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 it opens your eyes to some of the gems that can be found on your leagues' waiver wires!
Linebackers
Kwon Alexander (PIT): The oft-traveled Alexander has landed in Pittsburgh, and while both Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb are tackle-gobblers, Alexander has some upside on this defense. He outsnapped Roberts 47-29 and has more big-play potential than Roberts. Alexander is a bit long-in-the-tooth at 29 years old but might have a year or two of decent production in him. Consider him an add in most dynasty formats where you’re looking to compete now.
Leo Chenal (KCC): Yes, Nick Bolton is elite. Yes, Willie Gay Jr is there. Yes, Drue Tranquill was brought in to compete for snaps. But Chenal is a guy that the Chiefs really like and will try to get on the field. He out-snapped Tranquill 28-13, and while some of that may be game-script-bound, it stands to reason that the defensive coaches will give Chenal more action if he can excel in pass coverage. He’s just 22 years old, so there’s plenty of tread on the tires. He's worth adding and stashing if you have room on your taxi squad.
Krys Barnes (ARI): Kyzir White is definitely the linebacker to own on the Cardinals, but there should be plenty of opportunities on this defense for tackles at the linebacker level. Josh Woods is considered the starter alongside White in the middle of the linebackers but is just a guy, while Barnes has flashed some upside during his time with the Packers. Woods was unimpressive in his debut for the Birds, so perhaps Barnes will start to see more snaps. It's a situation worth monitoring since this defense will be on the field a lot this season.
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Defensive Linemen
Jordan Davis (DT – PHI): If you’re in a league that combines defensive tackles with defensive ends, there’s a chance Davis slipped past owners in your rookie draft this past summer. Davis is a game-wrecker that fits perfectly in the middle of the Philly line. We know that the Eagles rotate their defensive linemen, so Davis will always come with a little risk week-to-week, but he’s certainly worth stashing on your taxi squad if available.
Dorance Armstrong (DE – DAL): Armstrong’s flashed plenty of upside in his six years in the NFL, and while he only got 18 snaps in spot and mop-up duty against the Giants, he looked great. He logged three tackles (all for loss), and two of those were sacks. It might not be worth adding at this point, but if he continues to get to the opposing quarterback, he’ll be worthy of an add, especially in big-play formats.
David Ojabo (DE– BAL): I was a little surprised to see him as a free agent in this particular league I sampled for this article. He’s definitely a guy that the Ravens love as an edge rusher, and his Week 1 output was solid: 3 tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack. Granted, that was against an overmatched Texans squad, but he’s got some great matchups upcoming, so if you’re starving for a solid lineman with some upside, Ojabo is not only worth adding but starting in many formats.
Defensive Backs
Reed Blankenship (S – PHI): Well, well, well. It was a bit of a surprise here as most pundits had penciled Terrell Edmunds in as the safety to own for Philly. But it was Blankenship who got 98% of the snaps this past Sunday, and with those snaps, he produced nine solos and three assists and broke up two passes. Defensive backs are usually pretty easy to find in a lot of leagues, but this one’s looking like a must-add since we know that the position typically produces well for the Eagle defense.
Markquese Bell (S – DAL): OK, so Bell’s stats may have been inflated due to the game script and the fact that Donovan Wilson was out, but still, the stats are worth mentioning. He’s got great size for the position (6’3, 205 lbs.) and fits the Dallas scheme well. If Wilson’s set to miss any more time this season, Bell will produce. At minimum, he’s worth stashing on your taxi squad if you have the space.
Nate Hobbs (CB – LVR): Hobbs is probably gone in leagues that separate corners from the defensive back group, but in leagues that combine them, he might be out there. Hobbs is a volume tackler from the corner position and will get you some pass breakups, too (although he didn’t have any last week). Expect plenty of tackles this week against the Bills.