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
Baron Browning (DEN): There has been a rash of injuries to the Bronco linebackers. Which ones will return to health in 2022? For now, the dark horse to be the best Bronco ‘backer moving forward is Browning. He’s proven to be a volume tackler when given the majority of the snaps. A.J. Johnson will be a free agent and Josey Jewell doesn’t have the athletic profile that Browning does. If you can get him cheap now, go for it.
Jaylon Smith (NYG): The guy was a stalwart LB1 for a few years and while it appears he’s lost a step, he can still put up some numbers. He had 5 solos, 2 assists, and a sack against the Bears last week; a sign that he may still have a bit left in the tank. He may be a bad “actual football” defenseman, but he can still produce fantasy-wise. He’s probably available on waiver wires and could be a decent dart throw in 2022.
Robert Spillane (PIT): This would be classified as a handcuff type of add. When given playing time, whether it be in Devin Bush or Joe Schoebert’s stead, he puts up numbers. Bush is a free agent in 2023 and the Steelers could certainly look to Spillane to fill that void. Worth a bench spot in bigger leagues.
Defensive Linemen
Josh Sweat (DE – PHI): We’ve touted him here in the past, but he remains on waiver wires. He’s the most gifted end on the Eagles right now and they’d be crazy to not give him the majority of the snaps in 2022 and beyond.
Yetur Gross-Matos (DE – CAR): Size. Speed. Length. Athletic. He’s got it all, he just needs guidance to put it all together. He’s still just 23 and will grow into his massive frame yet. Get him on your roster because 2022 could be a breakout year.
Defensive Backs
M.J. Stewart (CB – CLE): When given regular snaps, Stewart is a volume tackler who also chips in with pass deflections. Playing with other talented corners gives him more opportunities to produce. If given a starting spot for the Browns in 2022, he’ll be a solid every-week starter in CB-start leagues.
Marcell Harris (S– SFO): Current Niner regular starters don’t have much upside; Harris does. When he starts, he produces. Same with a lot of the suggestions here, if he’s a starter in 2022, he’s an every-week play.
Andre Cisco (S – JAC): There are a host of names that have been in and out of the lineup at both safety spots for the Jags in 2021. Cisco, a rookie out of Syracuse with ideal size, tallied 5 solos last week against the Pats. The Jags spent a high 3rd rounder on him, so it would stand to reason he is given a legit chance in 2022.