I gathered some of the top IDP analysts try to get a handle on the 2015 defensive rookies. We will use this extremely early IDP rookie mock draft to help us start gauging perception and value of the incoming defensive players. For this league I went with one of my favorite IDP scoring systems which was created by ProFootballFocus. If you play IDP or even are considering playing IDP, I recommend following all these drafters on twitter because they are constantly creating great content and giving great advice.
Pick 1.01: Benardrick McKinney, ILB
Drafter: Chad Parsons, @ChadParsonsNFL
It is only fitting that our UTH commander-in-chief somehow lucked into the first pick. Chad is a strong advocate of building around linebackers, and this pick really reflects it. I showered McKinney with love in my early look at the 2015 rookie linebackers. I think McKinney is easily in the conversation for top defensive player in IDP rookie drafts. As with any top prospect, there is a group of naysayers. The two major critiques have to do with footwork and getting fooled by play action too often. These concerns are coming from reliable sources such as NFLDraftscout.com’s Dane Brugler.
@nfltalentstaff I don’t get it w/ McKinney. Not a top-100 pick IMO
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 22, 2014
Pick 1.02: Landon Collins, S
Drafter: Eric Braun, @FFPlanetX
It is interesting to take a DB this early, but Eric Braun has a method to his madness. If you don’t know Eric Braun, he has some great insights for finding value at any position over at rotoviz; it is not surprising that he zigged when others would zag. Landon Collins scored very well in the BASED model and is a virtual lock to be a perpetual top IDP defensive back. Since Derron Smith, Jalen Mills, and Karl Jospeh returned to school, there is a serious drop in safety talent after Collins. Braun also paid attention to the scoring format being more big play rewarding. All this put together makes Collins a pretty safe pick, even this high.
