As we bring the 2020 season to a close, we take a final look at a few linebackers, defensive linemen and defensive backs that are either good "grab-and-stash" types, or those that you should target in off-season trades. Hope you enjoyed the article and it opened your eyes to some of the gems that can be found on your leagues' waiver wires!
Linebackers
Darius Harris (KCC): Willie Gay Jr is likely already rostered, and to be honest he hasn't been all that impressive in getting sporadic snap counts over the 2020 season. Anthony Hitchens is a fine veteran but isn't wowing anyone. Ben Niemann is "just a guy". Same with Damien Wilson for the most part. Niemann went out with injury part-way through last week's game and Harris stepped in, logging 4 solos in 54 snaps. With nothing to play for in Week 17, you might get a good glimpse of what Harris is all about as he pairs with the more highly-touted Gay.
David Long, Jr. (TEN): This is a bit of a longshot since the Titans really like their young linebackers in Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans. But Brown is a free agent in 2021 and Evans could be cut loose in 2022. Long proved he is a capable fill-in, providing soild production in the last couple of weeks in filling in for the injured Brown. We highlighted Long here before but wanted to reinforce the fact that Long is certainly worth grabbing and stashing in case the team decides to let Brown walk or if either one of Brown or Evans gets hurt again.
Raekwon McMillan (LVR): Cory Littleton was a high-priced addition last off-season, but was more or less a disappointment. Nicholas Morrow was the better overall linebacker this season. Not saying the Silver & Black will cut bait with Littleton, but holding onto a high-floor, volume tackler like McMillan is always advisable when there is an MLB or WLB spot that could become open at some point. McMillian was productive with Miami and is still just 24 years old. He'll cost you nothing but a roster spot; add him and sign him to a year deal in case Littleton's slide continues.
Blake Lynch (MIN): Troy Dye was the rookie Viking linebacker most added last summer, but it looks like Lynch is the one to own based on usage. Look, Eric Kendricks isn't going anywhere, but you could do worse than handcuffing to a position that's been highly productive in the past. Lynch came through with ten total tackles last week, logging almost every defensive snap for the Vikings. Eric Wilson has been underrated and the team brought in Todd Davis, but they do like Lynch a lot and so should you. He's a rookie 'backer that belongs on your taxi squad.
Defensive Linemen
Zach Allen (DE - ARI): The Cardinals will have Chandler Jones back next season, but there's always room for a second pass-rusher on any defense. What we like about Allen is his ability to fill up the box score with a variety of stats: tackles (11 total against the Eagles Week 15), pass breakups (one each of the past two weeks) and sacks (two this season). With increased usage, Allen could be a cheap DL3 in larger leagues.
Trevon Coley and John Franklin-Myers (DE - NYJ): Built more for the interior, Coley proved he can stop the run in 2020, and Franklin-Myers filled up the box score on more than one occasion You've gotta think the Jets will be completely overhauling their team this off-season, so perhaps Coley and Franklin-Myers are given some opportunities to work with Quinnen Williams.
Isaac Rochell (DE - LAC): It seems Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram III are quite injury-prone so Rochell will likely see increased opportunities for the Bolts. His production wasn't all that impressive, but he comes with great size, pedigree, and unless the Chargers draft another edge, will likely be first in line behind Bosa and Ingram for snaps.
Da'Ron Payne (DT - WAS): Another repeat appearance here for Payne, but we see him on multiple free agent lists and need to urge you all to go grab him, even in leagues that combine DT with DE, as Payne's still just 23 and that Washington Football Team line will only continue to improve. In leagues that separate DT, he's a must-have/must-start.
Defensive Backs
Deshon Elliott (S - BAL): If you're looking for a high-floor tackler on a defense that will always allow for defensive backfield production, look to Elliott. Chuck Clark remains the 1a to Elliott's 1b back there, but if you need a bye week filler where you know you'll get 12-14 points, Elliott is safe.
Daryl Worley (CB - LVR): When healthy, Worley has proven he can not only make tackles but break up passes as well. He'll go back to a starting corner spot in 2021 and will be a cheap option for leagues that start CB independent of DB.
Michael Ojemudia (CB - DEN): Another high-volume tackler at the corner spot appears to be the rookie from Iowa. He'll be firmly entrenched as a starter for the Broncos in 2021 and like Worley, will be a cheap option you can likely rely on every week.
Donovan Wilson (S - DAL): Another guy we've highlighted here before, but remains available in many leagues we looked at. He will likely be a starter for the Cowboys in 2021 and will provide you with double-digit fantasy points most weeks, and has the potential to go for 19+ some weeks too.