Let's face it, dynasty is tough. Owners in leagues of all sizes and scoring systems are always looking for an edge over their competition. The goal of this article is to highlight a trio of linebackers, defensive linemen, and defensive backs that can either help you right away or represent good grab-and-stash adds. These players were found in at least one of my many leagues (some 12-team, some 14-team, some 16-team), representing a variety of scoring (standard, big play, etc.). I try to not be too reactive to big scoring occurring in the prior week, but sometimes those outbursts can't be ignored. Hopefully, these players represent good value for your dynasty teams moving forward!
Linebackers
Harvey Langi (NYJ): Following the departure of Avery Williamson, Langi's role has definitely expanded. So much so that he logged an impressive 9 solos last week while logging 95% of the defensive snaps. This is no fluke either - Week 1 when Williamson was out and Langi got his snaps, Langi logged 5 solos, an assist, and a pass breakup. He's 28 so his time is now, but the Jets' defense could certainly support two productive LBs fantasy-wise. C.J. Mosely will be back in 2021 but perhaps Langi will be the Robin to his Batman. Certainly worth grabbing, playing for the rest of 2020, and stashing for 2021 and beyond. This is a big opportunity play.
Tae Crowder (NYG): Those in big-play leagues: take note. Crowder, also known as Mr. Irrelevant from the 2020 NFL Draft, had an impressive Week 6 showing before landing on IR. Since most leagues have at least a handful of IR spots, why not add Crowder, sign him to a couple of years and throw him on IR? Don't waste a spot on DTS, but hold him to see if he can produce big plays in 2021 and beyond. He certainly has the look of a nice edge rusher who can also rack up a few tackles too.
Cam Gill (TBB): Total speculative suggestion here, as we know Devin White is the future and Lavonte David isn't going anywhere anytime soon. But should one of these mega-stud LBs go down with injury, it could very well be Gill that steps into the spot. The small-school product tested both at defensive end AND defensive back at his pro day, showing some incredible versatility. He profiles more as a pass rusher but looks to have the tackling ability too. Add him to your watchlist and pounce, especially if it's David that unfortunately goes down with injury. Not a must-add at this point, purely a crystal ball guess.
Defensive Linemen
Bryce Huff (DE - NYJ): Huff was a fast riser in the draft coming out of Memphis, but ended up going undrafted. The Jets may have a diamond in the rough here if given more snaps, and they will be available for the rest of 2020 and beyond. The Jets are an absolute mess, and will likely audition the likes of Huff, who spent his time at linebacker in college. His college stat line proves that he can both make tackles in the run game and rush the quarterback. Keep your eye on Huff as the season enters its second half. Increased snaps could turn into increased production here.
Deatrich Wise (DE - NEP): It's normally not wise to rely on Patriot linemen, but Wise, when given extended snaps, does produce. What's nice is that he usually gives you three-ish solos, which can lead to a decent fantasy floor. Long and rangy, Wise looks the part and could be a nice complement to Chase Winovich in 2021 and beyond.
DeShawn Williams (DT - DEN): A few of the Bronco linemen are quite adept at batting balls down, and Williams is one of them. He's got a couple already in 2020 (one actually being a pick!) and does seem to be around the football in the run game. The solo tackles aren't anything to write home about, but a tackle with active hands in the passing game is one to watch in leagues that make you start the position.
Defensive Backs
Kamren Curl (S - WAS): With Landon Collins on IR, Curl will take a starting safety spot. In his first game as a starter, Curl logged six solos, five assists, and a sack. Not a bad line for the rookie out of Arkansas. Even with Collins returning in 2021, Curl may be a viable DB3 or bye week filler if he's starting alongside Collins who spends a lot of time up in the box.
Blessuan Austin (CB - NYJ): Early this season Pierre Desir was the corner most opposing QBs picked on, now it appears to be the second-year pro out of Rutgers. Austin, over the last three games, has only come off the field for a few snaps, and his tackle totals show it. He's got 15 solos in the past two contests, and following the Jets Week 10 bye, the remainder of the schedule is absolutely in his favor in terms of being able to rack up tackles. A nice speculative add if you need help at CB; especially if you're in a league that starts CB separately from safety.
Troy Hill (CB - LAR): Playing across from Jalen Ramsey can do wonders for a corner's tackle totals and pass breakup numbers. Against the right opponent (and his next two weeks will be such games), Hill is liable to put up excellent numbers. Hill will likely shadow Tyler Lockett this coming week and Chris Godwin next. He could easily have 10+ solos over the next two weeks. That being said, Hill is a ripe 29 so if you're adding him, it means you're in contention in your league and just need some punch to close out the season.
