Linebackers
Ryan Connelly (NYG): With a rash of injuries plaguing the Giants linebacking corps, the former Wisconsin walk-on has been logging serious snaps. Honestly, Tae Davis was just a guy anyway, so look for Connelly to hold the job if he produces. He’s shown a nose for the ball and has some nice measurables. Definitely an add in all formats right now.
Bryce Hager (LAR): Purely a speculative add here, only because Cory Littleton has been racking up stats at ILB for the Rams for a couple of years now. Should he go down with an injury, Hager’s stock would soar. If you’re in a large league and have room on your roster, why not throw a buck at a guy who would be an instant LB2? What’s promising is that even with limited snaps, he adds some tackle stats every week.
Preston Smith/ZaDarius Smith (GBP): Both of these guys are fitting in nicely in the new-look Packer defense. Preston has been filling up the box score nicely, and Za’Darius has three sacks in as many games. If you’re in a big-play league, larger league, or are facing some bye-week issues, either one of these guys could be a decent fill-in.
Defensive Linemen
Carl Nassib (DE – TBB): Nassib has been a favorite of mine since his days in Cleveland. He’s a hard worker that has shown a nose for the football. DC Todd Bowles has been dialing up the pressure for the Buc defense and it’s resulted in guys like Shaq Barrett posting monster stats. Nassib is one to watch in larger leagues. He’s no J.J. Watt but could prove useful if you’re looking to fill a very thin position on a bye week.
Jonathan Ledbetter (DE – MIA): This is a grab-and-stash recommendation only, as Ledbetter is currently on IR. Prior to going on IR, he logged a trio of assisted tackles and a half-sack against the Ravens Week 1. The Dolphins are going to be terrible again next season and Ledbetter could potentially see himself inserted into the starting lineup. If you have unlimited IR slots, grab him for a buck, sign him to a two-year deal and throw him on IR, hoping for significant snaps in 2020.
Danny Shelton (DT – NEP): I typically stay away from Patriot defenders, but Shelton has shown he can make tackles (4 solos, 2 assists Week 3) and get to the quarterback (one sack Week 2). If your league splits up the DL spot, Shelton could prove useful. He’s just 26 so he definitely has a few useful more years in him.
Defensive Backs
Roderic Teamer (S – LAC): Out of pure necessity, the undrafted rookie out of Tulane has been forced into action for the Bolts. He logged 100% of the snaps last week in his first start and came through with 6 solos and an assisted stop. If he produces this season, he could end up starting alongside Derwin James, pushing Nasir Adderley out of the picture.
Bobby McCain (S – MIA): As detailed above, the Dolphins aren’t doing much this year or next, so their defense could potentially produce some IDP stars. McCain is being forced into full-time duty at safety and has been putting up numbers the past couple of weeks.
Johnathan Joseph (CB – HOU): This is definitely not a pick for those that are rebuilding; rather this is a win-now type of swing. Joseph is racking up tackles (19 solos, 4 assists) and pass breakups (4) already this season. Even if your league doesn’t split apart the DB spot, Joseph is worth rostering now that bye weeks are upon us.