Josh Bynes and Haason Reddick are two linebackers who could benefit greatly from a defensive scheme change in the desert for 2019
In part I, I discussed a couple of buy-lows at the defensive end and defensive tackle positions. In part II, I will be discussing a couple of buy low linebackers on the Arizona Cardinals. I will be giving my reasons as to why I would be looking to acquire Josh Bynes and Haason Reddick and what I would be willing to give up.
Josh Bynes, Inside Linebacker:
In 2018, Bynes signed a three-year contract with the Cardinals to be one of their starting linebackers. This was his first starting role since he started for the Detroit Lions in 2015. Bynes was on his way to setting a new career high in tackles, 80 tackles set in 2015. However, like his teammates, Markus Golden (ACL) and Robert Nkemdiche (Knee), Bynes had his season cut short due to a thumb injury.
In Bynes’ best season, he was a starting outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. With the Cardinals switching to a 3-4 defense in 2019 under new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, however, Bynes will likely lineup as an inside linebacker. To be an effective inside linebacker in the NFL, you need to have sideline to sideline speed in order to catch running backs against the run. Additionally, you need to be able to rush the passer. Given Bynes’ past body of work, I think he would make an excellent buy candidate for the 2019 season.
Fantasy Recommendation:
In 2018, Todd Davis ended the season as a top-20 linebacker for Vance Joseph’s Denver Broncos defense. I think Bynes has the ability to get similar production in 2019. I would be fine with giving up a second or third round pick, depending on need, to acquire Bynes.
Haason Reddick Outside Linebacker:
Reddick is someone who the Cardinals really love for his talent, that is why they drafted him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He became a full-time starter in week 5 of the 2018 season and finished with a career-high in tackles with 80. Riddick could start the season as an inside linebacker or an outside linebacker, depending on who the Cardinals sign in free agency or pick in the upcoming draft.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Given how young Reddick is, 24, and his upside, he is someone I am targeting this offseason. I would be thrilled to give up a second round pick or acquire him as part of a package deal. The sooner you can get a deal done the better before others eye him.
Conclusion
In IDP specific dynasty leagues, linebackers are usually the scoring leaders among defensive positions. One of the ways to set your team apart and make yourself a yearly championship contender is to have solid depth and linebacker play. The owners who can get first-round production for less then a first-round pick will be able to have continued success. 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 Arizona Cardinals.
Don’t forget to read the first installment of the series here. Follow me on Twitter @MorganMcLane and follow the show @IDPGuys, and the new podcast coming in March @NoBSidp Also, tune in to the weekly IDPGuys podcast for the most up to date info to help you win your fantasy football leagues. Coming in March you can also watch our new podcast, The No BS IDP Content Podcast starring the Scott Fish Bowl Winner himself @FFstompy, The IDP Tipster himself @Hbogart27, and @JoeyTheToothIDP. Check out the PAPS Database created by The IDP Tipster on our site as well. Defense does win Championships!
