IDP Winners and Losers – AFC East
We continue our journey through the aftermath of the NFL Draft by looking at more winners and losers from the IDP world. Today’s stop is the AFC East, where we have a few different winners and losers.
Winners
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Darron Lee, ILB NYJ
A converted safety, the 6’1 232 pound Lee was drafted into an excellent situation – one he will dominate in. An extremely intense player with an equally impressive drive, Lee is relentless in his pursuit of the ball carrier or quarterback. Lee played behind a great line at Ohio State, one which included the fourth overall selection this year, Joey Bosa. It will be very comfortable for Lee to work behind three even more talented defensive linemen in Sheldon Richardson, Leonard Williams, and Muhammed Wilkerson (for now). Lee will use his work ethic to potentially show the coaches in NY that he is ready for snaps inside from day one. He could push for LB1 of rookies this year and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised.
Shaq Lawson, DE BUF
Drafted 19th overall the 6’3 270 pound defensive linemen out of Clemson couldn’t have picked a better situation to go to for NFL purposes. Unfortunately for fantasy, due to his landing spot, getting potentially tagged as an outside linebacker will hurt his stock, especially in big play leagues. A prolific run-stuffer in college, he will need to transition his massive size into more usable power or be stuck as an edge setter. His designation is something that will require close consideration going into your rookie drafts. If he gets the defensive end designation locked in before the season starts, he could have some DE2 tackle production supplemented with good tackle for loss numbers. With Rex Ryan at the helm in Buffalo anything is possible for that defense.
Miami D Line and Linebacker Corps
With eight picks in this draft, the defense was largely left alone for the Dolphins to the surprise of many. While the defensive line got a slight makeover this off-season with the addition of Mario Williams and Andre Branch; to pair with Ndamukong Suh and the seemingly ageless but “getting there” Cameron Wake, no defensive adds were made in the draft. Even more surprisingly was their lack of additions to the linebacker core. This shows massive trust in Kiko Alonso, Jelani Jenkins, and Koa Misa. All should be decent plays in most IDP leagues if they can stay on the field. If the past is any indication, make sure you have quality depth behind them before relying on any of these guys.
Losers
Preston Brown, LB BUF
The unexciting third round pick, Brown was the benefit of being the only guy in 2014 and 2015, racking up near 1100 snaps in each year and only averaged 64 tackles though both. This tackle rate is potentially a product of their defensive line being so good and Corey Graham having a renaissance. Looking towards 2016, with the drafting of Reggie Ragland, Brown is demoted to second fiddle in terms of who will be making the tackles for buffalo. Ragland is incredible at defeating blockers and filling gaps, but it’s his speed and brain that will come into question. If he can put it all together, the second rounder will be leading the team in tackles. That’s if anyone can get past their aforementioned line.
Bruce Carter, LB NYJ
After spending his time moonlighting all over the Cowboys linebacker core and spending a year watching Kwon Alexander perform admirably in the middle linebacker role, Carter we cut from his four year deal by the Buccaneers. Landing on the Jets with a one year contract, fate shined a light on Carter with the departure of Demario Davis to the Browns, a month later, that light was extinguished by the drafting of Darron Lee. Carter is effectively off the radar and will likely be a depth play for the Jets.
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- 2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Defensive Player Dynasty Review - March 13, 2023
- 2022 NFL Scouting Combine: IDP Dynasty Review - March 10, 2022
- 2021 Post-Draft Superflex and Integrated IDP Rookie Mock - May 14, 2021
