Three weeks in, and you should have a good idea where your roster stands. This is a big week on waivers, though, because this is the final chance to set things up before bye weeks enter the fold. The Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans are first up in Week 5. So owners of DE Aidan Hutchinson should be looking for a potential replacement this week, for example.
Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.
Defensive linemen
DE Will McDonald, New York Jets
The 2023 first-round pick had a quiet Week 1 and has busted out with two straight strong games. He had four tackles, a forced fumble, and three sacks in Week 2 and three tackles and two sacks in Week 3. It’s time to believe.
DE Za’Darius Smith, Cleveland Browns
Smith benefits from having Myles Garrett on the opposite side of him. He’s hurting, though, with injuries to both feet. He will still command the attention of offensive lines, which should open things up for Smith. He had a sack in Week 1 and Week 3 and provides useful depth.
Linebackers
LB Jordyn Brooks, Miami Dolphins
Remember this former IDP stud? He had 184 tackles in his sophomore season of 2021 and has rapidly depreciated since then, largely thanks to a major injury in 2022. Brooks looks to be on the comeback trail, though, with 19 total tackles in three games. He had nine tackles against his former team in Week 3 and appears to be getting stronger as the season progresses.
LB Kyle Van Noy, Baltimore Ravens
The 11-year vet definitely takes the “Tough Man” award of the bunch. He broke an orbital bone in Week 1. All he has done in two games since is three tackles with two sacks and two tackles, two sacks, and a pass defense. He’s definitely an option to consider in leagues that value sacks.
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LB Nakobe Dean, Philadelphia Eagles
The former third-rounder in 2022 was in line to be a breakout candidate last season before a foot injury derailed his ’23 campaign. Dean looks to be showing that potential with seven tackles in Week 2 and eight in Week 3. He does have a Week 5 bye, but if you have the space, scoop and stash him in more casual settings.
Defensive backs
FS Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans Saints
The Honey Badger is back and eating well through three weeks. He had four tackles, a FF, and a FR in Week 1; three tackles, an INT, and two PDs in Week 2; and seven tackles, an INT, and PD in Week 3. History shows he’s likely to come back to Earth and/or get hurt, but run him out there while you can.
SS Chuck Clark, New York Jets
Clark had ho-hum Weeks 1 and 2 with five and four tackles, respectively. He opened up a can in Week 3 with seven tackles, a forced fumble, fumble recovery, and a sack. He’ll have Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix in his sights in Week 4 in a good matchup.
S Chamarri Conner, Kansas City Chiefs
He plays the “big nickel” role, and his numbers warrant the pickup. In Week 1, he had six tackles. In Week 2, Conner had six tackles, a fumble recovery, a sack, and a TD. Last week, he had 10 tackles, an INT, and 2 PDs. You can’t ignore those stats any longer.