Linebackers
Duke Riley (PHI): There are tackles to be had for the Philly linebacking corps. Nate Gerry looks like he could lead the team in tackles but there certainly could be a second 'backer on this defense that provides decent value. Riley had looked like he was going to be an integral part of the Falcons' defense for awhile there, but ended up getting phased out and ultimately traded to the LB-depleted Eagles. Riley is just 26 so he has at least a couple of -- if not a few -- good years ahead of him. He logged 57 of the defense's 70 snaps in Week 1 (81%) and chipped in with 3 solos and 3 assists. If you're starved for a backup or third LB in a larger dynasty league, Riley looks like one of the best bets at this point, in terms of who may be available on your league's wire.
B.J. Goodson (CLE): Another team that was desperately seeking linebacker help in the off-season was Cleveland with the departure of Joe Schobert and Jamie Collins. Mack Wilson was slated to be a big part of this defense but he's currently dinged up. Enter B.J. Goodson, a journeyman who's only 27 years old. Goodson was in on 83% of the defense's snaps Week 1 and provides a veteran presence for the young defense. He gobbled up 5 solos and chipped in with 4 assists as well last week. He certainly may be available on your waiver wire and could be a cheap source of a good volume of tackles.
Tyus Bowser (BAL): For those of you in big-play leagues, take a look at Bowser, the super-athletic edge rusher formerly of Houston. Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison will be the main tacklers on this defense for many years, but in terms of sacks and creating turnovers, Bowser could be the guy. In just 53% of the snaps, Bowser logged a couple of tackles, a sack and broke up a pass. Diversified stats like that are sometimes hard to come by. If you're in a large league or one that has jacked-up scoring for big plays, Bowser should be on your radar.
Defensive Linemen
Jeremiah Attaochu (DE - DEN): With Von Miller shelved for the time being, Bradley Chubb will need a running mate on the opposite end to keep defenses honest. Attaochu showed promise with Denver's AFC West rival Chargers the past few years, and came out swinging in 2020, registering 3 solos, 1 assist and a sack Week 1 against the Titans. He was actually on the field for one more snap than Chubb last week. This is once again a fairly thin position, so putting guys like Attaochu on your radar is always wise.
Josh Sweat (DE - PHI): Is there a better name in the NFL? Not sure but that's definitely a good one, especially for a high-energy guy like this. There are some aging vets on the Philly line right now and Sweat has the chance to step in and be the main producer no later than next season, if not sooner. He actually led the defense in snaps from the DE spot Week 1 and came away with a couple of tackles, a sack, and forced a fumble. Sweat should be owned in just about every IDP/dynasty format.
Larry Ogunjobi (DT - CLE): Ogunjobi has been a favorite of mine since he was drafted by the Browns. He just always seems to be around the ball and causing havoc in the middle of the line. In leagues that split apart DE and DT, he should be rostered. He logged three solos (one for loss) and forced a fumble last week. That kind of production should render him quite useful in larger leagues or those where you must start a DT.
Defensive Backs
Josh Jones (S - JAC): There was some question as to who was going to lead the Jaguar defensive backfield in snaps this season, and it looks like this may have been answered fairly quickly; Jones logged all but 2 of the defensive snaps in a hotly-contested Week 1 battle. Jones ended up with a respectable six solos and six assists, which ended up leading the team in total tackles. There was a huge void left in the middle of this defense and it looks like Jones could be a huge value in all formats.
Jaylon Johnson (CB - CHI): Could be an early and solid representation of the "rookie corner rule" here. Playing opposite Kyle Fuller provided Johnson with many opportunities, leading to five solos, an assist, and a pair of pass breakups. Teams are going to continue testing the rookie and it looks like Johnson could remain productive. Owners in leagues that split apart S and CB should always target rookie corners, especially when they're logging 100% of the snaps Week 1.
Emmanuel Moseley (CB - SFO): Similar to Johnson, Moseley appears to be benefiting from playing across from a shutdown corner (Richard Sherman). Moseley logged an insane 11 solos and four helpers Week 1. Plugging guys like Moseley into your lineup when the Niners are facing a pass-heavy team could be advisable, especially if you must start a CB or two in your league.
