Summer Sleeper: NFC South IDPs

Steve Wyremski

nfcsouth

So far this summer, the focus on sleepers here at DLF has been on the offensive side of the ball. Over the past few weeks, though, Eric Olinger and I have focused on IDP sleepers, as well. As always, these sleepers will be of varying levels – some of the stash variety and others who could breakout in 2014. As we’ve highlighted previously, scheme changes, coaching changes, and position changes can significantly alter IDP value and create arbitrage opportunities for owners.

Based on those items, training camp and preseason thus far, here are some NFC South sleepers:

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Atlanta Falcons

Prince Shembo, ILB

Shembo is a favorite of mine out of this year’s linebacker class given his power, speed and athleticism. To take a line out of a scouting report on Shembo, he “plays like his hair is on fire.” In Mike Nolan’s defense, that could be special.

Originally slated for an outside linebacker spot in the Falcon’s 3-4 scheme, the coaching staff decided to move Shembo inside in OTAs. With Sean Weatherspoon on the shelf with an Achilles injury, it’s a good thing they did. Josh Bartu is currently starting next to Paul Worrilow, but it’s Shembo who could surprise.

The Falcons showed this preseason that they’ll leverage Shembo’s natural speed and pass-rushing ability to get him to the quarterback. He also appears to be a perfect fit in Nolan’s scheme as he possesses the versatility he covets. Shembo can put his hand in the dirt as a defensive end in a four-man front or he can blitz from the outside out of a two-point stance.

There’s some nice potential here.

Deeper Sleeper: Malliciah Goodman, DE – Talk about buzz, Goodman is a nice storyline from the Falcons’ camp thus far. Defensive line coach Bryan Cox raved noting “there’s no ceiling” for Goodman. Like Shembo, Goodman is another versatile player who can play (and is playing) all spots on the defensive line, so the probability of increased snaps is high. While Jordan Babineaux signed an extension this off-season, he’s older and the Falcons will continue to look for fresh legs with the goal of creating offensive uneasiness.

New Orleans Saints

Vinnie Sunseri, SS/FS

After tearing his ACL in October of 2013, the Alabama alum dropped to the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Known as a solid tackler and heady player, Subseri has caught the attention of the coaching staff this summer with notable progress from the opening of camp through the final preseason game.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryanis excited. He loves the rookie’s “bloodiness” and is pleased with his growth thus far. Sunseri has played a nice chunk of snaps throughout the preseason, improved and now appears to have locked up a roster spot after once projected fighting for one.

While he has the potential to play free safety, it appears Sunseri will back up Kenny Vaccaro in 2014. In this role, the IDP expectation for 2014 is minimal. The 2014 goal is continued progression and he is not expected to be someone we’ll use in our lineups. In essence, he’s someone to stash in very deep leagues and only monitor in others given the projected limited snaps this season. Given the positive undertone from the staff, though, he remains an interesting long-term prospect to monitor.

Sunseri isn’t the most athletic player, but he’s athletic enough to compete and produce at the NFL level. What’s been evident throughout the summer is his coachability and dependability. He’s improved and caught the attention of several members of the staff as acknowledged both by Coach Ryan and Coach Sean Payton. That’s noteworthy.

Tampa Bay Bucs

Johnthan Banks, CB

As a second year corner, Banks faces stiff competition at corner with the addition of Mike Jenkins and Alterraun Verner. The Darelle Revis departure is an obvious loss and creates perceived opportunity. However,Verner easily slides into Revis’ starting spot leaving Banks and Jenkins to battle on the opposite side.

Currently, Jenkins is listed ahead of Banks on the Buccaneers’ official depth chart, but it’s Banks who’s catching Coach Lovie Smith’s attention. With Banks’ impressive preseason play and Jenkins missing time for much of camp with an injury, don’t be surprised to see Banks jump ahead of Jenkins and start week one against the Panthers.

Fortunately for IDP owners, as a starter, Banks would share the secondary with a stellar corner in Verner. With Verner’s coverage ability, Banks would be challenged frequently by opposing quarterbacks opposite him, which would result in ample opportunities and IDP potential for Banks. Not only would the opportunity present IDP value, but it’s important to note the style match between Banks’ natural talent and with Lovie Smith’s cover 2 scheme tendency. As a bigger corner and a solid tackler, Banks is an ideal fit as a cover 2 corner, which could mean improved IDP value.

Banks is an ideal sleeper in corner-required leagues.

Carolina Panthers

AJ Klein, WLB

Klein is fighting seat-warmer Chase Blackburn for the starting weakside linebacker spot in Carolina. While the opportunity is available, the downside is that the winner is unlikely to see anything more than a two-down role with Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis manning the sub-package roles in 2014.

In two starts as a rookie in 2013, though, Klein amassed eight tackles, two assists and a sack. That production was on 46 percent of the team’s snaps, so on a per snap basis, it’s noteworthy production.

Not known for his speed, but as an instinctive player, even if Klein doesn’t win the job, there’s a high probability to he continues to earn snaps. With the per snap production, he could surprise in deeper leagues or as a match-up option.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveWyremski

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