IDP Dynasty Sleepers, Week 17

Linebackers

Luke Masterson (LVR): The Raiders’ linebacker corps has been decimated this season, and they’re down to an undrafted rookie out of Wake Forest to lead the way as the season winds down. Masterson is no slouch, though. He can make tackles. He has 11 solo stops and 10 assists in the past two contests. Figure he will be incredibly busy chasing Christian McCaffrey around next week and could figure into the starting rotation come 2023.

Reggie Ragland (CLE): Another linebacker corps that’s been beset by injury is the Browns’ corps. They peeled Ragland off the scrap heap to pair up with Deion Jones. He won’t stuff the stat sheet with pass breakups or big plays, but this two-down thumper will make tackles. He totaled 10 tackles in Week 16 against the Saints, his most since 2018. Prospects look good for him to approach that total again in Week 17 against the run-heavy Commanders. Since this piece is geared towards dynasty, I must admit his long-term prospects don’t look great. But if you’re in a deep league and need a third linebacker to plug in for your championship, you could do worse with this high-floor tackler.

Anthony Barr (DAL): Another recommendation that is really just for Week 17, but the matchup is just too juicy to ignore. Plus, there’s no one else stepping up to make tackles in the absence of Leighton Vander Esch. We thought Damone Clark would be the guy, but right now, it looks like the veteran Barr is the steady presence who will make some tackles. The matchup against the run-heavy Titans is fantastic, and Barr does have the chops to fill other stat categories.

Defensive Linemen

Carl Granderson (DE - NOS): We’ve featured Granderson here before, but it’s worth noting again that he’s on free-agent lists in many smaller leagues and should be rostered. Cameron Jordan is almost 34 years old, and while he’s signed through 2024, it’s wise to think that Granderson will eventually get more playing time, especially if fellow youngsters Payton Turner and Marcus Davenport fizzle. And both have been disappointing at best.

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (DE - IND): Another repeat recommendation here, but too good to ignore. Yes, he’s 27 and will be 28 in the 2023 season, but he looks like a competent pass rusher. The Texans will need playmakers on their defensive front in 2023 and beyond. Can Okoronkwo be that guy? Certainly worth a roster spot in larger leagues despite his age.

D.J. Reader (DT – CIN): For those in leagues that separate defensive tackles and ends, we look to the big space eater out of Clemson. Since being out with injury, he’s shown the ability not only to tackle but break up passes and jump on loose balls. He has been an integral part of the improving Bengal defense and has a solid Week 17 matchup in case you need a plug-and-play tackle with some upside.

Defensive Backs

Marcus Jones (CB – NEP): This guy straight-up exploded for 45-plus points last week, yes, but he’s also been rather consistent over the past month. The rookie has shown his playmaking ability on many occasions, and you look at the Week 17 matchup against Miami and feel that it should be productive. And should he get a starting gig in 2023, he’d be a solid weekly play in leagues that break apart cornerbacks and safeties.

Reed Blankenship (S - PHI): The undrafted rookie out of Middle Tennessee State is back on the field and came through with eight total tackles last week. He will certainly be considered for a starting spot in the Eagles’ defensive backfield, which typically has been productive fantasy-wise. Worth stashing.

Akayleb Evans (CB - MIN): A purely speculative add here, as the Vikings’ corners have often produced well fantasy-wise. When given a starting gig, he scored 13 fantasy points per game. He not only showed the ability to tackle but could also break up passes. He’s a solid add for 2023 and beyond.