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IDP Dude’s 2019 Top 10 IDP Fantasy Football: Defensive Ends

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The 2019 NFL season is fast approaching and IDP Dude breaks down his top 10 defensive ends to own in IDP

10. Trey Flowers, Detroit Lions

Coming over from New England and recently activated from the Lions PUP list, it’s go time in Detroit. After a remarkable season with the Patriots, Flower ranked 2nd among all edge rushers with 78 pressures in 2018. According to PFF, Flowers was the third highest-graded edge defender in the NFL last season and I don’t expect that to change much in 2019. With perhaps more help on the opposite end and on the line, there should be no reason (besides health) you should doubt this stud to put up another great season.

9. Melvin Ingram III, Los Angeles Chargers

The biggest obstacle for Ingram is keeping Joey Bosa healthy. Nearly impossible to double team them both, Ingram has been a stud when Bosa is on the field. Finishing in the top 10 among defensive ends in 2018 for QB pressures, I expect Ingram to hit that mark again for the 4th straight year in 2019. With or without Melvin Gordon, the Chargers are capable of putting up a lot of points leaving plenty of opportunities for their defensive line to get after opposing quarterbacks all season long. Read more about Ingram from our writer Jason Abbey.

8. Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Texans

Simply put, Clowney had his best year yet in 2018 and is looking to get paid. Currently in the middle of a holdout and the rumored to get traded, there is certainly some risk to be had drafting Clowney before the season starts. The best thing going for IDP owners right now is that he finally received the DE tag on many sites. Those in dynasty leagues rejoice and those who drafted him as a linebacker hit the lotto. I don’t expect the holdout to make it into the season. Clowney will in fact get paid or traded to a team willing to dish out the big bucks for a franchise player who should have many great years ahead.

7. Frank Clark, Kansas City Chiefs

The former Seahawk is taking his skills to Kansas City who have put together one of if not the best defensive lines in the NFL. It was reported by Clark himself that he played hurt for most of the 2018 season and felt he was at 60% with his shoulder. If this dude could muster up 14 sacks on a bum shoulder I expect ridiculous things from him in 2019. The chiefs should be putting up a ton of points on the board and Clark will be there to terrorize opposing quarterbacks all year long.

6. J.J. Watt, Houston Texans

After a few injury-ridden seasons, Watt returned with a vengeance in 2018. Putting up an eye popping 16 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 61 combined tackles Watt finally looked like himself again. Perhaps the best stat was that he played all 16 games. Now entering his 9th season and at the age of 30, we should get a few more years of great production. Having Clowney there to take some pressure off will certainly help his cause. With Clowney gone it might be difficult for Watt to repeat his 2018 performance this upcoming season.

5. Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Saints

There is something smooth about the way Cam plays the game. It might be his long flowing blonde dreds or maybe the fact that he was just 1 of 6 defenders in the NFL that led his team in pressures and run stops in 2018. Either way I expect Jordan who just signed a 3 year extension to be among the best in the game in 2019 with an emerging talent on the opposite end in Marcus Davenport.

4. DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys

Fresh off a $105 million dollar deal the now under contract Cowboy is recovering from off-season surgery and hopes to be back by week 1. Even if he misses a game or two, Lawrence’s production on the field can make up for the lost games without question. If he slips in your draft due to injury concerns, take advantage of the discount and enjoy the fruits of his labor while making your opponents cry.

3. Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers

There is no question that Bosa is one of the best at bringing the heat. What’s in question however is his ability to stay healthy. If I didn’t have doubts, Bosa would be my number one so choose your risk / reward battle wisely when drafting your DE1 in 2019. I’ll leave it at that. Read more about Bosa from our writer Jason Abbey.

2. Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings

It might be those purple jerseys but there is something about Hunter that almost landed him at the top spot. 34 sacks over the last 3 years and coming off 14.5 sacks with 72 combined tackles 2018 campaign, wow. He’s on that purple people eater vibe and I’m digging it. I shouldn’t need to convince you on Hunter so if you get sniped on Bosa, Donald, and Garrett in your draft just sit back and relax when Hunter is still available.

1. Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

It wouldn’t surprise me if Garrett led the league in drawing holding penalties this year. With a stacked offense that should be able to put up a lot of points and a stacked line that shouldn’t have any trouble getting after the passer, Garrett is my bet to lead the league in sacks this year. Do you know what 3 year old T-Rex does? He eats and that’s what Garrett will do his 3rd year in the NFL. Get you some.

If you liked this article, check out my Top 10 Linebacker and Safety articles. Be on the lookout for more of my 2019 Top 10 spotlight articles soon!

Follow me on Twitter @IDP_Dude and the follow the show @IDPGuys. For even more in-depth IDP content, listen to the guys talk about news, analysis, and strategy on the podcast. May the force be with you!

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