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 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
Frankie Luvu (CAR): Shaq Thompson is a solid, do-it-all linebacker for the Panthers, but there are still many opportunities for tackles for other Panther ‘backers. Right now it’s Luvu who’s the volume tackler for this defense. He has 15 solos in two games. He won’t do much else, but if you’re looking for a solid fill-in or third linebacker in larger leagues, Luvu fits the bill. He’s only 26 so there’s tread on the tires.
Uchenna Nwosu (SEA): This recommendation is for those in big-play leagues or in deep-bench leagues. Nwosu has been filling up the box scores the past couple of weeks. Depending on the matchup, he could really put up some points. The 25-year-old ex-Trojan is getting 70%+ of the snaps and is the main outside linebacker for an aggressive defense.
Blake Martinez (FA): Just a hunch but I sense he’ll land somewhere in the next 2-3 weeks. Baltimore’s been sniffing around and he’d be a good fit there. Patrick Queen’s production has slipped, so Martinez could become a high-volume tackler on that defense. Get him while he’s cheap or even free in some leagues.
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Defensive Linemen
Trevis Gipson (DE - CHI): Well last week we recommended his teammate Dominique Robinson (still keep him on your radar), but this week we’ll put Gipson here, who came through with a couple of sacks last week against the Packers. He’s also shown the ability to knock passes down, which bodes well for his long-term potential. The Bears desperately need a secondary pass rusher, and it could be Gipson. Add and stash.
Dorance Armstrong (DE - DAL): The Cowboys have been looking for a Randy Gregory replacement to rush the passer opposite Demarcus Lawrence. Could it be Armstrong? He came through with a pair of sacks against the Bengals last week. He’s still splitting time with Dante Fowler and Chauncey Golston for now, but keep him on your radar especially in big-play formats.
D.J. Reader (DT – CIN): Reader’s made this list in the past, mainly due to his ability to run-stuff and gobble up tackles. He had 5 solos and a fumble recovery last week and is getting 60%+ of the snaps every week and making the most of it. A solid add in leagues that force you to start DT independently.
Defensive Backs
Mike Edwards (S – TBB): We all recognize that Antoine Winfield is a stud, but Edwards has shown that he can produce in the same defensive backfield, filling up the box score with tackles and passes defended. He has two solid matchups coming up (vs. GBP and vs. KCC), so if you’re struggling to find a second defensive back to start, Edwards’ floor is pretty high and he’s just 26, so he has some solid years ahead.
Donovan Wilson (S – DAL): Looks like Jayron Kearse is on the mend so Wilson will man the strong side for the Cowboy defensive backfield, a spot that has usually yielded fair fantasy production. Wilson’s shown the ability to tackle (10 solos thus far), and fill up other stats as well. He’s a solid short-term add if nothing else, but could hold the job.
Nate Hobbs (CB – LVR): Lots of producing cornerbacks are likely available in your league, but Hobbs is probably your best bet. He’s proven to be the high-volume tackler on the edge of the defensive backfield for the Raiders. A whopping 15 solos in two games, both against pass-happy offenses. If he’s facing teams that are chucking the rock a ton, he’s a good bet to get you at least 4-5 solos and maybe bat a ball or two down. His prognosis against the Titans is middling, so just grab him and wait until he faces the likes of the Chiefs Week 5.