Defensive Dynasty Fantasy Football Players on the Rise: Edgerrin Cooper, Jordan Battle and More

Yesterday, I went over some offensive dynasty football players who were on the rise going into week 2.

Today, I'm back to look at some dynasty defensive players on the rise.

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Edgerrin Cooper - Packers

Cooper has already played his game in week 2, but he's been stellar, so he deserves some attention.

He had 12 combined tackles in week 1 against the Lions. Cooper had 10 tackles, two QB hits and a half sack on Thursday against the Commanders.

Cooper has played nearly every defensive snap in the first two games, and is going to remain a high-end IDP option all season. If you don't already roster Cooper and he's still available in your league, change that now by adding him.

If you are looking to grab him for the long haul, make the move now, as his value is likely to only keep increasing from here. He's going to be a good IDP option for a long, long time.

Tykee Smith - Buccaneers

Smith was great in week 1, and could be in store for a breakout IDP season.

The 24-year-old safety had 11 combined tackles in week one. He also knocked down a pass.

He had so-so numbers across 13 games in his rookie season, but only started on six occasions. Smith looks to have a bigger role for 2025, and it's going to help him be a pretty good IDP option.

Get him on your team before it's too late.

Will Johnson - Texans

Johnson was a second-round pick this past offseason, and looked good in week 1.

He had just one tackle, but knocked down three passes. Johnson played 60% of the team's defensive snaps, and that could grow as the season moves along.

Of course, if he continues to do a good job in shutting down opposing wideouts, his fantasy value might not be the best, but I like him to play more and deliver more tackles in the games to come.

Cornerback isn't the best IDP position, but he's just 22 years old and seems to have a bright future ahead of him. I'd get him rostered in IDP leagues where cornerbacks are required.

Devonte Wyatt - Packers

I'm taking another Packers' defender, but after how the defense has looked through two weeks, can you blame me?

Wyatt is getting more playing time and taking on more after Kenny Clark was traded away. Through two weeks, Wyatt has five QB hits, five tackles, two passes defensed and two sacks.

He's played 73% of the team's snaps each week, so that's a good guess where he'll be most weeks. With a sack in each game, and a handful of tackles, there's enough fantasy value to add Wyatt in your IDP league.

This could be his breakout season, and even though he's already 27, I see several more big seasons ahead of him.

Jordan Battle - Bengals

Battle was awesome in week 1 in a much-better looking Bengals' defense.

He finished 12 combined tackles and an interception. Battle matched his season high in picks in the first game, and also tied a career high in tackles.

Battle has been solid over his first two years in the league, but maybe has taken a step forward as his third year starts up. After playing 48% of the defensive snaps as a rookie and then 41% of the snaps last season, he was on the field for all 76 defensive snaps in week 1.

That alone gives him more fantasy value. I'd be all for adding Battle as week 2 closes in. He could enjoy a breakout season, and he's just 24 years old still.

Chamarri Conner - Chiefs

Conner was really good in week 1, and also looks destined for a bigger role in 2025.

He had 10 tackles and a forced fumble in week 1. Conner had 77 tackles across 15 games (nine starts) last year, so he's been on the rise for a while.

Conner played nearly every defensive snap in week 1. He was at 61% last year, so he looks to have earned a bigger role for this year. Give him a look, as the defensive back could be in for a good IDP showing in 2025, and beyond.

Kyle Hamilton - Ravens

Malaki Starks was the shiny new defensive piece Baltimore added in the offseason, but it was Hamilton who stole the show in week 1.

He had nine tackles, two pass breakups and a forced fumble. 

Hamilton has been a good IDP asset since he got into the league, but could be headed toward his biggest season yet in 2025. He plays nearly every snap and is a good/great IDP option to unleash.

Jarvis Brownlee - Titans

Brownlee was one of the Tennessee defensive players who helped keep the Denver offense in check in week 1.

Brownlee had nine tackles, including two for losses, and a pass defensed.

He played nearly every defensive snap, after getting on the field for 86% of the team's defensive snaps as a rookie. 

Brownlee already posted good tackle numbers in his rookie year, but he could be headed for even better marks in 2025. At 24 years old, I really like his outlook moving forward. I'd get him on my team before it's too late.