Projected Green Dot and Full-Time Linebackers for 2025
The original green dot article returns as Mike projects the play callers for 2025.
As we approach the 2025 NFL season, full-time LBs have become a rare breed. Just 18 linebackers played more than 90% of the snaps in 2024, while four others played between 80-89% of the snaps. Knowing who’s projected to play a full-time role is critical for IDP success. So, too, is knowing the “green dot” LBs.
What is the green dot?
Think of him as the quarterback of the defense. He has the comms helmet with the green helmet sticker, relays play calls from the defense coordinator to the rest of the defense, and is responsible for getting everyone aligned before the snap. Most of the time, it’s a linebacker wearing the dot, but we’ve seen safeties take on that role, too.
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 of scoring fantasy points.
I’ll be updating this list of full-time and green dot LBs as information becomes available, including 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. So, let’s dig into the linebackers for the 2025 and a look a their defenses and schemes.
Who should you target? And who’s getting a bit more hype than they should?
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals were one of the few teams with a dime/single-LB rate less than 10%, as they went single-LB on 9.7% of their defensive snaps. Which means Nick Rallis is going with two to three off-ball LBs on at least 90% of the snaps. Last season, it was Kyzir White who dominated the snaps. Mack Wilson was the LB2, but was the LB off the field in dime packages. Now, with White out of the picture, Wilson appears to be inheriting the dot.
Who’s the LB2? At this point, there seems to be a camp battle looming between Akeem Davis-Gaither, Cody Simon, and Owen Pappoe. I think whoever gets the LB2 job should have value. As long as there isn’t a rotation, there should be at least an 85% usage rate. Their base was a traditional 34, so still deploying two off-ball LBs.
As far as their coverage, they should be a zone-heavy defense, which is favorable for LB tackles. As of now, I’m targeting Wilson as a boring LB4, even with the potential volume. He has a career 11.1% tackle rate. I think I might be avoiding the LB2 in drafts. Davis-Gaither looked like a solid bet for a three-down role, but the drafting of Cody Simon has certainly muddled things.
Projected Green Dot: Mack Wilson
Atlanta Falcons
Kaden Elliss has dominated the snaps and the tackle share over his last two seasons with the Falcons. At this point, I think Atlanta is moving on from Troy Andersen, as they brought in Divine Deablo from Las Vegas. Raheem Morris said Deablo has picked up the defense and concepts, and he could see him wearing the dot. That raised my eyebrow a bit. While I think Elliss keeps the dot, Deablo is on my radar.
The Falcons were in dime/single-LB on 7% of their snaps; however, they didn’t use a traditional single-LB deployment. While they went 6 DBs, they took a linemen off the field and kept two off-ball LBs on the field. It looked like they went 5-DB/1-LB for half the snaps. JD Bertrand and Nate Landman rotated that LB2 spot. Here is a snapshot of their 2-LB/6-DB deployment:
Their base remains a 34, so I don’t anticipate three off-ball LBs. Although they’re expected to be a zone scheme for around 66% of their snaps, Elliss is an efficient tackler, as he produced a 15.3% tackle rate in zone.
Keep an eye on the dot situation. While I think Elliss keeps it, Deablo looks like he could have a big role in the defense. Andersen is already dealing with injuries, and Bertrand saw around 20% of the snaps. Deablo is, essentially, free at this point. So you can target him late as an LB4/5.
Projected Green Dot: Kaden Elliss
Baltimore Ravens
The green dot in Baltimore is clear. Roquan Smith is the leader of the defense and will continue to wear the dot. Target him as a weekly LB1. As far as the other LBs? That’s a bit shaky. The Ravens base defense was a 2-LB/4-DB setup. Baltimore was in their dime for 19% of the snaps, and their LB2 (Trenton Simpson) saw just one snap.
Here’s a look at their dime defense:
Here’s Baltimore’s base defense:
Simpson ceded snaps to Malik Harrison and Chris Board, both of whom are on new teams. Simpson saw 73% of the nickel snaps.
The Ravens drafted Teddye Buchanan in the 3rd round to compete with Trenton Simpson. So, while Simpson might be the leader in the clubhouse for the LB2 job, I’m not buying it. There will be a camp battle—I’ll let others draft Simpson while I’ll be keeping an eye on Buchanan.
Projected Green Dot: Roquan Smith
Buffalo Bills
Terrel Bernard should wear the dot heading into the 2025 season. Injuries limited him to 13 games, but he still averaged 8 tackles/game and a 13.9% tackle rate. He’s the LB to target in Buffalo. At this point, I’m avoiding the LB2 not necessarily because of the snaps, but the volatility. Matt Milano hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and Dorian Williams has been shaky on the field. Although he led the Bills in tackles, he produced a 58.5 PFF grade and a 39.1 coverage grade.
The LB2 will have value, as the Bills were in nickel for 81% of their total snaps. However, they weren’t in base very often, at just 4% of the time. However, the LB2 should see 85% of the snaps if healthy. If injuries ravage the group, there will likely be a rotation again. Buffalo should remain zone heavy, as they deployed zone coverage nearly 77% of the time. Bernard is really the only LB I’m interested in right now.
Projected Green Dot: Terrel Bernard
Carolina Panthers
Carolina didn’t waste any time delivering IDP managers a blow, as they released Josey Jewell, the green dot from last season. Jewell has apparently been dealing with concussion issues and is concentrating on his health, so we wish him the best.
In a bit of a surprise, the Panthers have bestowed the dot on Christian Rozeboom, one of their free agent signings during the offseason. If this holds, there’s value here with an efficient tackler getting a three-down role. The PFF grades aren’t pretty, but if he sticks, you’re getting an LB2 at LB5 prices.
I like the LB2 to see a full-time role in Ejiro Evero’s defense. The Panthers were in their nickel for 57% of their snaps and in base for 33% of their snaps. The Carolina base was a 5-man front with two off-ball LBs:
Trevin Wallace should be the LB2, and I’ve currently got him in my 3rd tier of LBs, along with Rozeboom. Rozeboom’s ADP will probably start to creep up with him getting the dot, but Wallace has a chance to be productive with a full-time role.
Projected Green Dot: Christian Rozeboom
Chicago Bears
The Bears could have a different look under Dennis Allen. The Bears have been a traditional nickel/2-LB defense over the last several years, but that’s slated to change under Allen. I don’t think the LB deployment will change too much, as I’m anticipating Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards to be the off-ball LBs. The dot could be up for grabs. I could see Edwards manning the Demario Davis role, as he’s just as versatile across all facets of the game.
As far as tackle efficiency, I’m targeting Edwards over Edmunds.
Projected Green Dot: Tremaine Edmunds
Cincinnati Bengals
What does Al Golden have in store for the Bengals? He does have a bit of experience with Cincinnati, as he was their LB coach in 2020-21. Golden is projected to deploy a 4-2-5 scheme as his base with two off-ball LBs.
I’m assuming with the lack of depth and experience on this defense, Logan Wilson should wear the dot. Newly acquired Oren Burks is another veteran, but I don’t see him calling the plays. The Bengals should be a 43 base, so Burks could be the LB3 and come off the field for nickel. Demetrius Knight is fully signed, so I’m expecting him to win the LB2 job opposite Wilson. Knight has stood out in camp and is showing off above-average coverage skills already.
Projected Green Dot: Logan Wilson
Cleveland Browns
The Browns won’t have Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and their green dot, Jordan Hicks, retired. So, the green dot is open. No matter who gets it, I think it’s going to be difficult to keep Carson Schwesinger off the field. He’s fully capable of handling the responsibility, as he stepped up for UCLA in his first season with a full-time role and wore the dot.
Jerome Baker was brought in for veteran depth, and the Cleveland-native might see more snaps than anticipated, and pending on if Jim Schwartz wants a veteran to call the plays, could be in line for the dot. There was inconsistency at the LB2 role after Owusu-Koramoah was injured in Week 8. When healthy, Hicks was the lone full-time LB with Mohamoud Diabate and Devin Bush each seeing snaps.
Schwartz was in base for 28% of the time, and it was a traditional 43, and their most used 3-LB combo was Hicks, Owusu-Koramoah, and Diabate:
I think Baker and Schwesinger will be the LBs to target, and I’m putting Schwesinger above Baker, as I’ve got him in my 2nd tier of LBs. It’s been early, but the initial returns on Schwesinger are that Cleveland struck gold. Baker is in contention for the dot, but I think Schwesinger ends up with it. This will be one situation to monitor throughout the rest of camp and preseason.
Projected Green Dot: Carson Schwesinger
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have somewhat revamped their LB group. Eric Kendricks is gone, and DeMarvion Overshown could be lost until Thanksgiving. Dallas added Jack Sanborn and traded for Kenneth Murray. Damone Clark and Marist Liufau are the incumbents. Although camp has only been open a few days, Liufau and Clark have both made an impression. Sanborn has spent the majority of the time, thus far, as the green dot of the defense.
The LB2 role is going to be one to monitor, as Matt Eberflus’ LB2 saw a near three-down role (99% of the snaps). It wouldn’t surprise me if Eberflus chose Sanborn to captain the defense due to familiarity with the scheme. The LB2 has a clean slate to impress Eberflus. If I were to venture a guess, I think Liufau gets the LB2 role.
Projected Green Dot: Jack Sanborn
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are getting back their leading tackler and green dot, Alex Singleton, in 2025. They also signed Dre Greenlaw in free agency, which gives the Broncos a formidable second level behind their defensive line. Denver’s LB2 only saw 67% of the snaps, but there was a rotation alongside Cody Barton. One of their most deployed lineups consisted of a single off-ball (Barton) and 6 DBs.
With Greenlaw in tow and Cody Barton off to Tennessee, I’d imagine Vance Joseph is going to be more comfortable with a traditional nickel. I think Singleton and Greenlaw are the full-time LBs, with Singleton getting the dot back.
Projected Green Dot: Alex Singleton
Detroit Lions
It appears Dan Campbell is handing the keys to Jack Campbell to run his defense. Alex Anzalone is a bit displeased that he hasn’t received an extension.
The Lions ran their LB2 on just over 78% of the snaps, so there’s some value in deeper leagues. I just don’t know how the Lions plan to deploy their LB2. The Lions will deploy their nickel or base, as they only had 5 dime snaps in 2024. Detroit was in its base the most among NFL defenses (44%).
As of now, Campbell is the only Detroit LB I’d target.
Projected Green Dot: Jack Campbell
Green Bay Packers
Quay Walker is still recovering from offseason ankle surgery, but is back in camp and looks to have the dot. Last season, Jeff Hafley ran out his LB2 on nearly 78% of the snaps while the LB3 had a 30% usage rate.
I expect Edgerrin Cooper will slide in as the LB2 opposite Walker in 2025, and I see him as poised for an explosion in 2025. He’s the definition of a havoc-wreaker, recording a 6.4% big-play rate. Hafley was primarily a nickel defense, but ran his base out at a higher rate than the rest of the NFL at nearly 32%. I’m not expecting the LB3 to have much value, even though Isaiah McDuffie signed a 2-year extension. McDuffie’s a good soldier.
I’m all in on Cooper to have a breakout season, and targeting Walker as an LB2. Walker has been wearing the dot during training camp.
Projected Green Dot: Quay Walker
Houston Texans
Azeez Al-Shaair will remain the green dot in Houston. Who stands in as the LB2? I think Henry To’oTo’o stands to be the guy opposite Al-Shaair, as he saw just over 930 defensive snaps last season. The Texans were in nickel for 81% of their snaps, and ran just 52 snaps in dime, so their LB2 was on the field for the majority of the snaps. Houston even ran a modified base with 5 linemen and 2 off-ball LBs (just 4 DBs).
The Texans are expected to be a zone-heavy defense. As long as Al-Shaair remains healthy, he should hit the 120-tackle mark and is more LB2 this season. To’oTo’o should see an 85% usage and similar production in 2025. I’d target To’oTo’o as an LB4.
Projected Green Dot: Azeez Al-Shaair
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts will have a new scheme under Lou Anarumo; however, it should remain LB-friendly for both Zaire Franklin and Jaylon Carlies. Anarumo typically deploys two off-ball LBs and uses his LB3 around 17% of the time, so someone like Segun Olubi won’t have much IDP value.
While the Bengals were more of a 43 base, they are an LB-friendly, zone-heavy coverage scheme. While Anarumo runs a standard base, he’s toyed with his deployments, sometimes running 5 DLs along with two off-ball LBs. He’s going to show movement pre- and post-snap.
This will probably be he most used deployment (4-2-5):
Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson produced a combined 13.5% tackle rate in Anarumo’s defense, and I think he’s going to lean on Franklin and Carlies. Franklin has been one of the most productive LBs over the last two seasons, and he’s an elite LB1. He should wear the dot.
Carlies is on track for the full-time LB2 role, as he should see at least 90% of the snaps. However, Joe Bachie might be a name you need to have in your memory banks, as he’s taking advantage of the reps he’s earned. He’s projected to make the 53-man and is in Carlies’ rearview.
Projected Green Dot: Zaire Franklin
Jacksonville Jaguars
Anthony Campanile takes over the Jacksonville defense. Will it look like last season’s defense? Or will he incorporate his principles from Green Bay? Probably a bit of both, but I’m excited about how he’s going to use Devin Lloyd and if he’ll unlock his true ability.
Foyesade Oluokun should continue to man the dot as the MIKE, and I see Lloyd being used as his Edgerrin Cooper. Lloyd is athletic enough to fly around the field and fits well in Camp’s defense, as he earned an 84.2 run defense grade and has been competent in coverage. Campanile’s Packers ran a zone-heavy scheme and should use zone 80% of the time.
Last season, Green Bay was in dime for just 21 snaps and used 3-LB on nearly 33% of the snaps. I still don’t anticipate guys like Ventrell Miller or Chad Muma to have much IDP value outside of injury. I’m expecting Lloyd to have close to a full-time role, and I’ve got him projected for around 840 snaps.
Projected Green Dot: Foyesade Oluokun
Kansas City Chiefs
I don’t expect much to change with Kansas City’s defense. Steve Spagunolo should remain nickel, and the LB2 should see around 78% of the snaps. Leo Chenal is an interesting choice in best ball formats, even seeing just 40% of the snaps.
Drue Tranquill was an efficient LB2 as he averaged 0.21 fantasy points per snap and an 11.8% tackle rate, which are respectable LB3 numbers. Nick Bolton re-signed this offseason to remain KC’s captain and should continue to wear the dot.
I’ll target Bolton as an LB2 in most formats.
Projected Green Dot: Nick Bolton
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have overhauled their LB room. Gone are Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, and added are Elandon Roberts, Devin White, and Germaine Pratt.
It’s a crowded room, but there isn’t much room for three LBs, as Patrick Graham utilized 3-LBs on just 12% of the snaps. His LB2 saw just 72% of the snaps, so whoever wears the dot is going to have the IDP value. As of now, Roberts looks to have the role. How long he’ll keep it is another question. He’s never maintained a three-down role and has always been more of a two-down run stopper.
Although the Raiders were in zone for just over 70% of the snaps, Spillane was still productive. As long as Roberts maintains the dot, I think he’s in line for a breakout season (his 11th). I think Pratt’s usage may not be as high as it was in Cincinnati. He’s a risky LB3. Roberts is a decent zero-LB type target, as I’ve got him projected for just over 130 tackles.
Projected Green Dot: Elandon Roberts
Los Angeles Chargers
In the Hall of Fame game, what was interesting was not who didn’t play, but who did play. Second-year LB Junior Colson saw 71% of the snaps and played well into the game against 3rd and 4th stringers. The results weren’t great: bad footwork, late triggers, a little too much bouncing. I’m not going to completely overreact, and it doesn’t change my snap projection on him. Troy Dye saw just 14 snaps and received more of a “starter” treatment than Colson, who finished with a 33.8 grade.
Denzel Perryman was recently arrested on an assault weapons charge on his way to a shooting range, however, charges were dropped, so I doubt he sees any discipline from the league, but you never know with The Shield.
Daiyan Henley is the captain of the defense and will wear the dot. He’s probably the only true three-down LB of the group, which is a shame because they run zone nearly 85% of the time, so it’s a tackle-friendly scheme with an average tackle rate of nearly 14%. I don’t see the LB2 getting consistent usage, as I think there’ll be rotation based on situations and offensive personnel.
Projected Green Dot: Daiyan Henley
Los Angeles Rams
In a bit of a surprise, the newly acquired Nate Landman has emerged as the green dot of the defense over the incumbent Troy Reeder. Last season, when Reeder got injured, Quentin Lake took over the dot, but it looks like it’s going back to the LB position.
I do think the Rams remain a dime/single-LB heavy defense, as they were in that deployment for 26% of the snaps. Sean McVay has been known to go to zero-LB, but as long as Landman remains the dot, I don’t see that happening.
This was McVay’s most often used lineup:
The LB2 saw the field for an average of 74% of the snaps. It’s on the cusp of being useful in deeper leagues. However, we don’t know who the LB2 will be, as there could be a rotation between Reeder and Omar Speights. Then, you have rookies Chris Paul Jr. and Shaun Dolac.
The Rams are primarily a zone scheme, so Landman is going to benefit from a high tackle share.
Projected Green Dot: Nate Landman
Miami Dolphins
Tyrel Dodson established himself as the green dot last season while in Buffalo, and it’s carrying over to the 2025 season. That certainly isn’t a death knell for Jordyn Brooks, as the Dolphins were primarily a nickel defense, and Brooks played nearly every snap.
From a production standpoint, I do have Brooks projected and tiered higher than Dodson, but Dodson is more than useful in IDP leagues, and is severely undervalued as the LB38 in IDP ADP. Both LBs are capable of recording 120+ tackles, and Brooks combined for a 13.1% tackle rate in zone coverage. Scheme and opportunity have Brooks as solid weekly contributors.
Projected Green Dot: Tyrel Dodson
Minnesota Vikings
Brian Flores ran his dime/single-LB packages nearly 30% of the snaps, so the LB2 will see an average of 70% of the snaps. Blake Cashman remains the only LB to roster in Minnesota, as he’s the green dot and the lone full-time LB in Flores’ system.
When healthy, Ivan Pace Jr. averaged around 72% of the snaps, but battled various injuries throughout the year and appeared in just 11 games. Pace has turned heads in camp already, and he’s a physical linebacker. Can his body stand up to the rigors of the NFL? If you have the bench depth, Pace is an LB5, as he remains an efficient player. He produced a 17.4% tackle rate and averaged 0.28 fantasy points per snap.
Projected Green Dot: Blake Cashman
New England Patriots
Bill Belichick’s influence is gone from New England, and in comes Mike Vrabel to replace one-and-done Jerod Mayo. I do see Vrabel utilizing similar concepts and schemes from Tennessee, while new DC Terrell Williams will use his principles from Detroit. I think it means more nickel/2-LB looks and man coverage.
We just need to know: who’s the LB2? I’m hoping for fewer rotations and more consistent deployments. If Jack Gibbens wins the LB2 job, he’s looking at an 80% snap rate, which puts him on the LB3 radar. He has the advantage of scheme familiarity, as he worked with Vrabel in Tennessee and was quite productive when given the opportunity.
Robert Spillane was the big free agent acquisition and looks to be the green dot on defense, as he’s already making plays in training camp. While man coverage doesn’t bode well for LB tackles, it still didn’t impede Spillane from having a productive year for the Raiders. Jack Campbell managed 131 tackles in Williams’ system last year.
Target Spillane as your LB1, and Gibbens as an LB4 once you have your LB group secured. The LB3 is probably going to see fewer than 40% of the snaps, so guys like Christian Elliss might only have value in the deepest of leagues or deep roster best ball leagues.
Projected Green Dot: Robert Spillane
New Orleans Saints
The Saints might have a new look under new DC Brandon Staley. During his time with the Rams, he used a lot of dime, but with the Chargers, he mixed in nickel concepts. I think we can expect a zone scheme and a 2-LB look, which would be good news for Pete Werner.
Demario Davis should remain the green dot of the defense, and is coming off a career-high in tackles (136) in his age-35 season. Davis is a bit of a risk at the age of 36. At this point, until signs of breaking down start showing, he has a safe LB3 floor; however, his solo tackles have been on the decline since 2019.
Werner should be the LB2 and see an 80% snap rate in Staley’s defense. Although he has yet to record 100+ tackles, he hasn’t had a complete season, and missed 3 games last season. In leagues with deep benches and starting 4+ linebackers, Werner is an LB4/5. Danny Stutsman is a name to keep in mind, not only for dynasty, but redraft. He’s having a strong camp and is emerging as Demario’s successor. In the event Davis or Werner get hurt, he looks to be next man up.
Projected Green Dot: Demario Davis
New York Giants
I don’t see changes with the Giants LB situation in 2025. I expect them to have a relatively even mix of zone and man coverage. The Giants were in dime/single-LB for a total of 86 snaps. They had two off-ball LBs on the field for the majority of their defensive snaps between their base and nickel. This was their most commonly used lineup:
Bobby Okereke, the green dot last season, did end up missing 5 games last year, but he should remain the dot heading into 2025. Micah McFadden saw some time with the dot while Okereke was out. McFadden saw 75% of the snaps last season and rotated a bit with Darius Mausau. McFadden should see the majority of the snaps as the LB2, and a similar role to last year, but is an efficient tackler, recording a 14.8% tackle rate, which has resulted in 207 tackles over the last two seasons.
This is one of those situations where I can foresee Tyler Nubin getting the dot over Okereke, who I have as a tier 2 LB and a weekly starter. McFadden is an LB4 in deeper leagues and will anchor the defense.
Projected Green Dot: Bobby Okereke
New York Jets
The Jets brought in Steve Wilks as their defensive coordinator, whose last stint as DC was with the 49ers in 2023. This was Wilks’ most commonly used lineup in 2023:
So, Wilks should use a 4-2-5 as his base, which is good news for Quincy Williams. Wilks didn’t use any dime looks during his time with the 49ers.
Jamien Sherwood will have the defense all to himself in 2025, as CJ Mosley retired during the offseason. Mosley battled injuries in 2024, and Sherwood wore the dot on defense last season. Even with a new coaching staff and DC, I don’t see that changing this season, and he’s looked at as one of the leaders. Sherwood remains an LB1.
Williams should be locked into a full-time role in 2025 and is an LB2/3.
Projected Green Dot: Jamien Sherwood
Philadelphia Eagles
Vic Fangio turned Zack Baun into an IDP stud in 2024. Baun was one of the biggest IDP surprises in recent memory and exploded to an LB1 season with 151 tackles (91 solos) and 3.5 sacks.
I think the big question mark will be Nakobe Dean’s status. Fangio unlocked something in Dean last season, as well. A late-season knee injury puts Dean’s availability for the beginning of the season in doubt. His rehab is progressing as scheduled, but he has started training camp on the PUP list. Rookies Smael Mondon and Jihaad Campbell have taken advantage of the reps opened up by the absence of Dean.
Campbell has the draft capital in his favor, but Mondon isn’t ceding the position. If Dean misses the beginning of the season, I do see Campbell as the LB2, but it’s unclear if there will be a rotation at the spot.
Fangio deployed an LB2 on 90% of the snaps in 2024; however, the LB3 only saw 14% of the snaps. His base featured two off-ball LBs and 5 linemen (3 EDGE).
I don’t foresee a third off-ball having much value outside of injury. I am targeting Baun as an LB1, and Campbell looks to have some early value as an LB3/4 if Dean remains on PUP. Dean is tricky. I might target him late and stash him on IR if you’re able to. If you miss out on Dean because a leaguemate pulls the trigger early, I wouldn’t lose sleep over it.
Projected Green Dot: Zack Baun
Pittsburgh Steelers
I am aboard the Payton Wilson hype train in 2025. Pittsburgh allowed Elandon Roberts to walk in free agency, and Wilson is dominating the headlines at training camp. Plus, if you’ve seen pictures, Wilson is yoked. He’s holding off Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison at the LB2 spot opposite Patrick Queen, who should remain the green dot of the defense.
I don’t see much changing in the Steelers defense in 2025. However, with the emergence of Wilson, there will be more stability in their LB deployments and less of a rotation. The Steelers were in their base for 27% of the snaps and nickel for 61%. Tomlin’s most-used deployment featured Queen/Wilson.
I’m not targeting Queen, but he’s still an LB2. I’ve got Wilson as a high upside LB3.
Projected Green Dot: Patrick Queen
San Francisco 49ers
Robert Saleh returns to the 49ers as their DC, the job he held from 2017-2020. During his stint with the Jets and 49ers, he featured a nickel-heavy defense where his base was a 4-2-5. The LB2 typically plays around 90% of the snaps.
This is good news for the LB2, as it looks like it's going to be Dee Winters. The 49ers drafted Nick Martin in the 3rd, but Winters appears to be that dude heading into 2025. He’s taking advantage of the void left by Dre Greenlaw and is turning in a solid training camp.
Fred Warner remains the green dot and is the LB1, but Winters is one of those zero-LB targets who could turn in an LB2-type season. I’ve recently bumped Winters’ projection to 876 snaps, and he could see more than 90% of the snaps. You can draft him late and slot him in as an LB3.
Projected Green Dot: Fred Warner
Seattle Seahawks
I think the Seahawks defense will look similar to 2024. They were in dime for just 91 snaps (fewer than 9% of the total). Their base defense wasn’t a traditional base, as Aden Durde went with two off-ball LBs and a front five:
Outside of injury, there won’t be much value in the LB3 of Durde’s defense.
The Seahawks traded for Ernest Jones in-season, and he took the role of the green dot in the defense. Rookie Tyrice Knight was the consistent LB2 and was a full-time player from Week 11 on, averaging an 82% snap rate.
Seattle also runs a tackle-friendly zone scheme, so both Jones and Knight should thrive in 2025. Jones underwent a knee procedure over the offseason, but I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. I’m still targeting him as an LB1, and Knight is severely underrated as the LB41 in drafts.
Projected Green Dot: Ernest Jones
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lavonte David has been dealing with a leg injury during camp, but he’s entering his 14th season and doesn’t really need the reps. SirVocea Dennis has been taking advantage of his training camp reps and said he’s 100% after dealing with a shoulder injury last season. He’s been drawing praise so far, especially for his coverage.
The Buccaneers brought in Anthony Walker, but I think he and David are similar LBs; however, Dennis and Deion Jones have been the 2nd-team LBs behind David and Walker.
Whoever wins the LB2 job, I’m not sure if there won’t be a rotation between Walker and the LB3. The Bucs are a nickel-heavy defense and were in dime for just 27 total snaps in 2024. They also ran a zone-heavy coverage scheme, as David produced a 14% tackle rate when in zone coverage. Dennis had a 22.2% tackle rate in 45 zone snaps.
David is a solid LB2 with a safe floor. Dennis is a late-round sleeper who could emerge if he holds off Walker.
Projected Green Dot: Lavonte David
Tennessee Titans
Just when I think I’m out, Cody Barton pulls me back in. Barton was signed by the Titans in free agency; however, soon after, Kenneth Murray was traded to the Cowboys, which opened the path for Barton to don the dot, which it appears he will.
Not only that, but Barton appears to have improved in coverage, so apparently, we’re entering the final stages of the apocalypse. Over the last three seasons, he’s averaged 121 tackles and a 13% tackle rate.
There is a battle for the LB2 spot between two second-year LBs, James Williams and Cedric Gray. Williams converted to LB from safety last season and is turning some heads in camp.
Dennard Wilson ran a nickel-heavy defense in 2024. This was his most commonly used deployment:
It’s tough to say that whoever wins the LB2 job won’t be in a rotation throughout the season. The LB2 should see around 85% of the snaps, so there’s IDP value here with the opportunity. As of now, I think Williams is slightly ahead of Gray, but it seems this competition will be a marathon and not a sprint.
I’m targeting Barton as an LB2. Williams and Gray can be had for free at the end of drafts in most scoring formats.
Projected Green Dot: Cody Barton
Washington Commanders
No matter where Bobby Wagner ends up, he just tackles everyone. Wagner led the Commanders in tackles (132) and wore the dot, a role he should continue to have in 2025. Will Wagner continue to be a three-down player this year?
While there’s nothing definitive, Wagner could have snaps scaled back with the emergence of Jordan Magee (someone you want to have on your radar). If Magee is on your dynasty wire, he’s worth a stash.
The Commanders were primarily a nickel defense with Wagner and Frankie Luvu as the off-ball LBs in Dan Quinn’s defense. Quinn used dime on 107 plays, and it featured a 3-3-5 and 2-3-6 deployment.
The Commanders are in Super Bowl mode, so it doesn’t make too much sense to limit the vets for younger guys, but they could spell the vets. I don’t think Wagner or Luvu will drop below a 90% snap rate.
Until there’s signs of a drop-off, Wagner is still an LB1, but I have him just outside of Tier 1. He’s a weekly starter with a safe floor. I’ve got Luvu in Tier 3, as the tackle production doesn’t warrant a high pick.
Projected Green Dot: Bobby Wagner
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