IDP Rookie Review: Week Three

Week three brought about more playing time, particularly to the young linebackers due to many injuries to star defenders. The linebacker class was thought to be shallow by most but some guys are getting a chance to prove otherwise early.

Defensive Lineman

Josh Allen, DE JAX

54 (68%) snaps 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery

Allen showcased the overall skill set which made him a first-round pick – he was everywhere versus the Titans. He had two out of the nine overall sacks the Jaguars had against Marcus Mariota as the defense had the quarterback running for his life all night. Allen played mostly as pass-rushing help and has seen his playing time hover right around the 75% mark. He is a boom-or-bust type of guy and more valuable in big-play scoring formats due to the sack probability when he plays.

Clelin Ferrell, DE OAK

52 (83%) snaps 2 solo tackles 1 assist

The match against the Vikings could have been a chance to showcase Ferrell’s run-stopping ability – the Vikes ran on 57% of their offense plays. Ferrell was largely quiet and did not factor much in the pass rush this week. He is still a player I think will work his way into a DL2 stat line on a week to week basis – stick with him.

Brian Burns, DE/LB CAR

56 (75%) snaps 4 solo tackles, 1 sack

The young pass-rusher in Carolina has been impressive early. Burns is seeing playing time and getting after the quarterback – gathering in his second sack of the season in week two. Burns has the quickness and instincts to stay on the field and not be a liability as he learns the NFL game. From an IDP standpoint, Burns still carries the DE designation in MFL and has value but will likely be moved to LB at some point. Take advantage of this now.

Nick Bosa, DE SF

39 (74%) snaps 1 solo tackle

One solo tackle for the second overall pick doesn’t look impressive at first glance. Bosa has 17 quarterback pressures through his first three games and it’s only a matter of time before it leads to more sacks and turnovers forced. The 49ers are building a strong defensive line with Bosa as the cornerstone. If anyone is skittish because of lack of production, relieve them of their problem.

Ed Oliver, DT BUF

36 (59%) snaps 1 solo tackles

Oliver is not making a dent in the statistical category as of yet but is creating internal pressure and making his presence felt. He is currently not worth starting until the stats follow, at least from an IDP standpoint. This opens a possible buy low window to acquire the young defensive tackle.

Chase Winovich, DE NE

13 (25%) snaps 1 assist, ½ sack

Winovich’s playing time had been increasing but the game plan versus the Jets was mainly to shut down Le’Veon Bell and Winovich didn’t see the field as much. He still generated pressure and was able to get half of a sack in his limited time.

Linebackers

Devin White, LB TBB

Did Not Play

White is still not practicing and looks likely to miss week four as well.

Devin Bush, LB PIT

79 (100%) snaps 7 solo tackles, 3 assists, 2 fumble recoveries

The Steelers linebacker is likely going to run away with Defensive Rookie of the Year at the pace he is going. Bush has another strong week, playing every snap versus the 49ers with ten total tackles and with the two fumble recoveries, he had an LB1 stat line which could have helped win you a week in IDP. Keep starting Bush, he is going to be in an LB1 for the 2019 season.

Sam Eguavoen, LB MIA

72 (100%) snaps 7 solo tackles, 1 assist

A 26-year old ‘rookie’ who spent some time in the Canadian Football League, Eguavoen has been a bright spot for the hapless Dolphins. He had another solid game this week and has cemented his spot next to Jerome Baker and relegated Raekwon McMillan to the bench. He’s fun to watch – Eguavoen flies around and makes plays, he plays hungry and with passion.

Mack Wilson, LB CLE

64 (100%) snaps 3 solo tackles, 2 assists

An injury to Chris Kirksey thrust Wilson into the lineup and he fared admirably against a tough Rams offense. I don’t believe he will be a long-term answer for the Browns but could be a fill-in LB3/LB4 from time to time.

Quincy Williams, LB JAX

79 (99%) snaps 4 solo tackles, 4 assists

Playing time will keep Williams relevant. As long as he has almost no competition in the linebacking corps, he will be productive. He is limited by less than stellar instincts but has a clear path to nearly full playing time.

Ryan Connelly, LB NYG

71 (92%) snaps 2 solo tackles, 5 assists, 1 interception

An injury to Ogletree bumped Connelly up to the inside linebacker wearing the ‘dot’ and will likely wear it this week as well, calling the plays for the defense versus Washington. He is an impressive young player from Wisconsin and his teammates seem to rally around his playing style. It’s early but Connelly is carving out a role and could be a long term LB2 in IDP leagues.

Bobby Okereke, LB IND

55 (90%) snaps 6 solo tackles, 2 assists

Injuries are the theme if you haven’t noticed by now, Okereke was able to start and play most of the game due to an injury to Darius Leonard. Leonard will not play week four against the Raiders and if you have Okereke, get the young linebacker in your lineup. He’s a three-down LB who will figure into the Colts long-term plans but his upside short term is limited unless there’s an injury.

Blake Cashman, LB NYJ

69 (90%) snaps 6 solo tackles, 2 assists

C.J. Mosley is likely starting in week five and the Jets are on a bye this week, so the playing time for Cashman is likely dropping again. He is an attacking linebacker with a great nose for the ball and a long term stash target for me, the Jets will have a tough time keeping the instinctive Cashman out of their defensive lineup.

Montez Sweat, LB WAS

42 (67%) snaps 4 solo tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack

Sweat picked up more snaps and made the most of them. He had a fairly impressive line if you were lucky enough to start him and looks to be making strides which will keep him on the field. Sweat is a fast linebacker and more of a pass-rusher but seven total tackles are nice and could provide him a safe floor if it continues.

Cole Holcomb, LB WAS

31 (47%) snaps 6 solo tackles, 3 assists

Holcomb saw a severe downtick in snaps he was on the field but the stats do not show it. Nine total tackles in less than half of the defensive snaps is crazy efficient production. He has a nose for the football but is a liability in coverage and will be on the field for only the first two downs. Holcomb will continue to see the field and produce LB2/LB3 numbers due to the state of the linebacker corps in D.C.

Jahlani Tavai, LB DET

27 (36%) snaps 1 solo 1 assist

Week three brought the return of Jarrad Davis and Tavai’s playing time decreased due to the return. He is now a linebacker I would not start but is a strong hold still. The Lions have seen what he can do and he will have a role eventually, he has immense potential and could be an LB1/LB2 down the road.

Defensive Backs

Darnell Savage, S GB

73 (100%) snaps 2 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 interceptions

Savage gathered in his first NFL interception versus Denver in week three and was able to chip in three tackles. I am not as high on him as some but the playing time along with his role makes him a solid DB2/DB3 weekly. Savage will have more consistent weeks with more tackles as his feel for the game develops.

Juan Thornhill, S KC

80 (96%) snaps 2 solo tackles

A player I thought would hit the field firing on all cylinders, Thornhill had another quiet week in the stat column and will likely not be an every-week starter until he matches his week one score consistently.