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
Alex Anzalone (DET): I had my eye on Anzalone in the preseason, and so far he’s been inconsistent but has shown he can be a cheap source of tackles. Jamie Collins can’t tackle everyone, so Anzalone playing next to him will prove to be a lower-end LB3 in most formats.
Mack Wilson (CLE): He’s still just 23, and has shown flashes of being an elite defender. There are tackles to be had for the Browns defense and no one appears to be stepping up just yet. If you have an open roster spot or just want to take a stab at a high-ceiling type of linebacker, Wilson fits the bill.
Damien Wilson (JAC): Myles Jack is the linebacker to own for the Jags, but if you’re looking to add some depth with a guy who won’t kill you during your bye weeks, Wilson can produce. We especially like a four-game stretch following their Week 7 bye; if you’re going to be hit by bye weeks during those weeks and want a plug-and-play LB3 in deeper formats, you can do worse than Wilson.
Defensive Linemen
Zach Sieler (DE – MIA): There’s not a ton of flash here, but the big guy out of little-known Ferris State has popped up on our radar a few times over the past couple of years. He’s getting a good amount of snaps opposite Emmanuel Ogbah and has had a couple of decent outings to start the season. DL is once again a shallow pool, so keeping an eye out on a guy like Sieler has merit.
John Franklin-Myers (DE – NYJ): Franklin-Myers has a sack in each of the first two weeks and has even forced a fumble. For a defense like the Jets, that’s not bad. He’s out-snapping their free-agent add Shaq Lawson and is making the most of it. He’s just 24, so there are some useful years left if he’s able to continue the hot start.
Grover Stewart (DT – IND): Need to add a tackle to the list, so we’ll target the big guy from Albany State. He’s a run-stuffer who has proven he can bat balls down as well. If you’re in a league that starts defensive tackles separately from ends, he’s worth a look. He’s keeping pace snap-count-wise with DeForest Buckner but obviously comes at a much-reduced price.
Defensive Backs
Kendall Fuller (CB – WAS): Fuller has proven to be a valuable corner in this league for several years now, and is off to a nice start in 2021. Against the right opponent, he will provide volume tackles, and has shown he can not only pick balls off but sack the quarterback too. That’s a valuable skill for a corner, especially in a fantasy context.
Jayron Kearse (S – DAL): Kearse is definitely the safety to own for Dallas right now. Donovan Wilson has been inconsistent and is dinged right now. Damonte Kazee fits the system but has been average at best. Right now, Kearse is putting up the numbers and there’s nothing to suggest they’ll taper off. The Clemson product is still just 27 so there are serviceable years left.
James Pierre (CB – PIT): Pierre has 12 solos in two games thus far, and with Joe Haden out, has been fantastic. It remains to be seen what happens with Haden’s back, but at this point, you can’t ignore the production, so if you’re in a league that breaks apart your defensive backs, he’s worth a look.