IDP Dynasty Sleepers, Week 18

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!

Linebackers

Owen Pappoe (ARI): With Kyzir White out and Josh Woods operating as "just a guy", the Cardinals turned to Krys Barnes and Pappoe in the final couple of weeks. White will be back, but who the number-two linebacker will be for this defense remains to be seen. There's a great chance it'll be Pappoe, so he's certainly worth stashing if he's available in your league.

Sione Takitaki (CLE): Not only is his name fun to say, but he very well could be the number-two linebacker for the impressive Cleveland defense in 2024 and beyond. Anthony Walker Jr. clearly is not the answer (and Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah will be around), but there will be tackles to go around. There's no one else on the roster currently that will challenge him and Owusu-Koromoah for playing time moving forward.

Segun Olubi (IND): Those in deeper formats or owners with plenty of room on their taxi squad may want to throw a dart at Olubi. We all know how productive the Indy linebackers are, and it apparently doesn't matter who it is, given what we've seen out of E.J. Speed. Should Speed or Zaire Franklin ever miss significant time, Olubi would likely be in line for significant snaps at a highly productive spot.

Defensive Linemen

Jermaine Johnson (DE - NYJ): He's probably rostered in larger formats, but he may have been kicked to the curb after a slowish start to his career in smaller leagues (as he was in one of my 12-team dynasties). He's got one heck of a pedigree and a great size/speed combo, so if you're hurting at defensive line and he happens to be out there, grab him now before he breaks out.

Gervon Dexter Sr (DT - CHI): Those in leagues that break apart the defensive line position take notice: Dexter came on strong at the end of the season with 2.5 sacks and a great game against the Falcons. He's a behemoth at 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds and is a mountain to move out of the middle. If he's given increased playing time, the tackles will be there, and he's shown the ability to knock down passes (two on the season) as well.

Derek Barnett (DE- HOU): With Will Anderson Jr. and Jonathan Greenard dinged up, Barnett was claimed by the Texans and performed admirably down the stretch. Greenard is an unrestricted free agent in 2024, so if he commands too much coin, the Texans may opt to keep Barnett around to run free opposite the breakout Anderson. Worth a speculative stash for sure.

Defensive Backs

Dane Belton (S - NYG): Since entering the league, Belton has been a box score stuffer when given regular playing time. Xavier McKinney and Jason Pinnock have been great in their roles, but if either should move on or get significantly injured, Belton would shoot up the ranks as a guy who can both tackle and make splash plays. That's the kind of defensive back you want chilling on your taxi squad or bench in larger formats.

DeMarcco Hellams (S - ATL): Jessie Bates III is a superstar who gobbles up tackles and big plays for the Falcon D, but given Hellams' snap counts down the stretch, they see Richie Grant as a part-timer at best. This bodes well for Hellams' long-term future with the team. Hellams quietly racked up 14 solos and seven assists in the final three weeks of the season. Safeties from Alabama seem to stick in the league and typically fill the box score. Hellams could be one of them.

Tyrique Stevenson (CB - CHI): Stevenson was in and out of favor for the Bears all season and may have benefitted from the "rookie corner rule", but it seems like every time he was given regular playing time, he racked up stats. He will be in line for a starting spot for the Bears in 2024 and could continue to impress, especially in leagues where you start cornerbacks separately.