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
