2026 ROOKIE IDP Mock Draft v1.0

Photo of Joseph Harlow Joseph Harlow Follow on X Send an email January 20, 2026Last Updated: January 21, 2026
427 21 minutes read

Welcome to our 2026 ROOKIE IDP Mock Draft v1.0

It is the (start of) the most wonderful time of the year! Scouting season and the entire draft process are my happy place, where we get to know the stars of tomorrow and see how the future of the league (NFL & fantasy alike) will take shape. This defense class is fascinating, so let’s get to know some of the best in my initial 2026 Rookie IDP Mock Draft!

Pre-NFL Draft mocks are a fickle exercise, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The scheme that prospects end up playing for will determine a lot, for better or worse. Sometimes, a player can end up in a better spot in their career, even if it is not ideal for IDP leagues. With that said, it is still vital to get ahead of (or keep pace with) your league mates and get to know the players that will be on the board when the time comes to pick. There are a plethora of fun defensive players in this class who have the potential to start on your IDP squads for years to come. 

This mock draft is largely based on my personal rankings and my preferences. However, this is far from gospel, and I hope to give ideas on how to rank/decipher based on any number of preferences/styles. For more views on players as a whole, check out IDP Hunter’s positional early looks here: 2026 NFL Draft IDP Prospects | FANTASY IN FRAMES. 

Aidan Weingartner and I will also be breaking down offensive prospects, which can be found here: 2026 NFL Draft Prospects | FANTASY IN FRAMES

And Aidan’s Superflex Mock can be found here: Dynasty Mock Drafts | FANTASY IN FRAMES

DEAR LORD, WHAT A TEAM WE HAVE HERE AT FANTASY IN FRAMES!!!!

Enough of the pleasantries, let’s dive in and get to know the 2026 IDP rookie prospects!

1.01: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

Measurements: 6’4”, 243 lbs
2025 Stats:
– 651 Snaps – 281 run defense, 121 pass rush, 249 coverage
– 63 total tackles (37 solo), 27 pressures, 8 sacks

Did you like Jalon Walker last year? Well then, you will LOVE Reese. Wait.. you were hesitant on Walker (hey, same)? Well… you will still love Reese. Reese is another hybrid LB/EDGE with immense talent and production at both spots, in the mold of a Micah Parsons or Abdul Carter. Reese feels more likely than the Penn State grads to stick at LB, but he is a dominant force off the EDGE. His hybrid ability makes him a dangerous weapon on an IDP roster. The metrics are not quite as high as you would like, but that is largely due to the hybrid role.

Reese has the build, athleticism, and overall talent to be a top-8 player at either EDGE or LB if he stays at one full-time (which is unlikely). Personally, I see Reese as an LB-first, but having the DL flexibility for an LB is an IDP cheat code that made early Micah Parsons a steal in many drafts. 

1.02: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Measurements: 6’3”, 250 lbs
2025 Stats:
– 623 Snaps – 225 run defense, 380 pass rush
– 81 pressures, 15 sacks, 37 Total tackles (29 solo)

It is hard to call a top-15 pick a “My Guy”, but Bailey has been just that for me since he was a Sophomore at Stanford. After transferring to Texas Tech this offseason, he was the most dominant rusher in the country. The metrics are ungodly, with P4 leading PRP and an insane 21.32% pressure rate. His size is not ideal; however, he vastly improved against the run this year, with a 9% stop rate and high-level grade. Bailey has enough of a floor to be steady, along with high-level rush ability.

1.03: Reuben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

Measurements: 6’3”, 275 lbs
2025 Stats (pre-CFP Championship):
– 822 Snaps – 296 run defense, 522 pass rush
– 80 pressures, 11 sacks, 41 total tackles (31 solo)

Bain had a dominant year, leading to some early 1.01 hype. The shorter arms and somewhat limited athleticism have slowed that, but Bain still projects as a top-15 pick who can be an IDP stalwart. His metrics this year were incredible, landing just behind Bailey in many marks. He was incredibly streaky, but that is made up for by his incredible run defense. He projects as a big-end type, who may slide inside for rush downs in the NFL. This could lower his ceiling, while also raising the floor. Bain is a great high-end IDP pick and has a safe profile for a rookie.

1.04: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Measurements: 6’5”, 243 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 663 Snaps – 282 run defense, 65 pass rush, 316 coverage
– 88 Total tackles (71 solo), 1 INT, 1 FF, 2 sacks, 1 PBU

Styles is trending towards being a top-15 lock, despite positional value. He has a rare combination of size, freaky athleticism, and experience while being one of the youngest players in the class (turned 21 in November). Going back to school was a great decision for Styles, who lowered his missed tackle rate from 15.66 over his first 3 seasons to 2.2% in 2025. He graded as a top-20 LB in PFF’s total defense, run defense, tackle, and coverage grades.

The upside is capped a tad with not being used much as a rusher, but his profile (and a lack of Arvell Reese next to him in the pros) gives hope that he could unlock even that. Styles is the top pure LB in the clas,s and the overall skillset gives him massive upside.

1.05: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Measurements: 6’0”, 205 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 682 Snaps – 240 deep, 241 box, 146 slot
– 69 Total tackles (58 solo), 2 INTs, 2 FFs, 1 PBU, 1 Sack

This is where I will deviate from the consensus. DB is not the most valuable position in IDP leagues, but I am a SUCKER for a dominant safety prospect. Indianapolis Colts’ WR Josh Downs’ little brother has been one of the best players in CFP since starting for Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide as a true freshman. In 3 seasons, he has averaged nearly 90 total tackles while playing over 60% of snaps in the box/slot.

The position will lower his overall draft stock (see Kyle Hamilton), but he has the highest grade for me across the class. The box-and-tackle production, combined with quality play over the top, gives him a massive floor that would vault him into Hamilton-levels of NFL and fantasy success with better ball production.

1.06: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

Measurements: 6’1”, 235 lbs
2025 Stats:
– 579 Snaps – 236 run defense, 86 pass rush, 257 coverage
– 94 Total tackles (71 solo), 0 INT, 2 FF, 4 sacks, 3 PBU

Allen has been a stalwart on the Dawgs’ defense, averaging 75 tackles/year in 2 full-time starting seasons with another as a high-snap rotation. Allen is a prototypical thumper who has elite film and metrics against the run, including 10.7% stop rate in 2025 and a 14.2% tackle rate in two seasons as a full-time starter. He struggles against the pass, with poor coverage grades and a bowling-ball build. He does fight in coverage, however, and has potential to become at least passable. The floor as a two-down thumper is massive, but concerns of a full-time role cannot be ignored. Still, as a top-50 lock, he is worth a top-half 1st round IDP pick!

1.07: Keldrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Measurements: 6’6”, 285 lbs
2025 Stats:
– 556 Snaps – 237 run defense, 316 pass rush
– 29 pressures, 2 sacks, 36 Total tackles (26 solo)

Every year, we have a massive EDGE who looks like a DT with freaky athletic ability but poor pass-rush totals. Typically, those players come from UGA (Travon Walker, Mykel Williams), but this year’s version is Auburn’s Faulk. Faulk has poor pass-rush metrics (especially after a strong 2024), but flashes the talent to become a good rusher. Against the run, he dominates off the edge, with heavy hands (and overall frame) and the ability to destroy blockers. He projects similarly to Williams as an early-down EDGE who kicks inside while learning to rush. The ceiling is massive, but the floor of a dominant run-defender makes him difficult to fully bust, even if he stays just that.

1.08: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Measurements: 6’3”
2025 Stats:
 – 562 Snaps – 197 run defense, 361 pass rush
– 15 pressures, 3 sacks, 27 Total tackles (21 solo)

Clemson in 2025 was a trainwreck. Woods (along with another name later) suffered immensely from the program-wide collapse. As a true freshman in 2023, Woods was in the conversation (like Caleb Downs) as the best overall player in the country. 2024 was just as dominant, despite being played out-of-position as an EDGE, giving Jalen Carter-esque hopes. In 2025, his career >10% pressure rate and nearly 9.5% tackle rate dropped to 4% and 4.8%, respectively. The talent alone and prior production keep him a first-round pick for NFL and Fantasy teams alike, but the regression and loafing we saw in 2025 cause legitimate concerns.

1.09: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Measurements: 6’3”, 326 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 448 Snaps – 218 run defense, 230 pass rush
– 14 pressures, 2 sacks, 58 Total tackles (43 solo)

McDonald became a dominant run-defender in 2025, taking over Tyliek Williams’ role. He was the best run-stuffer in the country, with a bonkers 13.8% stop rate (2nd place would need to have a 25% stop rate over nearly 50 snaps to catch up) and overall 13% tackle rate. The floor is massive, especially in tackle-heavy or start-DT leagues, but the ceiling will depend on whether he develops as a pass-rusher. His metrics are average at best there, but the floor makes him a first-rounder in the aforementioned formats. If you do not start DTs, he drops behind the next two EDGE threats and the class’ LB4 (the next 3 names).

1.10: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

Measurements: 6’2”, 249 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 372 Snaps – 147 run defense, 192 pass rush
– 28 pressures, 6 sacks, 19 Total tackles (14 solo)

Thomas is a dynamo off the edge, finishing 2025 with an elite 14.6% pressure rate, single-handedly breaking multiple games. He is known mostly as a pass-rush dynamo, but he did improve enough in the run game to have some every-down hopes in the NFL. In 2025, he raised his stop% by 2 points while lowering his missed tackle% by almost 10. If that improvement is true or even continues, Thomas should see enough early-down snaps as a top-50 pick to combine with great rushing upside.

1.11: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Measurements: 6’2”, 248 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 591 Snaps – 231 run defense, 301 pass rush
– 41 pressures, 12 sacks, 24 Total tackles (15 solo)

Howell is a very similar prospect to Thomas, and probably goes a bit higher than he does in the NFL draft. I am a bit lower on Howell, thinking he is incredibly boom-bust with some less sustainable metrics. He has had a strong pressure rate in both seasons with the Aggies, but his sack conversion (sacks divided by pressures) jumped almost 20 points from 2024 to 2025. Some improvement here is rational, with 2024 seeing him jump from Bowling Green to the SEC, but that increase suggests the truth is closer to the middle.

If the rush metrics are true improvement, then Howell could have double-digit sack upside in the NFL. That alone will make him a first-round NFL pick and keep him in the first round of IDP drafts.

1.12: Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas

Measurements: 6’3”, 238 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 563 Snaps – 227 run defense, 86 pass rush, 250 coverage
– 63 Total tackles (47 solo), 2 INT, 1 FF, 3 sacks, 1 PBU

Hill had some first-round buzz in the pre-season, but has settled back into the 50-75 range. An early/mid-day 2 pick is enough to make the talented LB a first-round IDP pick, especially if he lands in a good spot. Like many collegiate LBs, Hill is a great athlete who plays the run well, but struggles in coverage. He should see the field early and have enough capital to play through mistakes, which will give him a high baseline for production!

2.01: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

Measurements: 6’4”, 240 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 681 Snaps – 315 run defense, 80 pass rush, 286 coverage
– 101 Total tackles (70 solo), 0 INT, 1 FF, 4 sacks, 3 PBU

The Linebacker position is almost unrecognizable today from what it was even 10 years ago. Golday is a sort of throwback, as a big mauler at 6’4”, 240 with great run-defense. However, unlike the LBs of yesteryear, Golday is a freak athlete. He is raw, with just 1.5 years in a higher-level program (Central Arkansas for 3 years before coming to Cincinnati), but has shown ability at all levels, lining up all over the field.

The STAR-type player has played on the line-of-scrimmage for nearly 200 snaps and over 500 in the slot with Cincinnati, while also growing as a traditional LB. He has a 22% pressure rate, 13.5% tackle rate, and 19% run-tackle rate in 2 years with the Bearcats. The metrics and uniqueness of his potential usage make him a fascinating prospect. The risk of a “tweener” and raw athlete gives some pause, but if he can land with a creative, stable defensive play-caller, he could skyrocket up IDP boards.

2.02: Ahkeem Mesidoor, EDGE, Miami

Measurements: 6’3”, 280 lbs
2025 Stats (pre-CFP Championship):
 – 754 Snaps – 274 run defense, 416 pass rush
– 50 pressures, 6 sacks, 28 Total tackles (17 solo)

In the post-COVID/Transfer portal explosion world, older prospects have become far more prominent. Mesidoor (lovingly dubbed “Leatherhelmet” by the NFL Stock Exchange podcast) is another older prospect who has blown up later on in their collegiate career. Unlike many of this type of prospect, Mesidoor did have strong production early on with 18 sacks and an 11% pressure rate over his first 3 seasons. 2024 was a strong year after an injury-plagued 2023, culminating in an incredible collegiate finale.

In 2025, Mesidoor has put himself into first-round conversations on the back of a 15% pressure rate and 11% run-tackle rate. He has a top-12 PFF grade against both the run and pass (rush), while playing Robin to Bain’s Batman (ironic, huh?). The age and being a second-rusher are concerns for Mesidoor’s profile. But dominant run defense and a history of pass-rush productivity give real hope that he can be a true NFL & fantasy EDGE2.

2.03: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

Measurements: 6’0”, 222 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 702 Snaps – 484 deep, 134 box, 68 slot
– 85 Total tackles (66 solo), 3 INTs, 1 FF, 4 PBU

Haulcy does not have the prototypical high IDP billing as a primary deep safety. He is an outlier, much like Xavier Watts, as an incredible ball hawk, with 8 INTs over the last 2 years while posting top-10 coverage grades. He plays the run well, too, recording a tackle on over 16.5% of run-snaps with the Bayou Bengals. Despite mostly being deep over the last 2 seasons, Haulcy has a good amount of box/slot snaps at all 3 of his collegiate stops. Over 4 seasons, he recorded over 350 tackles, good for a rate of 12.3%.

The ball-hawk has enough run-defense skill to give him a floor, while the coverage stardom gives him massive upside. In a class without a huge amount of high-end talent, the top-50 pick is worth a high selection for the ceiling.

2.04: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Measurements: 6’3”, 260 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 548 Snaps – 191 run defense, 325 pass rush
– 42 pressures, 6 sacks, 32 Total tackles (21 solo)

Parker – like Peter Woods – struggled & regressed as Clemson fully fell apart. The whole team fell off, which helped to tank Parker’s counting numbers. Parker saw his tackles drop from 42 to 32, pressures from 51 to 41, and sacks from 12 to 6. However, his overall metrics did not drop off too much. Pressure and tackle rates stayed similar, while he actually improved his missed tackle rate by a good margin. Parker is still the player who flashed top-15 potential going into the year, but a struggling overall roster highlighted some of his athletic limitations.

Where he ends up being selected will have bearing on his IDP slot, but if a team believes in his 2024 film over his 2025 struggles, he could still easily land in the top-25.

2.05: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Measurements: 6’0”, 205 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 812 Snaps – 247 deep, 434 box, 118 slot
– 99 Total tackles (72 solo), 2 INTs, 4 PBU, 3 TDs

Unlike McNeil-Warren, Thieneman transferred up after being a dominant force at Purdue for 2 seasons. After moving to the Ducks’ secondary (like 2027 prospect Koi Perich, from Minnesota), Thieneman blew up, truly becoming a top-50 type of prospect. He went from 70% deep usage to 70% box/slot usage, while vastly improving his run-defense and overall tackling metrics.

Thieneman graded as the 2nd-best coverage man at safety, while adding a 15% tackle rate against the run. Thieneman had a missed tackle rate of 12.9% at Purdue, which he lowered to 8.3% while his tackle attempts (by being in the box) skyrocketed in Eugene. The former B1G freshman of the year projects to slot into a box role in the league, where he can continue to improve as a tackler and hopefully continue coverage prowess.

2.06: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Measurements: 6’2”, 202 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 654 Snaps – 198 deep, 401 box, 33 slot
– 71 Total tackles (43 solo), 2 INTs, 2 FFs, 5 PBU, 1 Sack

McNeil-Warren had his third straight strong year for the Rockets in 2025, one that is giving him top-40 potential in this class. He has a career 62% box/slot usage, but that number has jumped in consecutive years, landing at 66.3% this year. He finished 2025 with a 16.67% run-tackle rate while grading as PFF’s top coverage safety. The overall profile screams top-IDP play, but he falls to mid-2nd round with a couple of concerns. The competition level has to be a factor, even if it’s overblown.

He dominated lower competition, which prospects should do, but it still must be accounted for! He also struggled in converting tackles, with his missed tackle rate skyrocketing to 15.5% in 2025 (8.2% in the prior 3 seasons). However, he has shown enough athletic promise and usage to translate to the next level if he can develop and progress with coaching that will improve at a rate equal to his competition levels.

2.07: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami

Measurements: 6’0”, 194 lbs
2025 Stats (pre-CFP Championship):
 – 684 Snaps – 183 box, 441 slot, 5 outside/deep
– 55 Total tackles (48 solo), 2 INTs, 2 FFs, 4 PBU, 5 Sacks

Old (will start the season at 25) corners are not always great IDP picks, but sometimes one just fits the bill. Scott has had an incredible senior year with the resurgent Hurricanes, being an absolute dynamo against the run, pass, and as a rusher. He has a top-6 PFF grade against the pass and run while having the 2nd most total QB-pressures amongst all DBs (behind only Old Dominion’s slot DB, Jeremy Mack Jr.). Scott is a presence in all facets, especially against the run (and the passer), with an elite 7.1% stop rate and a run tackle rate over 10%.

There are some concerns that the blow-up season is a result of being 24, but if he can land on an NFL roster as a starting slot-defender, he has a chance to see IDP starter status, even in non-CB leagues.

2.08: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama

Measurements: 6’02”, 226 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 702 Snaps – 298 run defense, 105 pass rush, 299 coverage
– 87 Total tackles (65 solo), 0 INT, 2 FF, 2 sacks, 2 PBU

Lawson has been a stalwart for the Crimson Tide’s defense, starting the majority of the past 4 seasons. In his career, he has a strong 12% tackle rate, though he misses tackles at a far too high clip (14.5%). Even with tackling issues, he fits the run incredibly well, with a run-tackle rate of nearly 18.5%. He has some juice as a rusher as well, with 47 pressures and 8 sacks over the last 3 seasons.

His weight is a problem, partially contributing to the missed-tackle issues, but he plays far stronger, which continues to give him a strong baseline for production. He’s most likely a day-3 pick, but has the box prowess to find IDP success if he cracks a lineup.

2.09: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

Measurements: 6’5”, 272 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 726 Snaps – 332 run defense, 383 pass rush
– 52 pressures, 6 sacks, 30 Total tackles (18 solo)

Uiagalelei (like his older brother, QB D.J.) is a polarizing prospect. He has performed well as a pass rusher over 3 seasons, with a career pressure rate of 10.2%. That number has increased by 14.2% over the past 2 years. 15 sacks in 2 seasons gives a great baseline for a bigger rusher, but his run defense gives a great deal of pause. Despite his ideal size, he can get pushed around (hopefully a fault of being a younger prospect) and misses tackles at a high clip (23.5% for his career).

The pass-rush prowess and youth make him highly intriguing, but he needs to get stronger and play with more technique & refinement to have a chance at being a 3-down EDGE. For now, taking a round-2 shot on Uiagalelei is more than appropriate, but if NFL teams end up higher or lower on him as we go through the pre-Draft process, his stock will shift in either direction.

2.10: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Measurements: 6’1”, 235 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 770 Snaps – 285 run defense, 40 pass rush, 447 coverage
– 124 Total tackles (94 solo), 4 INT, 7 FF, 1 sack, 3 PBU, 4 TDs

Rodriguez had an incredible final season, making a push for the Heisman. He scored 4 touchdowns (2 on offense), while leading the Red Raiders’ push to the playoff. Rodriguez was a force against the run, averaging nearly double-digit tackles per game. He graded as the best run-defending LB per PFF, on the back of a bonkers 25% run-tackle rate and 15.1% stop rate. He lands lower than other run-stopping stars due to the physical profile, which will drop him down NFL draft boards.

He is small & a limited athlete, a combination that makes him a more likely day-3 pick than a top-50 one. He will have a tougher path to consistent playing time with a lower draft slot, but the production shown in Lubbock cannot be ignored. If he finds playing time, it is hard to imagine him not producing as a run-defender.

2.11: Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M

Measurements: 5’10”, 227 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 693 Snaps – 277 run defense, 50 pass rush, 366 coverage
– 75 Total tackles (56 solo), 0 INT, 0 FF, 2 sacks, 1 PBU

Traditionally, there are two types of smaller LB prospects: one that knife downhill like a bullet without much lateral feel (like Jacob Rodriguez) and others that are basically bigger DBs, using speed and agility to excel in coverage, while giving up some ground against the run. York is the latter. The Aggies’ 3-year starter (who is one of the youngest players in the class) graded as a top-5 coverage LB in the country this year. He improved vastly there while maintaining solid run-defense, with a 15% run-tackle rate.

He was pushed around a bit by Linemen and missed tackles at a higher rate than you would want (10.4% for his career), but shows a great deal of fight and explosion. He needs to get stronger to have a chance at true 3-down playtime, but York has the athletic ability and instincts to make it in the right spot.

2.12: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech

Measurements: 6’3”, 240 lbs
2025 Stats:
 – 598 Snaps – 202 run defense, 353 pass rush
– 62 pressures, 9 sacks, 25 Total tackles (21 solo)

Height, much like Mesidoor, is an older prospect who had a phenomenal 2024 as a second-rusher to a potential top-5 pick. Unlike Mesidoor, however, Height did not flash much before his 6th year (roughly half of his total pass-rush production came this year), while he struggled against the run as a smaller rusher. Height had some splash plays against the run (solid 7.1% stop rate), though he was not a consistent threat there (>10% tackle rate) and was pushed around a bit.

The rush metrics were phenomenal, with a nearly 18% pressure rate, placing in the top 15 for PRWR & total pressures. Was this year a flash in the pan? Those concerns and probable DPR projections make Height a risky play, keeping him as a probable later-day 2 pick and later 2nd-round IDP selection.

That concludes our two-round 2026 Rookie IDP Mock Draft v1.0. You can find my past & future work here.

Feel free to reach out to me directly @JoeLow63 on Bluesky, X, or in Discord, where you can also find and follow @FantasyInFrames!

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Photo of Joseph Harlow Joseph Harlow Follow on X Send an email January 20, 2026Last Updated: January 21, 2026
427 21 minutes read
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