Let's take a quick look at a few linebackers, defensive linemen, and defensive backs who are either good grab-and-stash types or those that you should target in trades. Hope you enjoy the article and it opens your eyes to some of the gems that can be found on your leagues' waiver wires!
Linebackers
Josh Bynes (BAL): Anytime this guy gets regular snaps, he produces well. Malik Harrison has been out, and Patrick Queen, while extremely talented, just has not put up good numbers since the start of the season. Bynes is 32, so this is not an add-and-stash type of recommendation. This is for you owners that are looking for a steady LB2 in most formats and are in win-now mode.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin (DET): Reeves-Maybin has been on this list previously, but now that Detroit’s coming off its bye and has a great string of games in terms of potential linebacker production, we need to add him here again. He’s just 26 years old and had pretty good grades coming out of Tennessee in terms of potential. We really like his 4-week outlook.
Jonathon Cooper and Baron Browning (DEN): We highlighted a couple other Denver outside linebackers in previous iterations of this column, but now it looks like Cooper will be the Von Miller replacement, and has the chops to really produce. If you’re looking for steady tackles, however, look to Cooper’s old college teammate in Baron Browning. With all the injuries to the Bronco inside linebackers, Browning is now getting his shot. He could certainly be a cheap source of tackles for the remainder of the season and could hold down a starting spot in 2022 and beyond.
Defensive Linemen
Kenny Willekes (DE – MIN): With the departure of Stephen Weatherly and an injury to Danielle Hunter, Willekes has seen an increase in snaps. With just 41 snaps (42%) last week against the Ravens, he collected 7 total tackles and chipped in with a half-sack. A high-motor guy out of Michigan State, he could find his way into the regular rotation this season and mean more in 2022 and beyond. A nice taxi squad hold in a very thin position.
Denico Autry (DE – TEN): Autry was a game-wrecker last Sunday night against the Rams. He’s not a volume tackler but has shown up in other parts of the box score. The undrafted ex-Colt is a force for the Titan defense right now alongside Jeffery Simmons and the other edge rushers. If you’re in a big-play league that splits apart DE/DT and looking to win now, Autry is a decent DE2.
D.J. Jones (DT – SFO): The Niner line is chock full of talent, but the relatively unknown Jones out of Ole Miss has been a steady presence on the inside. He’s been gobbling up running backs to the tune of 9 solos and 4 assists over the past two weeks. If you’re in a league that splits apart DT from DL, he’s a solid add for the remainder of the season.
Defensive Backs
Tavon Wilson (S – SFO): With Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt both nursing injuries, Wilson has stepped in and produced like he used to with Detroit. Keep an eye on this situation, as if either Ward or Tartt or both miss significant time, Wilson could prove quite useful. He’s 31, so this is yet another win-now type of target.
Jonathan (Rudy) Ford (S– JAC): The Jags have been running with a 3-safety set over the past week, which makes it somewhat difficult to gauge which of the three will produce on a given week. Both Andrew Wingard and Rayshawn Jenkins have been steady tacklers, but Ford looks to have the most upside out of the trio. Worth adding and stashing in bigger leagues.
Elijah Molden (CB– TEN): Here’s a situation where the rookie-corner concept is in full effect. Molden has been tested, and has produced over the past month, filling the box score with not only tackles, but in the case of two weeks ago against the Colts, pass breakups and even an interception. As he continues to get regular snaps, the tackle and big-play potential will be there.