Linebackers
James Houston IV (DET): Not sure how much there’s to see here, but he did record a couple of sacks in his NFL debut on Thanksgiving. He’s definitely undersized as a pass rusher but could provide a spark for this gritty Detroit squad, especially with Charles Harris now on IR, and both of the Okwaras are nursing injuries too.
Isaiah McDuffie (GBP): At some point, this underperforming Packer team is going to pack it in and start playing rookies and youngsters like McDuffie more. We know Quay Walker is a budding star alongside DeVondre Campbell, but what if one (or both) of those guys were to go out with a major injury? Krys Barnes is there, but the smell test comes back as just a guy on him. McDuffie has some promise. A decent stash-and-see.
E.J. Speed (IND): Deep league only recommendation here, as we all know that the Colts have a bevy of studly linebackers. But things could change roster-wise, and of course, injuries happen. If, by chance, a couple of their mainstays were to go down or somehow not be on the Colts in 2023 and beyond, Speed would have an opportunity. Again, deep leagues only here and just a stash for now.
Defensive Linemen
Yannick Ngakoue (DE - IND): He is likely still on someone’s roster, but perhaps you can get him on the cheap right now. He doesn’t offer much in the way of volume tackles, but he’s gone six games in a row with at least a half-sack. That’s nice production, especially in big-play formats. If you’re a contender and can get him cheaply, he may finish the season well and help you take the trophy.
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DreMont Jones (DE - DEN): Jones has a good size-speed profile and pedigree, and he started the season with eight real good weeks before disappearing for a couple. He had seven total tackles last week and while the matchups left on the schedule aren’t fantastic in terms of making big plays, he may chip in with some tackles and perhaps get to the quarterback a few more times this season.
Davon Hamilton (DT – JAC): The big dude out of Ohio State had a terrific Week 12 against the Ravens, and the upcoming matchups are fairly favorable in terms of him chipping in with tackles and big plays. In leagues that break apart tackles from the defensive line position, he might be worth rostering for the rest of the season.
Defensive Backs
Duron Harmon (S – LVR): We spotlighted Harmon a week or so back, but he needs to be on the list again since no one else for the Raiders can really tackle on the back end. Harmon’s getting the snaps, and Trevon Moehrig is really just a center-fielder that doesn’t tackle much. There are a few really nice matchups coming up here, so if you need a safe, plug-and-play DB2, Harmon fits the bill and is probably available in many leagues. He’s no spring chicken, so this is really more of a win-now type of call.
Martin Emerson (CB –CLE): Man, this guy is an excellent tackler. He has seven solos and five helpers in his past two contests and had a whopping four pass breakups last week against the Bucs. The rookie corner rule is in effect here, but it looks like he may be a solid add moving forward in leagues that break apart cornerback from the defensive back position.
Rudy Ford (S – GBP): Darnell Savage was benched prior to Week 12’s tilt against the Eagles and then got hurt on his first snap as the dime corner. So moving forward, it looks like Ford will start opposite Adrian Amos. Amos can be a stat-sheet-stuffer, but there’s room for another defensive back to produce for this defense right now. Ford chipped in with six solos, three assists, and a forced fumble in his 80 snaps against the Eagles.