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
Damien Wilson (KCC): The future is definitely with Willie Gay Jr, Jr., but for now Wilson and fellow tackle-gobbler Anthony Hitchens will hold down the fort for the Chiefs' D. Wilson is just 27 and is in his contract year. Wilson has been a steady tackler for the Chiefs but has shown flashes of making big plays as well. Three of six games have resulted in double-digit fantasy points for Wilson and he finished 2019 with 52 solos and 29 assists. He should replicate if not surpass those stats in 2020, which could mean he's a solid backup LB in most formats.
Robert Spillane (PIT): This week's "no duh" add is the third-year pro from Western Michigan, who is slated to take over for Devin Bush, who was diagnosed with a torn ACL following last week's game. Spillane ended up taking 30 snaps last week and turned in five solos and an assist in that time. And for those thinking he's only an add for 2020, be aware that Vince Williams is going to be 31 this December and will be due $4M in base salary alone come 2021. If Spillane excels filling in for Bush, it stands to reason he could be a starter moving forward. If nothing else, you're going to get LB3 if not LB2 value or higher out of him for the remainder of 2020.
Haason Reddick (ARI): Reddick has been a fairly big bust so far, but after Monday night's effort where he had a season-high in tackles and a pair of sacks, perhaps he's starting to find a groove. With Chandler Jones shelved for the season, the Cards desperately need someone who can rush the passer. Reddick's probably still on someone's roster after he was such a high draft pick and was thought to be a game-changer, so hopefully, the current owner is willing to let him go. In big play leagues, Reddick is definitely worth a look.
Defensive Linemen
Shelby Harris (DE - DEN): Harris is showing that he can get to the quarterback (2.5 sacks already), but the stat I really like is the three pass breakups. The former basketball standout really uses his hoops skills to knock down passes. And he's decent in the tackle column too. If you're looking for a solid backup at a fairly thin position, Harris can be of help. He is 29, so he'd probably be best suited to be added for an active roster spot to fill in during bye weeks in 2020.
Romeo Okwara (DE - DET): Okwara, the brother of Julian Okwara, has vastly out-snapped his older brother and has looked pretty good in spots, tallying a couple of sacks while representing the most snaps besides Trey Flowers for the Lions line. What we like is to see an increase in snaps as the early part of the season moves into the middle of the season. Also, take note that four of his 10 solo tackles were for loss. This could certainly indicate bigger things are on the horizon for the young edge rusher. Worth a speculative add and hold in larger leagues.
Justin Zimmer (DT - BUF): Zimmer moved up from the practice squad and logged 44% of the snaps in a rotation with a few other linemen. We do like that Zimmer finished with four assisted tackles with those snaps, and in his only other game in 2020 he had a pair of solos and a pair of helpers as well. And he consistently makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. If you're in a league that starts DT and want to hone your radar in on a guy that could help you out, Zimmer's an option.
Defensive Backs
A.J. Terrell (CB - ATL): Since coming back from the COVID list, Terrell's been great. Now logging nearly all of the defensive snaps, Terrell is going to continue to put up solid tackle stats and should have plenty of opportunities at breaking up passes. The rookie corner rule applies here. If you're in a league that makes you start CB, get Terrell on your squad before it's too late.
Cameron Dantzler (CB - MIN): If Terrell is gone in your league, perhaps Dantzler fits the bill for you. He is going to be another high-volume tackler that will continue to get tested by opposing quarterbacks. Long and rangy, Dantzler will likely start putting up some pass breakup numbers as his snap counts increase.
Donovan Wilson (S - DAL): Starting opposite Xavier Woods, Wilson is going to have some games where he disappears (see Week 5, 3 points against the Giants) but could also have games where he puts up more than just tackle stats (see Week 4, 19 points against the Browns). He's flying under the radar but has effectively replaced Darian Thompson, who they felt highly enough of to let Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix walk.
