Let’s continue wrapping up the 2019 IDP fantasy season. In this series, we analyze trends, identify risers and fallers, and project sleepers for 2020 for each IDP position group. Today, we’ll focus on edge linebackers. Without further ado, time to wrap up the 2019 NFL Regular Season at edge linebacker!
Part 1 – Defensive Tackle Wrap Up
Part 2 – Defensive End Wrap Up
Part 3 – Off-Ball Linebacker Wrap Up
What We Learned This Year
Based on MFL designations, there were a total of eight players to record double-digit sacks at edge linebacker in 2019. Of those eight, Shaquil Barrett and Chandler Jones destroyed opposing quarterbacks the most. Barrett and Jones each put up 19 sacks on the season, both created double-digit tackles for loss, and both forced at least six fumbles apiece. Other top-tier edge linebackers that round out the top five include Jamie Collins, T.J. Watt, and Bud Dupree.
Certain defensive schemes can create more opportunities for edge rushers to make an impact on the field. In 2019, schemes that produced multiple top 20 IDP edge linebackers included Pittsburgh, Green Bay, Los Angeles (Rams), and New England. Players who took advantage of their schematic opportunities were Dante Fowler, Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Kyle Van Noy, Clay Matthews, and Samson Ebukam.
Injuries impact every fantasy football season in one way or another. In 2019, edge linebackers to suffer injuries included Bradley Chubb (ACL), Ryan Kerrigan (calf), and Pernell McPhee (triceps). Take a look at rostering these injured stars in the offseason. It’s possible you could use these potential buy-low candidates in sack premium IDP leagues.
Player Comparison – Top 20 IDP producers
Risers
Harold Landry – TENNESSEE TITANS
Landry was a highly regarded pass rusher coming out of Boston College in 2018. As a rookie, the second-round pick was only able to produce 44 tackles and 4.5 sacks as a part-time player. In his second campaign, Landry blossomed in Tennessee, racking up 69 total tackles and nine sacks in the year. At 23-years old, Landry is expected to be an elite edge presence for the next five-plus years.
Montez Sweat – WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Sweat’s rookie year has to be considered a total success. Coming to D.C. as a first-round pick, expectations were high for the Mississippi State star, and the 6’6” monster did his job extremely well. Sweat finished the year with 50 total tackles and seven sacks, putting the 23-year-old in position for a very productive career.
Jordan Jenkins – NEW YORK JETS
Jenkins, a relatively unknown pass-rusher nationally, has put together a solid four year NFL career already. The 2016 third-round pick has amassed 15 sacks over the past two seasons. At age 25, Jenkins has plenty of tread left on his tires. The LB may not be the most consistent IDP scorer, but in best-ball formats, he’s a nice asset in sack heavy scoring systems.
Fallers
Leonard Floyd – CHICAGO BEARS
After a strong start to his career in Chicago, Floyd has fizzled out in his four years as an NFL player. The former ninth-overall pick has produced fewer and fewer impact plays in each of his four years as a pro. To me, it looks like Floyd may have trouble resurrecting a once-promising career.
Von Miller – DENVER BRONCOS
Unfortunately for NFL fans, the Hall of Fame-bound Miller will turn 31 years old in March. The former Texas A&M stud still produced eight sacks in 2019, but that total was his lowest since an injury-shortened 2013 season. By no means is Miller done creating splash plays, and Bradley Chubb’s return from the IR will help. However, until proven otherwise, Miller is no longer an elite IDP edge option.
Terrell Suggs – KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Suggs has played 244 games, registered 139 sacks, and finished his 17th NFL season by winning the Super Bowl. As of writing, Suggs is not suggesting retirement, but his chances of staying fantasy-relevant have all but evaporated if he chooses to play in 2020.
Sleepers
Derick Roberson – TENNESSEE TITANS
Undrafted out of Sam Houston State in 2019, Roberson was a Titans’ afterthought for much of the season. However, playing in the final three games of the season, the 250-pound specialist was able to produce three sacks. In 2020, the Titans may not bring back Cameron Wake or Kamalei Correa, which may leave plenty of snaps available for Roberson. If he’s given opportunities, the UDFA may be a real diamond in the rough sleeper.
Tyus Bowser – BALTIMORE RAVENS
Matt Judon is an unrestricted free agent expected to make a great deal of money in 2020. Bowser has flashed with five sacks in his third season as a Raven. If Baltimore lets Judon go (through sign and trade or as a free agent), Bowser has dibs on a starting position heading into the 2020 season.
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