IDP Undervalued Stars Set To Shine

When the IDP season kicks off, owners quickly transform into modern‑day treasure hunters, sifting through the noise to find value that isn’t shouted from the rooftops. The obvious top performers—like All‑Pros, sack leaders and green‑dot linebackers—are already claimed by everyone. Championships are rarely built on collecting the most famous names alone. This piece zeroes in on five players who sit just below the radar but bring elite upside at a fraction of their true worth.

The following rundown breaks down why each of these talents could be plucked in the late rounds or even left on waivers, delivering noticeable returns for bold managers.

Josh Hines‑Allen (Jaguars)

Josh Hines‑Allen has been the third‑best defensive lineman in true pass‑rush win rate this season, sitting behind Myle Garrett and Will Anderson. Despite that, his ADP typically lands a round or two after elite names, making him a DL2 with DL1 potential. He posted a 15.8% pressure rate over the past three campaigns and was second in pressures last year, even though his sack total sat at eight. The impact plays that generate sacks can be inconsistent, so his steady pressure production makes him a floor‑grade asset.

Josh Uche (Miami Dolphins)

Josh Uche ranks fifth in true pass‑rush win rate, trailing only Garrett, Anderson, Hines‑Allen and Aidan Hutchinson—a list that underscores his elite pass‑rush skill. He is currently exposed on waivers despite his pass‑rush credentials, a rarity for a player of his caliber. Uche enjoyed an 11.5‑sack campaign in 2022 with the New England Patriots, his most productive year to date. This season he will line up opposite Chop Robinson in Miami, where the offense is projected to be among the league’s worst, giving him ample one‑on‑one opportunities.

Barrett Carter (Cincinnati Bengals)

Barrett Carter earned a green‑dot designation from the Bengals and sits third among rookies in total tackles, racking up 106 stops (53 solo) as a rookie. The team didn’t add any new linebackers in the offseason, leaving Carter as the clear frontrunner for snaps. As a rookie, he already proved he can handle a heavy workload, and the expectation is that his role will only grow with age. Drafters can secure him in the deepest leagues at a bargain price, giving them a cheap, high‑floor option.

Kaden Elliss (New Orleans Saints)

Kaden Elliss returns to the Saints after a solid LB23 finish in Atlanta under the league’s IDP scoring system. He replaces Demario Davis, who also posted an LB27 ranking in the same scheme, meaning the playing time simply shifts to a new face. Elliss’s ability to absorb a high volume of defensive snaps without a drop in production makes him a reliable mid‑round pick. His transition to New Orleans keeps him in a system that rewards high tackle counts, offering consistent fantasy value.

DeShon Elliott (Pittsburgh Steelers)

DeShon Elliott is being overlooked as the Steelers add it‑security corners and linebackers, but his box‑backer role stays intact. In 2025 he posted 38 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception before injury halted his season, and he turned 108 of 111 tackle opportunities into stops in 2024 (97.3%). His 61 solo stops showcase his ability to excel in a coverage‑light role season after season. Elliott’s ADP will likely tumble as more managers recognize his steady production, making him another late‑round steal.

Honorable Mention: Kevin Winston Jr. (Tennessee Titans)

Kevin Winston Jr. is a former Penn State tackler who missed just one career tackle in college and projects as an elite box defender. New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley favors single‑high safety sets, which let Winston dominate in run support while limiting his value in pass coverage. He posted mixed results last season but brings a high‑impact resume that many IDP owners overlook. Picking him as a deep stash can pay off if you trust Bradley’s system to highlight his strengths.