Individual Defensive Player (IDP) Targets in 10 - 14 Team Dynasties

     Individual defensive players account for 40 to 60 percent of a starting lineup in leagues that include these players.  This part of a team is often neglected because, when looking for talent that could emerge, people want to roster that eighth running back or that tenth wide receiver (who will most likely never be part of their starting line up). When I started playing in IDP leagues, I did the same thing, but when I saw teams with far less quality offensive talent walk away with the big prize, I made changes to my philosophy of building a roster.  This article concentrates on players who should be available to pick up in smaller leagues and can help  improve a fantasy defense next season and beyond.  NFL teams use free agency to fill holes in the lineup to better prepare themselves for their rookie draft and fantasy owners can do the same.

     Let's start with defensive tackles. Think Henry Melton, who just signed with the Cowboys and Cam Thomas, who is now with the Steelers. Melton was injured last year in the third game last season for the Bears, but in 2012 he had 44 tackles, six sacks, and two forced fumbles. He is entering his prime at age 27 and if someone is in need of help at this position, he is available in more than 75% of leagues. He is a top 5 talent and probably better than  most of us already have at that position. Cam Thomas qualifies at defensive tackle in fantasy, but according to www.Rotoworld.com, he will be a starting defensive end for the Steelers this season. This should give him many more opportunities for sacks and tackles than being in the middle of the line. He is only 27, and I consider him a sneaky pickup for a needy fantasy roster.

     The free agency season saw a lot of movement with defensive ends. Jared Allen, moving to the Bears, has left a great opportunity for Everson Griffen to step into that role for the Vikings. The Vikings signed him to a five year, $42.5 million contract with $19.8 million guaranteed, so his role is secure in Minnesota.  He is 26 years old and I think he is going to explode in the coming years. He is owned in less than 3% of leagues at this point. Lamarr Houston has moved to Chicago where he is pairing up with newly acquired Jared Allen. This is a huge upgrade for the Bears. Houston is also only 26 and is locked in for five years, $35 million, with $14.9 million guaranteed. He is available in around 65% of leagues.

     I'm impressed with some of the linebackers available this time of he year. Houston Texan, Brian Cushing is a great find and is available in 65% of leagues.  His injury in week seven last year saw quite a few owners dropping him on the waiver wire, but he is a top 10 fantasy talent and is still young at 27.  He is locked in to a six year, $52.5 million contract, $21 million guaranteed.  If he is on your wire, grab him now. Jason Worilds has ascended the depth charts in Pittsburgh and they have used their transition tag to sign him for $9.7 million guaranteed for 2014.  He is ready to move into the top 15 in fantasy this season. At only 26 and owned in less than 3% of leagues, he may give you six to eight years in your dynasty. Kevin Minter is going into his second year, and has impressed the Cardinals so much that they let Karlos Dansby to go to Cleveland. The opportunity is there, at age 23, for him to be a top ten fantasy linebacker for years to come.

     There are quite a few cornerbacks that a needy fantasy team can pick up to improve their roster. Aaron Williams of the Bills will be taking over Jarius Byrd's position. He still qualifies at cornerback in most fantasy leagues, and his fantasy value also increases as a cornerback since he will be playing as a free safety. He is 23, with a new four year, $26 million contract. Prince Amukamara of the Giants is 24 and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season. 2013 was the first season he stayed relatively healthy and he ended the season up near the top ten at cornerback. With the Giants totally rebuilding their defense, I'm sure he will be very busy in 2014.

     Stevie Brown of the Giants was on injured reserve all last season, but in 2012 he was a top ten fantasy safety.  He is back in 2014 on a one year, low-cost deal at strong safety. At 26 years old, he will be entering his prime and gives a fantasy team a nice boost. James Ihedigbo is now the new strong safety for the Detroit Lions. Pushed into that starting role with the Ravens in 2013, he responded with over 100 tackles, and was in the top 15 at his position in fantasy. He is 30, but for a fantasy team that is really close, he is a nice addition that may help get an owner over the top. Both players are available in over 85% of leagues.

     This is the perfect time of year to rebuild your defense using free agency. The turmoil of NFL free agency opens up opportunities for hundreds of players, and finding those defensive players who can add value to your fantasy team are another great tool to winning a title. Look at your own roster and see how you can improve it. If you have any questions, my twitter and email are at the bottom of this article.  I am always happy to respond to your questions and comments.


Sources:
Rotoworld.com
Spotrac.com
ourlads.com
google.com
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Kevin Powell is a contributing writer for:

dynastynerds.com

fakepigskin.com

majorleaguefantasysports.com

dynastyfootballwarehouse.com
kpowell1962.blogspot.com

Email --kpowell1962@gmail.com

Twitter-- @kpowell1962

Dynasty Owners Off Season: How You Can Improve Your Team

     For diehard NFL fans, the Super Bowl was three months ago. Your favorite team is now plotting strategy to maintain their supremacy or to make up ground on the rest of the league.  However, as a dynasty fantasy owner, the season ended at the end of December in week 16, if you were lucky enough to make the finals. Your rookie draft order has been set. You posted congrats to the winners. The money has been paid out.  Now you can relax, right?  No, now is the time to take advantage of your league's off-season to take stock of your team and possibly stockpile some hidden gems. Dynasty leagues continue free agency or weekly waivers for the balance of the off-season. Knowing how your league runs the off-season can be as important as during the season. There are leagues that have a free agent bidding budget during the season, but in the off-season you can pick up players without bidding. My experience tells me that in most leagues less than half the owners are active right now, and getting active now can find you some overlooked bargains.

     If you are a hardcore player, you want to take every advantage you can get to gain an edge on the opponents in your league. You want to win hundreds of dollars, maybe thousands of dollars, bragging rights, or even have that big beautiful trophy on your mantel that makes your wife frown every time she sees it.  Look your roster over.  If you have London Fletcher or Tony Gonzalez on your roster, why?  They are retired and taking up space where you can stash young prospects.  It is like getting a head start on your rookie draft, except you don't have to wait for your pick.  You don't have to declare keepers yet for the rookie draft, giving you as many trade pieces as possible for deals with other owners.  Do you have players who were starters in 2013 but are clearly on the downside or have already been replaced?  Miles Austin and Erin Henderson are examples of players who have completely lost their value and could be dropped for players with upside potential.

     I find many quality defensive players who have been dropped during the season, mainly because teams use their benches and injured reserve to stash the offensive talent and then don't have room to put injured defensive starters.  Prime examples are Geno Atkins and Stevie Brown, starters and top five fantasy players at their position. Unlike rookie draft picks, you already know the capability of some of these players in free agency when healthy.  Use that to your benefit.

      Finding those players who are moving into starting lineups this season and getting their opportunity to produce is another great way to bolster your team.  Terrance Williams at wide receiver and Audie Cole at linebacker are just two examples of players who are moving into starting roles this season.  Studying NFL depth charts is a useful tool to find players poised to make their presence felt this season.

     Once you have purged your roster and plucked some possible gems in free agency, look at your opponents rosters. Maybe some of your league members aren't paying attention like you.  Every team has strengths and weaknesses.  Compare their teams to yours and you can find some good trade opportunities. Some owners concentrate solely on offensive talent and forget about all the points they could gain by spending a little effort on defensive players. There are many sites and apps out there which can give you the latest player news and even depth charts updated daily.  Spending a few minutes every couple of days can help you not only pick up high upside guys in free agency, but also find those same guys at the ends of your opponents rosters who could be a throw-in on a deal you are working on. You don't need alot of time, but some time is required if you want to improve your roster.  

    Now go out and make your own luck this off-season!!  The NFL never rests and neither should you. 

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Kevin Powell is a contributing writer for:

dynastynerds.com

fakepigskin.com

majorleaguefantasysports.com

dynastyfootballwarehouse.com
kpowell1962.blogspot.com

Email --kpowell1962@gmail.com

Twitter-- @kpowell1962

Philadelphia Should Have Kept DeSean Jackson

   UPDATED MARCH 30 6:15 PM

  The Philadelphia Eagles have released DeSean Jackson.  Yes,  that DeSean Jackson.  He just had his best season ever with 82 catches, over 1300 yards, and nine touchdowns,  all the while being one of the most feared threats in the entire NFL.  Nobody can take the lid off the defense like him. Jackson may be a headache, but he is a headache in his prime. In my opinion,  the stories floating out there about his gang related activities are a smokescreen.  It is obvious that Kelly wanted him out of Philadelphia.

     I don't care about the $10.5 million he would have made this season.  The Eagles over $15 million in cap space after making some good decisions in free agency.  Cutting Jackson does give them about five million more in cap, but without the threat of Jackson, Cooper and Maclin are just average receivers.  Jackson, Maclin, Cooper, Ertz, and Shady McCoy make an unstoppable quintet; an absolute nightmare for defensive coordinators everywhere.   Philadelphia started by making very smart moves to take the next step this season. The Eagles had all the pieces in house offensively with Maclin's return to be a 12 win team this season.  DeSean was the guy who drove the defensive backs far down the field while opening the middle for Cooper, Ertz, and company.

     Without Jackson, the fantasy implications are immense.  McCoy would be the only Eagle offensive player not downgraded.  Foles fantasy numbers will drop by 20 percent.  Maclin and Cooper would go from within the top 50 to a hopeful top 75.  Maclin is coming off an ACL injury and it usually takes until the second season to be fully recovered.  Cooper doesn't have top end speed and won't have Jackson to take the top off the defense. I can't see a scenario where Jackson can repeat the season he just had if he moves to another team unless he signs with Washington.  Jackson, Garcon,  and Roberts make a very formidable trio and Jay Gruden can make it work very well. With any other team, he might possibly have 1000 yards, 65 catches, 6 touchdowns, dropping from top 10 down to below 20 for sure.

     If you own Jackson, I recommend holding him and see if the Redskins sign him.  He is meeting with them on Monday and Snyder has the money to sign him.  Eagles fans should be disappointed.   They are going to struggle to win nine games at this point.  Obviously,  they could draft a wide receiver,  as there are many really good ones out there this season, but until we see what happens,  enthusiasm is waning.

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Kevin Powell is a contributing writer for:

dynastynerds.com

fakepigskin.com

majorleaguefantasysports.com

dynastyfootballwarehouse.com
kpowell1962.blogspot.com

Email --kpowell1962@gmail.com

Twitter-- @kpowell1962

Michael Vick to the Jets: Fantasy and Real Impact

     Tonight Mike Vick signed with the Jets for one year and $5 million to get his chance to be a starter this season.   At 33, this will be his last opportunity to lead a franchise.

     He still has a lot of the skills that make him a special athlete:  his ability to extend plays and a very strong arm.  I believe he can be a positive influence in Geno Smith's development.

     I fully expect that Vick will earn the starting job this season.  Rex has to win now or he will be gone. The Jets, as long as Vick can stay healthy, should be able to put up about seven to ten more points a game.  Defenses have to use a guy to shadow him which opens up the field so much more.  The passing game becomes more of a threat and will open up some play action.

    Fantasy wise, I believe Decker can be a 75 catch, 1100 yard, 10 touchdown receiver with Vick in there.  He will be a borderline top 25 wide receiver.  Jeremy Kerley's value will rise to a top 70 receiver as he is a very good slot receiver.  Vick as a starter will give a fantasy owner a top 15 quarterback at least with a top 10 upside.  He has to cure his fumbling issues to keep his job though.

     The Jets have three backs who will share the load: Chris Ivory,  Bilal Powell,  and Mike Goodson.  Goodson was on IR last season, but could be a valuable third down back this season.   Jeff Cumberland if he is still the starting tight end should be on your team as a fill in or injury replacement.

    As far as the Jets on the field, Vick's presence and professionalism on and off the field in recent years can only help the Jets.  Rex Ryan is a great defensive coach and now they have Marty Mornhinweg to revive the offense.  He coached Vick in Philadelphia and will be able to get the most out of his ability.

     New York isn't finished collecting offensive talent.  When they are finished, they will have the ability to win 10 games this season and make noise in the playoffs.......if Vick stays healthy.
You have to be able to score 20 plus points each game.  They have made changes necessary to make that goal.

My prediction is 10 wins and 2nd place in the AFC East and the 5 seed in the playoffs.  Rejoice Jet fans, at least this season there is hope.

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Kevin Powell is a contributing writer for:

dynastynerds.com

fakepigskin.com

majorleaguefantasysports.com

dynastyfootballwarehouse.com
kpowell1962.blogspot.com

Email --kpowell1962@gmail.com

Twitter-- @kpowell1962

Cam Newton Meet Your New Wide Receivers

      We all remember Leno asking Hugh Grant "What were you thinking?" many years ago.  Panthers fans who saw this team build to a playoff contender the past 2 years are asking the same thing.  Their top 4 wide receivers have all gone to other teams:  Ginn to the Cardinals,  LaFell to the Patriots, Steve Smith to the Ravens,  and Hixon is a Bear.

     Steve Smith is at least in the conversation as a Hall of Fame candidate:  836 receptions, 12,197 yards, and 67 receiving TDs.  Why not keep him?  Even at 34 years of age, none of the other 3 could beat him out of his number 1 receiver spot.  The fact is that inside the locker room he was more of a headache than a contributor.   Injuries were taking their toll.  He wasn't getting separation.  It was time for the Panthers career leader in receptions,  yards, and TDs to move on.

     Brandon LaFell has had a ton of chances to shine with the Panthers in his career and just couldn't put it together.  In his 4 seasons he never cracked 700 yards or 50 receptions and he dropped plenty of passes.  How he got a 3 year contract from New England for $11 mil is beyond me.   He never will be a number 2 receiver.

     Hixon in 2012 looked like he was moving up the Giants depth chart with 39 catches and close to 600 yards.  Moving to the Panthers seemed I am sure to most like a great opportunity,  but 7 catches for the season on this roster means he was expendable.

     Ginn appeared to have been revived as a viable receiver this season.  He was able to use the blazing speed to get behind defenses for some long touchdowns.   He is a feared return guy.  It even appeared that the drops he had as a Dolphin were for the most part a thing of the past.  Of the 4, to me this was the most surprising.  He has the wheels,  is 28 years old, and looked like he was ready to breakout as a solid #2 or #3 receiver.  The $3.25 million a year the Cardinals paid for him is not outrageous and for a guy with his ability, a pretty good deal.

     It was a foregone conclusion that Hakeem Nicks was certainly going to sign with the Panthers once the Giants waived him.  Yet today he is a Colt in a situation where he can shine if he wants too.  There are certainly questions running rampant about his desire, but sometimes teams put that out there to drive the price down.  Either way, Carolina waited too long to make an effort to get him.

     The fact is now they're gone.  Tavarres King, Marvin McNutt, and Kealoha Pilares are your guys now.  So now it's time to get familiar with them.

     Tavarres King was drafted by the Denver Broncos last year in the 5th round.  He was looked at possibly making the roster as the 4th receiver out of camp but ended up on the practice squad.   At 6'1, 191, he was highly regarded by the Broncos,  but when Von Miller came back last season, he was waived to make room.  The Panthers quickly moved on getting him as the Packers were also interested in him.  I think he has a great future ahead of him and could have a breakout year like Victor Cruz a couple years ago.  He is only 23 and needs the experience but should now be working with Cam Newton the entire summer getting up to speed.   The opportunity is there for him to jump on.  I think he can take advantage of it.

     Marvin McNutt is on his 3rd team in 2 seasons.  Like King he has ZERO regular season receptions at the NFL level.   At 6'3, 215 with 4.50 wheels he has the physical tools to play the position.   He is thought of as more of a possession receiver than a deep threat.  Nobody really knows.  He will also be looking at a full summer of 1st team reps which can only help him become NFL ready.  Even if they decide to draft a receiver he will still have a big role this season.

     Kealoha Pilares has actual regular season receptions.   Two.  Yes two.  42 yards back in 2012.  He was on injured reserve for all of 2013 with an ACL tear in preseason.   He probably will vie with Kenjon Barner for kickoff and punt return duties.  At 26, he is the oldest of the 3 but his injury history leaves alot of question marks for him.

     Carolinas offense struggled mightily last season to produce points,  averaging 22.1 a game, which ranked 19th in the league.  Defensively,  they ranked 2nd at 15.5.  To even get close to the 12-4 record from last season,  they need to address their offensive line and get a veteran receiver to show these inexperienced guys the way in my opinion.  I can't see much better than 8 or 9 wins right now.  It will take time to develop a brand new receiving corps and trust between them and Newton.

     Thanks to rotoworld.com, teamrankings.com, and nfl.com for statistical information included in this article.

Comments are welcome.

UPDATE:  March 30 5:00 pm
The Panthers have signed Jerricho Cotchery from the Steelers.   He was a very dependable 3rd receiver for Pittsburgh last season, but realize he is 32 and truly not a number one option.  He does provide a steady veteran presence sorely needed right now in Carolina.   Tiquan Underwood has also been signed for two years at a low cost.

There are also rumors about the possibility of signing DeSean Jackson.  The Eagles  unloaded his $10.5 mil salary and the headaches that he creates.  If Carolina were to land him, his fantasy value would take a pretty good hit, but it certainly would open up things for Cotchery and Underwood.  Getting Jackson would give Cam the young stud receiver he has been sorely lacking.  I don't see it happening because of salary cap issues and the huge need for offensive linemen.

Cam Newton is using this offseason to get his ankle completely repaired.  He should be back for the start of training camp.  The surgery is considered to be a complete success.  He is one of the toughest quarterbacks in the league, so getting him back close to 100% will be a big plus.  He will miss time working with his new array of wide receivers.

Fantasy wise, Greg Olsens stock is rising,  probably to a level just below Gronk and Graham.  Cotcherys value unless there are more moves is a little bit lower.   He did a great job in Pittsburgh with 10 touchdowns last year.  He also had Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders divert alot of the attention.   If Underwood can establish himself or they pick up another good receiver then Cotchery could gain some more fantasy value.  It will be difficult to match the 10 touchdowns.

Tavarres King is a dynasty stash in 12 team and higher leagues until further notice.   He has the ability and the wheels.   Now he may have the opportunity.   Grab him while you can.

Kevin Powell is a contributing writer for:

dynastynerds.com

fakepigskin.com

majorleaguefantasysports.com

dynastyfootballwarehouse.com
kpowell1962.blogspot.com

Email --kpowell1962@gmail.com

Twitter-- @kpowell1962

 

Eagles Righting the Ship in Free Agency

     The Eagles started out by getting Malcolm Jenkins from the Saints.   Just an ok move there .  Would you rather have T.J. Ward, basically for the same money.  Yeah,  no doubt.  At the time,  his signing was just the appetizer to getting Jarius Byrd signed.  Except the Saints scooped right in and he was gone.  Still, Jenkins is an upgrade over Patrick Chung.  They picked up a couple special teams guys as an  upgrade was certainly needed there.  Great job there.

Things get much better Thursday when they spend their extra 5th round pick and and get the dynamic Darren Sproles from the Saints.   You have your kickoff and punt return guy plus a running back who can can eat up linebackers in space when McCoy needs a break.  McCoy had 366 touches last season and even though he is only 26, we have seen what that type of use has done to the careers of other top backs (Ray Rice for example).

The Eagles are quickly moving from Bryce Brown as he doesn't make decisive cuts and fumbles way too much.   Polk looks like the guy who slots in after Sproles.  This offense has the look of being even better this season with Maclin back also.

Nolan Carroll,  formerly of Miami,  was added to the defense on Thursday for 2 years and about $5.2 mil.  A great pickup at that price.   The Eagles have been doing a great job managing their cap, with over $18 million left after all of this.

Right now the Eagles are poised to go farther than last years 10 wins.  Foles the entire season,  an even more dynamic offense,  players wanting to play for Chip Kelly.

Seattle might be the team to beat,  but they have lost a lot of good depth players.   Who knows,  anything is possible.

Send me your thoughts.

The NFL never rests.

Kevin Powell is a contributing writer for:

dynastynerds.com

fakepigskin.com

majorleaguefantasysports.com

dynastyfootballwarehouse.com
kpowell1962.blogspot.com

Email --kpowell1962@gmail.com

Twitter-- @kpowell1962