2017 IDP Rankings – Defensive Tackles (Redraft)

.size { font-size: large; } .black { color: #000; } .Georgia { font-family: Georgia, “Times New Roman”, Times, serif; } .style1 { font-family: Georgia, “Times New Roman”, Times, serif; } .style1 b .style6 { color: orange; } Listed below are my 2017 Defensive Tackle Rankings for IDP Redraft Leagues. I will periodically update these throughout the off-season to reflect changes in free agency, defensive schemes, playing time, draft selections, etc. However, keep in mind that the information listed here is just a small sample of a much larger set of rankings and descriptions that are accessible through purchasing my 2017 IDP Fantasy Football Draft Guide.

1. Ndamukong Suh DT – MIA (11)
His on-the-field antics aside, Suh remains a very reliable fantasy DT – posting 5 or more sacks in each season for a half decade. Owners can bank on 40+ solo tackles and 6+ sacks from Suh in 2017, making him a DT1/DL2 in most leagues.

2. Fletcher Cox DT – PHI (10)
Cox saw a significant decline in production in 2016 (his total fantasy points were down ~33%); however, he still finished as a top 30 DL in the majority of scoring systems. Given his talent and the overall strength of the Philadelphia d-line, last year’s production was likely his floor. This said, it’s fair to expect his 2017 numbers to fall somewhere between his 2015 and 2016 production, firmly planting Cox in the DT1/DL2 tier.

3. Kawann Short DT – CAR (11)
Although Short’s sack production dipped in 2016, his on the field play did not. He may not ever reach double digit sacks again, but a projection somewhere between his 2015 (11 sacks) and 2016 (6 sacks) production is a reasonable expectation. Throw in 50+ total tackles and you have yourself a dependable DL3+/DT1-.

4. Marcell Dareus DT – BUF (6)

5. Damon Harrison DT – NYG (8)
Damon “Snacks” Harrison proved to be a critical free agent signing for the Giants. With a total tackle rate of 12.9%, he was hands down the league’s top run defender among all defensive linemen. His lack of sack production (3.5 sacks in 4 seasons) keeps his ceiling low, but he remains a solid DL3 in 10-team leagues.

6. Linval Joseph DT – MIN (9)
Joseph was second only to Damon Harrison last year in terms of total tackles. He brings slightly more upside in the sack department but still has a ceiling around four to five. He’s a safe and reliable third defensive lineman but isn’t going to present a ton of upside.

7. Geno Atkins DT – CIN (6)Avoid
Atkins has long been one of the league’s most explosive interior pass rushers, a fact evidenced by his 52.5 career sacks. However, he’s not as valuable as one may think outside of big play scoring formats due to his subpar tackle production. He’s best viewed as a high variance DL3.

8. Gerald McCoy DT – TB (11)
McCoy has developed into a dependable DT1-/DT2 fantasy player over the last few seasons. He has some injury concerns but can produce at a near elite level if he stays healthy especially as the Bucs continue to bolster their defensive line around him.

9. Solomon Thomas DT – SF (11)
Thomas, the number three overall pick in this year’s draft, has drawn a lot of comparison to Michael Bennett for his strong run defense skills and ability to rush the passer from both the inside and outside parts of the line. Expectations are that Thomas will play defensive end in the base defense and slide inside to a three-technique role in passing situations. The team also wants him to learn the LEO position in case he’s needed there. If he truly does play a majority of time at the 4/5 technique, his sack upside would likely be capped. He projects as a long-term DL2 fantasy commodity.

10. Corey Liuget DT – LAC (9)Sleeper
Liuget had a breakout fantasy season in 2014 finishing with 57 total tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, which was good enough for a top 15 finish at his position. His production dropped off a cliff in the following two seasons however and he is now completely off the fantasy radar after a zero-sack 2016 campaign. There’s reason for optimism though as the Chargers are switching to a 4-3 under defensive scheme where Liuget will serve as the 3-technique. The transition to a one-gapping defensive tackle should drastically improve the former first-round pick’s production and the recently acquired tackle designation gives him extra value in DT-required leagues. A return to 2012/2014 production levels seems likely and therefore makes Liuget a smart end of the draft addition, or at the very least, someone you put on your watch list to begin the season.