Linebackers
Nathan Gerry (PHI): Gerry saw 87% of the snaps last week and figures to continue to see extended action with Zach Brown cast off. He’s shown an ability to stuff the stat line with not only tackles but interceptions as well. He could be a nice third or even second linebacker in larger leagues.
Uchenna Nwosu (LAC): He’s seen more snaps with Melvin Ingram III out, but even with Ingram healthy, the Bolts could certainly use additional pass rush and that’s what Nwosu provides. Listed as a linebacker, he’s probably best suited to fill in for bye weeks but given the right matchup, he could get you a handful of tackles along with a sack. Only 22, the ex-Trojan has been praised for his motor and athleticism. Worth a grab and stash for sure.
T.J. Edwards (PHI): If Nate Gerry doesn’t slide into Zach Brown’s spot, it will be the undrafted rookie out of Wisconsin. Edwards logged 4 solos in only 10 snaps last week. Monitor this situation carefully because the Eagles have a nice stretch of games coming up that could mean big points for linebackers.
Defensive Linemen
Kyle Phillips (DE – NYJ): Henry Anderson’s snaps have been cut back, so there’s room for another end to run with Leonard Williams. Phillips has shown that he can be around the football in tackling situations, as evidenced by his 4 assists against the Cowboys, and that he can bat the ball down (pass defensed against the Eagles). With this position being paper-thin, finding a diamond in the rough sometimes means you have to reach. The undrafted rookie out of Tennessee has nice size and could see extended time if the Jets continue to lose.
Maxx Crosby (DE – OAK): Here’s a grab-and-stash type of recommendation for those in larger leagues. I’ve been a fan of Crosby since the preseason and while he hasn’t wowed us yet, he did log his first NFL sack a couple of weeks back and could see more action in the coming weeks. He only sat out a couple of snaps against Chicago with Clelin Ferrell on the mend.
Jerry Tillery (DT – LAC): Those in leagues that split up the DL position should keep an eye on Tillery. The Chargers absolutely loved the Notre Dame product in the draft and thought he would provide instant help in the interior of their line. So far he’s produced 1.5 sacks but only a handful of tackles. This is one to just watch and see.
Defensive Backs
James Bradberry (CB – CAR): Holy smokes, Bradberry went off against the Bucs. Now, he won’t see this kind of action again unless he’s facing an incredibly pass-happy squad. But even against teams that were running the ball, he’s put up some decent tackle numbers and already has 9 pass breakups on the season. Let’s see what he does against a couple of run-happy teams in the Niners and Titans before possibly using him against the Packers and Falcons. He could be a solid add and stash for now.
Jermaine Whitehead (S – CLE): If the injuries continue to linger for the Browns’ defensive backfield, Whitehead could continue to rack up tackles. He’s even shown the ability to pick the ball off and force fumbles. A solid stretch of games are upcoming, so plug Whitehead in if the usual suspects continue to miss time.
Justin Coleman (CB – DET): Coleman is racking up pass breakups like they’re going out of style. With Darius Slay locking down one side, Coleman has been given plenty of opportunities. He’ll be busy once again facing the Vikings. The undrafted rookie out of Tennessee is putting up really nice numbers for a defense that will see a lot of passes thrown its way.
