Year Two is often where defensive linemen make the leap from developmental contributors to usable IDP pieces. Rookie seasons are about earning snaps, holding up against NFL competition, and carving out a role within a rotation. By Year Two, players who survived that process tend to see more stable workloads and better production efficiency. The following defensive linemen showed enough opportunity and on-field responsibility as rookies to warrant closer IDP attention heading into their second seasons.
This article does not feature the headliners of the 2025 rookie class but rather the players just behind them. Players like Abdul Carter, James Pearce Jr., and Nic Scorton are all expected to make the jump to IDP stardom in the next two seasons, but what about the other guys behind those bigger names?
Why These Defensive Linemen Matter for Year Two
None of these players is being highlighted because they delivered consistent fantasy production in year one. They matter because they earned snaps, survived rookie-year growing pains, and showed enough disruption to suggest growth could be coming. Defensive line breakouts are often delayed, but when opportunity and efficiency begin to align, Year Two-Three is frequently when the payoff arrives.
Year-One Usage Snapshot: Defensive Linemen
| Player | Team | Pos | Total Snaps | Pressures | Sacks | Tackle Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deone Walker | Bills | DT | 640 | 20 | 3 | 7.3 |
| Shemar Stewart | Bengals | EDGE | 280 | 10 | 1 | 5.7 |
| Mike Green | Ravens | EDGE | 730 | 33 | 2 | 6.1 |
| Donovan Ezeiruaku | Cowboys | EDGE | 780 | 36 | 3 | 6.4 |
| Oluwafemi Oladejo | Titans | EDGE | 240 | 8 | 1 | 5.8 |
Rookie-year deployment and disruption metrics help frame Year-Two IDP expectations. Tackle rate reflects tackles and assists per 100 defensive snaps. Stats per PFF.
Deone Walker: DT, Buffalo Bills
Walker’s rookie season followed a familiar path for interior defensive linemen. He was trusted with consistent early-down work and moved across multiple interior alignments, which helped keep him on the field even when pass-rush opportunities were limited. That versatility is often what separates rotational tackles from players who stick around in the league.
From an IDP standpoint, Walker’s value comes from stability. He showed the ability to absorb snaps, contribute against the run, and chip in pressures without being schemed out of games. Entering Year Two, his upside isn’t tied to a sudden sack spike but to continued snap volume and a dependable tackle floor. He is a name to look for in “True Position” IDP leagues, where you must roster a defensive tackle.
Shemar Stewart: EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals
Stewart’s rookie year needs to be viewed through the lens of availability. At first, it was his rookie contract negotiations that kept Stewart sidelined, but then injuries interrupted his season and prevented him from establishing a rhythm. When active, he was used as a true edge defender rather than a situational piece. That distinction obviously matters for projecting future value.
The flashes were there: physicality at the point of attack, pressure moments, and usage that suggested the team viewed him as part of the rotation rather than depth insurance. The Bengals’ defense is in shambles, but one thing is for certain in 2026: Stewart will be a featured part of the Cincinnati defense due to his draft capital. A healthy offseason and uninterrupted role are the biggest variables for Stewart heading into Year Two, making him a classic rebound candidate rather than a cautionary tale.
Mike Green: EDGE, Baltimore Ravens
Green’s rookie season was defined by trust more than production. Baltimore gave him a sizable workload within a defense that demands discipline and versatility from its edge defenders. He wasn’t limited to obvious passing situations; he was asked to operate within the full structure of the scheme.
For IDP purposes, that role matters. Players who consistently create disruption without seeing immediate sack totals often take a noticeable step forward once efficiency improves. Green’s Year Two outlook is built on the idea that opportunity is already there; the production simply needs to catch up.
Donovan Ezeiruaku: EDGE, Dallas Cowboys
Ezeiruaku showed one of the clearest rookie-year progressions of this group. His snap share increased as the season went on, and he was trusted on both sides of the formation, signaling confidence from the coaching staff. That kind of deployment often precedes a breakout. Now he may have seen more time due to changes in Dallas’s defense, but Ezeiruaku still got more time on the field because of it.
The underlying takeaway is consistency. He was regularly involved, generated disruption, and avoided the boom-bust usage that limits many rookie edge defenders. For IDP managers, that combination of snap volume and pressure activity creates a strong foundation for Year Two growth.
Oluwafemi Oladejo: EDGE, Tennessee Titans
Oladejo’s rookie season is best described as unfinished. He earned early starts and meaningful snaps before a midseason leg injury halted his momentum, sidelineing him for most of the season. Prior to that setback, his usage suggested the Titans were evaluating him as a functional part of the edge rotation rather than a long-term project.
When healthy, he showed enough against both the run and the pass to justify continued opportunity. Heading into Year Two, availability becomes the key variable. If he can be ready to go in time for training camp, the new head coach of the Titans, Robert Saleh, will find a way to get the most out of Oladejo’s game. If he stays on the field, his role alone gives him a path to improved IDP relevance.
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