The most hardcore and dedicated fantasy football owners play in IDP leagues, and if you want to take it even a step further, they play in keeper leagues that draft individual defensive players as well. In this 2012 NFL draft, there were a few defensive players who are expected to have a positive impact on the teams they were drafted by. Checkout the top 2012 IDP rookies in this article because they may have a huge impact on your fantasy football team if you draft them.

Luke Kuechly, LB, Carolina Panthers – The ninth overall pick in this year’s draft figures to have a promising rookie season in 2012. Kuechly is likely going to start at either middle or outside linebacker for the Panthers to start this season. He was the nation’s leading tackler the past two seasons playing for the Boston College Eagles and has the potential to be a top-10 IDP linebacker for many years to come.

Kuechly is worth an early-round draft pick in keeper IDP leagues. At only 21 years of age, this sure-handed tackler should prove to be a No. 2 backer this year with the outside chance of becoming a No. 1.

2012 IDP Rookies - Fantasy Football IDP Keeper League Rookies - Bobby WagnerBobby Wagner, LB, Seattle Seahawks – The stock is quickly rising for the rookie out of Utah State who looks primed to be the Week 1 starter at middle linebacker for the up-and-coming Seattle defense. Barrett Ruud is also on the roster, but has been sidelined with a sore knee and is losing ground to Wagner everyday in practice. The 22-year-old Wagner could outpace all rookie’s in IDP because of the opportunity and his talent level.

The second-round pick is a very good tackler and has the football IQ to call the plays on defense. Only Kuechly has more stops the past three collegiate seasons. He has above average speed and coverage skills as well, but will need to get more physical to shed blockers to be great in the NFL.

His value going into your IDP draft will hinge on whether he gets the starting job right away, so pay attention to preseason in this case. Wagner also has good long-term value because he will eventually be the starter even if Ruud beats him out, which isn’t likely at this point.

Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The former Nebraska Cornhusker was an All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten player the last two seasons before being a second-round pick. David set a school record with 152 total tackles in 2010. The 22-year-old figures to have a very good career and should be the Bucs’ starter at weak side linebacker to start the season. He could even see snaps as the middle linebacker in nickel packages depending on how well second-year player Mason Foster plays early on.

David is likely to be drafted behind Kuechly in both regular and keeper leagues and could be a No. 2 linebacker by season’s end. Both Kuechly and David have been tagged as ‘instinctive, tackling machines’ and those are music to an IDP owners’ ears.

Mark Barron, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Bucs’ drafted two very good players in this past offseason and it will pay dividends in the short and long term. Barron was drafted seventh overall out of Alabama where he was a two-time All-American and National Champion. He played and stood out on arguably one of the best defenses in the history of college football.

With that being said, Barron’s game will translate nicely to the pros where he will ultimately be influential in stopping the run and pass. He has the speed, size and skill to be a Pro-Bowler someday soon according to most scouts. Barron is penciled in as the starter at strong safety next to Ronde Barber who will move from cornerback to free safety.

Keeper owners will want a young player like Barron on their squad for years to come and might have to reach to get him. He’s the best safety in a somewhat shallow draft class this year.

2012 IDP Rookies - Fantasy Football IDP Keeper League Rookies - Mychal Kendricks

Mychal Kendricks, LB, Philadelphia Eagles – The top linebackers in this year’s draft class is rounded out with the ultra-athletic Kendricks who looks to the Eagles’ starting strong side linebacker. It’s a position that doesn’t typically produce a lot on the stat sheet, but the former California Bear will be different.

Kendricks is going to be very good against the run, which has been a sore spot the past few seasons. He should also be pretty good in coverage as well as blitzing the quarterback on a very aggressive Eagles’ defense. He is a deep sleeper heading into the draft and will be a No. 3 linebacker at best this season.

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