Summer Sleeper: NFC West IDPs

Steve Wyremski

nfcwest

So far this summer, the focus on sleepers here at DLF has been on the offensive side of the ball. Eric Olinger and I are going to be rolling out IDP summer sleepers across the conferences over the next few weeks. 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 and training camp thus far, here are some NFC West sleepers:

[am4show  have=’p2;p3;p4;p5;p6;’  guest_error=’sub_message’  user_error=’sub_message’ ]

San Francisco 49ers

Tank Carradine, DE

Carradine was slated to be a sure-fire first round pick in the 2013 draft, but an ACL tear late in 2012 left many concerned with the health of his knee. Unfortunately, the timing of the injury forced him to miss much of the pre-draft process. Despite the lack of participation, the 49ers still selected him in the second round thanks to his 2012 season and natural talent.

Glance at his 2012 stats from Florida State and it’s clear why. Pre-injury, he finished with 11 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss in 12 games. Great numbers, but that was only one season of production, which concerned some evaluators. He also produced at a JUCO program prior to Florida State, but the limited experience at the top level of competition was viewed as a negative.

As you can see in his college highlights, his explosiveness, high motor, quickness and strength were enough to support a high draft grade.

Unfortunately, Carradine missed the entire 2013 season as he recovered from the knee injury. Out of sight for a season, he’s still stuck under the IDP radar. Finally healthy, 2014 offseason reports have been positive thus far. He received favorable reports during minicamp from two beat writers, but defensive coordinator Vic Fangio tempered enthusiasm emphasizing Tank’s role is unclear given he’s just returning from injury and hadn’t yet put pads on.

Shift to training camp and reports are again consistent with Fangio tempering yet again. Justin Smith isn’t practicing, so Tank is getting the first team reps in camp. Those reps have caught the attention of teammates as he continues to give first team offensive lineman fits. Of course, Fangio highlighted Carradine’s mental issues and difficulty with assignments when asked about the young end’s play. It seems this may be a motivation tactic more than anything.

In Carradine’s first preseason game, due to shallow depth as a result of injuries, he played 75 percent of the team’s snaps and impressed with four solos, four assists, a tackle for loss and a sack – not an unexpected result considering his talent compared to reserve level players.

Regardless of Fangio’s reluctance to support him publicly, Tank’s consistent performance to date in 204 is noteworthy. If he can remain healthy, he can be a fantastic defensive end option and ultimately an IDP starter.

Other Sleeper: Corey Lemonier, OLB – Like Carradine, Lemonier is situated for a 2014 breakout. He’s added muscle and with Aldon Smith scheduled for suspension (estimated to be six to eight games), he’ll see a large chunk of those snaps.

Arizona Cardinals

Kevin Minter, ILB

Much like Keenan Robinson, Minter is more of a breakout candidate than a sleeper. With Daryl Washington suspended for the 2014 season and Karlos Dansby elsewhere via free agency, Minter slides into a starting inside linebacker spot that comes with a high ceiling. Once a top rookie pick, those patient owners are likely to be rewarded with a meaningful sophomore year after a disappointing rookie season.

Thus far, Minter is making all the defensive calls and is situated for a potential every down role. There are reports that he’s sitting out dime packages, which is something to monitor, but he’s still in the nickel subpackage.

In the starter’s role, the physical linebacker shouldn’t have an issue excelling against the run, but needs to prove he can stay on the field in passing situations. With a thin depth chart inside, Minter will be given every opportunity to prove he’s a staple every down linebacker in this defense.

Given the extremely limited experience as a rookie (one snap), Minter’s capability is on the line in 2014. He’s already vocalized that he doesn’t want people to start talking bust. This is a perfect opportunity for a breakout and an ideal chance to set the tone as the quarterback of the defense.

Deeper Sleeper: Kareem Martin, DE – Darnell Dockett is signed through 2015, but he’s slowing down given his age. Martin will be a part of the end rotation as a rookie with the chance to show that Dockett should be cut and Martin can hold down the fort.

Seattle Seahawks

Cassius Marsh, DE

Kevin Pierre-Louis was a favorite sleeper of mine headed into the season, but injuries have largely kept him off the field. Marsh, however, has been fantastic so far. A clip from a recent article captures it:

“Carroll said he’s been pleased with the versatility Marsh has shown. The 22-year-old Southern California native has seen a healthy amount of reps at defensive end and defensive tackle, working in with the No. 1 unit at times in defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and defensive line coach Travis Jones’ heavy D-line rotation.”

According to Carroll, “We’re real happy with Cassius Marsh and what he’s shown in the first three days that he has a variety of things that we think he can help us with.” These statements were backed up in his first preseason appearance with three tackles and a sack.

Marsh will be thrust into the defensive end rotation in 2014, but with Cliff Avril set to be a free agent in 2015, the opportunity for Marsh is there – so is the long-term sleeper appeal.

Other Sleeper: Brock Coyle, LB – With Pierre-Louis on the sideline, Coyle is another who has seized the opportunity. Linebacker coach Ken Norton Jr. noted, “He’s passing each test.” More specifically, he played well starting for Bobby Wagner in preseason week 1 finishing with four solo tackles and an assist on 35 percent of the team’s snaps.

St. Louis Rams

EJ Gaines, CB STL

Trumaine Johnson is a solid tackler, but his overall play is spotty given his coverage struggles – that could leave Gaines with an opportunity. With a start in the first preseason game due to injuries to Janoris Jenkins and Johnson, Gaines proved he’s capable finishing with four tackles and two assists on 77 percent of the team’s snaps.

Overall, the staff is happy with his progress thus far. If this trajectory continues, Gaines may be looking at more snaps.To give some context to his progress, here is what Coach Jeff Fisher had to say about Gaines:

“He’s just been making plays. He’s very instinctive, a very conscientious, smart player. He’s picked the defense up really well and made plays. He’s a football player. He tackles, he covers, he’s got ball skills, so we’ll continue to get him some reps.”

He’ll also have to compete with fellow rookie Lamarcus Joyner for snaps, but while Joyner is a plug-and-play at nickel corner in subpackages, he’s a long-term safety. Gaines is someone who could surprise long-term in corner-required leagues.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveWyremski

[/am4show]