Linebackers
Jalen Reeves-Maybin (DET): JRB was a hot name 3 years ago when he was drafted out of Tennessee. The speedy outside 'backer was drawing a ton of praise from the coaching staff and pundits alike. He appeared to be the WLB of the future for the Lions but has been a virtual disappointment since. Christian Jones has also been disappointing, so it would appear that there could be a small window for Reeves-Maybin to slip through and crack the starting lineup in 2020. Given meaningful snaps over the course of the final two weeks, he was able to post respectable tackle numbers. Based on his post-draft hype and possible opportunity in 2020 and beyond, he's worth watching or even adding in deeper formats.
Jaylon Ferguson (BAL): While it seems that Matt Judon is a legit pass rusher that also can log tackles, Tyus Bowser seems to be "just a guy". Ferguson drew rave reviews when coming out of Louisiana Tech as the NCAA leader in sacks. Could he see more snaps in 2020? Over a full year in the Raven system could show more translation into the NFL game. The coaching staff obviously trusted Ferguson, as his snaps remained fairly consistent since mid-season. If he's named the starter opposite Judon in 2020, expect a decent leap and increased production.
Derick Roberson (TEN): When given some situational pass-rush snaps, Roberson came through with a pair of sacks against the Saints last week. Cameron Wake is ancient and Harold Landry has been hot and cold. So there's definitely some room on the Titan edge for a guy like Roberson, who blew up during his senior season at Sam Houston State. One thing he's lacking is ideal size but he does appear to check a lot of boxes in terms of a prospect with some promise.
Defensive Linemen
Zach Sieler (DE - MIA): For a big dude (6'6", 300 lbs.), he has a good motor and decent speed (4.84 40-yard dash). A small-school wonder, Sieler drew good reviews from scouts a couple of years back. On a team like the Dolphins, there will be plenty of opportunities, especially with guys like Taco Charlton and Charles Harris proving incredibly inconsistent. Sieler had a real nice stat line during Week 16 and could be a sign of things to come.
Vic Beasley Jr (DE - ATL): Beasley has been a steady force on the Falcon defensive line for a few years now but rarely gets any love. He's logged 8 sacks this season, forced a couple of fumbles and knocked a pair of passes down. He may never be an every-week starter, but since he's only 27 he may have a few more years in him where he could prove useful in big-play leagues.
Danny Shelton (DT - NEP): Shelton's a name that's been on this list before, but as we wind down the 2019 season we want to look ahead and throw this name back out there as one that could put up very good numbers in leagues that start DT independently. Shelton has a combined 55 tackles and 3 sacks this season and could very well lead the Patriots' inside linemen in snaps in 2020.
Defensive Backs
Sean Murphy-Bunting (CB - TBB): Really like this guy. He's got outstanding size (6'0", 195 lbs.) and has been a pass breakup machine this season. He will likely start the 2020 season as a starter and will be a tackle-heavy corner if he continues to get all the snaps. Touted as a solid cover corner coming out of Central Michigan, SMB could easily enter the DB2 conversation. He's definitely worth rostering in leagues that start CB separately.
Marcus Maye (S - NYJ): Maye has been quite underwhelming since coming out of Florida a few years ago, obviously ceding stats to the studly Jamal Adams playing aside him in the Jet defensive backfield. But Maye does have good ball skills and is a decent complement to Adams' skillset. If you're in a league that awards big numbers for pass breakups and picks, you should keep your eye on Maye. If the tackle numbers rise early in 2020, he could be an add candidate.
J.C. Jackson (CB - NEP): Jason McCourty has been hurt the last third of the season, giving way for Jackson to play the opposite corner to ultra-stud shutdown corner Stephon Gilmore. Even when McCourty was healthy, Jackson saw a solid snap count. Any corner playing opposite Gilmore will see his share of pass breakup opportunities and tackles. Jackson has come through in the past few contests, logging 6 pass deflections and 11 solos. If Jackson is named the starter in 2020, he could provide excellent numbers.
