DLF’s 2016 IDP Predictions: Comeback Player of the Year

Eric Olinger

I love this time of year. Even though most of our dynasty league drafts have long come and gone, there’s plenty of maneuvering to do through the month of August and into September. My favorite articles to read anywhere, not just at DLF, are roundtable type of articles. It’s awesome to hear the opinions of many fantasy football analysts when they’re asked the same question in the same context. The IDP team at DLF was asked to give their answers to who they thought would finish 2016 as the:

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Harrison Smith, FS, MIN– Even factoring in that he only played 13 games last season, Smith still only averaged five tackles each game. Fully healthy and newly-signed to a lucrative contract, Smith should rebound in a big way and return to form as a top ten defensive back in all IDP leagues. –Alex Onuschco

Robert Quinn, DE LA– After an underwhelming start to his 2015, which finished with a serious back injury, Quinn is due for a big time rebound. He should return to elite status, assuming he’s healthy. –Dan Sainio

Robert Quinn, DE LA- After missing half of the 2015 season, the consensus best defensive end not named J.J. Watt will be back in 2016. Although he is entering his seventh year in the league, he only turned 26 in May and has three 10+ sack seasons on his resume (including 19 in 2013). –Jaron Foster

Mario Williams, DE MIA– Williams should again flourish in a 4-3 defense. He was misused by Rex Ryan in Buffalo, but Williams is still young enough to put together a top season. How does 40 tackles and 10 plus sacks sound (i.e., DE1 territory)? –Steve Wyremski

Keenan Robinson, LB NYG- I’ll be the first to say it, Keenan was terrible last year, he almost looked lost and it’s no surprise the Washington Football Team let him walk in free agency. However, I am very hopeful he can make a return to 2014 form with his new home in New York. He walks on as potentially the most talented guy in the linebacker corps and should see the field a ton. It might be a slower start as he gets his head around the scheme, but it could all come together. –Adam Tzikas

Alec Ogletree, LB LA- There’s only one player who comes to mind for IDP Comeback Player of the Year. It has to be Alec Ogletree. He only played in four games last year, but he was on track for a monstrous best year of his career. His price is still that of a top three linebacker, so you won’t likely be able to buy him for cheap, but he could be in for a 100+ tackle year. –Zach Bahnershazier

Ryan Shazier, LB PIT- I know he hasn’t had an elite year yet, but he has certainly flashed.  My money is on him stringing together a healthy season and turning in the type of season we all believe his capable of. –Trevor Bucher

Alec Ogletree, LB LA- Ogletree missed the majority of last season due to an ankle injury, making him a forgotten IDP stud. He looked good in preseason and he should return to his old form. Those who bought him on the cheap last year are going to love the return that they are going to get on their investment. –Bruce Matson

Alec Ogletree, LB LA- This one for me is easily Alec Ogletree. Coming off an injury and moving to the middle will allow him to explode. I’d be absolutely shocked if he didn’t see the best fantasy season of his career this season and continued success for seasons to come. –TheFFGhost

Dante Fowler, Jr., DE JAX- After having his rookie campaign derailed by a torn ACL, Fowler steps into an even better situation to reboot his NFL career in Jacksonville this year. The Jags bolstered their interior, adding Sheldon Day in the draft, and swindling Malik Jackson away from the champion Broncos in free agency.  They also got better at outside linebacker with the addition of Myles Jack, to play opposite Telvin Smith. The more havoc they can create, the better Fowler’s odd of finding the quarterback on game day. Having played with All-Pro Von Miller the last four seasons, Jackson stated recently that Fowler shares many of the traits that make Miller the force that he is. If Fowler achieves 60% of Miller’s effectiveness, he’ll be a huge asset to your team. –Mo Brewington

DeAndre Levy, LB DET- After missing 2015 to injuries, Levy is set to regain his place as Detroit’s top tackler.–Bill Edwards

Ryan Shazier, LB PIT- Alec Ogletree is the obvious name here, but to provide a counterpoint, I’m going with Ryan Shazier of the Steelers. In balanced scoring leagues, Shazier’s points-per-game were on pace with Malcolm Smith’s breakout year. Smith is getting widely hailed, while Shazier is being called an LB2/3. –Joseph Redemann

Robert Quinn, DE LA- While I agree Alec Ogletree is the player most likely to be the most impressive comeback player in IDP leagues, I will take his teammate who plays a position with far fewer elite options at the position. Quinn is a monster and should finish as a top five player at the position and as high as the DE3 behind only J.J. Watt and Khalil Mack. Maybe you can still get him at an injury discount before people remember how awesome this guy is. –Eric Olinger

Who gets your vote for IDP Comeback Player of the Year?

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eric olinger
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