IDP Dynasty Sleepers, Week 17

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

D'Anthony Bell (S - CLE): Both Juan Thornhill and Grant Delpit have been out, and Bell has stepped up. Look for Bell to be a key defender against the Jets and especially Breece Hall. Bell has double-digit fantasy points in each of the past two contests and should surely reach that benchmark again to wrap up the fantasy season.

Taylor Rapp (S - BUF): Rapp has returned from injury to replace the dinged-up Micah Hyde and has had 30 fantasy points in the past two contests. The matchup against the Patriots isn't the best on paper, but the Pats have been sneaky decent offensively the past few weeks. Rapp could find himself highly involved yet again.

Desmond King II (CB - HOU): With Derek Stingley and Steven Nelson on the edges, King has been productive as the nickel corner. The matchup against the Titans isn't particularly juicy, so you might want to temper your expectations for this week. But neither was the Browns matchup last week, and King put up 16.5 fantasy points. If you're in an ultra-deep league that starts cornerbacks independently, King is worth looking at for Week 17.

Linebackers

Krys Barnes (ARI): More than likely, Kyzir White will regain the top dog status in terms of Cardinal linebackers in the 2024 season, but for now, Barnes is the last man standing. He posted nine total tackles against the Bears last week and could put up similar numbers against the Eagles in Week 17. He potentially could be the second linebacker for the Cards moving into 2024, so he's worth adding. He's just 25 and has performed well in the past, both for the Cardinals and the Packers.

Mack Wilson Sr. (NEP): It's hard to rely on any Patriot defender long-term, but Wilson has been sniffing around for a few years now and could potentially see a larger role on this defense in 2024. He's averaged just shy of 10 fantasy points per game over the past month and represents a far more athletic option than the two-down thumper in Ja'Whaun Bentley. Worth a stash in larger formats.

Otis Reese IV (TEN): This is really a dart throw, but Reese saw a handful of snaps this past week and came through with four total tackles. Azeez Al-Shaair is locked in as the best fantasy linebacker for the Titans, but his running mate's identity is yet to be revealed in the long term. In larger formats, he's worth adding to your taxi squad if you have the space.

Defensive Linemen

Yaya Diaby (DE - TBB): Just a few short years ago, this guy was pushing people around in wheelchairs at the Atlanta airport. Now, he's probably the best defensive end prospect for the Buccaneers defense. In limited action this season, he has 6.5 sacks and a decent number of tackles for an end. Look for his playing time to jump significantly in year two.

Arden Key (DE - TEN): We highlighted Alex Wright in this spot last week (facing Houston), and he came through with a decent outing. Look for Key, who quietly has six sacks on the season, to perhaps once again get to the opposing quarterback, especially if C.J. Stroud is once again on the sidelines. Key could provide key depth in larger leagues that separate the defensive linemen in 2024 and beyond.

Christian Barmore (DT - NEP): Another Patriot, which is rare in terms of who I typically highlight here, but Barmore is on a streak here and could provide serious production against the Bills this coming week. Barmore is a space-eater at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds. He has proven invaluable in terms of solo tackles from the defensive tackle spot and has an impressive 8.5 sacks to boot. At just 24 years old, he is certainly worth rostering in leagues that break apart the tackle spot from defensive linemen.