T.J. Watt

Watt was the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year with a record-tying 22.5 sacks but was limited to a career-low 10 games last year after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery following Week 1. The 2017 first-rounder was productive when he returned to the field and finished the year with 39 tackles (27 solo), including 5.5 sacks, with two interceptions, a forced fumble and five pass defenses. Injuries have been the primary concern during Watt's career, but if he can stay relatively healthy in 2023, he should remain among the league's top defensive players.

Watt dealt with various injuries in 2021 and was forced to miss two games, but he still had a career-best season and was rewarded with NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. The 27-year-old totaled 64 tackles (48 solo) while tying the single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks. In addition, he racked up seven pass defenses, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Watt became the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history when he signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension in September, and he should remain one of the top defensive players in the league as long as he can remain healthy in 2022.

Even though Watt rested during the Steelers' Week 17 matchup in 2020, he still led the league with a career-high 15 sacks. His efforts earned him 20 votes for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, as he finished second in voting to Aaron Donald, who received 27 votes. The Steelers unsurprisingly exercised Watt's fifth-year option prior to the 2020 campaign, so the 2021 season marks the final year of his rookie deal. Watt could draw more attention off the line in 2021 after Bud Dupree signed with the Titans during the offseason, but Watt still managed to make an impact late in 2020 after Dupree tore his ACL. In total, Watt recorded 53 tackles (43 solo), two forced fumbles and one interception in 2020.

It is no surprise that the Steelers exercised Watt's fifth-year team option for 2021 following a second-straight Pro Bowl performance last season. Arguably the lynchpin of a defense that led the league in sacks and takeaways, while also allowing the fifth-fewest yards and points, he recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks -- fourth most in the league -- to go with a league-leading eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two interceptions. There is nothing to suggest a regression in 2020, making the 25-year old linebacker a top five IDP selection in most fantasy formats.

Watt's sophomore season was even better than his rookie campaign. He was among the top-10 in sacks in the league, finishing with a team-high 13 in the category. Watt also forced six fumbles, second only to Dee Ford and brother J.J. with seven each. Only 24 years old to start the 2019 season Watt, who logged 68 tackles in 2018, is an elite athlete, who remains firmly on the IDP radar.

Last year's first round pick (30th overall) lived up to all expectations, with 54 tackles, seven sacks, an interception and a forced fumble in 15 games. The continued absence of Ryan Shazier could allow opponents to double-team Watt, but there is nothing to suggest he cannot build on his successful rookie season, making his an obvious IDP option.