2022 IDP Redraft Rankings – Defensive Linemen

Tier 1

1. T.J. Watt OLB/DE – PIT (9), +16 vs. ECR 
Watt has firmly cemented himself as the league’s most productive edge rusher. Despite missing a couple games due to injury, he still produced a ridiculous 22.5 sacks and is one of the few OLBs that carry top 12 value at the LB position even in balanced scoring formats. Although his absurd 3.0% sack rate is likely unsustainable, he’s proven he’s consistently going to be near the top of the league in sacks. If by chance, your league allows you to play Watt as a DE, he should be the first IDP off the board and by a wide margin.

Tier 2

2. Myles Garrett DE – CLE (9), +0 vs. ECR 
Over the last three seasons, Garrett has established himself as the most consistent force at defensive end. He’s the safest selection at the position from a fantasy standpoint and offers the biggest upside as well. Managers should expect another season of 50+ total tackles and 15 sacks.

3. Nick Bosa DE – SF (9), +0 vs. ECR 
Bosa took a big step forward in 2021 where he was top five in both QB hits and sacks. He’s neck and neck with his brother Joey in terms of fantasy value and should be one of the first true defensive linemen off the board.

4. Joey Bosa OLB/DE – LAC (8), +15 vs. ECR (TARGET)
Despite the Chargers switch to a 3-4 base scheme, Bosa was able to adjust to more of a stand-up role without issue. With the team acquiring Kahlil Mack as a bookend to Bosa, the later could very well be in for a career year. I’m projecting him for 12 sacks but there’s likely even more upside beyond that. He’s a player I will be targeting often in drafts where he qualifies at defensive end.

5. Aaron Donald DT – LAR (7), -4 vs. ECR 
It’s amazing that Donald continues to produce at a DL1 level given the constant double and triple-teams he faces playing among the interior of the defensive line. He showed no signs of slowing down last year as he was third in total tackles among all defensive linemen and also generated 12.5 sacks. He doesn’t quite have the same ceiling as a true edge rusher but he’s one of the safest picks at the position and the obvious first IDP that should be taken in DT-required leagues.

6. Danielle Hunter OLB/DE – MIN (7), +4 vs. ECR 
With the Vikings moving to a 3-4 base defense after decades in a 4-3, Hunter will no longer qualify at DE in many league management systems. His recent injury issues along with the scheme change may scare people off but Hunter looked great last year prior to his season-ending pec injury and he’s just 27 years old, so he’s worth a selection at the bottom of the second tier given his strong historical production and attractive upside.

Tier 3

7. Cameron Heyward DE – PIT (9), -3 vs. ECR
Heyward has been one of the most consistent IDP producers since becoming a starter nearly a decade ago. He had a career-year last year in his age 32 season, leading all DLs in tackles and notching double-digit sacks for the second time in his illustrious career. Given the scheme and his role, he’s not likely to produce back-to-back 10+ sack seasons, but he’s a high floor player who carries some nice upside and makes for a solid DL1.

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