It is getting chaotic out there. Between injuries and suspensions, your individual defensive players (IDP) roster might look a little bare. I’m here to break down IDP rankings and plays with you.
So, if you have a healthy stud or someone close to resembling a healthy stud go ahead and play him. But for those of us who are wallowing in the depths of injured or suspended players, here is a list of a few you might want to pick up.
Before we get started, here are a few names you want to check on their playing status before doing anything crazy: DT, Raekwon Davis (playing Thursday), LB, Germaine Pratt (playing Thursday), Safety, Harrison Smith (playing the early game Sunday in London), Safety, Marcus Maye (early game in London), and Cornerback, Alontae Taylor (early game in London).
Now for Sunday/Monday Watchlist:
DEFENSIVE LINE: Jadeveon Clowney, Shelby Harris, John Cominsky, Bud Dupree, Ola Adeniyi, Ed Oliver, Jordan Phillips, Michael Pierce, Joey Bosa, Baron Browning, Jonathan Cooper, Neil Farrell, Michael Danna
LINEBACKERS: Azeez Al-Shaair, Denzel Perryman, Raekwon McMillan, Zeke Turner, Quincy Williams, Shaquille Leonard, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
SECONDARY: Safety, Ronnie Harrison; Cornerback, William Jackson; Cornerback Justin Coleman; Safety, Joey Blount; Safety, Tracy Walker; Cornerback, Ugo Amadi; Cornerback, Jaylon Johnson; Safety Dane Cruikshank; Cornerback, Shaquill Griffin; Cornerback, Ahkello Witherspoon; Safety, Jordan Poyer; Cornerback Dane Jackson; Cornerback, J.C. Jackson; Cornerback, Isaac Yiadom; Safety, Kyle Dugger; Cornerback, Jaire Alexander; Cornerback, Darius Phillips; Safety, Tre’von Moehrig; Cornerback, David Long; and Cornerback, Cobie Durant
Now let’s check out some players who might be able to fill in for the walking wounded.
LINEBACKERS
1. Zaire Franklin, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts play the Tennessee Titans this week. Franklin can do you a service but remember this may be temporary, a placeholder if you will until Shaquille Leonard returns.
Just know that Franklin has been on the field for 100% of the defensive snaps. He has scored 30 total tackles and two tackles for loss. The Titans run the ball the sixth most in the league. That is, 47.62% of their offensive plays are run plays.
2. Darius Harris, Kansas City Chiefs
Yet another addition by subtraction. Willie Gay Jr. has been suspended for four games. Harris is jumping right into the spot. In Week 3, he played 87% of the defensive snaps and finished the game with 13 tackles and one tackle for loss.
Week4, the Chiefs play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose offensive line is currently under construction.
3. Josey Jewell, Denver Broncos
Welcome back to the Jewell of the Rockies (I just made that up right now). Jewell missed the first two games but has more than made up for it. Week3, he was on the field for 95% of the defensive snaps. He collected nine total tackles, one fumble recovery, and one sack.
Week4, the Broncos play the Las Vegas Raiders.
DEFENSIVE LINE
1. Defensive Tackle, BJ Hill, Cincinnati Bengals
First, remember this is a Thursday Night Game, so adjust accordingly. The Bengals will play the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. Second, the Bengals utilize a heavy rotation up front, so look for someone seeing at least 60% of the defensive snaps. As luck would have it, Hill was on the field for 68% of the defensive snaps in Week 3. He found four tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, 0.5 sacks and one pass defended. Beast!
2. Defensive End, Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles
Last week against Carson Wentz and Washington, Graham was it. He had six total tackles, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, 2.5 sacks, and one pass defended.
I’m not saying he will replicate that astonishing feat this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but I’m not saying he won’t, either.
3. Defensive End, Jerry Hughes, Houston
Not one word about his age, do not speak one word about it…not one. Not only does this man lead the Texans’ defensive ends in time on the field, but he is also tied for second in the NFL for sacks (four). Last week all he did was feed for four total tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks.
This week he will get a chance to continue his reign of terror on the Los Angeles Chargers, who are currently experiencing a rash of injuries.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
1. Safety, JuJu Hughes, Detroit Lions
Unfortunately, Tracy Walker is out for the season with an Achilles injury. So Hughes is the next man up. Last week he played on 88% of the defensive snaps and finished with eight tackles.
This week the Lions play the Seattle Seahawks.
2. Safety, Richie Grant, Atlanta Falcons
Say what you will, but the Falcons have been a respectable defense. Opponents pass on them an average of 38 times a game, completing 27.3 passes. But Grant has been doing his part, including the game-winning interception last week against Seattle.
Grant has collected 23 tackles, three passes defended and the interception mentioned above for this short season. He is on the field for 100% of the defensive snaps. And this week, he will meet Jacoby Brissett and the Cleveland Browns.
3. Cornerback, Roger McCreary, Tennessee Titans
The Titans will play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. The Colts offense is on the field for an average of 69 offensive plays per game (eighth most), so McCreary and gang should have plenty of time to get stats.
In Week 3, McCreary played 100% of the defensive snaps. He was good for 10 total tackles and one pass defended.
GOOD LUCK!
