2023 IDP Redraft Rankings – Linebackers

1. Foyesade Oluokun LB – JAC (9), +0 vs. ECR 
Oluokun followed up his massive 191 total tackle campaign in 2021 with 184 last year. He’s proven to be a tried-and-true LB1 on two different teams in as many years, making him one of the safer picks at the position and a player who is largely scheme-independent for fantasy production.

2. Nick Bolton LB – KC (10), +1 vs. ECR 
After failing to carve out a full-time role in his rookie season, Bolton emerged as the team’s only three-down backer in 2022 and quickly entrenched himself as one of the league’s more dynamic players, reaching 180 total tackles and chipping in a few big plays as well.

3. Roquan Smith LB – BAL (13), -1 vs. ECR 
Smith has consistently produced at an LB1 level throughout his five-year career. And although there were some slight worry that he wouldn’t be able to produce at quite the same level in Baltimore, he quickly dispelled those concerns and continues to be in the upper echelon of fantasy linebackers.

Tier 2

4. Bobby Wagner LB – SEA (5), +0 vs. ECR 
Although Wagner didn’t quite live up to my #1 overall ranking of him last year, he did finish top 7 in most scoring systems. He’s now back with the team that drafted him and should have no issues racking up his typical LB1 numbers despite entering his age 33 season. One thing to note is Wagner has historically been a bit of an underachiever fantasy-wise during the first half of seasons and really turns things on the last several games of the year.

5. C.J. Mosley LB – NYJ (7), +0 vs. ECR 
Mosley struggled with staying healthy a few seasons ago but has since righted that ship and been one of the most consistent fantasy producers at the position. There’s no reason to expect that to change in 2023. He’s a solid LB1.

6. Bobby Okereke LB – NYG (13), +0 vs. ECR (TARGET)
Since becoming a three-down linebacker in 2021, Okereke has averaged 90+ solo tackles and 45+ assists a season. This emergence enticed the Giants to sign the former 3rd-round selection to a 4-year, $40 million contract in the off-season. He will be the defensive leader and should have no issue racking up tackles in bunches given the serious lack of tackle competition around him while also playing half his games with one of the league’s most generous stat crews. The only thing that gives me slight pause is the Giants have historically played an overwhelming amount of man coverage at the LB level which isn’t an ideal coverage for tackle production. However, all of the aforementioned positives still give me the confidence to trust and draft Okereke as a LB1 in 2023.

7. Pete Werner LB – NO (11), +10 vs. ECR (SLEEPER)
At first blush, Werner’s overarching 2022 stats aren’t much to write home about; however, he suffered a mid-season ankle injury that essentially shut him down for the remainder of the season. But before being sidelined, he was on pace for 150+ total tackles and a top 10 finish at the position. Although Demario Davis is still a skilled player, he is getting old and has begun to lose a step which leaves the door open for Werner to assume an even larger role in 2023. I expect him to see 90%+ of the defensive snaps this year and be a tackling machine.