IDP Dynasty Sleepers, Week 8

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!

Linebackers

David Mayo (WAS): In this case, you don't want to hold the mayo. Mayo will be filling in for the injured Cody Barton, who will be nursing an ankle injury for the next few weeks. After Barton's injury eight defensive snaps into this past Sunday's game, Mayo came in and finished with 41 snaps (60% share) but had a whopping nine combined tackles. Jamin Davis will hang around and siphon some production, but Mayo could be a super-cheap source of volume tackles for the next few weeks.

Tony Fields II (CLE): Bit of a deeper dive here, but Fields has shown a few flashes over the past couple of years for the Browns. And now he's likely to see a little more playing time with Sione Takitaki likely shelved for the foreseeable future. He may be third in the linebacker pecking order behind Anthony Walker, Jr. and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah but with only 32 snaps last week, he logged six total stops and recovered a fumble for a score. Worth looking at, especially in deeper formats.

Oren Burks (SFO): I typically try not to repeat recommendations here if I can manage it, but in this case, it bears mentioning that even with Dre Greenlaw back, Burks put up double-figure fantasy points yet again. Should Greenlaw (or fellow stud linebacker Fred Warner) go out with a significant injury, Burks' stock would skyrocket—a nice speculative add for the savvy owner in bigger formats.

Defensive Linemen

Anfernee Jennings (DE - NEP): I don't like relying on any New England front seven defenders, but Jennings has been putting up linebacker-like tackle numbers the past two weeks (10 solos and two assists). He has yet to make any splash plays, but the more he's on the field, the more chances he'll have. And at least you're presented with a high-floor tackler from the defensive end spot.

Justin Madubuike (DT - BAL): The Ravens defense has quietly been pretty stellar, and guys like Madubuike are making some noise. The giant space-eater from Texas A&M is just 25 years old, so there's certainly some tread on the tires. And as a tackle, he's been putting up monster sack numbers (5.5 thus far this season), and usually logs around 3-4 solo stops, which is solid for a tackle. Those in leagues that break apart the line position should roster him immediately.

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (DE- TBB): Once Jason Pierre-Paul moved on, it looked like the next hyphened-name guy would be Tryon-Shoyinka. He plateaued over the past year or so, but over the past two weeks, he has been quite good, logging seven solos, three helpers, a sack, and a pass breakup. He's still just 24 years old, so maybe he's starting to hit his stride.

Defensive Backs

Jamel Dean (CB - TBB): If you time it just right, usually matchup-dependent, you can get Dean on a week where he puts up huge tackle numbers. Nine solos and a fumble recovery last week. He's best in leagues that break apart the defensive back position, but he is probably rosterable in all formats.

Deonte Banks (CB - CIN): Banks might be a product of the rookie corner rule, but get the value while you can. He's breaking up a pass or two every other game on average and has shown he can provide value by chipping in with tackles, too. He's got great size (6-foot-2 and 200 pounds) and is a fluid athlete who can make some big plays.

Amani Hooker (S - TEN): With Kevin Byard headed north to Philly, Hooker will be the new leader of the Titan defensive backfield. He has produced double-digit fantasy points every week except Week 2 (injury) and Week 5 (just 6 points). Look for him to offer consistent production moving forward.