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 who can be found on your leagues' waiver wires!
Linebackers
Myles Jack, Blake Martinez, and Mark Robinson (PIT): The injuries keep piling up for the Steeler linebackers. Jack and Martinez are definitely names to watch as they have the most experience, but Robinson did have eight combined tackles last week once Elandon Roberts went out. This is a situation worth monitoring because the position can really lead to some nice production.
J.J. Russell (TBB): Another linebacker situation with plenty of injury concerns is in Tampa. Lavonte David and Devin White are dinged, and even the backup, SirVocea Dennis, is dealing with injuries. Enter Russell, who had a huge game last week against the Panthers (six solos, one helper, and a sack). If the veterans and Dennis continue to miss time, it'll be Russell's show.
Duke Riley (IND): Jerome Baker is another steady linebacker dealing with an injury. Riley is serviceable and has performed admirably in the past. David Long has been “meh” for the Dolphins, so look for Riley to perhaps fill up the box score for the Miami defense if given the green dot.
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Defensive Linemen
Samson Ebukam (DE - IND): Dayo Odeyingbo and Kwity Paye get their share of the snaps, but Ebukam has been right there in terms of snaps and has been quite productive lately. The Colts have the Bengals, Steelers, Falcons, and Raiders left on the schedule, so the potential for big numbers is there.
Marquis Haynes Sr. (DE - CAR): Haynes is listed as a defensive end in MyFantasyLeague, but he's kind of a hybrid linebacker/lineman. This allows him to roam free for some tackles (he had seven total last week) and also rush the passer (he got a sack against the Bucs). We like the upcoming matchups here, so if you're in a pinch, the veteran is worth a look.
Johnathan Hankins (DT- DAL): The Cowboys do have a pretty big rotation at the inside lineman spot, but Hankins' skillset lines up nicely with what the Eagles are likely going to bring to the table come Sunday. Hankins has six solos and three sacks in the past two weeks, so he's been productive as of late and projects well for Sunday.
Defensive Backs
P.J. Locke (S - DEN): Locke has been starting since Kareem Jackson can't seem to control himself in terms of dirty hits, and Locke's been performing admirably. Jackson may not even see himself back into the starting lineup since Locke's been so effective. Dude has 11 solos, four helpers, two sacks, and a pass breakup in the past two weeks. Get him into your lineup against the Chargers and Lions in the next two weeks.
Jimmie Ward (S - HOU): Jalen Pitre has been up and down this season (recently more up, though), and Ward has been in and out of the lineup. But it appears he's healthy and had a nice game against the Broncos. Look for him to play centerfield against a terrible Jets offense and come up with a big play or two.
Charvarius Ward (CB - SFO): This guy is on a hot streak in terms of batting balls down. He's got NINE in the past three weeks and faces a Seahawk offense that will likely need to throw the ball a bit to keep up with the Niner offense. Look for him to pitch in with 4-5 solo stops as well.