Projected Full-Time and Green Dot Linebackers for 2024
Projected Full-Time and Green Dot Linebackers for 2024
The original green dot article returns as Mike projects this year's play callers.
Training camps have opened up and are well underway. Now, we’re getting to the nitty gritty of position battles and the roles linebackers will be playing.
I can make the argument that the linebacker position is the most important in IDP. More teams are deploying odd fronts and including an extra defensive back, which takes a linebacker off the field, so the number of true three-down and full-time linebackers is dwindling. Nineteen linebackers played more than 90% of the snaps while 9 others played between 80-89% of the snaps.
Teams are deploying single-LB packages at a higher rate, as well, so drafting linebackers who'll barely leave the field is vital. One of the most important numbers for an LB is their snap count. As is the case with all players in fantasy, snaps lead to opportunities which increase the chances of production. You can’t make tackles from the sidelines.
With the preseason in our view, I’ll be updating this article as information becomes available, and observations from preseason games (which I don’t expect to tell us much). I’ll also note role changes and if a non-LB is wearing the dot.
What is the green dot?
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.
Why is this significant for IDP?
The player who wears the dot isn’t going to leave the field and is assured of a three-down role. Now, the dot doesn’t correlate to production, but it correlates to snap volume which gives that player a higher probability to score fantasy points.
UPDATED 8/11/2024 (Updated Green Dot 2024; Tremaine Edmunds and Kenneth Murray)
UPDATED 8/15/2024 (Updated Buffalo Bills; Removed Matt Milano and added Dorian Williams)
UPDATED 8/24/2024 (Updated Green Dot 2024; Minnesota changed to Blake Cashman / Carolina changed to Josey Jewell)
UPDATED 8/24/204: (Updated Los Angeles Chargers; Added Daiyan Henley)
UPDATED 8/24/2024: (Updated Dallas Cowboys; removed Demarvion Overshown)
UPDATED: 8/27/2024: HUGE trade with major IDP implications. Los Angeles Rams trades Ernest Jones/2026 6th round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2026 5th round pick. (Removed Ernest Jones from the chart. Added Troy Reeder as a projected 2024 Green dot)
UPDATED: 9/5/2024: (Updated Philadelphia Eagles green dot; removed Devin White and added Nakobe Dean)
Arizona Cardinals
After a solid season with the Eagles, the Cardinals brought in Kyzir White to lead the defense. Unfortunately, his season ended after 11 games. However, he was the three-down LB, wore the dot on defense, was on pace for 140 tackles, and contributed 9 TFLs. White is healthy entering the 2024 season and is poised to have the dot once again this season, solidifying a three-down role. The LB2 will have some IDP value in deeper leagues, as the Cardinals deployed nickel/2-LB packages 77% of the time and were in dime for just over 20% of their snaps. Wilson’s coverage abilities should keep him ahead in the competition over Krys Barnes, who is a late-round LB4/5.
Projected Green Dot: Kyzir White
Atlanta Falcons
Kaden Elliss enjoyed a productive first season with the Falcons. He appeared in 95% of the snaps and wore the dot as the signal-caller. His tackle rate finished at 11.3%, however, he logged nearly 1,100 snaps and 122 tackles.
The LB2 is still to be settled. Troy Andersen appeared in just 2 games before Nate Landman filled in. Landman was a dependable LB3 and had a full-time role, appearing in at least 80% of the snaps in 10 games. Landman said he’s wearing the dot in 3-LB packages with himself, Andersen, and Elliss. Landman and Elliss are rotating when they’re on together. I give the nod to Landman in the LB2 competition.
However, Raheem Morris has notoriously been a dime-heavy coordinator and could bring that philosophy to the Falcons. Jimmy Lake could bring his own principles and philosophy. Last season, the Rams deployed dime/single-LB packages on 46% of their total defensive snaps, so I’m not so sure the LB2 in Atlanta will hold IDP value.
At this point, I consider Elliss the safer target as an LB2 and a weekly starter. Even with a dot rotation during camp, it doesn’t make sense to rotate during the season, so I do think Elliss gets it.
Projected Green Dot: Kaden Elliss
Update 8/24/2024: Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman are both dealing with injuries. Raheem Morris says both are “day-to-day” and they were held out of Week 3 of the preseason. There’s plenty of time between now and Week 1 to get right, however, groin injuries can be tricky. This, of course, coming from an Internet doctor. JD Bertrand has had a strong preseason and is a name to have on your radar. If Elliss misses Week 1, I would expect Landman to get the dot and Troy Andersen would be the LB2, however, could be in a rotation with Bertrand.
Baltimore Ravens
The green dot in Baltimore is as clear as a Swarovski crystal. Roquan Smith is the leader of the defense and will wear the dot. Smith has been about as dependable of an IDP producer as you can find. He has three straight seasons of 155+ tackles and has logged over 1,000 snaps in four straight seasons.
Partick Queen left for Pittsburgh in free agency, so it looks like Trenton Simpson will get the nod at off-ball LB opposite Smith. Simpson has drawn praise from coaches, and most importantly, Smith himself. Simpson was drafted as Queen’s potential heir apparent. Simpson is projected for a huge bump in snap volume.
New DC Zach Orr is expected to keep the same principles as Mike Macdonald, so I expect a lot of nickel/2-LB packages. The Ravens deployed dime/single-LB 0 times, so I do expect a bump in that usage with the talent Baltimore has in the secondary. Smith is in the conversation as the top IDP, and Simpson is in a group of LB2/3 with guys like Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jack Campbell, and Divine Deablo.
Projected Green Dot: Roquan Smith
Updated 8/11/2024: With no Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson started and wore the dot. It seems he has the trust of the coaches to call the plays. I’m continuing to project a breakout season for Simpson.
08/24/2024: I don’t like to overreact to playing time in Week 3, but I did have a side-eye on Trenton Simpson playing when Malik Harrison left the field. For the 2nd week in a row, Harrison wore the dot with no Roquan and left the field after a few series while Simpson stayed on. This could also show Harrison is Roquan’s backup. There are safer LB3 options for Week 1, especially if Baltimore goes single-LB heavy. After talking Simpson up all offseason, it seems unlikely, but there it’s one of the ranges of outcomes. Harrison could be the LB3 in their base/3-LB packages.
Buffalo Bills
The dot in Buffalo is settled this year, so no need to worry about the back-and-forth competition of 2023. Terrel Bernard is set to wear the dot once again this year. Bernard contributed across the board, recording 143 tackles while adding 6.5 sacks and 3 picks. Bernard was one of the top-graded off-ball LBs in pass rushing (78.2) and produced 20 QB pressures. The Bills were inconsistent at LB2 until Tyrel Dodson solidified the role. The Bills deployed 2-LB packages over 80% of the snaps. Bernard is solidified as a three-down LB. The LB2 is in question now that Matt Milano is out for the year. Depending on the competition or free agent additions, you may see more single-LB packages. Bernard is my top target.
Projected Green Dot: Terrel Bernard
Update 8/14/2024: Matt Milano suffered an apparent arm injury during tackling drills on 8/13. The severity is wide range of outcomes from a stinger to a torn bicep. The Bills are hoping he’s avoided a severe injury, but the severity remains unknown. Those in redraft leagues, will want to target Dorian Williams as a late-round flier before the news breaks and his ADP skyrockets. Dynasty leaguers, check to see if he’s on your wire.
Update 8/15/2024: So, I’m going to take a deep breath here. Matt Milano is out for an indefinite period of time with a torn bicep. He could be back in December, but at this point, he’s undraftable. Immediate reaction is Dorian Williams will slot in, as it appears he’s Milano’s backup. The Bills have Nicholas Morrow listed as their SAM (Left-side LB) along with Deion Jones, Baylon Specter, and Edefuan Ulofoshio. There will probably be a competition for Milano’s snaps and Terrel Bernard is the safest option right now. Dorian, and Morrow are the late-round targets as back-end roster fillers. Dynasty leaguers might want to take advantage of a sell-window on Williams if you’re confident in your LB room. In dynasty leagues, it doesn’t hurt to pick up Ulofoshio. I was a fan of his during draft season. I’m not expecting much for redraft purposes. Looking at last season, Tyrel Dodson didn’t settle into a full-time role until Week 9, so it could take some time to sort out. If you get beat in acquiring Williams, I wouldn’t lose sleep.
Update 8/18/2024: Terrel Bernard was held out of the Week 2 PS game against Pittsburgh. Dorian Williams got the start with the first-team, but new competition for the LB2 spot as spawned in the form of Joe Andreessen. Andreessen made the most of all 44 snaps and what impressed me, is that he made plays against the Pittsburgh first-team. He looked like he belonged and didn’t look out of place. I still think Dorian is the LB to emerge as the LB2, however, I think Andreessen will be in the mix and I’ll be here for it. Like last season, there could be an LB2 rotation throughout the year, but Dorian should get the majority of the snaps at least for the first half of the season. For those that love RAS scores, here’s Andreessen’s.
Update 8/24/2024: Dorian Williams got the starter treatment and didn’t play in Week 3. Joe Andreessen got the start and wore the dot, but it does look like Williams will get the LB2 role heading into Week 1. It’s still a murky situation since we don’t know if there will be a rotation opposite Terrel Bernard.
Carolina Panthers
Surprisingly, Carolina allowed one of their most productive players, Frankie Luvu, to walk in free agency. To plug in the gap, they added Josey Jewell, someone who defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has coached up during their time in Denver. Health has been a concern for Jewell, but he has produced decent PFF grades over the last two seasons while logging just over 1,600 snaps. Evero could use Jewell as a lesser Frankie Luvu. Jewell has 145 pass-rush snaps over the last two seasons and 23 QB pressures. From an IDP standpoint, he’s produced a 13.3% tackle rate, resulting in 349 tackles in three of his last four seasons and 6 sacks. Due to injuries at the LB position, the Panthers deployed single-LB packages above the league average.
Shaq Thompson had appeared in at least 14 games in eight consecutive seasons until last season and now is dealing with hamstring issues in camp. The Panthers should use more nickel/2-LB packages if their LBs are healthy. Thompson and Jewell are both in the running for the dot, but I do think Thompson gets it as long as he’s healthy. Both make decent LB3/4 targets. Keep an eye on Trevin Wallace. He’s had a good camp, and with injuries, could see snaps in the middle of the season.
Projected Green Dot: Josey Jewell
Update 8/24/2024: The Panthers rolled out their first-team defense, which included Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell at off-ball LB. Jewell looks to be wearing the dot this season for the Panther defense which definitely gives him a boost in IDP value with a three-down role.
Chicago Bears
The Bears defense was one of the few that used dime on fewer than 5% of their snaps and spent more time in their base/3-LB packages than most defenses. The LB3 in the defense still won’t have value as they were in base for just over 20% of the snaps. Chicago added TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds in free agency to anchor the second level of the defense. Edwards wore the dot and was a tackle machine, recording his second-consecutive season of 155 tackles. Edwards is locked in, once again, as an LB1. Edmunds hasn’t been an elite producer, but a dependable LB2/3 with a safe floor. He’ll get dinged up from time to time but is a good source for tackles.
Projected Green Dot: Tremaine Edmunds
Update 8/11/2024: Tremaine Edmunds wore the dot over TJ Edwards in their preseason game against Buffalo. Will this carry over to the regular season? It’s certainly a possibility. The Bears ran 2-LB packages and Edmunds/Edwards saw all first-team snaps.
Update 8/17/2024: Tremaine Edmunds wore the dot in the preseason tilt versus the Bengals. I’m going to assume he’ll be wearing it for the 2024 season. Edwards and Edmunds each played 12 snaps.
Cincinnati Bengals
The linebacker situation in Cincinnati is pretty clear. Logan Wilson remains the captain and will wear the dot. Germaine Pratt will flank him as the LB2. Pratt logged a career-high 977 snaps in 2023 and notched 118 tackles. Wilson has a safe floor in tackle-heavy formats with consecutive seasons of 120+ tackles. Wilson is the top LB here, but Pratt is a decent mid-round LB3 target. The Bengals used nickel/2-LB packages above the league average on nearly 90% of their snaps.
Projected Green Dot: Logan Wilson
Cleveland Browns
The Browns defense suffered injuries at the LB position in 2023. Anthony Walker, who left for Miami, appeared in 456 snaps. Sione Takitaki, who left for New England, logged 567 snaps. They used a rotation of Tony Fields, Jordan Kunaszyk, and Matthew Adams alongside Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Owusu-Koramoah took on more of a full-time role from Week 9, as he appeared in at least 80% of the snaps in 6 of the final 9 games and he appears ready to take on more in 2024.
Jordan Hicks was added in free agency and is the favorite to wear the dot, allowing Owusu-Koramoah to roam and make plays. I’ve got Owusu-Koramoah and Hicks as top-30 LBs. Hicks was on pace for 139 tackles had he not missed 4 games with a leg injury. I think Cleveland deploys 2-LB packages more frequently thanks to potential consistency at the position.
Projected Green Dot: Jordan Hicks
Update 8/14/2024: In addition to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s contract extension, Jordan Hicks is dealing with an undisclosed injury that is cause him to be week-to-week. Mohamoud Diabate is his backup and he wore the dot in their W1 PS game against the Packers. If Hicks misses any time, Diabate is would be worth a look due to the projected volume increase.
Dallas Cowboys
Your target here is going to be Eric Kendricks. Kendricks spent one season with the Chargers and was set to join the 49ers before changing his mind and heading for Dallas to be reunited with Mike Zimmer. Kendricks will have a three-down role this season as the wearer of the dot. There could be a rotation at LB2 between Damone Clark and Demarvion Overshown. Overshown has displayed speed during camp, so it looks like the ACL injury hasn’t sapped him of his quickness.
In Zimmer’s last stint, he deployed 4-2-5 as his primary defense and focused on stopping the run, something Clark struggled with last season. Marist Liufau is having a solid camp and is someone to keep an eye on over the few weeks of preseason play. I think Overshown gets the LB2 and is a high-upside late-round target. Liufau is a dynasty stash and late-round redraft target in deeper leagues with large rosters.
Projected Green Dot: Eric Kendricks
Denver Broncos
There’s only one LB I’m targeting here and it’s Alex Singleton. Singleton has consecutive seasons of 160+ tackles and has recorded an 18.3% tackle rate. Singleton should be wearing the dot for Denver this season. Contrary to popular belief, I think I’m out on Cody Barton here. The Broncos were in nickel/2-LB packages for just 70% of the snaps and dime for 20%. Barton could see 80% of the snaps, as Denver was in 3-LB for 10% of the defensive snaps. Josey Jewell was a productive LB3 opposite Singleton, but I think he’s a better off-ball LB than Barton. Jonas Griffith is a name you want to have in your watch list. He’s going to challenge Barton for snaps and looks to be Singleton’s backup. Griffith is recovering from a torn ACL and is making the most of his reps.
Projected Green Dot: Alex Singleton
Update 8/19/2024: Alex Singleton and Cody Barton look to be entrenched as the off-ball LBs. Both were on the field at the same time and Singleton wore the dot.
Detroit Lions
I think it’s Jack Campbell’s time to shine in 2024. Lions beat writer Colton Pouncy said he’s growing into his voice and is commanding the defense. Campbell looks like he’s going to wear the dot on defense, which would give him a three-down role. It’s been Campbell and Alex Anzalone as the primary off-ball LBs, but Derrick Barnes will have a role. The Lions deployed 3-LBs just 11% of the time, but that could inch up. Barnes and Anzalone could also rotate at LB. Barnes may not get enough snaps to warrant consideration in IDP leagues. Campbell has a high ceiling and Anzalone has a safe floor as an LB3.
Projected Green Dot: Jack Campbell
Green Bay Packers
The Packers brought in Jeff Hafley as their new defensive coordinator, and early reports are positive. The theme: aggression. Quay Walker is considered an integral part of the defense and will be relied upon to make plays at the line of scrimmage. Walker was a solid tackler with a PFF grade of 82.8, but barely average across the board. However, Walker appears set to wear the dot on defense and there’s a battle between Isaiah McDuffie and Edgerrin Cooper at the LB2 spot. McDuffie is making things difficult on the rookie and is not yielding his spot. Even if McDuffie earns the LB2 spot, it’s possible Cooper carves out a role during the season and rotates with McDuffie. I’m targeting Walker first as his role is assured.
Projected Green Dot: Quay Walker
Updated 8/11/2024: Edgerrin Cooper was held out due to a groin injury, but Isaiah McDuffie played first-team reps alongside Quay Walker. Cooper could be ready for the next preseason game against the Broncos, but McDuffie isn’t willing to hand over snaps to the rookie. McDuffie could see 70%-80% of the snaps as an LB2.
Houston Texans
The Texans added Azeez Al-Shaair to their LB room during free agency. Al-Shaair is familiar with DeMeco Ryans during his time with the 49ers, so there’s a trust factor between the two. He appears set to wear the dot on defense and will allow the LB2 to go hunt and make plays. Who’s the LB2?
It looks to be Christian Harris, as Blake Cashman and Denzel Perryman left in free agency. My concern with Harris is his play. PFF graded his run defense a 48.1 and tackling a 43.5. He had a 16.1% missed tackle rate. As of now, Harris is looking like the LB2 in nickel/2-LB packages. Houston was in their base/3-LB package on 20% of their snaps. I’m only looking at Harris near the end of drafts.
Projected Green Dot: Azeez Al-Shaair
UPDATED 8/27/2024: I’ve removed Christian Harris for now, as he has landed on short-term IR and is designated to return. It looks like Henry To’oto’o should slot into the LB2 spot opposite Azeez Al-Shaair. However, keep an eye on Jake Hansen, as he’s Harris’s direct backup. We’ll see how practice looks heading into Week 1. Hansen was the higher graded LB last season and during the preseason, according to PFF.
Indianapolis Colts
This group is pretty simple: target Zaire Franklin and EJ Speed. I’ve got Franklin in my top tier and is a potential top IDP overall. Speed should see an expanded role as the LB2 and is poised for a breakout season. He finished the 2023 season with a 14% tackle rate and appeared in at least 94% of the snaps in 6 of the final 7 games. Speed carried his owners in the final 4 games, as he recorded 47 tackles. He carries LB2 upside in 2024. The Colts were primarily a 2-LB defense but did deploy 3-LB packages above the league average.
Projected Green Dot: Zaire Franklin
Jacksonville Jaguars
Another straightforward LB group. There might be some moving around as Devin Lloyd could patrol the middle with Foyesade Oluokun on the weak side. They’ll continue to move around on the right and left side of the defense. Oluokun should continue to wear the dot. Lloyd has put on around 12 pounds of muscle and is ready to play physically. Oluokun is an elite IDP producer and has been one of the top scorers over the last few seasons, averaging 19.5 fantasy points per game over the last two seasons in tackle-heavy formats. The Jaguars are a 2-LB defense, so Oluokun and Lloyd both have IDP value and are one of the draftable LB duos.
Projected Green Dot: Foyesade Oluokun
Kansas City Chiefs
Nick Bolton has already had an injury scare, so the question is, how much risk are you willing to take? We saw Bolton’s ceiling in 2022. Bolton was the playcaller of the defense; however, Drue Tranquill carried the responsibility for much of the season with Bolton on the shelf. Now might be a good time to buy Bolton. He just turned 24 and his ADP could dip with his recent injury scare. The Chiefs stood out as the defense that deployed 3-LB the most at 34% of their snaps. The Chiefs were in dime for just 18% of their snaps, so the LB2 has some value and it looks to be Tranquill. If I can get Bolton at an LB2 price, I’ll take it. Tranquill is an LB4 in the mid/late rounds.
Projected Green Dot: Nick Bolton
Las Vegas Raiders
Robert Spillane had quite the season in 2023. It was his first time with a full-time role and appeared in 97% of the snaps (1,101) nearly doubling his high of 588 in 2022. Spillane wore the dot and I look for him to continue with that role in 2024. Spillane finished with a 13.4% tackle rate, resulting in 148 tackles. He added 3 INTs and 3.5 sacks. Divine Deablo appeared in 15 games and had 10 games of at least 80% of the snaps, finishing with a 13.7% tackle rate. He slimmed down to 223 pounds and is hoping to play faster this season. The Raiders were primarily a nickel/2-LB defense, so as long as Deablo is healthy, should play at least 90% of the snaps. I’m targeting Deablo at ADP over Spillane. Both are weekly starters in any IDP format.
Projected Green Dot: Robert Spillane
Update 8/19/2024: Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo played the first-half. Spillane appeared in 35 snaps and wore the dot. Deablo was in on 33 of the 35 snaps and appears to have a full-time role. Deablo appeared to come off 3rd and long situations. I’m targeting Spillane first, but Deablo will have LB3 value with his potential usage.
Los Angeles Chargers
This is shaping up to be a tricky situation; however, Junior Colson might be on the outside looking in thanks to an appendectomy. He’s passed a physical and is back at camp, though not participating yet. Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley have been working as the starting off-ball LBs. Camp has just started, so Colson could play his way into some reps. As of now, I don’t have a good feeling outside of Perryman seeing a full-time role and wearing the dot, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Derwin James get it. Henley has a leg up at the LB2 just because of Colson’s absence, but he’ll have the opportunity to earn his way into a role. Discretion might be the better part of valor with this group.
Projected Green Dot: Denzel Perryman
Updated 8/11/2024: Denzel Perryman and Junior Colson were held out due to injury and that allowed Daiyan Henley to start. Henley wore the dot and it’s certainly a possibility he earns the role this season. I’m waiting on anointing Henley until I see Perryman on the field.
Updated 8/18/2024: The first-team defense was on the field for PS Week 2. Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley were the off-ball LBs with Perryman wearing the dot. Perryman got the “starting LB” treatment and played just 11 snaps before heading out. Henley appeared in 24 snaps and got some snaps alongside Junior Colson. Colson played mostly with the second-team. It looks like Perryman will be the LB to target. Henley will be worth a look near the mid-to-late rounds, but it’s possible Colson eats into snaps mid-season.
Update 8/24/2024: The Chargers rested starters, which included Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley. Junior Colson appears to be the LB3 and played with the second-team and wore the dot. Could there be a rotation at the LB2 with Henley and Colson? That remains to be seen. The minute Henley shows any signs of poor play, I doubt Jim Harbaugh will delay the hook to send Colson in. Henley is a shaky LB4.
Los Angeles Rams
With Ernest Jones off to Tennessee, his IDP value has suffered a Thanos-like snap to dust, as of now. The Rams now have Christian Rozeboom, Tory Reeder, Omar Speights, and Jake Hummel. I might be taking a wait and see on the whole defense until we shake out the soil. The Rams typically support just one-off ball LB, as the Rams went dime/single-LB over 46% of their defensive snaps.
Projected Green Dot: Troy Reeder
UPDATED 8/27/2024: In a trade that rocked the IDP foundation, the Rams traded their defensive captain to the Tennessee Titan for a 5th round pick. Sean McVay said he likes the LBs in the room and guys like Omar Speights and Jake Hummel have earned snaps. McVay also mentioned Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom will be the base LBs with Reeder the leader in the clubhouse for the dot ahead of Week 1. It’s a messy situation to be sure, and I wouldn’t make any hasty decisions. I would expect Reeder’s dot role to be week-to-week. I do like Speights’s upside over the course of the season.
Miami Dolphins
If I were to ask you how many snaps David Long appeared in last season, what’s your answer? I’ll give you a second. I was surprised to see the number: 823. Jerome Baker left for Seattle and they swapped for Jordyn Brooks in free agency. They also added Anthony Walker. I think the free agent capital spent towards Brooks indicates he’ll be a full-time LB opposite Long with Walker playing a minor role. Anthony Weaver comes over from Baltimore and could utilize a similar nickel/2-LB scheme. Long looks to wear the dot for the defense is the primary LB target, but Brooks has value as the LB2 and has a friendly ADP.
Projected Green Dot: David Long
Update 8/19/2024: We got some insight as to how Miami will utilize their LBs. David Long will wear the dot and is LB1 target in South Beach. Jordyn Brooks and Long were on the field and Anthony Weaver utilized 2-LB packages. Long got dinged but would have been cleared to return had it been a regular season game. Brooks looks to have LB2/3 value and should exceed his ADP.
Minnesota Vikings
I think I’m fading the Vikings’ LB2. Brian Flores utilized 2-LB packages at a 47% rate which is nearly 30% lower than the NFL average. Minnesota was in single-LB packages for over 50% of their snaps. Will Brian Cashman change Flores’ thinking? I’m not willing to buy Cashman at his price to find out. For me, Ivan Pace Jr. is the only LB target. Pace will be wearing the dot and looks to have a three-down role.
Projected Green Dot: Blake Cashman
Updated 8/11/2024: I’m just going to refer to my tweet on this situation.
Updated 8/18/2024: We didn’t get any further clarification this week, as both Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace were held out. It’s worth noting, Cashman is dealing with a finger injury that required surgery and will be held out until it heals.
Updated 8/24/2024: Vikings didn’t play any starters in their Week 3 preseason game against the Eagles. I updated the dot to Blake Cashman, just based on what I saw in Week 1’s preseason game. The Vikings were mostly in 2-LB packages against Philadelphia, so even though Pace isn’t wearing the dot, as of now, he’ll have LB2/3 value with, what appears to be, a full-time workload.
New England Patriots
The last season in which the Patriots had a true full-time off-ball LB was 2019. Ja’Whaun Bentley broke the streak this past season. Bentley appeared in 87% of the snaps and wore the dot when on the field. He finished with 114 tackles, but it was 11 fewer than 2022 in 78 more snaps. He’s not a great source for solo tackles, as he’s finished with more assists than solos over the last two seasons. Bentley finished as the LB36 in tackle-heavy scoring. So if you’re in a balanced league, he’s probably more of an LB4. Jahlani Tavai appeared in a career-high 837 snaps and recorded 110 tackles. He’s a serviceable LB4 in deeper leagues for bench depth. I think Jerod Mayo keeps the same defensive principles intact, as the Patriots were primarily in nickel/2-LB looks while going dime on 18% of their defensive snaps.
Projected Green Dot: Ja’Whaun Bentley
New Orleans Saints
The LB1 in New Orleans is simple: Demario Davis. Davis recorded an 11.3% tackle rate, resulting in his highest tackle total since 2017 (121). He’s also been a pass-rush specialist as an off-ball LB, recording 6.5 sacks in consecutive seasons. Davis is set to wear the dot once again in 2024. The LB2 appears to be a position battle between incumbent Pete Werner and newly added free agent, Willie Gay.
Early reports out of camp are stating Werner has responded positively and is having a good camp, staving off Gay. Although the Saints were in 2-LB packages 75% of the time, they had at least 3 off-ball LBs on the field for nearly 20% of the time, so the LB2 will have IDP relevance. If you’re late in your draft and looking for a potential full-time LB, I give the nod to Werner as the LB2. Werner is in a tier with guys like KJ Britt, Jahlani Tavai, and Mack Wilson.
Projected Green Dot: Demario Davis
Update 08/08/2024: The Saints extended Pete Werner on a three-year contract worth over $25 million, including $17.5 million guaranteed. Werner is coming off a rough season, as PFF gave him a 57.5 grade, his lowest as a pro, after a promising rookie year (79.9). This extension all but assures him of a full-time role and he’ll have a chance to improve upon his 10.1% tackle rate in 2023.
New York Giants
In Bobby Okereke’s first season with the Giants, he was the lone off-ball LB to appear in 100% of the snaps. Okereke wore the dot and finished with 149 tackles. Over the last three seasons, Okereke has been a consistent tackler, producing a 13.6% tackle rate and resulting in 432 tackles. He’s an asset in most scoring formats and looks to be wearing the dot in 2024. With Isaiah Simmons transitioning to DB and manning the slot, more snaps should open up at LB2. Micah McFadden has been ramping up from a hamstring injury and Dyontae Johnson has turned heads in Shawn Bowen’s defense. Johnson is a UDFA, so I don’t see him overtaking McFadden’s role, but he’s putting up a fight thus far. McFadden had a quiet 100-tackle campaign and should see an uptick in snaps in 2024, so McFadden has established his floor.
We’ll see if LB2 has value. Shane Bowen, as Tennessee’s DC, ran 2-LB packages on just 67% of the snaps in 2022 and 70% in 2023. He could bring those same principles to the Giants. I don’t think Johnson overtakes McFadden, so he should still be the starting off-ball LB opposite Okereke. If he sees 70% of the snaps, his value might be limited in weekly leagues as an LB4/5. He’s a solid best ball target for his ceiling weeks. Keep Johnson’s name in your back pocket in the event of injuries.
Projected Green Dot: Bobby Okereke
Update 8/16/2024: The Giants are already banged up at linebacker. Micah McFadden was carted off with a hip injury and they were already without Dyontae Johnson. They also lost Matthew Adams. It’s possible Isaiah Simmons is called to play more at off-ball LB. They could also look to bring in a FA or two for a workout. McFadden owners at this point are just hoping for a day-to-day injury.
New York Jets
This group is simple: CJ Mosley and Quincy Williams. Mosley is wearing the dot and is a weekly LB1. Williams continues to be an underrated IDP target and has been a consistent producer over the last few seasons. Quincy is coming off a career-high in solo tackles (95) and total tackles (139).
Projected Green Dot: CJ Mosley
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles allowed TJ Edwards to walk in free agency and ended up piecemealing their LB group in 2023. Nicholas Morrow, Zach Cunningham, Nakobe Dean, Christian Elliss, and Shaq Leonard all saw snaps at off-ball LB last season. Dean has been a disappointment, mainly due to health, so they brought in Devin White and Zack Baun, and both have been making the most of their opportunities.
White appears set to wear the dot and Baun has been getting more reps at LB2 over Dean and appears set as the LB2. Vic Fangio cares not for your draft capital. If we look at what Fangio did last season with Miami, it’s possible he deploys dime packages. He used 1-LB packages just over 20% of the time with the Dolphins. The LB2 should have value in deeper leagues. I view Baun as a pass-rush specialist similar to Andrew Van Ginkel (Miami) and Alexander Johnson (Denver).
Projected Green Dot: Devin White
Update 8/16/2024: The drum could be banging louder for Nakobe Dean to get more first team reps. Dean has graded out as their best defender through two games, and yes, I know it’s been mostly backups, but he’s opening eyes and maybe the competition has been good for him. Baun has been average at best, and he’s not a must-draft.
Update 9/5/2024: It was announced Devin White would miss Week 1 due to an ankle injury, then a bombshell was dropped; White was shopped in a trade and lost the starting job to Nakobe Dean during the preseason. White and Zack Baun were running with the 1s during camp and even during preseason games. Fangio might have seen enough from Dean and White. White’s play has fallen off and it might have followed him to Philly. White’s IDP value takes a big hit with the demotion. Dean’s value on the rise and hopefully he can avoid the injury bug.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Patrick Queen made the jump from Baltimore to division rival, Pittsburgh, and looks set to take on a full-time role and wear the dot. However, the Steelers still deploy dime/1-LB packages above the league average, so will he get those dime snaps? During OTAs, Payton Wilson was getting looks in those packages. Initial camp reports are positive on Queen’s communication and Mike Tomlin is calling him the “defensive quarterback,” so that bodes well for Queen.
I think Wilson ends up being the LB2 opposite Queen. I’m not sure if that’s a hot take or not. I’m passing on Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb.
Projected Green Dot: Patrick Queen
Updated 8/18/2024: Patrick Queen received snaps in Week 2 PS against the Bills and wore the dot. Payton Wilson and Elandon Roberts rotated with the first-team, but Payton got more snaps. Queen saw 15 while Roberts received just 4. I’m taking the gamble on Wilson over Roberts as an LB target in the late rounds.
Update 8/24/2024: The Steelers used a combination of starters in their Week 3 tilt against the Lions. Among those starters, off-ball LBs Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts. The Steelers were in 2-LB packages, with the exception of a 3rd long where they were in dime and Roberts came off the field. After two series, Queen left the field, but Roberts stayed on with Mark Robinson.
San Francisco 49ers
Dre Greenlaw suffered a freak Achilles tear just before the second half of the Super Bowl, putting his 2024 into question. Greenlaw has been doing some work, but they won’t rush him. Dee Winters has had positive reviews in camp, but they did bring in De’Vondre Campbell after his release from Green Bay for a veteran presence. Fred Warner is the LB1 here and will wear the dot. DC Nick Sorensen has confirmed that Campbell will be the LB2 opposite Warner in nickel/2-LB packages. He’ll have weekly value until Greenlaw returns — whenever that may be.
Projected Green Dot: Fred Warner
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle allowed Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks to walk in free agency and brought in Jerome Baker (Miami) and Tyrel Dodson (Buffalo) while drafting Tyrice Knight to help fill in the gaps. Baker is already dealing with a hamstring injury that doesn’t have a timetable. Dodson recently came off PUP and looks to be the heir apparent to Wagner as the defensive signal-caller. I was targeting Dotson (see what I did there? h/t Kyle Bellefeuil) ahead of Baker even before his injury, as Baker’s tackle efficiency has been declining the last few seasons.
Projected Green Dot: Tyrel Dodson
Updated 8/11/2024: Jerome Baker was held out, so Tyrel Dodson and Tyrice Knight got the start at off-ball LBs with the first-team defense. Dodson wore the dot and I believe this is right in line with what he communicated during camp about being Bobby Wagner’s replacement as the signal caller.
Updated 8/25/2024: Tyrel Dodson and Tyrice Knight were the starting off-ball LBs in Week 3 PS and Dodson wore the dot. Baker is expected to play in the season opener, but I do expect Dodson to wear the dot this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s Lavonte David’s world and we’re just living in it. David is a locked-in LB1 and is wearing the dot for the defense. He’s averaged 117 tackles over the last 7 seasons, which includes a shortened 2021 season where he recorded just 97 tackles. He’s also produced double-digit TFLs in six of the last seasons. Tampa was primarily a 2-LB defense, as they were in nickel/2-LB packages on over 93% of their snaps. KJ Britt looks to have emerged as the LB2 and is the target in the mid-rounds of your drafts.
Projected Green Dot: Lavonte David
Tennessee Titans
The dot situation is a bit tricky in Tennessee. The early favorite for the dot is Kenneth Murray, as Brian Callahan has called out his play and has given him the communication responsibilities. L’Jarius Sneed has called him the leader. Jack Gibbens and Murray look to be the starting off-ball LBs. I’m not expecting Murray to produce Azeez Al-Shaair 2023 numbers but he should be able to produce LB2/3 tackle numbers. I also think the Titans will utilize Gibbens/Murray more in nickel/2-LB and decrease their dime usage with new DC, Dennard Wilson. I’ve got Murray right at the top of the 3rd tier, but I’m probably going to target guys like Devin Lloyd, EJ Speed, and Jack Campbell and take a shot on Jack Gibbens.
Projected Green Dot: Kenneth Murray
Updated 8/11/2024: It looks like Kenneth Murray will be wearing the dot for Tennessee. Dennard Wilson deployed 2-LB packages and Murray/Gibbens were on for all 11 snaps together. If Wilson is going to deploy two LBs, it’s definitely a boost for Gibbens’s IDP value.
UPDATED 8/27/2024: The Titans acquired Ernest Jones for the equivalent of a bag of footballs. As of now, I’ve adjusted projections for Jones and have removed him from the chart. I have no idea what his role or playing time will look like. I’m still projecting Kenneth Murray to wear the dot, as I don’t think it makes much sense to change the communicator/leader of the defense mere days before the season starts.
Washington Commanders
Washington added future HOF’er Bobby Wagner and former Panthers LB Frankie Luvu in free agency to anchor the second level. What to do with Jamin Davis? There’s been talk of him transitioning to the edge on passing/3rd downs. He’s also a cut candidate. During his time at Kentucky, he had 48 career pass-rush snaps, generating 14 pressures and 2.5 sacks. The comps to Micah Parsons are hilarious. Dan Quinn spent the last 3 seasons as DC of the Cowboys and deployed 1-LB/2-LB packages consistently. Quinn is familiar with Wagner during their time in Seattle, so I’d imagine Wagner gets the dot duties. Luvu is already a solid pass-rushing off-ball LB.
Projected Green Dot: Bobby Wagner
Update 8/16/2024: Frankie Luvu might be an addition to my fade list. Dan Quinn envisions utilizing Luvu as his “Micah Parsons”. If that’s the case, you can expect an increase in edge deployment if Week 1 of the preseason tells us anything. Luvu saw 4 snaps with 2 on the edge. If he’s going to see a 50/50 split, it lowers his tackle floor.
Updated 8/18/2024: I would expect an position change on fantasy platforms ahead of the regular season, as Jamin Davis is now an edge, as he’s played 40 snaps on the line. With the lack of depth on the defensive line, Davis has probably secured a roster spot. If he maintains just an LB designation, his IDP value will be limited to just big play leagues at best. Frankie Luvu appeared in 11 snaps with 8 at off-ball LB. Luvu wore the dot, but that’s because Bobby Wagner didn’t play. If Luvu is going to get 70% of the snaps at off-ball LB, that will definitely help his tackle efficiency. His usage could be matchup based on a week-to-week basis.
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