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IDP Rookies to Target After Day 1 of NFL Draft

Thomas Christopher

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For fantasy football players, the NFL draft is a pivotal process. NFL draft capital can sway fantasy ADP; and oftentimes, talented players who fall in the draft become sleepers for fantasy football teams. These IDP rookies may not see their names called on Day 1 of the 2024 NFL draft, but they could prove to be difference makers in IDP fantasy football leagues.

*All NFL draft ADP is from nflmockdraftdatabase.com

DL Kris Jenkins – Michigan (Projected 2nd Round NFL)

Kris Jenkins (son of NFL NT Kris Jenkins) comes into the NFL draft expected to have Day 2 capital, and for good reason. Jenkins has otherworldly strength, tossing aside offensive linemen with ease. He stays square upon contact with good pad level, allowing him to be a force in run support.

Despite being a DL, Jenkins has an excellent array of pass rushing moves. He has good bend for an Interior Defensive Lineman (IDL), with an innate ability to ‘get skinny’ between offensive linemen. While his sacks (2) leave more to be desired, he finished 41st among all DTs in hurries and 52nd in Pass Rush Win Rate. Jenkins shows quick acceleration and should wreak havoc at the NFL level. Jenkins is one of the more complete IDL of this draft class – and elite as a run stopper.

Where Kris Jenkins is drafted will ultimately determine his potential ceiling, but it would come to no surprise to see him in a starting rotation in his rookie season. IDL don’t offer as high of a ceiling as their Edge counterparts, but Jenkins could be had for free in combined IDP + SuperFlex leagues with a potential ceiling of a player like Jets’ IDL Quinnen Williams.

EDGE – Chris Braswell, Alabama (Projected 2nd Round NFL)

On a team full of elite defensive players, it’s hard to stand out. Yet while Dallas Turner is getting the majority of the love from fans, teammate Chris Braswell could be flying under the radar.

Braswell’s 56 total pressures were T-11 among all EDGE players (and one more than Turner), while his 13 sacks were good for T-6. His pass rush productivity of 11.9 placed him 5th among EDGE defenders (min. 250 snaps). In short, Braswell is an elite pass rush specialist.

At the NFL combine, Braswell showed great burst and speed, finishing with a 1.58 10-yard split. That type of short area burst is the perfect weapon on an EDGE rusher’s arsenal.

After the primary wave of pass rushers are gone, Braswell could be a great value – especially if he’s selected in the third round of the NFL draft. He may start his career as a pass rushing specialist but should develop into a great 3-4 EDGE. In rookie drafts, Braswell’s likely ADP is anywhere between rounds 3-5 depending on league size and scoring.

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S Kamren Kinchens – Miami (FL) (Projected 3rd Round NFL)

Kamren Kinchens should be a familiar name to most fantasy football players. While he was likely never a Day 1 draft pick, the NFL combine did not do him any favors. Kinchens’ RAS Score of 2.39 ranked 824 out of 1082 FS prospects since 1987. His 4.65 40-yard time likely turned some teams away – and to be honest, the lack of speed is apparent on film. However, there’s a lot to like about Kinchens’ game.

At Miami, Kinchens proved to be a very instinctual player. He has 11 interceptions over the last two seasons and is a hard-hitting safety. His ability to finish tackles could be improved, but he shows great strength and pursuit angles when meeting ball carriers head on.

While athleticism is ideal in the secondary, free safety is one of the few positions on the field where it’s not completely necessary. Instincts matter in deep zone coverage and Kinchens has proven to be a ball hawk during his time at Miami. Regardless of where he’s drafted, don’t be surprised to see Kinchens receive playing time in his rookie season.

Like the aforementioned Javon Solomon, there’s a chance Kamren Kinchens finds himself on the waiver wire in post-rookie drafts. His below-average speed and acceleration means he will be tested by opposing quarterbacks – and whether it’s through tackles, pass deflections, or interceptions, Kinchens could become a gold mine flex option at DB in IDP leagues.

EDGE Javon Solomon – Troy (Projected 4th Round NFL)

Troy EDGE Javon Solomon might be the most underrated EDGE in the 2024 NFL draft. And, because of that, fantasy football managers are likely to get him for free after rookie drafts.

Solomon is an undersized EDGE but was one of the most productive players at the position in college football in 2023. The Troy prospect had 17 sacks (2nd among EDGE) with a 90.9 PFF pass rush grade (T-9) – and a pass rush productivity of 10.1 (T-16). In true passing sets he stands apart from many in his class, despite being relatively unknown in fantasy circles.

Javon Solomon is more than just a pass rush specialist, however. He also shows ability in run support. His 81.9 PFF grade was good for 17th among his peers, and was 52nd in run stops, with 19 and a 7.5% stop rate.

Because of his likely Day 3 draft capital, Solomon should be on the waiver wire in many leagues post-draft. At worst, Solomon only takes up a space on your Taxi or Roster and can be safely dropped if nothing arises. But with his potential, he could become a sleeper in fantasy football if given the opportunity.

Thank you for reading. Follow me on X at @ThomasCP_NFL for more!

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