The first article in this installment reviewed the first four IDPs drafted in the 2023 draft, and can be found here: https://thesportsaffiliation.com/2023/05/04/idp-review-of-2023-nfl-draft/

This article covers the next four. In order they are Lukas Van Ness, Will McDonald IV, Emmanuel Forbes, and Christian Gonzalez.

13th Pick – Green Bay Packers, Lukas Van Ness DE. 2023 Fantasy Outlook: DL 60+
The Packers stayed true to their Ted Thompson drafting roots. With their first pick they selected a sturdy defensive lineman. He will be asked to shoulder a lot of responsibility, but the popular opinion that he will be asked to successfully fill ‘Bane’ Gary’s pass pressure is both unrealistic and not how he will be utilized. Expect him to fill more of a Dean Lowry (now signed with Minnesota Vikings) role. Lowry was a foundational part of the dominating 2021 Packers defense, and is an underrated defensive lineman. Van Ness will be fortunate to have thirty tackles this season, but has some upside as a pass rusher. With Preston Smith requiring chips or double teams, Van Ness will have opportunities to win one-on-one battles.

15th Pick – New York Jets, Will McDonald IV OLB. 2023 Fantasy Outlook: LB 50 – 100
Will McDonald IV is considered a raw talent, but a talent he is. Not only that, All-Pro talent at all three levels surround him. McDonald landed in arguably the best position for any IDP. The New York Jets have an intelligent, defensive-minded head coach. They have All-Pros Q. Williams, C. Mosley, and S. Gardner playing with him, which is more than a headache for NFL offensive coordinators. McDonald IV had two seasons with 10+ sacks at Iowa State and it’s not unrealistic to think he could get ten this season.

16th Pick – Washington Commanders, Emmanuel Forbes CB. 2023 Fantasy Outlook DB 65+
Forbes was a bit of a surprise for some, but the Commanders couldn’t stop many teams passing attack last season. They made a wise decision to improve their secondary in an NFC East that has 3 Pro Bowl quarterbacks, non of which are on their team. Forbes could be tested early and in true position formats, he could finish as high as CB 20. In leagues that classify CB as DBs he is likely not worth a draft pick, but bookmark him for a possible waiver add in case of injuries and bye weeks.

17th Pick – New England Patriots, Christian Gonzalez CB. 2023 Fantasy Outlook DB 65+
Considered by some to be the best corner back in the draft, Gonzalez went to a coach and organization that will get the best out of him. 6′ 1″, 197 pounds, and not even 21 years old, there is a lot of potential in a still physically and mentally developing young man. For true position leagues he is worth a grab and taxi if possible. In dynasty and redraft leagues with deeper defensive back requirements he is worth a late draft pick and stash.

Four IDPs drafted in five positions. These four landed on teams, that should allow for a starting position. Starting roles are pinnacle for the golden fantasy statistic… Snap percentage/opportunity.
Next Article – Campbell, Kancey, Banks, Smith.

Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy