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 Backs
Ifeatu Melifonwu (CB/S - DET): Although Melifonwu is listed as a safety in MyFantasyLeague, he has also played cornerback. With Tracy Walker’s snaps reduced, he blew up last week with 23 fantasy points. The Vikings should present plenty of tackle opportunities for the Lions’ defensive backfield, so he could have another solid outing.
Andrew Wingard (S - JAC): With Andre Cisco shelved, Wingard broke out with 21 fantasy points against the Ravens last week. Similar opportunities may be available this coming week against the Bucs if Cisco is again on the sidelines.
Zyon McCollum (CB - TBB): Both usual starting corners for the Bucs have been dealing with injuries, so McCollum has been seeing plenty of playing time and has been a solid tackler and pass defender in the past month’s worth of games. Facing the Jaguars could present McCollum with some opportunities this coming week.
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Linebackers
Khaleke Hudson (WAS): Whoa, where did that come from? Hudson had been used sparingly this season and jumped up to an 85% snap share last week with Jamin Davis out. Cody Barton is still in play and will make volume tackles, but there are plenty of tackle opportunities for this defense. The matchups against the Jets and Niners over the next two weeks are ripe for tackle chances, so if you’re hurting to fill your second or third linebacker spot, Hudson may be able to help you out.
Amari Burney (LVR): Divine Deablo has been up and down all season and is now dealing with a bum ankle. We’ve mentioned Burney here before, as he profiles well as a volume tackler and big-play producer. The Raiders are still technically in the playoff hunt, so if Deablo is good to go, he’ll probably get the nod. But there’s a chance the Raiders’ brass want to see what they have in Burney alongside the emergent Robert Spillane. Worth a shot, definitely worth stashing on your taxi squad.
D'Marco Jackson (NOS): This is purely a speculative, longer-term add. Demario Davis isn’t getting any younger, and Pete Werner has been kind of a disappointment this season. Jackson profiles well as a Davis replacement, and Davis is due $10MM in 2024, his age 35 season. Davis has been a Saint stalwart they may try to retain, but I could see them moving on and perhaps giving Jackson a shot at the middle linebacker spot, a spot that has traditionally been pretty productive.
Defensive Linemen
Malcolm Koonce (DE - LVR): With Maxx Crosby producing on the other side of the line, Koonce has been effective the past few weeks, getting three solos in each of the past three games and a pair of sacks last week against the Chargers. You’d think the Chiefs would not be a great matchup, but they give up the fifth-most fantasy points to defensive ends. Could Koonce get to Patrick Mahomes II once? That's possibly true, and odds are he’ll also make a handful of tackles. He's worth a shot if you’re desperate, and at just 25 years old, he’s also a decent stash.
Alex Wright (DE - CLE): If C.J. Stroud is out again for the Texans, Wright becomes a very attractive option at defensive end in Week 16. The Texans already give up the 10th-most fantasy points to defensive ends, and if Case Keenum gets the start, Wright could have a big day with the Texans’ offensive line keying on Myles Garrett.
A'Shawn Robinson (DT - NYG): It seems like this dude has been in the NFL forever, but he’s only 28 and has two games in a row with double-digit fantasy points. Last week, against the Saints, he scored 15 fantasy points, and the Saints ranked dead-last in terms of giving up fantasy points to defensive tackles. Enter the Eagles, who are ranked ninth in terms of giving up fantasy points to tackles. Robinson could have a high-volume tackle day here, so if you’re in a league that starts tackles separately, he’s worth adding and starting.