00
One of the more intriguing names left on the market for me was Derek Wolfe, who just agreed to terms with Baltimore Ravens a few days ago. Interestingly enough they signed Wolfe just days after Michael Brockers had issues with his physical, who they had signed earlier. Baltimore has been aggressively looking to overhaul its defensive line, as they have added Calais Campbell and tried to add Brockers. Reports are that Brockers couldn’t pass the physical, which opened the door for Wolfe.
Wolfe was a second round selection (36th overall pick) by the Denver Broncos in the 2012 NFL Draft. He has spent all eight of his seasons with Denver, playing and starting 108 games. During his time with Broncos, Wolfe recorded 299 tackles, 206 solos, 46 tackles for a loss, 33 sacks, 77 QB hits, one interception, and 15 pass breakups. He is coming off his best season, especially as a pass rusher, where he set a career-high in sacks with seven while adding 12 QB hits and 18 pressures. Wolfe has four seasons with at least 5.5 sacks or more and also has four seasons with 40+ tackles.
What the Broncos get is a solid veteran player, who is coming off one of the better seasons of his career. The eight-year veteran will be entering his age 30 season and will give the Ravens the versatility to play on the EDGE at defensive end or kick inside when needed at defensive tackle. At 6’5”, 285 lbs. he can play both and be effective, but the Ravens will want his primary position to be at defensive end. Wolfe should easily win the starting job, as there is very little competition for the starting spot opposite Calais Campbell.
Expectations for fantasy owners should be tempered. I wouldn’t go depending on him as a source for sacks. Even if he replicates last seasons total, that’s still middle of the pack. He’s not a starting fantasy defensive end but he can be started during bye weeks and will be a solid backup, especially in deep roster leagues. I suggest selling him now, while his value is at it’s highest. You’re not going to get a lot for him and he’ll most likely only net you a late-round pick at best. Packaging him in deals to owners that need help at defensive end is your best option to get something of value. Play up the fact he set a career-high in sacks last season and now gets to play opposite Calais Campbell, which could mean more opportunities for him to make plays.
Thanks for reading my article and if you enjoyed it, you can read more of my articles at dynastyfootballfactory.com. You can also follow me on social media, on Twitter at Hollywood@DFF_DWin, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub I’m user KingTitan1 and you can tune in each week and listen to the podcasts, IDP Nation that I co-host, on a number of different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
