Every Down Linebackers

Bob Brannon

This series will be updated as necessary to identify those every-down linebackers that can recharge your lineup, build your depth, or resuscitate a depleted group. It is also important to be aware of which hidden gems can maximize your roster for the ever-important trade deadline when you need to consolidate your depth for maximum roster value. Also, be sure to check out the articles spelling out snap counts and waiver-wire pickups, as that intel is quite similar.

Format

For this series, we are focusing on tackle-heavy scoring. The balanced scoring (sometimes called big-play) format will yield a much different crop of ‘backers for your watchlists, but this column is specifically to identify the most valuable chase-and-tackle specialists that are coming into a role previously occupied by a ranked linebacker.

Hidden Gems

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DeVondre Campbell was probably a buy-candidate just a couple of weeks ago. His owners are now probably aware of his usage over Duke Riley and his huge night versus the Packers. Six solos and a sack later, he has been plugged into lineups everywhere, and you – my friend – will be paying a higher price to acquire him.

Nick Vigil has long been one of my favorite two prospects from the 2016 off-the-ball linebacker class. I was slower than most to diagnose just how bad the situation he was drafted to. Now that his redshirt year is over, the coaching staff has allowed him to compete for a three-down role in the hollow void left by Karlos Dansby. Vigil will be a breath of fresh air for Bengals fans ready to move on from burnt toast. Looking at you, too, Marv Lewis.

Corey James joins Vigil as a sophomore breakout candidate. James competed with a number of Reggie McKenzie’s zero-LBs and emerged as the great WILL hope for this struggling unit. James will likely be an upgrade over Malcolm Smith and should easily push for 100 solo tackles in this role. I’d give two pints of blood just to get him on any one of my rosters this year.

AJ Klein is not news. He should have been rostered in every league by now and will be tough to wrangle away from his owners. However, Alex Anzalone investors surely are hopeful that they’ve drafted the week one every-downer next to Klein. If week two is any indication, Anzalone looks to have won the job… for now. Watchlist: Manti Te’o and Craig Robertson

Zach Brown was a darling in these types of articles last September. He is certainly not a hidden gem, but he found himself in a new situation in Washington this year competing for a job all over again. All indications are that the Redskins were not satisfied with their 2016 showing and have replaced Will Compton in the lineup with Brown. Not many IDPers in the community would argue with this move.

Looking for a name you weren’t expecting to see? Enter Ramon Humber. Buffalo brought in Sean McDermott to overhaul – rather tear down and rebuild from scratch – this Bills team that occupies space in the Patriots division. I get it… the Bills have done an absolute dynasty football fire sale. Zach Brown would have cost them too much money, so Preston Brown now slides into his role, while the Bills look to fill the WLB slot in the lineup.

Reclamation projects are some of my favorite ‘where did that come from’ players. Who’s behind door number three? Christian Jones. The former 2015 hidden gem will try to resume his waiver-wire utility. He’s only 26 years young, but his history with the Bears suggests this is a last opportunity.

Not being finished with reclamation projects, I now show you door number four! Demario Davis might pan out as the best zero-LB candidate from this past off-season. He’s been a dead man walking ever since his exit from the Jets in 2015. What a turn-around to land back in his familiar role: collecting tackles and sacks behind a formidable defensive line.

If there’s a Clint Eastwood character hiding in this article, he’s been cast as Karlos Dansby. I’m not completely sure of his ability at this stage of his career, but his usage suggests he’s the ‘backer in Arizona (for now). Watch the injury report for his limited practice participation.

I’ll give you a short blurb about a player who may be seeing his role diminish, but this could be untrue. Wes Woodyard was the leader in the clubhouse through week one, but has seen his usage flipped by Avery Williamson. Jayon Brown lurks, and none of these players seem to be used as the every-down leader of this middling defensive unit. Jack LeBeau led?

A secret stash should come towards the end of an article, right? If you’ve read this far, Kyle Van Noy is one of those players that could provide immense value in 2017. Whether you need a starter or a bargaining chip, now is the time to be adding players that no one else is watching. On that note, it’s time to browse the standings in your league and start offering trades to the lowest scoring teams in your league. Van Noy has the draft pedigree and age to offer value to your struggling leaguemates if they are holding aging vets worth adding to your contender.

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bob brannon
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