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 that it opens your eyes to some of the gems that can be found on your leagues' waiver wires!
Defensive Linemen
Jermaine Johnson (DE - NYJ): The Jets do rotate their edge rushers quite a bit, but none of the guys Johnson is competing for snaps with has the athleticism or pedigree that he possesses. When given regular snaps, he is filling up the box score. He remains the snap leader week-to-week for the Jets, and if he continues to produce, that won't change. Worth a look in larger leagues for sure.
Marcus Davenport (DE - MIN): Davenport was basically a dud in New Orleans but has found new life in Minnesota across from Danielle Hunter. He has consecutive games with a sack, and while he may not be a volume tackler, his big play potential is there. It's hard to believe he's 27, so it's kind of now or never for the big guy from Texas.
Kevin Strong Jr. (DT - ARI): A former college teammate of Davenport, Strong came through with a strong effort last week against the Bengals. He seems to be around the ball quite a bit and already has a pass breakup and sack on the season. In larger leagues that start tackles separately from ends, he's worth a gamble.
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Linebackers
Oren Burks (SFO): Even with two mega-studs in Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw patrolling the Niner defense, Burks is getting some snaps and even managed almost 11 fantasy points last week. Knowing what kind of production Warner and Greenlaw put out, it's worth rostering Burks just in case one of those guys, unfortunately, goes out with an injury. Burks is 28, so perhaps there's not much tread on the tires, but the production speaks for itself with the NinerS linebackers. Stash him on your bench, just in case.
Josh Woods (ARI): What is going on with the Cardinal linebackers? Yes, last week we spotlighted Ezekiel Turner, and all he did was log one solo this past week. Why? Well, because Josh Woods returned. At this point, it might be a crapshoot as to which linebacker the Cardinals prefer to play alongside Kyzir White, but if you have the roster space, there's room for another tackler on this defense. Is it Woods? Possibly. Worth rostering in deeper formats.
Mack Wilson Sr. (NEP): We recognized fellow Patriot linebacker Jahlani Tavai last week, and he remains a strong recommendation. but we also want to point out that Ja'Whaun Bentley may be nursing an injury, so the well-traveled Mack Wilson may be a solid fill-in. Wilson oozes talent but just hasn't made the most of his opportunities. Could this be his time to shine?
Defensive Backs
Kareem Jackson (S - DEN): Defensive back is certainly a deep pool, but sometimes, especially in larger formats, you want a guy on your bench that you can plug in for byes who has a nice, high floor. Jackson fits the bill here. That said, he's already 35 years old, so this is really just a recommendation for those looking to bolster their roster for this season. But as bye weeks are upon us, you certainly could do much worse than Jackson as a plug-in.
Tyrique Stevenson (CB - CHI): Cornerback has been a revolving door of injuries for the Bears this season, but when Stevenson is on the field, he is tested and, therefore, produces from a fantasy standpoint. The rookie corner rule certainly applies here, so he's a nice add in leagues that start cornerbacks separately.
Sam Franklin Jr. (S - CAR): Right now, the Panthers are having difficulties placing Jeremy Chinn in their defensive scheme, and Franklin's stats are making that transition easier. He has produced two excellent weeks and has a plus matchup this coming week against the high-flying Dolphin offense. Get him into your lineups.