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 league's waiver wires!
Linebackers
Garrett Wallow (HOU): We touched on Wallow about a month ago when there were injuries decimating the Texan linebacker corps. Now that Zach Cunningham is gone and a couple of the veterans are dealing with injuries or COVID, Wallow got his shot. He came through in a big way against the Jags and the rookie should continue to see meaningful snaps to round the season out. Christian Kirksey is steady but has bounced around and never really stuck anywhere. Grab Wallow now and stash him in hopes that he’s given a starting spot for the Texans in 2022.
Quincy Roche (NYG): Keep an eye on Roche in big play leagues. He is listed at linebacker at MyFantasyLeague but has really been more of an end for the Giants. If he gets regular snaps on the edge and gets the DL designation in 2022, he’ll be a nice sleeper. He’s not ultra-long but fits the Giants’ defensive scheme well and could provide help in deeper, big-play formats.
Jonathan Cooper (DEN): Another one we’ve highlighted here before, but bears repeating based on opportunity in 2022 and beyond. With Malik Reed out, Cooper’s stepped up. Bradley Chubb will be a game-wrecker for the Broncos, but Cooper projects well on the other edge.
Defensive Linemen
NaQuan Jones (DT – TEN): Jones has done well with limited snaps over the past few games. His best outing came last week against the Steelers, logging 3 solos and a sack. If he ends up a starter in 2022, we like him as a sleeper in start-DT formats. Not a rush add, but one to watch in those leagues.
Isaiah Loudermilk (DE – PIT): The gigantic ex-Wisconsin Badger (6’7”, 293 lbs.) will be in line for more snaps over the next 1-2 seasons with the current Steeler defensive linemen getting up there in age. Certainly worth a grab-and-stash in larger leagues. In limited work, he’s got a pair of pass breakups, a sack, and came through with 4 solos last week against the Titans.
D.J. Wonnum (DE – MIN): The 2-year pro from South Carolina had a massive Week 15 outing against the Bears, and will be a frontrunner to pair up with Danielle Hunter in 2022 and beyond. He fits the Vikings’ scheme well and could be a double-digit sack artist in seasons to come if given regular snaps. He’s DTS-eligible in most formats, so now’s a nice time to snatch him up and hope for the best.
Defensive Backs
Will Harris (S – DET): With unknowns at safety for the Lions in 2022, Harris could be a steadying presence that won’t hurt you with bad outings. If given the majority of the snaps, he’s typically good for 12-14 fantasy points. Still just 26 years old, he projects to be a major value should he stick as a starter for the Lions.
Paulson Adebo (CB – NOS): Adebo has seen regular work for the Saints since the start of the season. His production has waned a bit but if he projects as the starter opposite Marshon Lattimore in 2022, could be a nice value in leagues that break apart CB from the DB spot.
A.J. Parker (CB – DET): When given regular playing time, Parker has been pretty effective. In the second half of the season, he’s come through with 5 pass breakups and had six solo stops against the Cardinals last week. The Lions do have some talent at corner, so picking up Parker comes with some risk. But if you have room on your DTS in leagues that start CB independently, he’s a nice gamble.