IDP Watch: Week Two

IDP leagues can be won with some preemptive in-season pickups or trading for players who are on the rise, but whom the masses have not picked up on. Each week, we’ll detail a handful of IDP players or trends essential for dynasty players to monitor.

Often, things like quarterback hurries, quarterback knockdowns, or snap counts don’t appear in the box scores. These are key indicators of potential value changes that may be forthcoming as they show a particular player is getting after the quarterback and a string of sacks may be on the horizon or a linebacker may be coming off of the field more than originally expected.
The goal is to largely avoid stellar IDP players since many of those guys are already heavily in the eyes of IDP owners. Instead, here are some players to keep an eye on based on week two performances:

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Preston Brown, BUF WLB/MLB

With Nigel Bradham out due to suspension in week one, Brown started and struggled. He put up numbers, but didn’t play well from a pure football perspective. He started again in week two with Keith Rivers out and improved on his play. This time he played on the strongside and finished with seven tackles and six assists. After just two weeks, Brown has proven to be a capable player. So far in 2014, he’s played two consecutive weeks of 100 percent of the teams snaps. Brown should continue to see a high volume of snaps with his play to date. It’s Brandon Spikes who, yet again, is relegated to a smaller role.

Prince Shembo, ILB ATL

We mentioned Shembo as a player to watch despite the success of Joplo Bartu in week one. That proved true in week two as the two linebackers split snaps. Shembo finished with three tackles, four assists, and one quarterback hurry. On Thursday night of week three, his snaps again increased as he played 47 percent of snaps. Despite the decent chunk of playing time, it didn’t show in the box score as he finished with only a tackle and an assist. It’s difficult to deduce increased confidence in Shembo with the larger snap share for three consecutive weeks given that week three was a blowout. However, he’s someone to continue to keep an eye on given the number of allocated snaps.

Jelani Jenkins, MIA WLB

With the rampant injuries across the Dolphins’ linebacker group, Jenkins saw an immediate opportunity in week one and has given the staff reason to stick with him. After playing 69 percent of the team’s snaps in week one with the injuries to Dannell Ellerbe and Koa Misi, he played 97 percent of snaps in week two. He’s putting up number and playing well, so there’s no reason to believe his playing time will be reduced. Earlier this offseason, there were reports that Jenkins may be the Dolphins’ long-term answer at weakside linebacker. After two weeks of play, it seems to be holding true as coach Joe Philbin raved about Jenkins’ tackling ability and decisiveness. Admittedly, I wasn’t a fan of Jenkins as a rookie, but his play thus far is promising.

Jamari Lattimore, ILB GB

Another mention from last week, Lattimore got the start in week two as Brad Jones missed the game with a quad injury. Lattimore finished the game with two tackles, five assists, and two quarterback hurries on 83 percent of the team’s snaps. He’s set to start again in week three against the Lions with Jones expected to miss another week. With the underachieving Jones out, this is an ideal opportunity for Lattimore to steal snaps and a starting spot. If Lattimore continues to play like this, he should be able to fend off Jones when he’s healthy. Lattimore is worth a stash or watch in deeper leagues.

Jason Verrett, CB SD

After playing 64 percent of snaps in week one, Verrett played 100 percent in week two with Brandon Flowers out. He finished with five tackles for the week. While Flowers is likely to return to the starting lineup, given his play thus far, Verrett could continue to increase his snaps over Flowers or Shareece Wright. There isn’t a favorite rookie corner this year just yet, but Verrett could be it if his snap volume continues to increase.

Kevin Minter, ILB ARI

A favorite sleeper of many this offseason with the suspension of Daryl Washington, Minter has been a big disappointment thus far. He’s only averaging two and a half tackles and one and a half assists. The biggest issue, though, is that he’s only played 43 percent of the team’s snaps and is being pulled off the field in sub-package situations. Right now, he’s being out-snapped by Larry Foote, Sam Acho, and Matt Shaughnessy. After limited playing time as a rookie, this isn’t a good sign for Minter’s long-term prospects especially given the lack of competition he’s faced.

Chris Kirksey, ILB CLE

Many tabbed Kirksey as the 2014 version of Kiko Alsono, but the start to his rookie season isn’t quite as promising. He’s seeing meaningful snaps averaging 70 percent after two weeks, but Kirksey hasn’t been active in the box score with only two tackles, three assists, and a sack so far. Given his struggles in coverage in week two, he was replaced in sub-packages for most of the game. While it’s not time to panic, his performance to date is concerning and should be watched.

Brandon Marshall, MLB DEN

Starting in place of the injured Danny Trevathan, Marshall has excelled. He’s averaging seven tackles and two assists per game after two weeks. Trevathan will return to the lineup soon, but given Marshall’s play, he should have a role going forward. In the short-term, Marshall may not be tremendously valuable as he competes for snaps (and likely plays a sub-package role), but he appears to be a viable long-term asset given his performance in the short-term. This and the play of Nate Irving thus far isn’t a great development for Lamin Barrow owners.

Deep Dynasty Looks

JJ Wilcox, SS DAL

Given he’s a starter, this isn’t a terribly deep option, but Wilcox is averaging 95 percent of the team’s snaps after two weeks. He struggled in coverage in week one, but improved in week two and amassed six tackles and a pass deflection.

Mario Addison / Kony Ealy, DE CAR

Mario Addison is starting in place of the Greg Hardy who’s on the exempt list. He only played 40 percent of the team’s snaps, but finished with two tackles and two and a half sacks. Keep an eye on Kony Ealy, as well, who played 43 percent of the team’s snaps.

Kawann Short, DT CAR

Short is seeing about 50 percent of the team’s snaps and is playing extremely well. He has three tackles and four assists to date. He’s worth watching in defensive tackle required leagues.

Mike Daniels, DE GB

Another solid week for Daniels in week two with five tackles, two assists, and a sack. He’s still an underrated 3-4 defensive end that should be rostered in deeper leagues.

Follow Steve on Twitter at @SteveWyremski.