IDP Rookie Review: Week Seven

With Devin Bush and Devin White both on bye Week 7, the IDP Rookie Review was down two of it’s biggest stars in the lineup – a common theme for all fantasy teams in 2019. I loved this class coming into the draft and there are some stars, but some of these guys I expected more from early. It’s coming but the week seven review is another less than stellar look at how the rookies fared.

Defensive Lineman

Nick Bosa, DE SF

41 (85%) snaps 5 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack

Bosa was a one-man wrecking crew in the mud and rain versus Washington – four of his tackles were for a loss and he was causing havoc all game. The 49ers defensive line could be the best in the NFL. Bosa is seeing single offensive lineman coverage and getting a chance to show his array of moves and counters. The Defensive Rookie of the Year race is between Bosa and Bush.

Josh Allen, DE JAX

39 (54%) snaps 2 solo tackles, 1 Sack

The amount of snaps is staying the same, but his production still isn’t increasing much yet. Fortunately, the sacks are still coming. Allen has five on the season and will remain an option in IDP leagues if your league has big-play scoring. He is more of a situational pass-rusher for Jacksonville at this point. He has long-term value if he can get more playing time. He was more versatile at Kentucky and can be a run-stopper and also cover backs and tight ends.

Quinnen Williams, DT NYJ

41 (50%) snaps 1 solo tackle, 1 assist

The Jets’ rookie saw just half of the defensive snaps in their embarrassing loss to New England. Williams wasn’t much of a factor. Rumors continue to circulate about them trading Leonard Williams and Quinnen will be leaned on more if a trade happens. I am hopeful about his long term outlook. I believe he is immensely talented and will be a stud defensive lineman for years.

Ed Oliver, DT BUF

35 (48%) snaps 1 solo tackle, 1 assist, 1 sack

The first sack of Oliver’s career came in week seven versus the hapless Dolphins, although his playing time took a small hit. The talent is there and Buffalo has one of the toughest defenses in the NFL. Oliver will continue to learn and break in slowly. His long-term outlook is rosy. He will be one of the better defensive tackles in the years to come.

Linebackers

Blake Cashman, LB NYJ

74 (90%) snaps 6 solo tackles, 2 assists

Cashman continued to see playing time, even after the return of C.J. Mosley, and the young linebacker outperformed the vet on the stat sheet. His speed in coverage was going to be one of the stronger arguments to keep him on the field for three downs. Unfortunately, the rookie was exploited often in the passing game, though it was versus Tom Brady and the Pats. While Cashman has to learn and get better, I still like his future in the Big Apple.

Cole Holcomb, LB WAS

29 (45%) snaps 3 solo tackles

The playing time for the rookie is slowly declining. He is limited but good as a two-down run-stopping linebacker. He will likely continue to see the field as long as games stay close. He can be on the field in game scripts which favor opposing offenses running the ball more. He will likely continue to be a decent fill-in linebacker for the time being.

Germaine Pratt, LB CIN

22 (27%) snaps 3 solo tackles, 3 assists

Pratt had the second-most tackles among Bengals linebackers in only 22 snaps versus the Jaguars. The Bengals need to get the rookie more involved. He’s a converted safety, has a nose for the ball, and the Bengals are floundering. They need to start playing their young guys to see what they have for the future. Expect an uptick in snaps going forward. Pratt will put up solid stats in the LB3 range for the rest of the year.

Defensive Backs

Khari Willis, S IND

65 (100%) snaps 3 solo tackles, 2 assist

The young defensive back from Michigan State has fallen into a situation where he is starting every snap after the injuries to Malik Hooker and Clayton Geathers. Willis is a much stronger NFL option than IDP option, but could still fill in if you need a start and will likely be good for a handful of tackles every week and an occasional turnover as well.

Taylor Rapp, S LAR

54 (98%) snaps 5 solo tackles, 1 assist

Rapp is in the perfect situation to be the DB1 for IDP rookies with Johnathan Abram out for the year. He will rack up tackles playing in the L.A. secondary as teams have to score to keep up with the Rams – at least most games. He has a knack for the ball and is not afraid to hit. I love him as a DB2 for the remainder of 2019.

Juan Thornhill, S KC

63 (94%) snaps 2 solo tackles, 1 assist

Thornhill continues to get playing time, but is not getting the stats to be an IDP starter. At this point, he is simply a desperation play, but I am still high on his long-term prospects.