2025 IDP Redraft Rankings – Linebackers

1. Zaire Franklin IND (11), +0 vs. ECR 
Franklin has been an absolute tackle machine since taking over as a starter in 2022, averaging 100 solo tackles and 72 assists per year over that span. Wild numbers. He’s also chipped in 3+ forced fumbles and a couple of sacks annually. The switch to new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo shouldn’t have a major impact on his output, and Franklin remains one of the most dependable LB anchors in IDP formats.

2. Roquan Smith BAL (7), +0 vs. ECR 
Roquan’s seen a slight dip in production since arriving in Baltimore vs. the peak of his career in Chicago. However, he still remains one of fantasy’s most trustworthy options at the position and should have no issue surpassing 150 total tackles again in 2025.

3. Zack Baun PHI (9), +2 vs. ECR 
Baun was arguably fantasy’s biggest breakout in IDP last season. I had him flagged as a sleeper and ranked 26 spots higher than expert consensus, but even then he was just my LB63. He went on to finish as a top-3 fantasy linebacker across nearly all scoring formats. His performance wasn’t a fluke either – he graded out as an elite linebacker per PFF and earned a three-year, $51 million extension this offseason. With a question mark still lingering at the LB spot next to him, Baun should again be a focal point of the Eagles’ defense in 2025. Fantasy managers can expect strong production across the board, with the former third-rounder poised to maintain LB1 status.

Tier 2

4. Foyesade Oluokun JAC (8), +4 vs. ECR TARGET
After an incredible run of three straight seasons as fantasy’s top linebacker, Foye came crashing back to Earth in 2024. He missed a month with injury, and his role took an unexpected turn under DC Ryan Nielsen where he saw a reduced 88% snap share and was oddly deployed often as an edge rusher. That deviation from his typical every-down, off-ball usage hurt his production significantly. With a new defensive coordinator in place for 2025, I’m expecting a strong rebound as Foye likely returns to a full-time role in a more fantasy-friendly system. A prime buy-low candidate.

5. Fred Warner SF (14), -2 vs. ECR 
Warner doesn’t offer the same tackle upside as others in this tier, but he makes up for it with unmatched consistency, finishing near LB1 status in all seven of his NFL seasons while making steady big play contributions. If you value reliability over volatility and don’t want to gamble on higher-risk Tier 2 options like Jamien Sherwood, Alex Singleton, or Blake Cashman, Warner is a rock-solid choice as your LB1.

6. Jamien Sherwood NYJ (9), +6 vs. ECR SLEEPER
The injury to veteran C.J. Mosley opened the door for Sherwood (a converted college safety) to step into a full-time linebacker role, where he quickly emerged as one of the Jets’ best defenders and a major breakout in IDP. From Week 2 on, he was a top-8 fantasy linebacker. His tackle efficiency could climb even higher under new DC Steve Wilks, whose zone-heavy scheme has historically boosted LB production. Despite this, Sherwood remains undervalued – often drafted as a low-end LB2. He’s a prime target with legit LB1 upside at a major discount.

7. Terrel Bernard BUF (7), +0 vs. ECR 
Bernard broke through in a big way in 2023 with a 140 tackle, six sack, three INT season which led to him being drafted as a LB1 in many standard size leagues last year. After a down 2024 season in which injuries slowed his production and caused him to miss a few games, Bernard’s perceived value will likely drop into the LB2 range. However, all the ingredients are there for a return to LB1 status: an every down role in a fantasy-friendly scheme.