Linebackers
Calvin Munson (NYG): We highlighted Munson before but just as a reminder, the Giants are a mess and their regular linebackers have been shuffled in and out the past few weeks based on various injury issues. Munson now has double digits in two straight games, even after being listed as questionable himself last week. He's getting it done with tackles and non-tackle stats, which is an indicator of future value. With the Giants pretty much in off-season mode already, it's time to see what they have at key positions. Figure Munson will be given a starting job the rest of the way out. An add/stash in all leagues and a plug-and-play LB3 with LB2 upside for the rest of the season.
Anthony Hitchens (DAL): He's probably already off the board, but in case your team lags on injury-induced pickups, go grab Sean Lee's fill-in now. When given regular snaps, Hitchens delivers. And with Lee out for the next couple/few weeks. Hitchens will again fill up the tackle side of the box score. If you're in a league with deep benches, he's worthy of an add if available. Those that need a solid LB3 with moderate upside can count on Hitchens for at least a couple weeks worth of production while Lee heals. Worth holding onto since it seems Lee just can't stay healthy.
Brennan Scarlett (HOU): Another name that's appeared here before, but worthy of another mention. Scarlett is filling in for the injured Whitney Mercilus and brings a lot of the same type of skills to the table. His value will be sack-dependent but if he can manage 3-4 solos a game he could be a nice option in big-play formats. If you have some space on your taxi squad, he's worth grabbing for a buck to see how he closes the season out. If he can out-snap the veterans Jelani Jenkins and Lamarr Houston, it may indicate the team likes what they see.
Others to Watch: Kevin Pierre-Louis (KCC), Kelvin Sheppard (NYG)
Defensive Linemen
Ronald Blair III (DE - SFO): Here's another situation where the opportunity is ripe and while the talent may be middling, you are given some dart throws in this game. Sometimes you hit the bulls-eye, sometimes you don't even hit the board. Blair has an interesting size/speed combo and did have 3 sacks in very limited action in 2016. With injuries besetting the Niner line, Blair will continue to see an increase in snaps. Especially if he can continue getting to the quarterback.
Robert Ayers (DE - TBB): Ayers is no spring chicken so this isn't your traditional dynasty add. Ayers is a sack-dependent fantasy asset that could potentially help you this year if you're hurting at defensive line. He continues to get a good number of snaps and we like the remaining schedule for the Bucs' D in terms of being able to sack the quarterback, and if Ayers can put up 4 solos a game, pencil him in as a decent DL2 in larger formats.
Others to Watch: Stacy McGee (DE - WAS) and Olsen Pierre (DT - ARI)
Defensive Backs
New York Jet cornerbacks: Both Buster Skrine and Darryl Roberts are addable at this point. Both have put up double-digit fantasy points in the Jets' last two games, both as the snap leaders for the defensive backfield. Opportunities will continue as the Jets have a favorable schedule against the pass in terms of cornerback statistics. Skrine is probably the safer, Roberts has the upside but comes with a little more risk as he could lose snaps to Morris Claiborne once the ex-Tiger's foot problem is resolved.
Justin Simmons (S - DEN): I was shocked to see this guy available in my 12-team IDP dynasty league. I realize defensive back is the deepest position in the game, but there's just no way he should be un-rostered. He will have some quieter efforts but he has big-play ability that translates into fantasy production. He's really still developing as a football player and if the consistency catches up with the skill, he'll be a top safety in the next 2-3 seasons.
Others to Watch: Davon House (CB - GBP) and Kavon Frazier (S - DAL)
