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
Damien Wilson (DET): Myles Jack is dealing with a back problem, and Wilson’s making the most of it. He won’t log 9 solos every week (he did last week), but 4-5 solos and 1-2 assists every week is very possible, even if Jack returns. He’s 28, so this is a win-now type of add recommendation. Great bye week filler while Jack nurses his bad back.
Joe Bachie (CIN): Logan Wilson is finally ballin’, but even with him filling up the box score, there are opportunities for other Bengal linebackers to put up some stats. Enter Bachie, who was a productive tackler while at Michigan State. He got his first run of the season last week and chipped in with 3 solos and 2 helpers with just 14 snaps. That kind of snap-to-tackle ratio is nice to see. Add him, stash him.
Jamien Sherwood (NYJ): His current MFL designation is linebacker, but he’s been getting run at safety for the Jets, especially with Marcus Maye away from the team. Definitely a speculative add but his value could jump a bit if he’s getting regular snaps at either position.
Defensive Linemen
Jonathan Greenard (DE – HOU): Greenard is definitely the hottest DL add given the position is so shallow once again. Whitney Mercilus was sent packing, so Greenard’s snap counts will likely jump accordingly. He has 4 sacks on the season and has proven to be a capable tackler. Add him now because he can produce.
Marcus Davenport (DE – NOS): Davenport has been hurt for several weeks, but has reportedly returned to practice. The Saints desperately need his pass rush prowess pairing with Cameron Jordan. Payton Turner has been the best fill-in while Davenport has nursed his shoulder, but will likely see his snap counts decreased once Davenport is back. This is kind of a do-or-die stretch for the very talented Davenport. He was a high draft pick and has great size and speed; will he produce accordingly? Worth stashing if available.
Armon Watts (DT – MIN): This giant run-stuffer is likely available in your start-DT leagues. He’s good for 3 or so solos and a handful of assists every week. He’s only getting about half of the total defensive snaps and is still producing. If those snaps were to rise, so would the production. Worth stashing in those start-DT leagues.
Defensive Backs
J.C. Jackson (CB – NEP): Jackson has been a machine in terms of passes defensed. He’s good for at least one a game and has been chipping in with around 4 solo tackles per contest too. Those numbers provide for a solid DB3 or bye week filler. These numbers shouldn’t come down.
Sean Chandler (S – CAR): The 4th year pro from Temple is getting most or all of the snaps the past couple of weeks for the Panther secondary. He burst onto the scene with 7 solos, 3 helpers, and a forced fumble last week. Don’t expect that kind of production every week with Jeremy Chinn on the other side, but Chandler could be a nice addition for those looking for some help at DB.
Nate Hobbs (CB – LVR): With all the injuries in the Raider secondary, the rookie is getting lots of run. Opposing quarterbacks are testing him, and while the passes defensed should be higher, he’s been making a lot of tackles in coverage. If the batted passes stat goes up, he’s a great addition.