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IDP(Independant Defensive Players) aren’t everybody’s favorite way to play fantasy football but I’ve been hooked on IDP since I first started playing it.

One of the most difficult things to try and gauge during the off-season is the impact the that the rookie class will have on the defensive side of the ball. Many Leagues have rookie only dynasty drafts and we’re going to list our top-50 defensive players for your fantasy league this year.

Posted here for mass scrutiny on the show!!!

1. LB James Laurinaitis, St.Louis – Landed in a great spot and should prove to be an instant leader of the defense.
2. LB Rey Maualuga, Cincinnati – He is the MLB of the future but it might take a little longer than originally expected.
3. LB Aaron Curry, Seattle – Probably the safest IDP pick but his initial value will be limited by Hill and Tatupu. Great Long term prospect.
4. S William Moore, Atlanta – Very likely to start the season at the strong safety spot. Big time hitter who could rack up the tackles.
5. S Louis Delmas, Detroit – Detroit losing a ton of games = Delmas on the field all day. Should be a fixture from day one.
6. LB Brian Cushing, Houston – Might be stuck on the strong side for a while but he won’t leave the field that often.
7. LB DeAndre Levy, Detroit – He really has a legit shot at being the MLB for one of the biggest losers in the league.
8. LB Clint Sintim, NewYork(G) – I think the G-Men got a quality player from a solid program who will start a lot of games in this league.
9. S Patrick Chung, NewEngland – Might not start right off but he’s definitely in the teams long term plans.
10. DE Aaron Maybin, Buffalo – Maybin has a tremendous first step and I think he could be one of the best pass rushers in this draft.
11. DE Michael Johnson, Cincinnati – OK, so he was an underachiever in college. Big deal, the Bengals will have this kid on the field a ton.
12. DE Brian Orakpo, Washington – If he’s designated as a LB, then drop him down the list but as a DE, Orakpo will produce solid fantasy numbers.
13. OLB Clay Matthews, GreenBay – He’s definitely going to get his playing time but don’t reach for him.
14. LB Gerald McRath, Tennessee – Has a good shot at cracking the starting lineup a early as next year. McRath has great potential at the weakside.
15. DE Connor Barwin, Houston – One of the most interesting prospects in the draft. This converted TE could be a pass rushing specialist.
16. OLB Larry English, SanDiego – He’ll be drafted higher than this but I’m not sold yet on English as a top-10 pick.
17. DE Everette Brown, Carolina – I really thought he’d get drafted by a 3-4 team but Brown’s still a good prospect from the DE spot.
18. LB Jason Williams, Dallas – He will have to wait his turn but his ability on the inside is intriguing.
19. CB Malcolm Jenkins, NewOrleans – Sure fire starter right now. NewOrleans might play him at safety as well.
20. S Mike Mitchell, Oakland – Maybe a reach for a the Raiders but not in your fantasy league. Has to get on the field eventually to justify the pick.
21. DE Robert Ayers, Denver – He’ll certainly get his chances but I don’t like him in the system. Will be a value if he retains his “DE” designation however.
22. LB Scott McKillop, SanFrancisco – Over achiever will claim a starting role sooner rather than later. Coaches will love his attitude.
23. DE Lawrence Sidbury, Atlanta – Interesting situation and Sidbury is a pass rushing phenom. He could fit really well in a situational role.
24. CB Vontae Davis, Miami – Miami may have drafted it’s cornerbacks of the future in Smith and Davis. Vernon’s little brother is a hell of an athlete.
25. DE Paul Kruger, Baltimore – I think Kruger could be a very special player. His versatility and high motor will get him on the field fast.
26. DT Jarron Gilbert, Chicago – Bears’ system fits him well. He will be able to produce stats in Chicago’s defensive front.
27. LB Marcus Freeman, Chicago – I think he’ll eventually claim one of the starting spots and could stick for a while in the league.
28. OLB Cody Brown, Arizona – Should be a starter very soon, as he’s a good fit for the Cards’ 3-4 defense.
29. LB David Veikune, Cleveland – Continues to climb up my board with recent minicamp reports. Interesting player.
30. LB Jasper Brinkley, Minnesota – Brinkley has long term potential and he might already be the 2nd best MLB in camp.
31. DT B.J. Raji, GreenBay – Mobile, Agile, Hostile. Raji has a lot of upside in the Packers new 3-4 defense.
32. CB Alphonso Smith, Denver – Management really likes this kid, otherwise they wouldn’t have traded away next year’s 1st round pick, which WILL be a top-5 selection.
33. LB Stephen Hodge, Dallas – Good athlete. Very intsinctive player who will be tried out at safety also.
34. LB Jason Phillips, Baltimore – Classic try hard, over-achiever will compete with Travares Gooden to get some playing time in year one.
35. CB Darius Butler, New England – Butler has a great shot at being a long time starter for the Pats in about a year.
36. CB Sean Smith, Miami – I think this kid could eventually turn into the best defensive back in this draft class. Snag him late.
37. S Michael Hamlin, Dallas – The Cowboys are obviously very high on Hamlin and he could be in their long-term plans.
38. S Chip Vaughn, NewOrleans – He could eventually claim one of the future safety spots if all goes well. Monitor closely.
39. CB Jairus Byrd, Buffalo – Coaches son who understands the game. Will get on the field eventually on most passing downs.
40. ILB Kaluka Maiava, Cleveland – His best chance I think will be inside but the coaching staff likes him. Long Term guy.
41. DT Peria Jerry, Atlanta – Could be special and will be on the field from day one. Really depends on how they use him.
42. DE Alex Magee, KansasCity – Should be used all over the field. Stands to have better numbers than fellow rookie Jackson.
43. LB Darry Beckwith, SanDiego – I like his opportunity in SanDiego but he’s not a guarantee to get PT right away.
44. OLB Zack Follett, Detroit – Follett is a gamer and must be included as a long term prospect on a very bad team.
45. CB Victor Harris, Philadelphia – “Macho” Harris has a chance to get on the field fast with his hitting ability and football IQ.
46. ILB Dannell Ellerbe, Baltimore – A long shot to compete for time behind Ray-Ray, Gooden, and Phillips. Ellerbe is an amazing athlete.
47. CB D.J. Moore, Chicago – Could find himself in nickel and dime packages eventually. The Bears need somebody to step up.
48. CB Asher Allen, Minnesota – Should compete right away with Karl Paymah and Benny Sapp for a spot in the dime package.
49. DE Tyson Jackson, Kansas City – I see him as nothing more than a plugger who will clog up space and eat up blockers for the KC Linebackers.
50. LB Tyrone McKenzie, NewEngland – A torn ACL in camp crushes his ‘09 season. Long Term Project.