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
Jamien Sherwood (NYJ): This could have been a smash add if C.J. Mosley was going to miss any time, but it looks like Mosley’s not seriously hurt. That said, Mosley’s 31 years old, and Sherwood has shown some flashes. Should Mosley (or fellow running mate Quincy Williams) miss any time, Sherwood could be a big-time performer. We all know how good the Jet linebacker spots can be.
Christian Harris (HOU): The Texans have been shuffling their linebackers around all season, but now it looks like Harris will get an extended look with Denzel Perryman suspended. Blake Cashman’s a tackle-gobbler, but his snap count was down last week, while Harris’ has remained fairly constant, a number that should rise now that Perryman is shelved for three weeks.
Deion Jones (CAR): Don’t look now, but the veteran put up another double-digit fantasy performance this past week. He’s no spring chicken so this is certainly not a grab-and-stash type of recommendation; rather, it’s just a wise move to pick up this kind of linebacker who has an opportunity to produce, especially here in the stretch run. If you need depth, this is your guy.
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Defensive Linemen
Malcolm Koonce (DE – LVR): Playing opposite Maxx Crosby will open things up for guys like Koonce, a third-round pick out of Buffalo University. He’s got a sack in each of the last two contests, and while his upcoming schedule (at Dolphins then versus Chiefs) isn’t fantastic, this Raider team is playing a whole heck of a lot better under Antonio Pierce. Koonce’s stock is rising.
Jonathan Ledbetter (DE – ARI): This is a deeper recommendation here, as Ledbetter has limited upside, but his floor, in terms of getting tackles from the end spot, seems pretty safe. He usually gets around 2-3 solos and 2-3 assists every week. In larger leagues that separate the defensive line positions, he’s worth monitoring.
Amaré Barno (DE– CAR): With Brian Burns out, Barno got 75% of the snaps against Chicago last week. He turned in a solid effort with five solo stops, a nice number for a defensive end. He’s in his second season so this is a grab-and-stash-on-your-taxi type of recommendation.
Defensive Backs
Percy Butler (S – WAS): Two of his past three weeks have resulted in great numbers. In games against the Eagles and Seahawks, he had 10 solos, six assists, and two pass breakups. With Darrick Forrest out, Butler has seen 100% of the snaps at free safety, a spot that tends to be pretty productive for the Commanders.
Paulson Adebo (CB - NOS): Adebo is on fire. He has four straight solid outings, and while he has a bye this week, he will prove useful in all formats moving forward, with games against some opponents that will test the third-year pro out of Stanford.
Taylor Rapp (S – BUF): Micah Hyde was not playing well even when he was healthy. Rapp has been a solid performer in the past and has been filling in for the aforementioned Hyde. Those in deeper formats should look to Rapp if they need help at their second defensive back spot.