2024 Full-Time and Green Dot Linebackers: Week 6

Through five weeks, what have learned about full-time and green dot LBs for 2024?

We had some big linebacker performances this week, with Frankie Luvu and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah leading the way. Week 5 is in the books, so let’s review who wore the dot and which LBs had a full-time role. This article will be updated weekly as information is presented and potential roles change. I'll also point out if a non-LB is wearing the dot.

And if you need a reminder on green dot LBs, here you go:

A defensive player who wears the green dot is the guy who wears the communication helmet and relays the defensive plays from the head coach or defensive coordinator. They are the quarterback of the defense. They need to quickly relay the plays and get the entire defense into position pre and post-snap. In most instances, the linebacker is wearing the dot, but in the past, a defensive back (safety) has worn it. Derwin James is one such player.

OK, let’s get to the update from Week 5.

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*-Injured

Arizona Cardinals

I have added Mack Wilson to the chart as he now has three consecutive games with an 85% snap rate. Initial PFF grades had Wilson as their 4th-best defender against the 49ers, as he added a big INT to go along with his 6 tackles. Wilson was on the field for 87% of the snaps. Kyzir White was on the field for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. White had the other Brock Purdy INT that salvaged a mediocre IDP day.

Week 5 Green Dot: Kyzir White

Atlanta Falcons

Troy Andersen was inactive for Week 5, which opened the door for JD Bertrand to get the start. The Falcons went single-LB/5-3-5 on their first defensive series and that’s how they’d look for the first half, as Bertrand would see 50% of the snaps. Things looked better in the second, as he saw 88% of the snaps during the second half. Overall, Bertrand would play 72% of the snaps. Not great, but not horrible and it was a good sign his usage increased to a full-time LB. He’d salvage the day with 5 tackles (4 solos). Kaden Elliss was the three-down LB and wore the dot. Overall, the Falcons used just two off-ball LBs throughout the game. As long as Andersen is out, Bertrand will have IDP value in deeper leagues as an LB4/5.

Week 5 Green Dot: Kaden Elliss

Baltimore Ravens

Roquan Smith was the lone three-down LB for Baltimore in Week 5. Smith turned in his best game of the season with a 22.4% tackle rate, resulting in 15 tackles. The Ravens went single-LB heavy this week, as Trenton Simpson saw just 67% of the snaps. Simpson continues to struggle in coverage as he was responsible for a score and allowed a 133.8 QB rating when targeted.

Week 5 Green Dot: Roquan Smith

Buffalo Bills

Terrel Bernard returned after missing the last three weeks. Bernard played in 100% of the snaps and resumed his role with the dot. With Bernard returning, Dorian Williams saw close to a full-time role, appearing in 78% of the snaps. Williams is still producing an elite tackle efficiency, generating a 20.8% tackle rate this week. Even though Buffalo is still running dime/single-LB, Williams is a weekly LB2/3 with his efficiency.

Week 5 Green Dot: Terrel Bernard

Carolina Panthers

Quite the debut as a full-time LB for Trevin Wallace. Wallace saw 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. Josey Jewell was inactive for Week 5, which opened the door for Wallace and I’d say he held up well. He graded out with a 62.9 grade. Wallace produced a 20.3% tackle rate, resulting in 15 tackles (10 solos). Claudin Cherilus saw work early but saw just 66% of the snaps. It looked like he was off their last defensive series before halftime. If Jewell returns next week, Cherilus loses any IDP value he’d have. I still think Wallace would have a full-time role alongside Jewell.

Week 5 Green Dot: Trevin Wallace

Chicago Bears

Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards were the three-down LBs for Chicago in Week 5. With the game in hand, they sat the final defensive series. Edmunds and Edwards each saw 50 snaps as Chicago continued to feature two off-ball LBs. Edmunds continues to wear the dot.

Week 5 Green Dot: Tremaine Edmunds

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals were a 2-LB defense once again in Week 5. Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt were the three-down LBs against Baltimore. Pratt and Wilson combined for 18 tackles, which is right around what the Ravens offense yields to the position. Pratt and Wilson are weekly starters in Lou Anarumo’s nickel-heavy defense.

Week 5 Green Dot: Logan Wilson

Cleveland Browns

Jordan Hicks was inactive for Week 5, so Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was the three-down LB and wore the dot on defense. They sat JOK for the final defensive series, and most of the 4th due to cramping. He had played nearly every snap up until that point. It was Devin Bush who wore the dot in relief of JOK. Bush saw 92% of the snaps and turned in a solid game. He should be on your radar if Hicks misses another game. The Browns featured two off-ball LBs with both JOK/Bush and Nathanial Watson/Bush (final series).

Week 5 Green Dot: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Dallas Cowboys

Demarvion Overshown saw a three-down role, as he was on the field for 100% of the snaps in Week 5. Eric Kendricks wore the dot on defense, and saw 100% of the snaps, as Dallas featured two off-ball LBs in Week 5. It looks like you can start Overshown as an LB3/4 going forward.

Week 5 Green Dot: Eric Kendricks

Denver Broncos

Cody Barton was the lone full-time LB in Week 5. Barton was on for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. Justin Strnad, however, could hit a full-time role sooner rather than later. Initial grades showed Strnad as the fourth-best Denver defender and their second-best tackler. Barton recorded 7 solos while Strnad produced a 17.6% tackle rate, resulting in 9 tackles. Strnad is on the IDP radar after seeing a 76% snap rate this week.

Week 5 Green Dot: Cody Barton

Detroit Lions

Bye week.

Week 5 Green Dot: Bye week

Green Bay Packers

Quay Walker continues to have a hold on the green dot, but Isaiah McDuffie’s role might be slipping in favor of Edgerrin Cooper. Walker saw 100% of the snaps and wore the dot, while McDuffie saw just 61% of the snaps. He was efficient with his snaps with a 19.6% tackle rate. McDuffie now has 3 games of PFF grades less than 60, so his losing snaps to Cooper should be a concern. Cooper had an 84.2 grade and saw 36% of the snaps. He was productive with his time on the field, recording 5 tackles and a sack. The game seems to be slowing down for him. I might be proactive on Cooper and stash him in hopes of a second-half surge if he's able to take the LB2 role from McDuffie.

Week 5 Green Dot: Quay Walker

Houston Texans

The Texans were nickel-heavy featuring two off-ball LBs. Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o were the three-down LBs, as they each saw 100% of the snaps. Al-Shaair wore the dot on defense.

Week 5 Green Dot: Azeez Al-Shaair

Indianapolis Colts

I think it’s safe to say Zaire Franklin EJ Speed are matchup proof. The Jaguars offense entered Week 5 allowing just 13 tackle/gm to the LB position. Speed and Franklin combined for 17. The Colts were a 2-LB defense in Week 5, with Speed and Franklin each appearing in 100% of the snaps. Franklin wore the dot, as usual. Start both with confidence.

Week 5 Green Dot: Zaire Franklin

Jacksonville Jaguars

Devin Lloyd returned in Week 5 after missing last week’s game. Lloyd was the three-down LB for the Jaguars and wore the dot. Ventrell Miller saw the majority of the snaps as the LB2, but still only saw 60% of the snaps. Miller was productive with a 17.1% tackle rate, but production could be volatile with that usage. Chad Muma saw 47% of the snaps and was used on base/early down/short yard situations. While Foyesde Oluokun is on IR, Lloyd appears to be the lone Jaguars LB to roster right now.

Week 5 Green Dot: Devin Lloyd

Kansas City Chiefs

Nick Bolton took advantage of a good matchup and finished with a season-high 11 tackles. Bolton was the lone full-time LB, as he saw all but a handful of snaps, resulting in a 92% snap rate. Bolton was off the field for a few snaps in the 4th, but the Saints only managed 53 total plays. Drue Tranquill fell below a full-time snap rate, as he saw just 72% of the snaps. The Chiefs were in dime/single-LB for 18 snaps and Tranquill was the LB off the field.

Week 5 Green Dot: Nick Bolton

Las Vegas Raiders

Even with Luke Masterson out (IR) and Divine Deablo inactive, the Raiders went dime/single-LB heavy. Robert Spillane was the lone full-time LB and saw 100% of the snaps while wearing the dot. Rookie Tommy Eichenberg got the start and saw 70% of the snaps. Eichenberg had a rough go, as the PFF grades showed. He’d finish in the red in his overall grade (27.8), along with tackling (28.4) and coverage (26.8). You can leave Eichenberg on the wire.

Week 5 Green Dot: Robert Spillane

Los Angeles Chargers

Bye week.

Week 5 Green Dot: Bye week

Los Angeles Rams

Troy Reeder continues to be a liability at LB and that makes him a volatile IDP play. He now has three games of PFF grades of 49.8 or worse. Christian Rozeboom saw 71% of the snaps and now has 4 games of 8 or more tackles. Even with the usage, Rozeboom is in the conversation as an LB3/4 in deeper leagues. I’d look to sell Reeder if I can.

Week 5 Green Dot: Troy Reeder

Miami Dolphins

Jordyn Brooks was the lone three-down LB for Miami in Week 5. David Long returned after missing last week’s game. However, he was eased back as he and Anthony Walker rotated the play-calling responsibilities. I’m not ready to remove Long, just yet. I want to see if the rotation continues into next week. Brooks saw 100% of the snaps this week.

Week 5 Green Dot: David Long/Anthony Walker

Minnesota Vikings

Blake Cashman was the lone full-time LB for the Vikings, and he wore the dot, as usual. It now looks like Ivan Pace is ceding snaps to Kamu Grugier-Hill. He was coming off the field in passing situations and not limited to just 3rd downs. He was off the field for the last two series in the first half and the second half. Cashman is the only Vikings LB worth rostering at this point.

Week 5 Green Dot: Blake Cashman

New England Patriots

Jahlani Tavai was the lone full-time off-ball LB for the Patriots as he played 85% of the snaps. Raekwon McMillan was the LB2, but still saw just 65% of the snaps. Christian Elliss is starting to see more snaps at LB, as saw 36% of the snaps. Marte Mapu looks to be playing more LB, as he played 51% of his snaps as an off-ball LB. Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger were inactive, and it was Marte Mapu (S) who wore the dot.

Week 5 Green Dot: Marte Mapu

New Orleans Saints

Demario Davis returned in Week 5 after missing the first game of his career last week. Davis saw 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. Pete Werner was inactive with an illness, and it was Anfernee Orji who got the start and saw 87% of the snaps. Once again, KC shows they’re a plus-matchup for LBs, as the Saints LBs enjoyed an Orji of tackles, combining for 21. The Saints were nickel-heavy in Week 5. Keep an eye on Werner’s illness. He probably returns in Week 6, but if he misses any games, Orji looks like he’ll have a full-time role.

Week 5 Green Dot: Demario Davis

New York Giants

Bobby Okereke continues to disappoint with his production. Okereke has yet to hit double-digit tackles and now has three games of fewer than 6 tackles. Okereke continues to wear the dot and see 100% of the snaps. Micah McFadden saw fewer than 50% of the snaps (48%) as the Giants continued to feature a single off-ball LB. Okereke is the only Giant LB worth rostering, however, I’d sit him on the bench for more productive options at this point, as his tackle rate has fallen below 10%.

Week 5 Green Dot: Bobby Okereke

New York Jets

CJ Mosley missed his third straight game and Jamien Sherwood got the start once again. Sherwood wore the dot and dominated the tackle share with 12 stops. Quincy Williams saw 100% of the snaps, as well. The Jets continue to be a nickel-heavy defense and feature two off-ball LBs.

Week 5 Green Dot: Jamien Sherwood

Philadelphia Eagles

Bye week.

Week 5 Green Dot: Bye week

Pittsburgh Steelers

It looks like Payton Wilson has overtaken Elandon Roberts in the LB2 rotation. Pittsburgh was in dime for 10 snaps and was in 2-LB/nickel packages for the majority of the game. Wilson out-snapped Roberts 44-21, as Wilson saw 58% of the snaps. Patrick Queen was on the field for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. I might consider Wilson in deeper leagues, as he’s been efficient with his snaps.

Week 5 Green Dot: Patrick Queen

San Francisco 49ers

Fred Warner was on the injury report all week but was able to put in limited practices. He was active and appeared in 100% of the snaps, and wore the dot. De’Vondre Campbell saw 100% of the snaps alongside Warner. The 49ers were nickel-heavy and featured at least two off-ball LBs all game. Dee Winters saw more snaps in their base defense/3-LB packages, as he was on the field for 45% of the snaps.

Week 5 Green Dot: Fred Warner

Seattle Seahawks

Jerome Baker returned in Week 5 and looks to have turned in his ceiling game. Baker finished with 14 tackles and added a sack. Tyrel Dodson wore the dot and contributed a sack of his own to go along with 9 tackles. The Seahawks were nickel-heavy and played just two off-ball LBs, as Drake Thomas and Tyrice Knight didn’t see a snap.

Week 5 Green Dot: Tyrel Dodson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SirVocea Dennis landed on IR, and the weakness in coverage at the LB spot was glaring. KJ Britt ended up with a full-time role and saw 93% of the snaps. Britt was twisted around and lost track of Kyle Pitts on his 32-yard reception. Lavonte David allowed 117 yards but had a big INT and defended pass on Pitts. David saw all but one snap, when he left briefly after a block to the knee. David continued to wear the dot. Britt will have IDP value as long as he continues to see a full-time role while Dennis is out.

Week 5 Green Dot: Lavonte David

Tennessee Titans

Bye week.

Week 5 Green Dot: Bye week

Washington Commanders

The Commanders featured two off-ball LBs: Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner. They owned the Browns’ offensive line, as they combined for 4 sacks. Wagner looked to be off the field for the final series near the end of the game with it out of hand.

Week 5 Green Dot: Bobby Wagner

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