4 LB Value Picks

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The linebacker position for IDP used to be flooded with talent. The difference between LB15 and LB30 was not really that far off in recent years. More recently, teams have been using Dime and Nickel defenses as their base defenses. Because of this, three-down linebackers are becoming more of a commodity. Draft strategies are now changing. Instead of waiting on linebackers, fantasy managers are jumping on the elite talent early, much like they used to do for the elite defensive line players. Linebackers score the most of any IDP position and are the position of most importance to build around.

If you miss out on the top elite linebacker talent, there is no need to sweat it. There are still options that are flying under the radar that can provide you with an ample return on investment. Here are four IDP linebacker value picks that could allow you to load up at other positions without hurting your roster too badly.

ILB Deion Jones, Atlanta Falcons

Deion Jones is a buy-low target for me after he had a down 2021 for many reasons, all of which you can read here. Fantasy managers are sour on Jones after he was completely outplayed by his counterpart, Foye Oluokun in 2021. Footballguys consensus rankings have Jones as the LB25. This is ranked below rookies Devin Lloyd (LB14) and Quay Walker (LB24). Lloyd will be playing alongside that same player that ruined Jones' value in 2021, Oluokun, who signed with the Jaguars in free agency. To automatically assume that Lloyd will be a top-15 linebacker seems a bit foolish to me, especially with Oluokun looming. Jones is still only 28 years old, and though it is said he had a down year, he still ranked ninth in the NFL in solo tackles with 109. The depth chart is weak in Atlanta, and if Jones is there to stay, he becomes an unbelievable value and potential top-10 linebacker, being drafted as an LB2.

ILB Cory Littleton, Carolina Panthers

During the 2018 and 2019 NFL seasons, Cory Littleton finished as a top-five linebacker in almost every scoring setting. He averaged 130 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 11 passes defended, and 2.5 interceptions during those two seasons. That earned him a big payday as he signed with the Raiders in free agency. Unfortunately for Littleton, his stay in Las Vegas was less than stellar. It was littered with inefficient tackling and, ultimately, a drop in snap-share. Another change of scenery was imperative to Littleton becoming relevant again, and landing in Carolina should provide him with ample snap opportunity. Outside of Shaq Thompson, the Panthers have little, if any, talent at the linebacker position. Assuming a three-down role is a real possibility for Littleton. He is currently ranked as the LB50 in Footballguys consensus rankings, a fringe LB3/4. There is a real possibility that Littleton can finish the season as a high upside LB2.

ILB Jayon Brown, Las Vegas Raiders

Jayon Brown looks to be the Littleton replacement. Brown has fallen out of favor in Tennessee, who seems to be going in a different direction in the middle of their defense having moved on from both Brown and Rashaan Evans. Brown's biggest issue over the past three seasons has been his availability. He has only played in 34 of a potential 49 games over the past three seasons. Brown also had issues locking down a starting role in 2021. In the 34 games he played in over the past three seasons, he has averaged just under seven tackles per game and has also shown vast improvement in his coverage ability. Brown is currently ranked as the LB53 in Footballguys consensus rankings. If he can maintain his current projected starting role in the Raiders defense, there is plenty of upside.

ILB Jawhaun Bentley, New England Patriots

Generally, Patriots players for IDP can be infuriating, as the coaching staff changes up their base defense so much. How they deploy their defense changes from game to game, making players on the team volatile to use in your fantasy lineups. One player who has been consistent over the past two seasons is JaWhaun Bentley. He has averaged 100 tackles per season over the past two seasons, even missing four games. He set a career-high in 2021 with 109 total tackles while being the only constant in the middle of the Patriots defense. He led all inside linebackers by playing 709 snaps. The next most was by Jamie Collins who only played 234 snaps. The Patriots did not add any significant firepower this offseason at the position, meaning Bentley should assume a similar role to the one he had in 2021. He is currently the LB93 in Footballguys consensus rankings which is insane value. Fire him up as a consistent LB2.

Final Thoughts

Three-down linebackers are becoming a thing of the past. Base defenses are involving more defensive backs, which is pulling inside linebackers off the field more than they ever have. If you miss out on the top 15 linebackers, it is not time to panic. You just need to figure out where you can find value and how late. These four all come with potential risks, but the potential return, considering how low people are on them, could be game-changing. I would be quite content to have any of these players in my starting lineup. The blessing in disguise is that if I am starting them, I was able to load up on another position. Sometimes you need to deviate from your draft strategies. Knowing where to find the best value will aid you in doing so.