As we enter the final week before the fantasy playoffs, some of these rookies may be worth picking up to help you to get into the playoffs and potentially win.
Harold Landry
The Tennessee Titans rookie edge rusher had his best statistical game of the season against the Houston Texans in week 12. Landry accounted for eight tackles, tying for second on the Titans, and added half of a sack. On the season, Landry has 27 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
Unfortunately, Landry plays outside linebacker. In general, outside linebackers are not valuable in IDP because linebackers are all lumped together. Until IDP shifts to edge rushers (outside linebackers and 4-3 defensive ends) and interior defenders (defensive tackles and 3-4 defensive ends), only the elite outside linebackers, i.e. Von Miller and Khalil Mack, will have value. While Landry has a bright future in the NFL, he is not worth a roster spot currently.
Rashaan Evans
Landry's teammate, inside linebacker Rashaan Evans, also had a good game. The first-round pick has been disappointing this season. Starting off the season missing the Titans first two games due to injury, Evans has only 27 tackles on the season. Against the Texans, however, Evans managed to rack up 5 tackles, three solo.
As I said, Evans has been disappointing in his rookie season. However, he was picked in the first round for a reason. Evans may take over the starting inside linebacker position from Wesley Woodyard, who has a zero dead cap hit next season. While he probably is not worthwhile this season, he will be in the near future. He is a must-stash in dynasty leagues.
Foye Oluokun
Last call on Oluokun! This train is leaving the station! The Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker has been phenomenal over the last two games. While he is no Deion Jones, Oluokun has helped mitigate Jones' loss. Oluokun has posted back-to-back 10 tackle games over the past two weeks. He also led the Falcons linebackers in snaps. On the season Oluokun has three 10 tackle games. Total, for the season, Oluokun has accumulated 62 tackles.
Been impressed by Foye Oluokun quickly acclimating to the NFL. Reads the game well for an inexperienced player. Just needs to trust himself more and be aggressive in these situations. Great position to stop Prescott on 3rd & 1. Doesn't react quickly enough. pic.twitter.com/F1mCUcPp2K
— Allen Strk (@allenstrk) November 21, 2018
The sixth-round pick has been a true find for the Falcons. Oluokun has quickly picked up the speed of the NFL and has become one of the Falcons best defenders this season. Looking forward to next season, the idea of Jones and Oluokun next to each other should give everyone goosebumps. Oluokun seems to have earned the starting position at weakside linebacker over Duke Riley. If he is still available in your leagues, this is likely the last chance you will have to pick him up. Oluokun could be a league winner in IDP leagues this season.
Jordan Whitehead
Like Oluokun, this is likely your last chance to pick up the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety. Gary VanDyke (@HBogart27), the IDP Tipster, has been talking about Whitehead for months. In three of the last four weeks Whitehead has eight or more tackles. In week 12 against the San Francisco 49ers, Whitehead had the best game of his young career with 11 combined tackles and two passes defended.
Whitehead is another potential league winner this season. He has seen the most snaps of the Buccaneers safeties over the last two weeks and has been a starter at safety since Chris Conte was placed on IR after week 3. Again like Oluokun, Whitehead has seemed to adjust to the speed of the NFL game as the season has worn on. Pick Whitehead up to help you this season, but he should be a very valuable asset in dynasty leagues as well.
Be sure to continue to follow this column and get a jump on up and coming rookies that can help you win your leagues.
For more tips and analysis, follow Sam on twitter here. Get even more depth analysis and tips from the IDP Tipster here. Listen to the guys talk about news, analysis, and strategy on the podcast, and follow the show on twitter @IDPGuys.
