.size { font-size: large; } .black { color: #000; } .Georgia { font-family: Georgia, “Times New Roman”, Times, serif; } .style1 { font-family: Georgia, “Times New Roman”, Times, serif; } .style1 b .style6 { color: orange; } Listed below is a sample of my 2019 Defensive Linemen Rankings for IDP Redraft Leagues. I will update these sample rankings periodically during the off-season to reflect changes in free agency, defensive schemes, playing time, draft selections, etc. However, keep in mind that the information listed here is just a small sample of a much larger set of rankings and descriptions that are accessible through purchasing my 2019 IDP Fantasy Football Draft Guide.
Drafting Philosophy:
Defensive linemen are by far the most inconsistent week-to-week fantasy point producers. Many linemen will go three or four weeks without registering a sack and then exactly when you drop them, they have a multiple sack game. This can be extremely frustrating for fantasy owners. In addition, there aren’t many unknown linemen that emerge during the season and consequently, the waiver wire is usually not packed with worthwhile IDP options.
With this being said, I try to use a couple of my early round defensive draft picks on defensive linemen. Obtaining guys like Calais Campbell or Cameron Jordan allows me to plug them in my roster and not worry about their ups and downs throughout the season since they have proven their consistency and value.
Scoring System:
Solo Tackle = 1.5 points
Assist = 0.75 points
Tackles for Loss = 2 points
Sack = 4 points
Interception = 5 points
Forced Fumble = 4 points
Fumble Recovery = 4 points
Pass Deflection = 1.5 point
Defensive TD = 6 points
Safeties = 2 points |
Tier 1
1. Aaron Donald DT – LAR (9), +1 vs. ECR
Donald had an absolute beast of a season and one of the better from an interior lineman in recent memory. Normally this is where I would say he’s due for a fair amount of regression as team’s will double and triple team him moving forward. However, he was already getting that type of attention prior to this monster season, so that’s not a huge concern in my eyes. Losing Ndamukong Suh may have some negative repercussions on Donald’s statline though. Despite all this, we should still assume he’s going to be the #1 DL taken off the board in the vast majority of drafts.
2. J.J. Watt DE – HOU (10), -1 vs. ECR
After a disastrous two years rife with injury issues, it was great to see one of the NFL’s most beloved players return to prominence with a 16-sack season. That was good enough for a top 3 finish at the position. Having Jadeveon Clowney as another serious pass-rushing threat will continue to keep defenses honest and makes Watt a good bet for another DL1 stud campaign.
3. Myles Garrett DE – CLE (7), +2 vs. ECR
Target
It’s no secret that many believe the Browns will be one of the league’s most improved teams. If this turns out to be the case, Garrett will likely be a big reason why. He was the first overall pick of the 2017 draft and has the makings of a perennial All-Pro. He had a nice rookie season and continued to improve his play in 2018 with 13.5 sacks. He’s a player I expect to take another sizeable step forward heading into his third-year and is a dark horse candidate to assume the top fantasy DL spot. He’s a player that I will be targeting in all my drafts.
4. Danielle Hunter DE – MIN (12), +0 vs. ECR
Like many young pass-rushers, it took Hunter a few seasons to fully realize his potential. It all came together for the former LSU Tiger in 2018 as he set career highs in sacks (14) and was third in total tackles amongst all defensive linemen. He did cool off a bit during the last several games of the year, but his strong tackle production and role on an upper echelon defense make him a relatively safe selection in the first tier.
5. Joey Bosa DE – LAC (12), -2 vs. ECR
Bosa has the talent and opportunity to be the #1 overall fantasy DL; however, the foot injury should give owners some reason to fret. He injured it early in 2018 and wound up missing a majority of the season. He was effective upon his return posting 5.5 sacks over the final seven regular season games. But he recently stated that his foot still presents some soreness and it’s possible that it’s an issue he will have to play through in 2019. For this reason, he slide’s towards the backside of this elite grouping of pass-rushers.
Tier 2
6. Calais Campbell DE – JAC (10), +0 vs. ECR
Campbell, a 12-year veteran, has been one of the most consistently strong fantasy lineman of this decade and is usually a safe bet for a top-10 finish. He’s thrived since coming over to Jacksonville and he should be in for another typical year despite the fact that he’s getting long in the tooth (age 32).
7. Demarcus Lawrence DE – DAL (8), +1 vs. ECR
Lawrence has emerged as one of the league’s best all-around defensive ends over the last two seasons and was rewarded with a 5-year, $125 million contract extension as a result. Dating back to his 2017 season, Lawrence has averaged 60 total tackles and nearly 13 sacks a year. The addition of pass-rushing threat Robert Quinn at the other defensive end position should allow “D-Law” to continue seeing more than his fair share of isolated matchups and produce similar numbers to his two-year average.
8. Cameron Jordan DE – NO (9), -1 vs. ECR
Jordan has been one of the league’s most reliable 3-4 defensive ends over the last several years. He’s averaged 36/17/10 over the last seven seasons and I would expect more of the same in 2019.
9. DeForest Buckner DT – SF (4), +0 vs. ECR
Buckner wasted no time establishing himself as one of the league’s better tackle producers along the interior line. However, he struggled to generate the sacks required to be considered a higher tier fantasy lineman. That all changed last year as he went from six sacks in 2017 to 12 in 2018 while maintaining strong tackle counts. The 49ers now have one of the most dangerous front fours with the arrival of Nick Bosa and Dee Ford to go along with Buckner and Solomon Thomas. This should ensure Buckner avoids double teams but the increased competition may curtail his overall production. All in all, I still consider him a low-end DL1.
10. Chris Jones DT – KC (12), +23 vs. ECR
Avoid
Jones, a former second round selection out of Mississippi State, was one of the bigger surprises in IDP last year nearly doubling his career sack total with 15. This feat is even more impressive considering his role in Bob Sutton’s 3-4 scheme. The Chiefs will be moving to a 4-3 this year which means Jones will likely slide to DT which could negatively affect his numbers. Additionally, he hasn’t shown up at OTAs as he’s working with the team on a new contract. So those are a couple things to keep in mind if you are looking to draft Jones.
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Questions, comments, or concerns with any of these rankings? If so, please let me know by posting a comment below or emailing me at theidpguru@idpguru.com. You can also hit me up on Twitter.
Last Updated: July 14, 2019
