2024 IDP Redraft Rankings – Linebackers

Listed below is a sample of my 2024 Linebacker Rankings for IDP Redraft Leagues. I will update these sample rankings periodically during the preseason 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 2024 IDP Fantasy Football Draft Guide. Or get access to both my draft guide and all of my premium in-season content by signing up for the Gold Package. 

Drafting Philosophy: Linebackers are undoubtedly the staples of a fantasy defense in most scoring systems. However, I believe many fantasy owners tend to overvalue this position on draft day. There always seems to be a huge run on linebackers early in drafts as many owners feel that securing a “top tier” linebacker is essential to having a competitive fantasy defense. Although this is a fair strategy, I think more times than not, greater value is to be found within other positions at the early junctures in drafts.

The fact is that there are a plethora of potential LB1 linebackers (e.g. Eric Kendricks) that can be had rounds after the Tier 1 and even Tier 2 linebackers are off the board. Additionally, IDP studs always emerge at the linebacker position throughout the season (e.g. Terrel Bernard). So often times the best strategy is to wait until the upper echelon linebackers have been taken and then come in and start plucking up the potential LB1 upside value plays a few rounds later. This will allow you to use those early round draft picks to shore up other positions where more relative value is to be found, while at the same time, not suffering significant losses of quality at the linebacker position.

1. Foyesade Oluokun LB – JAC (12), +0 vs. ECR Avoid
It’s a rarity in the IDP fantasy world for a player to repeat as the top producer at their position in back-to-back seasons. Not only did Oluokun do just that, but he’s actually been the top producer in three straight seasons and with two different teams. This said, it’s quite hard to not slot him into the #1 LB ranking. However, this new defensive scheme is not fantasy-friendly and I wouldn’t be shocked if we see an impactful decline in Oluokun’s production this year. This said, I’m playing it safe here and letting others make the move for him in the vast majority of my leagues.

2. Roquan Smith LB – BAL (14), +0 vs. ECR 
Smith has been an LB1 since entering the league six seasons ago and although his numbers took a slight hit in 2023 with Patrick Queen reviving his career and eating into his production, Smith is still one of the safest plays at the position and carries nice sack upside. Additionally, with Queen now in Pittsburgh, there should be a bit more opportunity for Smith in 2024.

Tier 2

3. Bobby Okereke LB – NYG (11), +1 vs. ECR 
Okereke was able to carry over his LB1 production from the Colts to the Giants in 2023. With New York expected to be one of the worst offenses in the NFL, Okereke should continue to see plenty of field time and continue to produce at an elite level for fantasy purposes.

4. Zaire Franklin LB – IND (14), -1 vs. ECR 
Despite a breakout 2022 campaign in which he compiled over 150 total tackles, there was a lot of skepticism that Franklin could repeat that performance last year. However, he managed to actually exceed those numbers with over 170 total tackles. Although he’s not a household name per se, the Colts lack significant depth behind him, so his job security should be quite high.

5. Ernest Jones IV LB – LAR (6), +0 vs. ECR 
From a pure statistical standpoint, Jones had lower output than those around him in these rankings. However, he missed a couple games due to injury and was still adapting to his first full season as a starter. This said, he has the most untapped upside/potential of this group and could be a dark horse candidate to lead the position in total fantasy points in 2024.

6. T.J. Edwards LB – CHI (7), +1 vs. ECR 
Despite to the move to a slightly less fantasy-friendly environment, Edwards still managed to maintain his LB1 production in Chicago. He’s consistently produced upper echelon tackle efficiency and there’s no reason to expect that won’t continue in 2024.

7. Nick Bolton LB – KC (6), +3 vs. ECR 
Bolton deserves to be drafted as an LB1 and could up being a value in some leagues as his stats were quite suppressed last year due to missing half the season due to injury. The main thing to watch with him is he wasn’t quite full-time (~90% snap rate) even after he returned from injury as the Chiefs don’t mind rotating him for a series here and there it seems. If that continues in 2024, it will slightly ding his value and likely limit him from reaching top-tier LB1 status.

Like what you’ve read so far? Looking to dominate your 2024 Fantasy Football draft(s)? For $11.99 you can get complete access to The IDP Guru’s comprehensive and exhaustive 2024 IDP Fantasy Football Draft Guide. OR you can get both my Draft Guide and access to all my In-Season Premium Content by purchasing my 2024 Gold Package for just $20.99. 

2024 IDP Draft Guide Features:

• Continually Updated in Real-Time Until Start of the Regular Season (9/5)
• 300+ Defensive Players Ranked in Tiered Fashion – 100 DL, 110 LB, 100 DB
• Customizable Projections for All Ranked IDPs
• Detailed Player Descriptions
• Overall Top 100 IDP Rankings List
• Sleeper/Target/Avoid Notation
• Top 50 IDP Rookie Rankings
• Rankings Comparison to FantasyPros’ Expert Consensus (ECR) Rankings
• Excel Export Functionality

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