Nate Irving

Irving recorded a career-high 46 tackles over just eight games in 2014, before a knee issue brought his season to an early end, further adding to Denver's injury woes at linebacker. He later had ACL surgery and his status for the start of the season is uncertain. Despite the knee injury, the Colts signed him to a three-year, $9.25 million contract. If healthy, Irving could be the top backup at both inside linebacker spots, which would leave him one injury away from IDP relevance in deeper leagues.

Irving is expected to be the Broncos' starting middle linebacker this season, which could afford him some decent tackle numbers. Danny Trevathan continues to be the upside IDP linebacker, but with Von Miller primarily focused on rushing the passer, Irving should be given ample snaps to find the ball-carrier.

Will likely slot in as one of the starting middle linebackers after Joe Mays was released in July.

Expected to back up Joe Mays at middle linebacker.

Like Kelvin Sheppard and Mason Foster, Irving is a talented rookie who could instantly turn into a standout IDP in the right situation. Irving is a high-motor playmaker who, despite having the tendency to play a bit reckless, figures to be a natural fit in coach John Fox’s attack-style 4-3 defense. The loosely expected outcome with the Denver linebackers is D.J. Williams on the weak side, Von Miller on the strong side and Irving in the middle. If that ends up being the case, send Irving way up the list. He figures to be a menace to NFL backfields after totaling 32.5 tackles for loss the last two years at North Carolina State.