Going to do things a little differently again this week as we wrap up the 2017 season. Going to scan over all eight (yeah, eight) of my dynasty leagues' taxi squads to give you a good cross-section of some of the good, bad, and ugly that may be on your DTS or possibly even available to pick up or trade in your leagues.
Linebackers
Duke Riley (ATL): Had higher hopes for this guy and then he went and got hurt. With Deion Jones gobbling up tackles and the edge rushers taking the big plays, Riley may be struggling to produce. Still, I like the talent and I think there could be an opportunity. A guy I'm most certainly keeping rostered on my DTS.
Carl Lawson (CIN): I grabbed this guy thinking there may be a shot he ends up as a defensive lineman but he might be too short. He definitely has the pass rush chops, as evidenced by his seven sacks this season. The tackles just aren't there, however, so he'll struggle to produce fantasy-wise as a linebacker. I'm keeping him in leagues where my DTS is a little deeper, but probably cutting bait everywhere else.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin (DET): There were reports out of Detroit in the pre-season that this guy looked super fast and may challenge Tahir Whitehead for significant snaps. Never really happened, as he's only topped 50% of the defensive snaps just once this season (last week). Whitehead is a free agent in 2018 and if he commands too much money, I could see JRM stepping into an every-down role. And evidenced by Whitehead's production, JRM would be an instant LB3 with LB2 upside. Definitely holding in all formats.
Haason Reddick (ARI): Real disappointed in this guy. He started the season off pretty hot (with Deone Bucannon out) but has failed to record more than one solo in a game since Week 5 and only has 1.5 sacks on the season. Love the talent but not sure there is a real opportunity here. He's a guy I'll shop in the off-season, hoping to get decent value back.
Antonio Morrison (IND): He does nothing but tackle (as evidenced by his one pass breakup and no other non-tackle stats), but he does gobble up tackles. If you're looking for a steady LB3, Morrison will continue to be a steady source of double-digit points in 2018 and beyond, given he continues to start on the inside. I'm holding, but if someone wants him I'd listen.
Reuben Foster (SFO): Yeah, yeah, I know, this is a "sleeper" article. But just had to mention him in case we have any readers who also dabble in redrafts or have the firepower to acquire this guy. I know there are injury concerns but the opportunity and talent are not to be ignored here. If he can stay healthy he'll be a sure-fire LB1.
Defensive Linemen
Charles Harris (DE - MIA): He hasn't made much of an impact but I like the talent and with Miami's edge guys getting up there in age, I think the opportunity will come. Too talented to let go, but if someone wanted him in a trade he wouldn't be a guy I'd say is untouchable.
Myles Garrett (DE - CLE): I think this guy's the real deal. Instant impact as soon as he got regular snaps. Hasn't really produced starter-level numbers yet but as the Browns defense improves and Garrett learns how to beat double teams, he should produce. Definitely a guy I'm holding and perhaps even continuing to stash on DTS unless the tackle numbers jump a bit. Sacks will be there.
Carl Nassib (DE - CLE): I liked this guy as a deeper sleeper after the 2016 season but he's kind of flat-lined. If you're in deep leagues and think that Garrett on the other side will start creating opportunities, he's a decent dart throw. Otherwise, he's waiver wire fodder.
Jordan Willis (DE - CIN): Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap have proved this spot is highly productive so Willis is a guy I like having stashed. High-motor guy who, when given an opportunity, could really shine.
Defensive Backs
Eddie Jackson (S - CHI): As a Bears fan I was irked when they moved up to get Mitchell Trubisky and bypassed Jamal Adams. The Bears desperately needed a game-changer on the defensive side of the ball. That could have been Adams, I thought, but heck it might just be Jackson. He's shown that he has big-play ability and when given high snap counts, produces. A guy I rostered wherever possible and in some cases, pulled up and have started many weeks. DB1 potential in 2018.
Miles Killebrew (S - DET): Big hitter that when given an opportunity, has produced; both in tackles and non-tackle stats. Problem is there is a bit of a logjam at the safety spot in Detroit and Killebrew may be forced to wait his turn. Still, a guy that I covet in leagues with deeper taxi squads.
Malik Hooker (S - IND): Like Killebrew, is wildly talented but has a pair of pretty good safeties ahead of him. What I like about Hooker is his ball-tracking abilities (see Kevin Byard). If the Colts decide to go with Hooker as a starter in 2018, he'll have DB2 potential.
