Mase is back and has broken down the top 30 fantasy IDP linebackers into brackets of 10 by IDP points per game finishers. From those brackets, he will review two players each.
There were 20 fantasy IDP linebackers in 2021 who finished in the top 25 for IDP fantasy points scored per game (via FantasyPros).
In this article, I will be diving into a few IDP linebackers, how they fared in 2021, finished in points per game scoring, and what led to it. Also, the players’ outlooks going forward, and whether I would personally buy, sell, or hold each player in dynasty formats.
I have broken down the top 30 fantasy IDP points per game finishers into brackets of 10 apiece. From each of those brackets, I will review two fantasy IDP linebackers. All stats stated are per PFF, and all contract information is from Spotrac.
Players Within the Top-10 PPG Range (18.0 – 13.9)
De’Vondre Campbell, Linebacker, Green Bay Packers
2021 Review
De’Vondre Campbell played in 16 games and averaged 14.8 fantasy points per game in 2021. That is a significant improvement from 2020 with Arizona, where he averaged 10 PPG. Campbell’s solo tackles increased by 30 in 2021. Although he did have three outings with 10 or more solo tackles, Campbell had nine games that he did not log a single pressure on the stat sheet.
Of Campbell’s 1,041 snaps, 61% were in pass coverage. While in zone coverage alone, Campbell tackled the ball carrier 46 times. De’Vondre Campbell’s 639 coverage snaps ranked third overall in the NFL in 2021.
De'Vondre Campbell has been nothing short of spectacular for the #Packers… @Came_Along_Way
Plays like this – reading keys, staying disciplined, under control. Such a reliable tackler but he's rarely fooled mentally… pic.twitter.com/xyB9xnBYfD
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) October 29, 2021
Contract Details/ADP
The 2016 fourth-rounder signed a one-year “prove-it” deal with the Packers last season and made the most of his opportunity. Campbell is a free agent and could move elsewhere if the money is right. In 2022 he will be 29 years old. De’Vondre Campbell is currently the LB13 off draft boards. His current ADP in IDP Guys’ February mock drafts is 104.00.
What Is the Move?
De’Vondre Campbell has finished all but his rookie season (zero sacks) with two sacks. Tackles and being targeted over 70 times in the passing game in 2021 are why Campbell is a top 10 scorer in IDP leagues. It is all dependent on whether Green Bay re-signs him for what he would like to earn.
I am taking advantage of his big season in all leagues and looking to sell for future picks, maybe even work in a player coming off of injury, like Blake Martinez, to add to a top pick. If Campbell stays in Green Bay, I expect another season of the same tune. I just am not sold on the thought of him producing at the same level on another defense if he “secures the bag” this off-season.
Eric Kendricks, Linebacker, Minnesota Vikings
2021 Review
Eric Kendricks finished 2021 with the most sacks (5) and solo tackles (100) in his seven-year career. He logged over 70 snaps in eight games, one of them being 99 snaps in week nine. Kendricks finished 15th in run defense snaps out of all NFL linebackers in 2021. Of all NFL linebackers, he tied for 25th in pressures with 11.
Contract Details/ADP
Eric Kendricks has a current ADP of 100.33, making him the LB11 in February IDP Guys’ startup drafts. In 2018 Kendricks inked a five-year, 50-million dollar deal with the Vikings. He is due to be a free agent in 2024 at 32. In 2022, cutting Kendricks would constitute a $13 million dead cap hit.
What Is the Move?
Kendricks finished 2021, averaging 14.3 fantasy points per game in his 16 games. He has yet to finish a season averaging less than 11 points per game. Kendricks is a solid IDP linebacker, and if I have him rostered, I am selling high. The coaching change in Minnesota could mean a reset on the defensive side of the ball.
I am looking to sell in leagues with less roster space and combined leagues. If you want to hold on to him, it’s also not a bad idea as he may not have assured longevity. He has consistently scored points when healthy. The way the offseason plays out in Minnesota may increase or decrease the 29 going on 30-year-old’s value in fantasy.
Players Within the 11-20 PPG Range (13.5 – 12.5)
Cole Holcomb, Linebacker, Washington Commanders
2021 Review
The legend of Cole Holcomb seems to grow with each passing season. The 2019 fifth-round selection has been an unsung hero for flex positions all over the IDP universe. He was targeted 76 times in the passing game. He intercepted the ball twice but allowed a 90% catch rate in his 10 targets in man coverage. Holcomb finished one game with multiple pressures and had only one hit on the quarterback.
Contract Details/ADP
Holcomb signed his four-year rookie deal in 2019. Cole Holcomb will be 26 years old in 2022. This coming season is the final year of his contract in Washington. Cole Holcomb is currently the LB39 with an ADP of 203.67.
What Is the Move?
This past season marked Holecomb’s first with over 1,000 snaps in a single season. He saw a spike in targets on defense and was used sparingly in the pass rush. I am not sure there is much of a market for Holcomb in smaller leagues. I am holding if I have him rostered in any format. If someone is looking to sell for a mid-second to early third for him, I wouldn’t be mad at it.
Azeez Al-Shaair, Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers
2021 Review
Azeez Al-Shaair saw the field from week one and never looked back. He averaged 13.5 fantasy points in his 13 games played. His 829 snaps this season were more than his previous two seasons combined. Al-Shaair was targeted 82 times and allowed just over eight yards a reception. His 101 combined tackles were the most in his three-year career.
Contract Details/ADP
Al-Shaair does not have a current ADP in IDP Guys’ mock drafts. He is not on contract for a team in 2022 and is currently a restricted free agent. His stint as one of the top-scoring IDP linebackers in 2021 may have been somewhat of a mirage.
What Is the Move?
If Al-Shaair is on waivers and you have the space, I would take a flyer on him. He is due for a bump in salary, and though still a young player, he showed he can be a substantial asset to any defense. In IDP + offense leagues, try and slide him in on a deal around draft day. If he stays with San Francisco for even one year, you could sell next season for a payout. At worst, he is a consistent flex play in deep IDP leagues.
Players Within the 21-30 PPG Range (12.4 – 11.4)
Demario Davis, Linebacker, New Orleans Saints
2021 Review
2021 marked Demario Davis‘ 10th season in the NFL. Davis finished with 18 total pressures, which is his least in a season since 2016, where he finished with 13. He finished second in total snaps on the Saints’ defense. Davis finished 2021 averaging 11.7 points per game in 16 games played. Davis was targeted 57 times and allowed a 67% catch rate in coverage. He didn’t give up a passing touchdown and added five pass breakups.
Contract Details/ADP
Demario Davis will be a free agent in 2024. If he were cut, Saints would take on a dead cap of 10.5 million in 2022. He is due $15 million in the next two years as base salary. Davis’ current IDP Guys’ ADP is LB51 giving him an ADP of 229.33.
What Is the Move?
New Orleans’s top IDP linebackers arent the youngest bunch in the NFL. If you are contending and searching for flex players in a deeper league, perhaps I would understand going for Davis. Aside from that, I am staying away from him in all formats going forward and looking to sell. Not sure he is going to generate any trade buzz, though, if you put him on the trade block.
Alex Singleton, Linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles
2021 Review
Alex Singleton averaged 11.6 fantasy points per game in 2021. He finished eight games with 10 or more combined tackles. Singleton was targeted 84 times and allowed an 87% catch rate, 4 yards per catch, and he was responsible for five touchdowns through the air. Singleton intercepted one pass in Week 16 and had three pass breakups on the season. Of his 784 snaps, 34% percent were in run defense.
Contract Details/ADP
Alex Singleton is currently the LB53 with an ADP of 232.67. He was on a one-year deal in 2021, so Singleton’s future is at this point is uncertain.
What Is the Move?
If the Eagles choose to resign Singleton, I see him as nothing more than a flex play, and I can’t imagine he has much trade value if you are looking to sell as one of the top IDP linebackers. If he is on waivers, maybe wait to see how his situation plays out and use him in a pinch if your lineup goes south next season. Sell if you can, and If not, ride the wave until it crashes.
Those are some of the top fantasy IDP linebackers from 2021 and how to view them moving forward for dynasty leagues!
A thousand thank yous for reading. If you enjoyed it, be sure to read all my work on my IDP Guys author page, and follow me on Twitter @Caliking49er17.
