There are some really nice IDP options coming in the 2020 NFL Draft; from elite edge rushers to hybrid linebacker-safeties. With the early retirement of Luke Kuechly, there is room for a top-10 IDP player this year. The question is can one of these rookies jump up in year one?

  1. Chase Young – Defensive End, Ohio State
  2. Isaiah Simmons – Linebacker, Clemson
  3. Patrick Queen – Linebacker, LSU
  4. Derrick Brown – Defensive Tackle, Auburn
  5. AJ Epenesa – Defensive End, Iowa
  6. Xavier McKinney – Safety, Alabama
  7. K’Lavon Chaisson – Defensive End, LSU
  8. Javon Kinlaw – Defensive Tackle, South Carolina
  9. Grant Delpit – Safety, LSU
  10. Kenneth Murray – Linebacker, Oklahoma

Chase Young continued to develop from the beginning to the end of his college career, finishing 2019 with 46 total tackles and 16.5 sacks. He has a great athletic profile and he is a dominant force off the edge, and if he goes to a team like Washington where you already have some first round talent on that defensive line, you could see Young with one-on-one matchups which are good for him and your fantasy team.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates a defensive stop against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Anyone who watched the college football playoffs couldn’t help but see Isaiah Simmons, as he was lined up all over the field. The 6’4”, 230lb linebacker had a career year in 2019, having 104 total tackles, 8 sacks and 3 interceptions. Projections have him going to Jacksonville who is in need of help with Telvin Smith walking away before the 2019 season. At the next level, just like in college, he can be a mismatch playing as an edge rusher, sideline to sideline backer, or as a safety depending on the scheme.

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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 09: Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide catches a 15-yard touchdown pass as he is defended by Patrick Queen #8 of the LSU Tigers during the third quarter in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Patrick Queen is a bit of a surprise as a first round projection, as the LSU linebacker was quiet up until having a productive 2019 season with 85 total tackles, 3 sacks and an interception. Projections have him going to a team like Oakland who needs athletic linebackers to help sure up a defense that was lacking in 2019. If Queen goes to a team like them, look for him to play early and to give you solid rookie production. As we move through the draft process, I expect Queen to be a name that draws the love/hate relationship from evaluators.

What are your thoughts on the top 10 IDP rookies coming out this season? Hit us up on Facebook, Discord, or whatever way you communicate with the RotoHeat team and let us know what you think!

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