IDP Dynasty Sleepers examines an array of linebackers, defensive linemen, and defensive backs you should target. Depending on the makeup of your leagues, these players could be trade targets or solid grab-and-stash types who might be found on the waiver wire.
Dynasty Sleeper: LB D'Marco Jackson, New Orleans
Demario Davis is signed through the 2025 season. But he is 35 years old, and his production has really slowed. Willie Gay Jr is proving to be "just a guy", so there have been some flashes from guys like Anfernee Orji. Pete Werner could certainly turn things around, but it appears there will be some room for a younger linebacker to emerge here in the next season or so. Jackson hasn't really flashed, but if you're in a larger league with deep benches, he's worth a stash just to see how things play out in 2025.
Dynasty Sleeper: LB Baron Browning, Arizona
With Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper looking fairly impressive for the Broncos, the team sent Browning to the Cardinals, who definitely need some pass rush help with Dennis Gardeck shelved for the season. Browning has flashed in the past and could be a decent bye-week filler in deeper leagues with big-play scoring. You can probably leave him be in standard scoring formats, but he may have 5-6 sacks in him the rest of the way out.
Dynasty Sleeper: LB Anthony Walker Jr., Miami
This is a suggestion for those who are scraping for a high-floor LB3 (albeit older linebacker) in leagues where there's a chance to make the fantasy playoffs. If you're rebuilding, don't clog your roster. But Walker suddenly got 100% of the snaps last week in favor of David Long Jr. Walker has been productive in the past as a volume tackler, so don't be afraid to add him if you need a steady-Eddie type as your LB3 or bye week plug-in. Check out Walker's post-game thoughts here.
Continue reading this content with a ELITE subscription.
An ELITE subscription is required to access content for IDP (individual defensive players) leagues. If this league is not a IDP (individual defensive players) league, you can edit your leagues here.
Dynasty Sleeper: DL Xavier Thomas, Arizona
As mentioned above in speaking about Baron Browning, the Cardinals have been looking for some pass-rush help over the past month's worth of games. Perhaps they have something in the rookie out of Clemson here. He logged 1.5 sacks against the Bears this past weekend and has been the main snap beneficiary of Dennis Gardeck being out. Nice add-and-stash in leagues where you have some room on your taxi squad.
Dynasty Sleeper: DL Kris Jenkins Jr., Cincinnati
Jenkins has been in the rotation for the Bengals' front line all season as a rookie, but he could see an uptick in snaps if fellow big man B.J. Hill is out for any extended period. Jenkins is a terrific run-stuffer who actually logged a sack this past weekend. If you're in a league that breaks apart the defensive line position, he's a fine long-term hold as a defensive tackle.
Dynasty Sleeper: DL Tavius Robinson, Baltimore
Whoa, who is this guy? He's actually been part of the rotation in terms of pass rushers for the Ravens all season, and prior to this past Sunday, he had 1.5 sacks for them. But he blew up on Sunday, logging a pair of sacks, a pass breakup, and three total tackles. He's in his second year, so most dynasty owners are likely able to stash him on their taxi squads and wait for Kyle Van Noy to finally retire.
Dynasty Sleeper: DB Kamren Kinchens, LA Rams
I hate to be purely reactionary here, but I have to take notice of Kinchens' production from this past Sunday. Kinchens split the second safety duties with another Kam (Kam Curl) but vastly outperformed him. Kinchens has the size/speed/pedigree combo you like to see out of a safety in terms of fantasy, so he's a fine addition to your team's taxi squad.
Dynasty Sleeper: DB Demani Richardson, Carolina
Whereas Kinchens is probably a taxi squad stash as a rookie, Richardson is a rookie that you could add and plug into your roster right now. The undrafted rookie from Texas A&M has 15 solos and eight helpers in the past two games, with a pass deflection thrown in for good measure. As the Panthers look to rebuild, they will most likely give Richardson the starting nod for the rest of the season. And with some good matchups ahead, Richardson could really pile up the stats for your fantasy squad.
Dynasty Sleeper: DB Jack Jones, Las Vegas
Jones has had some solid production with the Patriots and is now a pass-deflection machine for the Raiders. He's not really a volume tackler from the corner position but will get you a pass breakup pretty much every game thrown in with 3-4 tackles. For those in leagues that start cornerback separately, he's a fine CB2 moving forward.