2024 IDP Redraft Rankings – Defensive Linemen

Tier 1

1. T.J. Watt LB – PIT (9), +0 vs. ECR 
After missing half the 2022 season due to injury, Watt was able to rebound and string together a full season in 2023. That allowed him to reclaim his throne as the top scorer at the DL position and the top overall IDP in general. He’s a true IDP difference maker and although I typically wait to draft IDPs until later in drafts, Watt is the one guy who I break that rule for and reach up and grab when it makes sense.

2. Maxx Crosby DE – LV (10), +0 vs. ECR 
If Watt is 1A, consider Crosby 1B. Not only is he a solid bet to be among the top several sack producers in the league, he’s consistently finished near the top in tackles produced as well. He’s also managed to stay quite healthy throughout his career, making him an attractive, high floor/high upside selection.

Tier 2

3. Micah Parsons LB – DAL (7), +1 vs. ECR 
For as dominant as Parsons is on the field, he still hasn’t tapped into his full fantasy potential. Entering into his age 25 season, he will have the chance to ascend into the elite tier with Watt and Crosby.

4. Myles Garrett DE – CLE (10), -1 vs. ECR 
Garrett has had six straight seasons of 10 or more seasons and has averaged over 15 sacks a year since 2021. He’s done this largely without a significant pass-rushing threat opposite him, so there’s no concern of his production dropping off despite the team not upgrading his bookend pass-rushing role in the off-season.

5. Nick Bosa DE – SF (9), +0 vs. ECR Target
Bosa had a disappointing year by his standards by notching only 10 sacks in 2023 after compiling 18 and 15 in the previous two seasons, respectively. It’s important to remember however that sacks are a somewhat unstable stat. When you look at the pressure metrics, Bosa was actually top three at the position in disrupting the quarterback. So managers should feel confident that his production will bounce back to his typical levels this fantasy season.

6. Aidan Hutchinson DE – DET (5), +0 vs. ECR Target
Fantasy managers who drafted Hutchinson last year were likely satisfied with his 36/15/11 slash line given his ADP. However, the former 2nd overall selection, could have very well had a much bigger season. He led the league is pressure frequency at over 11% but was a victim of bad luck by converting just 10% of his pressures to sacks. This said, I’m expecting a big year from him heading into his third season and wouldn’t be surprised if he catapults himself into the top tier of fantasy pass rushers.

7. Danielle Hunter DE – HOU (14), +1 vs. ECR 
After spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Vikings, Hunter finds himself now with the up-and-coming Texans team. He will pair with last year’s 3rd overall selection Will Anderson to form one of the league’s more fearsome pass-rushing duos. Hunter is coming off the best season of his career in 2023 and should be able to maintain DL1-type production under defensive-minded Head Coach DeMeco Ryans.