Here are 10 names in IDP who I am expecting to make a big jump in fantasy for the 2024 season and beyond:
Trenton Simpson, LB, Baltimore Ravens –Simpson was a 3rd round pick by the Ravens in 2023, and was considered to be one of the top 3 LB’s in the 2023 draft class. Now that Patrick Queen has left Baltimore for Pittsburgh, Simpson gets to fill in for Queen in the Raven defense next to Roquan Smith. Queen’s game went to a whole new level once Roquan came to Baltimore, and I expect that Roquan will continue to draw most of the offensive blocking assignments.
Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans – Now some might say this is cheating, as Anderson was the 1st defensive player drafted in 2023, and had 7 sacks as a rookie, which is pretty good production for a rookie. However, by the Texans also signing free agent DE Danielle Hunter, who was 5th in the NFL in sacks in 2023 with 16.5 sacks. With Hunter now playing the opposite side of Anderson, Anderson should see fewer double teams, and zoom past double digit sack numbers in 2024.
Jeremy Chinn, S, Washington Commanders – Chinn had a great first 2 seasons, over 100 tackles each of his first two seasons. The last two years have been rough for Chinn, between injuries and not seemingly in Defensive Coordinator’s Ejiro Evero plans. Chinn signed with Washington in free agency on a 1 year prove it deal. Kamren Curl has left Washington in free agency, and is now playing in Dan Quinn’s defense. Quinn has a reputation of being very aggressive with his safeties, so good chance for a bounce back season ahead.
Dorance Armstrong, DE, Washington Commanders – Another Washington player makes the list. Armstrong signed with Washington as a free agent. Armstrong scored nearly as many points in 2023 as Demarcus Lawrence in many fewer snaps. Washington has what is probably the two best DT in the NFL in DaRon Payne and Jonathan Allen, which means that Armstrong should be free of double teams. Could be a big breakout year for Armstrong.
E.J. Speed, LB, Indianapolis Colts – Speed stepped in to replace Colts legendary LB Shaquille Leonard after the Colts cut Leonard in week 12. Speed outscored Zaire Franklin for the rest of the 2023 season, in 1 fewer games played too. Speed looks to take over the LB1 role from Zaire Franklin in 2024.
Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Minnesota Vikings – Pace is an interesting story, an undrafted rookie free agent signed by the Vikings on April 29th, 2023. Pace quickly passed 2022 3rd round pick Brian Asamoah II on the depth chart, and stepped up big for the Vikings when Jordan Hicks went out with an injury, and missed 4 games. Pace played well enough to stay in the lineup after Hicks returned. Hicks is now playing for the Browns, so Pace could play a huge role for the Vikings in 2024.
Troy Anderson, LB, Atlanta Falcons – Now here was a guy that I had as a breakout in 2023. Unlike Pace, Anderson comes with a pedigree. 2nd round pick in the 2022 Draft, he was ready to step in and take over the Falcons Middle LB role in 2023. Then he got injured very early in 2023 season, torn pectoral muscle, and was done for the season. Troy is still the same guy that drew awes at the 2022 combine running a 4.41 40 yard dash at 235 pounds. He should reclaim his job as MLB in 2024, and cover sideline to sideline with his speed and tenacity.
Nakobe Dean, LB, Philadelphia Eagles – Dean is another young player who was primed to breakout in 2023, but his season was cut short due to injury. Dean was a 2022 3rd round pick out of Georgia, and has shown flashes of greatness in his limited action in his first 2 NFL seasons. Yes, the Eagles did sign free agent LB Devin White, but his last 2 seasons in Tampa Bay were very concerning, especially in pass coverage. IF Dean is fully recovered from his lisfranc injury, I expect he will finally be able to live up to the high expectations of him in 2024.
Christian Harris, LB Houston Texans – Not another LB, yes another LB. LB’s are the life blood of IDP teams. Harris is a 3rd round pick in 2022 out of Alabama. Harris has played well in a limited role in 2022 and 2023. His role grew in 2023, and by the second half of 2023 season he was getting full time starter snaps. Snaps are important to follow in IDP, as targets are important to follow on offense. Since you can’t make plays if you are not getting snaps or targets.Harris’ production grew with his increased workload, and he is now listed as a starter in 2024.
Malcolm Koonce, DE, Las Vegas Raiders – Koonce was a bit of a surprise that came out of nowhere to record 8 sacks in the Raiders last 9 games of 2023. A 3rd round pick out of Buffalo in 2021, Koonce had been relatively quiet start to his career. So quiet that the Raiders spent pick 1.07 in 2023 to draft DE Tyree Wilson to play across from Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby. Well Koonce came on so strong, that the Raiders wound up moving Wilson inside to DT, and giving Koonce the DE slot across from Crosby. Raiders then signed All Pro DT Christian Wilkins as a free agent. This Raiders defensive line could be one of the best in the NFL in 2024.
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