Five Packers Players to Consider in IDP and Dynasty
It’s been an interesting 2019 for the Packers through four games. The team is 3-1 on the year, losing their last matchup at home against the Eagles, but they’ve got an impressive head start in the NFC North thanks to a talented defense with playmakers all over the place.
One might think this team would be a dynasty farm in that sense, and in a way they are. Maybe it’s a little too soon to expect years and years from a soon-to-be 36-year old Aaron Rodgers, but this team – more than in seasons past – boasts a great display of young talent mixed with key veterans as the team’s Super Bowl window has reopened.
Now with this said, which Packers players are worth investing for your dynasty team? That’s where this piece comes in.
Here we’re going to take a look at not one, not two, not three, not four, but five Packers players who are well worth your time. Let’s get started.
Jaire Alexander, CB (Age 22)
I don’t think much needs to be said about Jaire Alexander for those who know him well, but for those who don’t, just rest assured this young corner is on the rise and fast. Already in his second season, he’s established himself as perhaps the cornerstone of this Packers defense, showcasing phenomenal coverage and allowing very few big plays. Before the Sunday games in week four, he led the NFL in pass disruptions with six.
Za’Darius Smith, DE (27)
Before his breakout season in 2018, Za’Darius Smith was an unknown pass rusher for the Ravens, but his 2018 season rewarded him with a payday in the off-season. Smith has been excellent in his first season with the Packers, helping turn the pass rush into one of the league’s most feared.
Through four games, Smith has three sacks, three tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits. He’s off to a hot start, and his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage is worth an investment for dynasty owners hungry for adding a new pass rusher to their IDP teams.
Preston Smith, DE (26, turns 27 this season)
The other (unrelated) pass rusher named Smith the Packers added in free agency, the former Washington Redskin has also done a wonderful job through four games in his first season in Green Bay. Smith’s career in D.C. was thought to be one filled with potential but also one where said potential was never fully realized. Incredibly, the Packers seemed to have brought something out in him as he’s playing the best football of his career thus far.
In 2018, Smith had four sacks, five tackles for losses and 16 quarterback hits in 16 games played. In four games this season, not only has Smith already gotten more sacks (4.5) but he’s also on pace for 18 sacks and 32 quarterback hits. One might say this is brand new territory for a pass rusher who seems to have gotten closer to meeting his true potential.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR (24, turns 25 this season)
You might be inclined to give any Packers receiver not named Davante Adams a hard pass, but with Adams’ status in doubt due to a turf toe injury, we could see more opportunities in the near future for second-year wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling (we’ll just call him MVS to make it easier).
MVS has 217 receiving yards on 16 catches (13.6 yards per reception) and a touchdown through four games in 2019. He’s on pace for 64 catches and 868 yards for the rest of the year. Those are not outstanding numbers but with the increased attention Aaron Rodgers has given him this season, it should be more than enough for him to garner your attention in the search for a young receiving talent.
Even if Adams doesn’t miss that much time (if at all) I’d still recommend going after MVS. He has good potential as long as Rodgers remains the quarterback, and I’m excited to see what he can do for the remainder of his sophomore season in Green Bay.
Darnell Savage, S (22)
The first-round Maryland rookie is the final stop on this Packers’ piece. Darnell Savage has already inserted himself into a starting role in the Packers secondary, helping add to the incredible amount of talent on that uprising defense. Through the first four games of his career, Savage has one interception, three pass disruptions, and a forced fumble. He also has 17 combined tackles in that stretch, with 15 of them being solo.
I’m excited to see what Savage can do for the rest of his rookie season. He seems like a good, young addition for Green Bay and it’d be hard for me to coerce you into missing out on him. Time will tell how good this safety can become, but at the very least Savage’s development has me intrigued.
Did we miss any of your favorite Packers? Give us your thoughts in the comment section below!
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