Author : Iggy Gilbert

For most the fantasy football season begins the day after the NFL draft completes. For dynasty leagues rookie drafts begins, for bestball fanatics rookies destinations are known, and for the most popular form of fantasy football, redraft, draft board development becomes of pinnacle importance. First round draft picks generally have an easier path to a starting position, or impactful role. The following article breaks down the defensive rookies selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Over half of the first round picks were defensive players, bolstering IDP leagues with a talented year. The NFL places a high priority on the defensive side of the ball and a well balanced fantasy football league does as well. (All projected points are based off of the FF7s IDP scoring system)

3rd Pick – Houston Texans Will Anderson Jr. DE. 2023 Fantasy Outlook: DL 22-42
Without question the IDP with the highest expectations is Will Anderson Jr.. The Texans pull an all time move to land not only the 2nd but the 3rd pick of the 2023 draft. Anderson Jr. joins a talented defense with playmakers at all three levels, but without question he is expected to be the leader of the defense at some point. The Texans have the best offensive line in their division which should benefit Anderson Jr.. A 7+ sack 70 tackle season is well within reach, which would place him at DL 23.

5th Pick – Seattle Seahawks Devon Witherspoon CB. 2023 Fantasy Outlook DB 72 – 100
The Seahawks utilize their draft capital from the Russell Wilson trade to bolster their secondary. They have a couple stars in the DB room, but they added arguably the best corner of the draft. Pete Carroll has a good unit, with Wagner back leading the defense, and plenty of young talent around him. The Seahawks could be an excellent D/ST option, but Devon Witherspoon likely will not. Even if he is heavily targeted he will have difficulty surpassing safeties and hybrid (in the box) defensive backs for tackles. In a true position league he could be a low end CB 2 or high end 3 depending on your league size. Look elsewhere at the position.

7th Pick – Las Vegas Raiders Tyree Wilson OLB. 2023 Fantasy Outlook LB 60 – 100
The Raiders took what could be a hall of fame player in Tyree Wilson, The size (6′ 6″ 271 lbs. 3/8″ shy of 1 meter arms) the game tape, and landing spot all work in his favor. The Las Vegas Raiders are in the pass happy west and he has a three down, top five sack specialist in Maxx Crosby playing across from him. He could be hindered by the Raiders playing with a negative game script in most of it’s game, but the NFL is not a ground, pound, and eat up the clock league. Nor does the AFC West have a bruising back capable of consistently guaranteeing 4 yards per carry. He is worth an add in deeper leagues, or leagues with multiple LB requirements.

9th Pick – Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Carter DT. 2023 Fantasy Outlook DL 100+
The Eagles have arguably the steal of the draft, and the most complete draft of 2023. Jalen Carter is an amazing talent, able to be the foundational piece of many NFL defensive schemes. He has high expectations to fill the void of legendary Eagles, but is not alone. Although Carter will be instrumental in the Eagles success, he will not earn many fantasy football points. Even in true position leagues, he could finish as high as 30. Pass on the young man, but admire how he will add value to the IDPs beside and behind him.

There is something a bit odd about these four players, and it’s not just that they were all picked at odd numbers. It is an IDP at the three levels of the defense, and three of the four could have value to fantasy football teams in their rookie contract.
Next Thursday: Van Ness, MacDonald IV, Forbes, and Gonzalez

Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy