Joe Schobert
The Browns drafted Schobert in the fourth round, with the 99th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, out of Wisconsin. He was not the player with the Badgers, that we see now with Browns. He was more of an edge rusher in college but has developed into one of the league’s top tacklers and it didn’t take him long. In just his second year he was an All-Pro and should have had another this past season.
2019 was the final year of his contract and he is in line for a big payday. The Browns “MO” is to let high priced guys walk and go with youth, which they do have. However, in my opinion, this is one instance that they should pay up and keep a star player. Schobert had the best year of his career last season and is not only a great fit for the Browns but will only get better going forward. He is a baller and understands how to play the game and the position. You just don’t fall into 130+ tackles, which he has done two of the last three seasons in Cleveland.
Yes, they have youth, but they aren’t quite ready and veteran Christian Kirksey hasn’t been able to stay healthy. The Browns need the stability and playmaking ability he provides. Last year was easily his best overall season for Browns and fantasy owners. According to Mary Kay Cabot, Schobert is expected to command at least a $10 million deal and the Browns aren’t willing to pay that.
Don’t be worried about where Schobert lands as he will continue to be elite and don’t be afraid to pay a good price for him. Schobert will land a big deal with another team and move on, but again this will be the Browns loss.
Blake Martinez
The Packers drafted Martinez in the fourth round, with the 131st overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, out of Stanford. I’ll admit I didn’t see this from him in college, but going back and looking at film and his stats, the precursors were there. With that said, I jumped all over his stock as a rookie and have been one of the highest on him in the industry ever since. I do understand the concerns, with the lack of his big impact plays, but just like Schobert, he is a tackling machine.
I even heard the argument from fellow IDP colleagues that once Rodgers returned from his injury that Martinez’s value would take a hit. I said hell no and I was right! He has been a top-three and I would even argue the best linebacker in the league, and in fantasy IDP leagues.
Proof you ask? Okay, so he’s produced three straight seasons of 140+ tackles with a career-best 155 this past season, which has placed him as the league’s top 2 leading tacklers. Not only that, he’s been one of the league’s top solo tacklers, with 90+ each year. In the fantasy world that’s huge. Just like Schobert above, you are paying Martinez for his stability and consistency. Everything outside of that is just icing on the cake for both the team and fantasy owners. He’s an elite player and will get paid as such, in free agency.
Green Bay Packers GM, Brian Gutekunst has already gone on record saying that they will not be big player payers in free agency this year as last year when they signed Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. Does this mean they are willing to let Martinez walk? Do they have that much belief in Oren Burks as a replacement?
For me, they have to pay Martinez and surround him with talent. You just don’t find players of his caliber every day. If the Packers aren’t willing to pay out in free agency, then Martinez should and will be one of the top prizes in free agency. In my opinion, I can see Green Bay letting Martinez test the market and I believe that’s a big mistake as Martinez will be a superstar for another team.
Cory Littleton
Unlike the first two players I mentioned above, I truly believe the Rams have to resign Littleton. They have some youth behind him, but it is uncertain and unproven youth. Littleton went undrafted out of Washington and has developed into one of the league’s best linebackers. He went from a two year backup for the Rams, to a two-year starter, with a Pro-Bowl selection in 2018. He’s their most accomplished and talented linebacking option.
While I have not been one of his biggest supporters, I can’t deny his productivity. He’s played in every game of his career and has started 34 straight games for the Rams. He’s been a staple for their defense and a reliable one at that. His third year in 2018 was his breakout season, but last season he was no slouch by any means.
Last year the Rams placed a second-round tender on Littleton, but there were no takers on that option. Here we are a year later and it will be interesting to see the interest in him. I believe that the Rams make him a good offer and he stays in Los Angeles, with the Rams. Possibly franchise tag him!? I believe they have to consider it at the least. We’ll know more once free agency draws closer.
Thanks for reading my article and if 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
