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. I 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!
Defensive Linemen
Bud Dupree (DE - ATL): This is strictly a Week 15 plug-and-play, as Dupree has been pretty good in the right circumstances. Facing the Panther offensive line may result in some solid production, as he blew up against the Jets a few weeks ago. If you're struggling to find a DL2 in deeper formats, give Dupree a shot, as he could come up with a handful of tackles and a sack.
D.J. Wonnum (DE - MIN): It's kind of shocking that I'm seeing Wonnum on a few of my leagues' free-agent lists. He's got seven sacks on the season, a handful of pass breakups and a respectable 27 solos. His matchup against the Bengals on Saturday could result in decent production. And for those looking to build up their rosters for 2024 and beyond, Wonnum is just 26 years old with plenty of tread left on the tires.
Grover Stewart (DT- IND): The big space-eating tackle out of little Albany State is back from suspension and logged four solos in his return last week. Matchups against the Steelers and Falcons for the next two weeks could remind folks of his production last year where he was a tackling machine in terms of interior linemen. Definitely worth a shot, especially in leagues that break apart the defensive line positions.
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Linebackers
Andre Smith (ATL): The flavor of the week for Falcon linebackers is apparently the sixth-year pro out of North Carolina. Smith had 12 snaps in the first 13 weeks of the season but was a 76% participant this past week with Nate Landman inactive. Kaden Elliss is still the do-everything ‘backer for this defense, but as evidenced by Landman's stretch of production, there are still tackles to be had. Looks like Smith might be the #2 linebacker for this team for the stretch run.
K.J. Britt (TBB): Another linebacker situation that seems to be pretty fluid is Tampa's. Instead of SirVocea Dennis, Britt replaced Devin White in Week 13. He chipped in with four solos, four assists, and a pass breakup. Games against the Packers, Jaguars, and Saints could all produce decent results for whoever lines up alongside the veteran Lavonte David.
Christian Elliss (NEP): Elliss was let go by the Eagles since they added Shaquille Leonard and was scooped up by the Patriots. While there seems to be a logjam of linebackers with similar skill sets for the Pats, Elliss did manage four solos and two assists in limited playing time. Worth a stash in deeper formats.
Defensive Backs
Jordan Howden (S - NOS): The rookie out of Minnesota was thrust into the starting lineup with Marcus Maye shelved and came through with a huge effort (eight solos, two assists, a sack, and a pass deflection). Look for him to finish the season strong for this Saints defense. The Panthers had ranked dead last in terms of giving up points to safeties, but Howden put up 24.5 points. Better things may actually be on the horizon against the Giants and Rams, who give up better production to defensive backs.
John Johnson III (S - LAR): Johnson found himself on the bench up until Week 11, and since then, he's been putting up pretty decent numbers. By no means is he the fantasy force that he once was, but in deeper formats, you can pencil him in as a pretty safe second safety.
Martin Emerson Jr (CB - CLE): Emerson and Greg Newsome have both stepped up in the absence of Denzel Ward. If Ward is out again, Emerson is likely going to draw DJ Moore in coverage. The Bears give up the 10th-most points to cornerbacks, so figure Emerson could have yet another double-digit scoring output.