Two weeks to go before the NFL season begins. Training camp coming to a close and position battles and injuries shaping the landscape. There are a few changes we need to pay attention to. Here are my updated LB rankings for your IDP drafts.
Stock up
TJ Watt moves up from 11 to 8 as a lot of IDP leagues are starting to adjust their scoring systems and I think this helps Watt. Look for Watt to dominate again this season and compete for the top spot in defensive player leagues.
Christian Kirksey has stayed healthy and will key the Packers attempt at improving their porous run defense from last year. Kirksey played under Mike Pettine in Cleveland so will have no issues adjusting to the scheme. If he can avoid the injury bug he should be in the 100 tackle range and be a solid play.
Avery Williamson was off the board but with the opt-out of CJ Mosely, he moves into a borderline starting LB in 12 team leagues. With the Jets offense possibly struggling once again, there will be plenty of snaps for Williamson to pad his numbers.
Isaiah Simmons’s athleticism had him stand out at multiple positions at Clemson. In camp with the Cardinals, the focus has been on inside linebacker next to Jordan Hicks. He moved up in the rankings due to the opportunity for an increase in tackles over initial projections if he was being moved around to different positions. Simmons is a rookie of the year candidate and could be an excellent depth pick who could turn out to be a Darius Leonard rookie sensation.
Stock Down
CJ Mosely went from an LB1 to an opt-out. Moseley was coming off an injury but was supposed to lead the Jets defense with the departure of Jamaal Adams.
Mack Wilson of the Browns is expected to miss time after suffering a hyperextended knee in practice. Reports say he may be able to return “this season” but no timetable was given. He’s off the board for me.
There are some others who moved down a little but mostly due to the others moving up. Continue to monitor the news coming out of camp and especially when cuts come in a week or so.
Good luck with your IDP drafts. If you’re new to the format remember the importance of your scoring system. If you have any questions comment below or ask me on Twitter @gasdoc_spit
