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 that it opens your eyes to some of the gems that can be found on your leagues' waiver wires!
Linebackers
Segun Olubi (IND): We've known Shaquille Leonard. We now know Zaire Franklin. We even kinda know E.J. Speed. But Segun Olubi? The undrafted ex-San Diego State product filled the box score in Franklin's absence this past week and out-snapped Speed 71-32. If Franklin (or Leonard) is out again, it might be Olubi who the Colts look to, not Speed, which would be a huge boost in value as we know how productive the Colt linebacker spots are.
Jaylon Smith (LVR): Last week, we highlighted Amari Burney here as he was stepping in for Luke Masterson with Divine Diablo out. Burney only put up 9 fantasy points, and Smith got some snaps. If Burney disappoints and Masterson remains out, we could see the veteran Smith getting some viable snaps alongside Robert Spillane. Worth a few bucks in deeper formats.
Troy Reeder (LAR): If Ernest Jones remains sidelined for any stretch, Reeder would be the main beneficiary. He only managed two solos and three assists against the Packers, but the game script wasn't exactly in his favor. Reeder has been productive when given regular snaps, so this could be a bargain if he is called on again.
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Defensive Linemen
Boye Mafe (DE - NOS): With Uchenna Nwosu shelved, Mafe has been on fire. He has 16.12 and 18 fantasy points in the two contests where Nwosu has been out. The Seahawks have the Commanders and Rams coming up, so the production may continue. Mafe is just 24, so there is plenty of tread left on the tires here.
Kobie Turner (DT - LAR): By no means are we calling Turner the next Aaron Donald, but he sure did look sensational last week against the Packers. He tallied seven solos and three assists and got himself a sack to boot. The Rams are on bye this week, so you might be able to get this guy on the cheap to stash and hold or even start in leagues that break apart the defensive line position.
D.J. Wonnum (DE- MIN): Still finding Wonnum on a lot of my leagues' waiver wires. In many cases, he should be rostered. He seems to have a pretty safe floor and has some big-game upside as well. With the Viking offense looking to stay relevant with Joshua Dobbs at the helm, there may be some pass-rush opportunities for the likes of Wonnum running on the opposite side of Danielle Hunter.
Defensive Backs
Markquese Bell (S - DAL): Bell's likely listed at safety in your league, but at this point, he's really running as a linebacker with Leighton Vander Esch still out with his neck issues. Damone Clark will gobble up some tackles, but there's plenty to go around for this Dallas defense. Get Bell in your lineups and get the linebacker production from the defensive back spot.
Amani Hooker (S - TEN): With Kevin Byard now in Philly, Hooker looks like he's going to be the leader of the Titan defensive backfield, both in terms of tackling and the big plays we were accustomed to seeing Byard make. Seems like Hooker's been around for a while, but he's still just 25 years old and has some real nice matchups in the second half of the season, and his bye has passed to boot.
Paulson Adebo (CB - NOS): Talk about a hot streak. He has eight pass breakups in the past three contests and 13 solos to boot. He does have a bye coming up, but in leagues that start cornerbacks as a separate position, he should not only be rostered but started every week.