Atlanta Falcons IDP: Young Linebacking Corps Looking To Take Another Step Forward In 2019.
In part 1, I covered a couple of IDP buy-lows at the defensive end position. In part 2, I will be discussing a couple of buy low linebackers for the Atlanta Falcons. I’ll be providing my reasons as to why I would be looking to acquire this young linebacking corps and what it might take to get each of them.
Deion Jones, Inside Linebacker:
Deion Jones, 24, started six games for the Falcons in 2018 due to a foot injury he sustained in week one against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the games he played, he was very productive, totaling 34 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 6 pass deflections. Also, in 2017, he had a career year and finished as a top five linebacker in my IDP leagues. Some may look at the foot injury Jones suffered as a sign of things to come, but I do not. Fellow IDP writer, @IDP_Dude, wrote an article called 2018 Top 20 IDP Fantasy Football: Linebackers and Deion Jones didn’t make that list, due to his injury. I believe he has the talent to be top five on that list in 2019 and beyond.
Fantasy Recommendation:
While Jones isn’t a buy low candidate he is someone I wanted to mention. Getting a player like this isn’t cheap, but he is worth the asking price. If there are any owners in your league that are looking to move him then make sure you’re the first to submit that offer. I wouldn’t think twice about offering two one’s if that’s what it took to get him.
De’Vondre Campbell, Outside Linebacker:
De’Vondre Campbell, 25, has been a consistent player over the last two seasons, having started 16 games each, recording 62 tackles in 2017 and 63 tackles in 2018. Despite his consistent play, he continues to be someone that some IDP owners wont start on a weekly basis. I see that changing in 2019 and Campbell is someone who could be a steal for those owners who act sooner rather then later.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Now is the perfect time to reach out to De’Vondre Campbell owners and offer them a mid round pick or see if you can get him in a package deal.
Duke Riley, Outside Linebacker:
Duke Riley, 24, hasn’t seem much production during his first two seasons in the NFL. However, in 2018, Riley was a 10 game starter. He finished the season with 38 tackles having racked up most of that during the first half of the season. The fact that he saw an increase in snaps and games started this past season, is a positive, and I think he will remain a starter going into 2019.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He may be available on your wavier wires, but if not, I think you could get him for a late round pick and he should provide great linebacker depth for you. If he can become more consistent then those who acquired him will be very happy with his increased production. Another name to consider is fellow linebacker, Foyesade Oluokun.
Conclusion
When Dan Quinn was the Defensive Coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks he had three young and productive linebackers: Bobby Wagner, KJ Wright, and Bruce Irvin. I think this young Atlanta linebacking corps has the talent to make their own success under Quinn’s guidance. There are not too many defenses where I would want all three linebackers, but this is one group for which I would make an exception. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for part three of this three-part series, on the Atlanta Falcons.
Follow me on Twitter @MorganMcLane and follow the show @IDPGuys Defense does win Championships!
