Seeing that we're in our last week of the 2018 season, I will take a quick scan of my nine IDP/dynasty teams' taxi squads to see what players jump out at me as being names to watch for the 2019 season and beyond.
Linebackers
Elandon Roberts (NEP): Holding out hope that this guy eventually puts up regular numbers, as he's technically the MLB starter for the Pats. Right now, it's Kyle Van Noy who's putting up the starter-level numbers and that's from the SLB spot, which is truly a rarity in this game. Roberts is a plus athlete that can deliver huge hits. We'd like to see some consistency in tackle numbers before we're able to plug him in on a weekly basis.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin (DET): Might be time to cut bait here. The speeder outside linebacker did show some promise coming into his rookie season but hasn't done much since. WLB Christian Jones isn't going anywhere, at least not in 2019, so Reeves-Maybin is really going to have to shine to break through.
Josey Jewell (DEN): Filling in for the injured Brandon Marshall, Jewell flashed some ability during the 2018 season. Problem is, both Marshall and fellow ILB Todd Davis are signed through the 2020 season, making it difficult for Jewell to get more than spot duty. Now, Marshall was generally a disappointment, missing most of the second half of the 2018 season, and clearly isn't the player he once was. So there's a chance the Broncos decide to shed his salary and roll with the younger Jewell alongside Davis.
Malik Jefferson (CIN): With all the injuries the Bengals had in their linebacking corps this season, we would have liked to see Jefferson get more than a measly 11.25 points. That said, he did end up on injured reserve so not much he could do from there. Still holding out hope that Jefferson gets a shot, as I'm certainly not a believer in Vontaze Burfict being able to stay healthy (or not suspended).
Defensive Linemen
Jordan Willis (DE - CIN): What's likable about Willis is he's currently slotted behind a couple of aging Bengal ends in Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap. Willis got about the same number of snaps in 2018 as Johnson, and Johnson's contract was listed as "undisclosed" so it stands to reason the 31-year old Johnson may be gone in 2019.
Solomon Thomas (DE - SFO): Holding out hope here, too. Thomas' numbers took a hit in 2018, coming down from a promising rookie campaign. Good thing that there are a host of mediocre pass rushers garnering playing time for the Niners. Thomas' game is oftentimes impressive but he lacks consistency. Going to keep him on my DTS as there's definitely promise here, but will cut bait if he's not listed as a starter in 2019.
Marcus Davenport (DE - NOS): The first-rounder showed his talent in a handful of games in 2018 but could be viewed as a disappointment, generally splitting time with Alex Okafor. Okafor is signed through next season so it looks like the two will again split pass rush duties opposite Cameron Jordan. Now, Davenport is clearly the better talent so it stands to reason Davenport will be pegged the starter, with Okafor coming in for special situations only. We'd like to see Davenport collect more sacks and log some more tackles before we pull him up from the taxi squad.
Defensive Backs
Levi Wallace (CB - BUF): I added Wallace late this past season as he supplanted Taron Johnson opposite TreDavious White. White is bordering on studly at this point so the opposite corner may see an increased number of tackles and big-play opportunities. Wallace, if dubbed the starter in 2019, might be a cheap source of points in leagues that start CB separately.
Ronnie Harrison (S - JAC): If by chance he's still available in your league, grab him. He will assuredly be the strong safety starter for the Jags in 2019 and we know that this position can put up points. When given the starting spot this year he did struggle with consistency, but the whole Jag team seemed "off" this season, so we're confident that Harrison will be a mid-level DB2 with the potential to put up DB1 numbers some weeks.
Tony Brown (CB - GBP): Lots of excellent young defensive backs on the Packers this past season. A dark horse could be Brown, who shined towards the end of the season. He's got the pedigree and could be given a chance at a starting spot in 2019.
