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!
Defensive Backs
Quandre Diggs (S - SEA): Jamal Adams is hurt (again), so look for Diggs' numbers to increase accordingly. Diggs posted 21 fantasy points in typical IDP scoring last week, and while you might not expect 20+ every week, it stands to reason he'll be in the 14-16 point range week to week if Adams continues to miss time.
DaRon Bland (CB - DAL): Quite simply, this guy should not be on any free agent list in any format. Of course, he's probably rostered in leagues that break apart cornerbacks and safeties, but he may still be available in leagues that combine the positions. He is consistently around the ball, and while his tackle totals may be on the lower side due to him being such a ballhawk, he's getting it done with picks and pass breakups.
Isaiah Pola-Mao (S - LVR): Looks like Marcus Epps may miss some time, and while Tre'Von Moehrig has been stellar with volume tackles for the Raiders this year, there will be opportunities for the second Raider safety, whoever that may be. Pola-Mao spelled the aforementioned Epps once he got hurt and came through with four solos, three helpers and a pick against the Dolphins last week.
Continue reading this content with a ELITE subscription.
An ELITE subscription is required to access content for IDP (individual defensive players) leagues. If this league is not a IDP (individual defensive players) league, you can edit your leagues here.
Linebackers
Krys Barnes (ARI): Looks like Kyzir White may miss some time with a bum elbow, so enter Krys Barnes yet again. He has plenty of experience being the fill-in linebacker with the Cardinals and the Packers. Josh Woods is just a guy, so there will be plenty of tackling opportunities while White is sidelined.
Monty Rice (TEN): Don't look now, but Monty Rice's snap count percentage went from zero to 29% to 41% in the span of three weeks. Last week, he finished with five solos and three helpers. Perhaps the Titans are figuring out he's just a better option than Jack Gibbens.
Sione Takitaki (CLE): Not sure what's up with Anthony Walker, but he only saw eight snaps last week. Takitaki, meanwhile, led the Browns linebackers with an 88% share. Now, he didn't do much with those snaps (three solos, two assists, one pass breakup), but if he's going to be the snap leader for this tough defense, you'll want him at least on your bench ready to slide in if he gets hot.
Defensive Linemen
KJ Henry (DE - WAS): There are obviously plenty of opportunities for an increased role in our nation's capital, with Chase Young and Montez Sweat now on to greener pastures. Enter KJ Henry, who broke out against the Giants with 1.5 sacks and a couple of pass breakups with a handful of tackles. The fifth-round pick out of Clemson will get some run to finish off the season.
Tuli Tuipulotu (DE - LAC): With Joey Bosa once again shelved, the big ex-Trojan will see plenty of snaps opposite Khalil Mack. Could prove fruitful as he was productive when he filled in for Bosa previously this season. Definitely worth an add if he stayed on your league's free agent list.
Justin Jones (DT- CHI): His numbers don't pop off the page, but he's always chipping in with around three solos and an assist or two. He also gets sacks (2 on the season) and pass breakups (3). In leagues that break apart the defensive line positions, he's a safe weekly start at tackle.