IDP Improvements: Moves to Make Before Week Ten

Hopefully, you followed the advice in the week nine article and added Bryce Huff and Markquese Bell to your dynasty rosters. In the week ten article, I have identified more moves you can make to strengthen your dynasty roster, with a focus on defensive linemen.

Calijah Kancey, DT TB – ADD/TRADE FOR

My love for Kancey is no secret. This is the second time he has appeared in this article series, and I have him ranked eighth in my dynasty rookie IDP rankings.

Last weekend, his 82% snap share was his season-high and was the most snaps played by any of the Buccaneers interior defensive linemen in 2023.

Logan Hall was unavailable for the game, meaning the team leaned on Kancey and Co. more than they ordinarily would, but it speaks volumes that the team trusts the rookie with a significant workload so early in his career. I’m optimistic that Kancey will remain heavily involved after turning that opportunity into the second sack of his young career.

Bucs sure look like they hit on their first-round pick this year with Kancey. pic.twitter.com/lE3JIrhFu0

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) November 6, 2023

I suspect that Kancey will never generate significant tackle volume, so you may want to look elsewhere if the scoring format in your league does not reward tackles highly. However, if sacks and QB hits score well, he could be a valuable dynasty addition to your roster.

Boye Mafe, EDGE SEA – TRADE FOR

Mafe’s improvement from year one to year two has been impressive. His pressure rate has increased from only 6% in 2022 to 11.2% in 2023, and he’s already doubled his sack tally from a year ago. He has recorded a sack in six consecutive games and has 13 tackles and a forced fumble in his last two outings.

Furthermore, Mafe’s win rate percentage, or the frequency at which he beats opposing blockers, has climbed from a derisory 7.8% in 2022 to 23.7% in the current campaign. His recent form has meant that his value in the DLF Top 150 IDP rankings has started to climb:

The absence of Uchenna Nwosu is a factor in Mafe’s progression, but it hasn’t led to any significant increase in opportunity. Mafe had an average 58.3% snap share before Nwosu’s injury and has been on the field for 64.5% of the defensive plays in the two games since.

The 2022 second-round pick may still be available on the waiver wire in shallow leagues, but he’s worth trading for if not. He’s an ascending, young player with potential and opportunity.

D.J. Wonnum, EDGE MIN – TRADE AWAY

Wonnum has produced five sacks this season, tied for 24th at the position. He’s had a more significant role than expected, owing to the injury that landed Marcus Davenport on IR. In the last three weeks, Wonnum has played 91% of the defensive snaps, or 175 in total, ranking fifth among all edge rushers.

Unfortunately, Wonnum’s performance doesn’t justify his snap volume. His pressure rate is below 10% for the fourth consecutive year of his NFL career. Per Pro Football Focus, the 26-year-old edge rusher’s win rate, or ability to beat blockers, is a woeful 10%, or 101st at the position.

Davenport will be out until at least week eleven, but you may lose your opportunity to sell Wonnum if you wait. Strike now while he still has value.

SirVocea Dennis, LB TB – ADD

Daiyan Henley, LB LAC – ADD

There is nothing to suggest either Dennis or Henley will make an impact in the 2023 season. Dennis has barely seen the field, and Henley has not played more than 19% of the defensive snaps in a single game.

As a fifth-round pick, Dennis has a mountain to climb before he can be considered a dynasty value, and it’s a similar story with Henley – who only converted to linebacker in 2020.

Nevertheless, both players have some dynasty appeal because of the uncertainty at the linebacker position on their respective teams. The Buccaneers’ Lavonte David and Devin White are due to hit free agency after 2023, and the Chargers declined Kenneth Murray‘s fifth-year option.

A lot can change between now and the start of next season, but in leagues with deep rosters, consider taking a flier by adding one or both players in the hope that their roles will grow significantly in 2024. It’s a cheap gamble that could pay dividends.

Conclusion

Only four bye weeks are remaining in the 2023 season. Evaluate your roster and consider when to start stashing talent with one eye on 2024 and beyond. You may be able to wait on adding Sirvocea Dennis and Daiyan Henley. Still, it’s better to be slightly early rather than too late.