Tag: idp waiver wire picks

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 4

Forecasting the free-agent IDPs you should target in fantasy leagues.

It’s at this point of the season where you hit the first crossroad. Are you a contender or a pretender? If your answer is the latter, it’s time to shake things up. We’re here to give you that extra edge over your competition with key roster decisions.

Defensive Linemen

DE Darrell Taylor, Seattle Seahawks

Taylor, who has slid down to the SAM in Seattle, still qualifies at defensive end in a lot of leagues. The second-round pick from last year had six total tackles and a sack in Week 3. If he’s a defensive lineman in your league, he needs to be owned for his tackle potential at linebacker.

DE Dante Fowler, Atlanta Falcons

Fowler falls into the same boat as Taylor with DL eligibility at linebacker. The 27-year-old has sacks and forced fumbles in consecutive games for the 1-2 Falcons. He’s a low-end DL1 right now and may become a trade chip at the deadline, which could enhance his value even more on a better team.

DT Zach Sieler, Miami Dolphins

The former seventh-round pick has been all over the field through three weeks. He had nine total tackles and a pass defense in Week 3 alone. Once a rotational player, he has to see more time with this eruption. If you have room, stash Sieler as depth for bye weeks or start him straight away in a pinch.

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Linebackers

LB Tae Crowder, New York Giants

The Giants lost LB Blake Martinez (knee) to a torn anterior cruciate ligament last week, and Crowder, a second-round pick in ’20, will be the first one up to replace him. He led the team with 11 total tackles last week and chipped in a pass defense as well. He shouldn’t last long on waivers, so pick him up for a potential flex play.

LB Von Miller, Denver Broncos

Miller is always a risky proposition in fantasy because he doesn’t tally enough stats besides sacks to put up points. However, with sacks in all three games, and four total on the season, we can’t ignore him any longer. He’ll chase around Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson next week, who has been caught eight times.

LB Terrell Lewis, Los Angeles Rams

Lewis will take over for Justin Hollins (pectoral), who landed on IR in Week 3. This will be a purely speculative pickup – or a watch-list type of player. He was a third-round pick out of Alabama last year and didn’t see much action. He had five total tackles in three games, but the opportunity has arisen for him to emerge. If you’re in a deep league and you’re looking for a diamond in the rough, he fits the bill.

Defensive Backs

SS Brandon Jones, Miami Dolphins

Continuing the theme with third-round picks in 2020, Jones had a monster game in Week 3 with six total tackles and two sacks. Now you can’t count on that every week, but he also had six tackles in Week 2. The Dolphins could be in a youth movement before too long, and Jones has staying power in the lineup.

FS Nasir Adderley, Los Angeles Chargers

The third-year product out of Delaware has been blessed with one major thing – the health of SS Derwin James opposite of him. Everything is coming to his side, and he has 18 tackles in the last two weeks. It’s just a matter of time before the PDs and INTs come along with it.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 3

Forecasting the free-agent individual defensive players you should target in fantasy leagues.

Two games down, and 15 to go in the new 17-game season. That makes each week’s waivers a little more important early in the season to bank on those gems hiding in the rough. We’re here to give you that extra edge over your competition with key roster decisions.

Defensive Linemen

DT Jonathan Allen, Washington Football Team

Allen has performed like an edge rusher through the first two weeks, so he might not be available in deeper formats. His nine tackles and three sacks peg him among the top 10 of linemen in a lot of leagues. He had 61 tackles and eight sacks in 2018, and he’s rounding back into that form with the weapons around him. He’s a flex option in most leagues right now.

DT Javon Hargrave, Philadelphia Eagles

The 28-year-old is off to a fast start in what could be a post-hype breakout on the interior. He had seven tackles in Week 1 and six tackles and two sacks in Week 2. That doesn’t look too fluky. DT Fletcher Cox is commanding a lot of the attention beside him, and he has been kept at bay. Ride Hargrave’s wave while you can.

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Linebackers

LB Jordyn Brooks, Seattle Seahawks

Edge rushers and sack totals are the new craze, but consistent stoppers are the staple of IDP leagues. Brooks has 20 total tackles in two games, but he hasn’t reached the quarterback yet. Last year’s first-round pick is available in far too many leagues for the early returns.

LB Robert Spillane, Pittsburgh Steelers

Spillane had a couple of standout games last season and has re-emerged due to injuries to the Steelers once again. He had 12 total tackles in his first sniff of action in Week 2. He can pile up the tackles given the opportunity. He looks like he has that now and will be a flex option in the interim.

LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, Houston Texans

Use a little bit of caution here because Grugier-Hill (knee) was limited in Monday’s practice estimation, and they play Thursday night. He broke out in  a big way in Week 2 with nine tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. He may be more of a watch list option, but keep him in mind.

Defensive Backs

SS Andrew Wingard, Jacksonville Jaguars

Wingard entered the season in a rotation at safety, but he appears to have separated himself with 14 tackles and a sack in the first two weeks. He had 49 tackles and five pass defenses in limited action last year and looks like he could be a compiler.

FS Micah Hyde, Buffalo Bills

Blessed with immense talent around him, Hyde has been busy with 13 tackles and a sack in two games to start the season. He will have peaks and valleys, but he averaged 71 tackles each of the last two years. There should be ample opportunities for Hyde to make plays.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 2

Forecasting the free-agent individual defensive players you should target in fantasy leagues.

Week 1 is in the books, and we saw some breakout performances from unlikely sources. If you play in IDP leagues, it’s not likely that you’re a novice in fantasy football. We’re here to give you that extra edge over your competition with key roster decisions.

Defensive Linemen

DE Haason Reddick, Carolina Panthers

Reddick signed a one-year, $8 million deal to do some edge rushing in a rotation with the Panthers in the offseason. After a banner Week 1, he might be seeing more than “rotational” playing time. He had four tackles (three solo), 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the season opener. His Panthers face the maligned New Orleans Saints, who lost their starting center, among other issues in the season opener. Reddick has staying power opposite of Brian Burns.

DE Tanoh Kpassagnon, New Orleans Saints

While it was a costly win on the injury front for the Saints, a lane has opened for the 27-year-old Kpassagnon. He had two tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in the season-opening win against the Green Bay Packers. The Saints also lost DE Marcus Davenport to a pectoral strain that could keep Kpassagnon on the field for increased snaps.

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DE Rasheem Green, Seattle Seahawks

Green came out of nowhere, seemingly, in Week 1 with four total tackles, a sack, and two passes swatted down at the line. It’s a crowded position, though, with Green, Darrell Taylor, Benson Mayowa and Carlos Dunlap also reaching the quarterback in the opener. Pick up Green in deeper formats, but he may not stick as well with the traffic around him on the depth chart.

Linebackers

OLB Chandler Jones, Arizona Cardinals

Well that’s one way to make a return into the fantasysphere. Jones’ line in Week 1: six solo tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles. Now 31, and coming off his worst statistical pace of his career prior to the injury, Jones is hungry to get back into the limelight. He needs to be scooped up in all formats, and if you’re able to trade him to someone that failed to claim him, look to do so if you have depth.

OLB Matt Judon, New England Patriots

Judon was quiet in the first game of the season with four total tackles. That could change as the weakside linebacker will line up opposite of the New York Jets, who lost their starting left tackle for a minimum of four weeks. The Jets allowed six sacks last week, and Judon figures to wreak havoc in the backfield. Pick him up for a potential flex play this week.

LB Del’Shawn Phillips, New York Jets

It’s not often a player comes up from the practice squad, leads the team in tackles in a game, and heads back to the practice squad. That is what took place for procedural reasons, but Phillips is expected to be back up for Week 2. He had only three solo tackles (with nine assisted), which could hurt in leagues that only count solos or greatly diminish assisted stops. He’s one to watch at a position that doesn’t typically have double-digit tacklers available on the wire.

Defensive Backs

FS Bobby McCain, Washington Football Team

McCain opened the season with 10 total tackles, which instantly grabs your attention. He figures to be busy again Thursday night against a New York Giants team that couldn’t get anything going on the ground. Giants QB Daniel Jones was forced to throw often and left a few potential picks in the air. McCain has staying power opposite of All-Pro SS Landon Collins.

CB Eli Apple, Cincinnati Bengals

Apple came through in CB Trae Waynes’ (leg) absence with six solo tackles in Week 1. Waynes is likely out again this week, and the Bengals face the Chicago Bears, who gave up the most points to opposing DBs in Week 1. Apple is a late-bloomer possibility worth a scoop in deeper leagues.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 17

It’s time to find those IDP gems on the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 17.

It’s the season finale, and for you full-season leaguers, it’s time to finish strong. Look for these possible gems on the waiver wire to bring home the hardware.

Defensive linemen

DE Montez Sweat, Washington Football Team

Sweat has been fairly steady this year opposite of No. 2 overall pick Chase Young. Sweat has 40 tackles and eight sacks on the year. He has just two sacks in the last five games, which has caused him to be available in 80 percent of leagues polled. He’ll face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, which has been one of the best matchups for linemen all season.

DT Jarran Reed, Seattle Seahawks

The San Francisco 49ers have been the most-generous matchup for linemen the last five weeks, and Reed will be able to feast. He had two sacks last week, and he has three in as many weeks. He’d be worth consideration on his own merits, but the matchup puts him over the top.

Linebackers

ILB Jarrad Davis, Detroit Lions

Starter Jamie Collins (neck) was forced to miss his first game of the year with a neck injury last week. There’s no indication of his status this week, but one would think that he’d be on the bad side of questionable. Davis filled in with nine total tackles last week. He’s a former first-round pick likely playing his final game with the club. If Collins is out again, Davis could be a top performer at the position against the Minnesota Vikings

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ILB Joe Thomas, Dallas Cowboys

This situation is a boom-or-bust option. Leighton Vander Esch (ankle) is banged up, and he has been all year. His possible absence would give Thomas an opportunity to rack up some tackles. He did so in Vander Esch’s stead earlier this year. Pick him up as depth with the potential to start if Vander Esch is out.

Defensive backs

FS Darnell Savage, Green Bay Packers

Over the last three games, Savage has been one of the better performers among defensive backs. He has 19 tackles, a sack, an interception and four passes defensed during the stretch. The Chicago Bears are a good matchup in Week 17, because they throw to the backs a lot and have yielded a ton of tackles in that second and third level.

SS Duron Harmon, Detroit Lions

The 29-year-old is at a crossroads of his NFL career and will be a free agent in the offseason. He has turned it up a notch the last two games with 15 total tackles. He’ll face the Minnesota Vikings, which hand out tackles to DBs like candy with their midrange attack. Harmon looks to finish strong in a good matchup to possibly wrap up his short Detroit stint.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 16

It’s time to find those IDP gems on the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 16.

Ring the alarm – it’s championship week in a lot of leagues. Let’s find those diamonds in the rough to help decimate the competition and bring home that hardware.

Defensive linemen

DE Jeremiah Attaochu, Denver Broncos

The 27-year-old journeyman has made a name for himself with sacks in the the last three games. He has eight total tackles in the last two games, which adds to his value. He’ll face the Los Angeles Chargers this week, which presents a midrange matchup.

DE Dawuane Smoot, Jacksonville Jaguars

The former third-round pick has also made a statement the last four weeks with 10 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles. The Chicago Bears are a tough matchup in terms of sacks, but their backs are active enough to compensate with tackles or potential turnovers.

Linebackers

OLB Kenneth Murray, Los Angeles Chargers

Murray was hit or miss for a big portion of the season, but he has been ablaze the last three games. He has 28 tackles and a sack during the stretch. He’s only owned in 63 percent of leagues, and he should be universally rostered.

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ILB Anthony Walker, Indianapolis Colts

Walker has flirted with double-digits in fantasy points for three weeks straight. He has 25 tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass defensed during the stretch. He’s still available in almost 80 percent of leagues and should be owned for his tackle prowess.

Defensive backs

CB Kenny Moore, Indianapolis Colts

Moore has put together one the best stretches of his career and been a top option at the position the last three weeks. He has 20 tackles, four passes defensed, two picks and a forced fumble. He faces the suddenly struggling Pittsburgh Steelers this week in search of more.

SS Karl Joseph, Cleveland Browns

The 27-year-old has been flying around the field for the 10-win Browns. Joseph has 17 tackles and two passes defensed the last two games. The lowly New York Jets are on the docket this week, and it could be another chance at a big day for the safety.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 15

It’s time to find those IDP gems on the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 15.

We’re in the thick of the fantasy football playoffs in Week 15. Let’s take a look at some potential hidden gems floating on waivers.

Defensive linemen

DE Quinnen Williams, New York Jets

The former No. 3 overall pick has been one of the highest-scoring linemen the last three weeks. He has tallied 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two passes defensed during the stretch. He really should be owned in every league that starts multiple linemen.

DE Dion Jordan, San Francisco 49ers

Jordan looks to have settled in the last couple of weeks with three tackles and a sack in each game. He faces the Dallas Cowboys this week, which have been generous to opposing linemen all season. He’s a boom-or-bust option, but the matchup gives optimism.

Linebackers

ILB Troy Reeder, Los Angeles Rams

Reeder was featured here a few weeks ago, and he has continued to perform. However, he is still floating on 80 percent of waivers polled. Reeder had a three-sack game earlier in the year, but he hasn’t reached the quarterback since. That could explain why he’s undervalued. However, he has 32 total tackles and a pass defensed over the last three weeks. He should be owned in most leagues.

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OLB Todd Davis, Minnesota Vikings

Davis has been all over the field the last two weeks with 18 total tackles. The uncertain caveat is that only six of those tackles were solo. So if you only get a half-point per assisted tackle, he slides down the pecking order. His productivity also is tied to the health of LB Eric Kendricks (calf).

ILB Nick Vigil, Los Angeles Chargers

Vigil’s value hinges solely on Denzel Perryman’s (back) status. Vigil has filled in and tallied 22 tackles, forced a fumble and defended a pass the last three weeks. Keep an eye on Perryman’s status to potentially use the undervalued Vigil.

Defensive backs

CB A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons

The 16th overall pick has produced some eye-popping numbers the last two weeks. He had 22 tackles, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are up next, and they figure to test the rookie.

FS Eric Murray, Houston Texans

The fifth-year man busted out last week with 11 tackles and two sacks against the Chicago Bears. The Texans are thin in the secondary and lost safety Justin Reid (thumb) for the season, too. Murray has all the job security in the world right now, and he’s worth the speculative add after the huge game.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 14

It’s time to find those IDP gems on the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 14.

For a lot of leagues, the fantasy playoffs commence in Week 14. We have several potential gems to pluck from the waiver wire this week.

Defensive linemen

DE Sam Hubbard, Cincinnati Bengals

Hubbard has been a tackling machine the last two games with 17 total tackles. The downside is that he has just one sack on the year. Still, though, the tackles provide stability for your lineup, and the Dallas Cowboys are up next for the Bengals. He could reach the quarterback again.

DE Steven Means, Atlanta Falcons

The eight-year veteran has gotten after it the last two games. He has nine tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles during the stretch. The Los Angeles Chargers are ahead for Means, and they have been demolished by opposing linemen this year.

Linebackers

OLB Kyle Van Noy, Miami Dolphins

It has been a fun two games for Van Noy. He had three sacks over the weekend, which gave him 13 tackles, four sacks and a pass defensed in those two games. His schedule isn’t the greatest, but he’s peaking at the right time for playoff flex spots.

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OLB Malcolm Smith, Cleveland Browns

Smith has been solid, yet unspectacular this season with 57 total tackles, and he notched his first sack last week. The Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants and New York Jets are on the docket for the rest of his season, and they provide some upside for him the rest of the way.

OLB Jordyn Brooks, Seattle Seahawks

The first-round rookie has received a chance to play of late, and he has answered the bell. He has 16 tackles and a pass defensed in the last two games combined. He’s a sneaky option you can grab as depth that may pay off in the coming weeks.

Defensive backs

CB Troy Hill, Los Angeles Rams

While you can’t count on these, but Hill scored a touchdown for the second straight week in Week 13. He has 17 tackles over the last three games to go with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, an interception and two passes defensed. He’s all over the field and worthy of a sniff in deeper leagues.

FS Matthias Farley, New York Jets

The 28-year-old is expected to fill in for Ashtyn Davis (foot), who was likely lost for the season last week. Farley had 98 tackles and two picks for the Indianapolis Colts in 2017, but he has seen sporadic playing time since. He could be a sneaky flex play the rest of the way.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 13

It’s time to find those IDP gems on the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 13.

This is (likely) the last set of byes for the season, which means working the wire has never been more important.

Defensive linemen

DE Carlos Dunlap, Seattle Seahawks

Dunlap has been getting after it the last two games with nine total tackles and three sacks. The only concern is that he left last night’s game with foot soreness. That will need monitored through the week, but he’s still worth a waiver claim after being revitalized in the new uniform.

DE Dre’Mont Jones, Denver Broncos

His season line of 28 tackles and three sacks won’t get your attention, but he has been one of the more solid DLs in the last month. He has 19 tackles and two sacks in the last four games. If the pickens are slim, Jones is an option in deeper leagues.

Linebackers

OLB Germaine Pratt, Cincinnati Bengals

The 23-year-old has been inconsistent, but he has hit his stride the last three weeks. He has 20 tackles in the three games, which isn’t otherworldly, but it’s a solid base. The Bengals have a fairly favorable schedule the rest of the way, and Pratt could shine.

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OLB Cole Holcomb, Washington Football Team

He had a dud against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, but he returned with a strong showing in Week 12. He had 10 total tackles and a sack against the Dallas Cowboys to make it, depending on scoring system, double digits in five of six games.

OLB Jordan Jenkins, New York Jets

After a quiet first 10 weeks, Jenkins has been versatile the last two games. He has 14 total tackles, a forced fumble, a sack and a pass defensed. His next three games are against teams that throw a lot, and he could continue to tally up pass-rushing and coverage points.

Defensive backs

CB Taron Johnson, Buffalo Bills

The third-year man from Weber State has made a big impact the last two games. He has combined for 15 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and two passes defensed. He faces the inconsistent San Francisco 49ers this week, which could make it three big games in a row.

SS Kenny Vaccaro, Tennessee Titans

It has been an up-and-down year for the former fantasy stud. He started off spectacularly and was pretty meager afterwards. He missed Week 11 but returned last week with nine total tackles. The Titans play three straight bad teams, and the chances will be there for stops.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 12

It’s time to find those IDP gems on the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 12.

Crunch time has begun as we inch toward the fantasy playoffs. No one is on a bye this week, which means there are a lot of options to play. We’re here to sort out those crucial decisions.

Defensive linemen

DE Olivier Vernon, Cleveland Browns

Plain and simple, Vernon can dominate when healthy and motivated. He had three sacks last week, which gave him five sacks in three games. He has so-so matchups the next two weeks, but he finishes the season against the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants and New York Jets. All of those are tantalizing.

DT David Onyemata, New Orleans Saints

The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder has been everywhere in the stat sheet the last two weeks. He had four tackles and a pass defensed two weeks ago, and he had three tackles and two sacks last week. The Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles are great slates for him the next three weeks to continue doing damage.

Linebackers

OLB Nicholas Morrow, Las Vegas Raiders

Morrow has been all over the field in the last three games with 16 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and four passes defensed. He was a top-20 linebacker during the stretch and is worth consideration as an LB2 or a flex.

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ILB Isaiah Simmons, Arizona Cardinals

We have been waiting for the No. 8 overall pick to emerge all season, and he had a statement game in Week 11. He had 10 total tackles and a sack in what could be a sign of things to come as he has fought to find his way into more playing time. He’s worth the speculative grab.

OLB Matt Judon, Baltimore Ravens

Judon is one of the better edge rushers in football, but he usually doesn’t tackle enough to warrant a lot of consideration. That has changed the last three weeks. He has 15 total tackles and two sacks in the last three games to scratch the surface for a pickup. The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t the best matchup this week, but he follows it up with the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants.

Defensive backs

FS Jordan Whitehead, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The 23-year-old has been a DB1 the last three weeks with his increased tackling. He had 19 tackles, a forced fumble, an interception and a pass defensed over the last three weeks. He’ll face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12, who throw a lot, and he’ll have plenty of chances to continue his tackling ways.

SS Donovan Wilson, Dallas Cowboys

The second-year man had a huge week in Week 11 with nine tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a half-sack against the Minnesota Vikings. Even better news? He faces the Washington Football Team, which has granted the most points to DBs over the last three weeks. He’s a plug-and-play option for Week 12.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 11

On the hunt for more breakout performers on the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 11.

We’re approaching the final bye weeks, which means your plug-and-play game has to be on point. We’re here to help lend a hand in clicking those waiver transactions.

Defensive linemen

DT DaQuan Jones, Tennessee Titans

It’s rare we suggest two interior linemen, but Jones absolutely deserves consideration after posting double-digits in some scoring systems the last two weeks. He had 12 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in the two games. He’ll face the Baltimore Ravens this week, who run the ball often, presenting more opportunities for tackles.

DT Denico Autry, Indianapolis Colts

Autry came out of their bye week three weeks ago with a chip on his shoulder because he has four sacks and at least one in each of the three games. He doesn’t provide a lot of tackles, which means he’ll be an all-or-nothing option. However, right now, he’s worth the speculative pickup.

Linebackers

OLB Eric Wilson, Minnesota Vikings

Wilson is budding into an LB1, but he’s still hovering on too many waivers. Over the last three weeks, he’s tied for fifth in fantasy points at the position. He has 24 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, two passes defensed and an interception. If he’s still out there, he needs to be owned.

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ILB T.J. Edwards, Philadelphia Eagles

Edwards had a monstrous stat line before the Week 9 bye with 13 tackles, a forced fumble and a sack. He came back in Week 10 with 12 total tackles. He should be high on your priority list this week.

ILB Terez Hall, New England Patriots

After being promoted from the practice squad two weeks ago, Hall was all over the field in Week 10 with 10 total tackles. This could be a complete aberration, but it’s worth monitoring. If you’re in a league that uses three linebackers, you have to strike on opportunities like these quickly.

Defensive backs

FS D.J. Reed, Seattle Seahawks

He has played just three games this season, but he has tore it up in each of them. Reed is fourth among DBs during the stretch in fantasy points and had 22 tackles, two passes defensed, an interception and a fumble recovery.

FS Nassir Adderley, Los Angles Chargers

The former second-round pick appears to have his sea legs under him after a year-and-a-half in the league. He had 20 tackles and a pass defensed in the last three games. You’d like for more versatility, but the solid tackle cushion to fall back on is nice to find this late in the year.