IDP Dynasty Sleepers, Week 2

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 found on your leagues' waiver wires!

Dynasty Sleeper: LB Troy Reeder, LA Rams

Christian Rozeboom is probably on a roster, but Troy Reeder is likely available in most 12-team dynasty formats.  He paced the Rams defense with five solos, three assists and a pass defensed.  Rozeboom is more of a run stuffer, where Reeder is slightly more athletic and more apt to making big plays.  With Ernest Jones IV gone, there are certainly stats to be had for this defense, and it looks like Reeder could be a big add for Week 2 and beyond.  To boot, Reeder got all 61 defensive snaps while Rozeboom only got a 74% share.  Read more about Reeder's journey.

Dynasty Sleeper: LB Mack Wilson Sr., Arizona

Wilson has always shown that he had some talent but never really broke through with the Browns.  Kyzir White is definitely the Cardinal linebacker to own, but between Wilson, Krys Barnes and Owen Pappoe, there are snaps up for grabs.  Wilson looked pretty good this past weekend, logging eight solos, an assist and a pass defensed, all while only logging 39 of 62 defensive snaps.  For now it looks like Wilson is the Cards’ number two linebacker, which could translate into some decent production.

Dynasty Sleeper: LB Darius Muasau, NY Giants

While Reeder and Wilson would be considered NFL vets, Muasau is a rookie likely found on your league’s waiver wire after Week 1.  The sixth-round pick out of UCLA stuffed the stat sheet alongside Bobby Okereke on Sunday, with four solos, a couple of assists and an interception.  He was the only linebacker other than Okereke to log a snap on Sunday.  Definitely a good add especially if you have room on your taxi squad to stash him.

Dynasty Sleeper: DE Darrell Taylor, Chicago

To say Taylor had a big game would probably be an understatement.  The ex-Seahawk had seven solos (a huge number for a defensive end), forced a fumble and had a pair of sacks against the Titans on Sunday.  The Bears added Taylor via trade late in the offseason, hoping to pair him with Montez Sweat for a solid 1-2 pass rush.  He’s not taxi squad eligible in most leagues, with five years of NFL experience under his belt, but if you need help at a rather thin defensive line position, Taylor has some talent and looks to have a fairly good opportunity here.

Dynasty Sleeper: DE Arnold Ebiketie, Atlanta

The Falcons brought in Matthew Judon from the Pats this offseason, and while he did have four assists and a half sack, his presence was minimal against the Steelers.  Ebiketie got four solos just on 22 snaps.  If his snap share increases, he may be a value play for tackles.  Worth keeping an eye on as the Falcons have been struggling to find a consistent defensive end.

Dynasty Sleeper: DT Keion White, New England

For those of you in leagues that break apart the defensive line position, the number-one defensive tackle add after Week 1 is likely the big ex-Georgia Tech star.  White was all over the field against the Bengals, logging 2.5 sacks and forced a fumble.  The Pats do rotate their linemen a bit, but this kind of production can’t be ignored.

Dynasty Sleeper: S Cam Lewis, Buffalo

With both Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde moved on, there were some question marks as to who would step up in the Buffalo secondary at least from a tackling perspective.  Yes, Taylor Rapp is there and has been a solid fantasy producer.  Yes, the feel-good story of Damar Hamlin is still there.  But it was Lewis who led the Bill defensive backs with 10 combined tackles.  Lewis’ position on most depth charts is nickel back, although he’s listed as safety on MyFantasyLeague.  Either way, even with Taron Johnson in tow for the Bills, Lewis’ seven solos and three helpers can’t be ignored on opening weekend.  Since defensive back is a pretty deep position, you can probably hold off on grabbing Lewis until it's clearer as to his role, but keep an eye on this situation as there are stats to be had here.

Dynasty Sleeper: S Quentin Lake, LA Rams

Kamren Curl also logged 100% of the snap share for the Rams defense, but with the Rams running a lot of one and two-linebacker sets, there will be a ton of tackle opportunities for their safeties.  Lake was solid in coverage, with five solos and five assists on Sunday night against the Lions.  Curl only had five tackles combined, so looks like Lake may be the biggest producer if things continue like we saw against the Lions.

Dynasty Sleeper: CB Alontae Taylor, New Orleans

Taylor proved he was a high-volume tackler from the cornerback spot last season, and got off to a great start here this season against the Panthers.  He had six total tackles (five solo) and three – yes three – sacks!  He also threw in a pass breakup.  He’s not going to log three sacks a game every week, but we know the tackle potential is there.  Great add and weekly start for owners in leagues that break apart the defensive back position.