearce should be a player who the Falcons can depend on to be a 10-15 sack guy for the next ten years.

Malaki Starks, SAF, Baltimore Ravens

It always seems the rich get richer, but it’s just being patient, knowing your needs, and letting the draft come to you. The Ravens did just that and got possibly one of the steals of the draft with safety Malaki Starks, who they drafted with the 27th overall pick. Starks will line up at free safety alongside superstar Kyle Hamilton, giving the Ravens one of the most versatile and best safety combos in the league. Starks has unlimited range and can play in the box, in the slot, or patrol the deep center. He has good size, instincts, and ball-hawk abilities to be one of the next great safeties. Maybe the rich really do get richer!

Jihad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

Speaking of the rich, everything that the Philadelphia Eagles and GM Howie Roseman touch turns to gold. The reigning Super Bowl champs traded up one spot with the Kansas City Chiefs to select linebacker Jihad Campbell, which is surprising since the Chiefs need help at that position. Campbell was one of the top 2 linebackers on everyone’s draft board in this class and lands in a terrific spot. Nakobe Dean owners will hate this pick, but he’s coming off an injury, and I believe this tells me more about how the Eagles feel about him. Campbell is proven, has the size, and is ready to plug and play right away. Worst case scenario, he splits time with Dean, but the value for Campbell is there to be a viable fantasy option.

All stats provided by Pro Football Reference

Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). 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, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy