• Green Dot Play Callers and Every Down Projected Linebackers Predictions for 2023 IDP Leagues

    IDP  Redraft Posted on  —by Steve Hungarter (IDPHunter)
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    What is the Green Dot?

    A green dot on the back of a player's helmet indicates that the player has a radio receiver in their helmet that allows them to communicate with the coach on the sideline. This is called the "green dot system."

    On offense, the green dot is always worn by the quarterback. This allows the quarterback to hear the play call from the coach and relay it to their teammates. On defense, the green dot is typically worn by a linebacker or safety. This player is responsible for making the defensive calls and communicating them to the rest of the defense.

    The green dot system is an important part of NFL football. It allows the coach to communicate with the players on the field quickly and efficiently, which can give the team a competitive advantage.

    Here are some additional details about the green dot system:

    • The green dot system was first introduced in the NFL in 1994.
    • Only one player per team can wear the green dot at a time.
    • The green dot system is not allowed on special teams plays.
    • If the player wearing the green dot leaves the field, another player with a green dot can replace them.
    • The green dot system is used by both offensive and defensive teams.
    • The green dot system is an important tool for NFL coaches and players. It allows them to communicate quickly and efficiently, which can give the team a competitive advantage.

    Applying and Identifying Candidates for Green Dot Usage

    The NFL has allowed defensive players to wear headsets since 2008. This opens up the possibility of having a "quarterback" on the defensive side of the field. These players would need to have high IQs, be natural leaders, and be athletic enough to make key plays.

    It is difficult to predict who will be the green dot defenders in the NFL in 2023. This will take OTAs, reporting, and some assumptions to identify these players correctly.

    Below is a list of all the projected green dot defenders with alternates in 2023 along with my top ten interesting storylines and assumptions heading into training camp. I hope you enjoy it!

    2023 Green Dot

    NFL Team 2023 Green Dot Projection Secondary rumors during OTAs:
    wdt_ID NFL Team 2023 Green Dot Projection Secondary rumors during OTAs:
    1 Arizona Cardinals Kyzir White Zaven Collins This one is a longshot as it has always been Zaven Collins but if he moves to DL or edge this could change things and Kyzir would probably be that leading guy.
    2 Atlanta Falcons Troy Andersen Kaden Elliss Coaches in OTAS are committed to him here
    3 Blatimore Ravens Roquan Smith Kyle Hamilton
    4 Buffalo Bills Terrel Bernard/Tyrel Dodson Dorian Williams Not convinced. Was passed over last year for Edmunds so we'll see.
    5 Carolina Panthers Shaq Thompson Frankie Luvu
    6 Chicago Bears T.J. Edwards Tremaine Edmunds Both had the role last year and could share. Edwards has made a career out of reading the defense vs. Edmunds is more reactive and uses speed and athletic prowess to make plays.
    7 Cincinnati Bengals Logan Wilson Germaine Pratt
    8 Cleveland Browns Anthony Walker Grant Delpit Remember him? Browns were a decent tackling team before his injury.
    9 Dallas Cowboys Leighton Vander Esch Jayron Kearse/Malik Hooker Hooker wore it '22 but Kearse was solid in '21 with 101 tackles, 9 TFL, and a sack wearing the green dot in '21. Injuries aside should still be the guy.
    10 Denver Broncos Josey Jewell Alex Singleton
    11 Detroit Lions Alex Anzalone Jack Campbell Expecting Jack Campbell to wear it by seasons end.
    12 Green Bay Packers Quay Walker De'Vondre Campbell Keep and eye on Devondre Campbell, but Walker outplayed him down stretch
    13 Houston Texans Christian Kirksey/Christian Harris Denzel Perryman rumors emerging that Denzel Perryman may take his job, but they play seperate spots too.
    14 Indianapolis Colts Shaquille Leonard Zaire Franklin Coaching staff last season wanted Leonard to play over the middle in the off season, that leads me to believe he may be calling them here.
    15 Jacksonville Jaguars Foyesade Oluokun Devin Lloyd
    16 Kansas City Chiefs Nick Bolton Drue Tranquill
    17 Las Vegas Raiders Divine Deablo Robert Spillane If Spillane emerges as the MIKE it is possible he could get the dot, over Divine Deablo
    18 Los Angeles Chargers Derwin James Eric Kendricks
    19 Los Angeles Rams Ernest Jones Jordan Fuller
    20 Miami Dolphins David Long Jerome Baker Jerome Baker is more of an edge rusher, and doesnt measure up as a true inside LB, whiffs a lot of open tackles.
    21 Minnesota Vikings Jordan Hicks Brian Asamoah
    22 New England Patriots Kyle Dugger Ja'Whaun Bentley Devin McCourty retired so play call duties and high snap counts coming
    23 New Orleans Saints Demario Davis Pete Werner
    24 New York Giants Xavier McKinney Bobby Okereke Five guys have been seen in OTAS wearing it so far its a battle.
    25 New York Jets CJ Mosley Quincy Williams
    26 Philadelphia Eagles Nakobe Dean Nicholas Morrow
    27 Pittsburgh Steelers Cole Holcomb Elandon Roberts Already spotted in OTAs already with the role.
    28 San Francisco 49ers Fred Warner Dre Greenlaw
    29 Seattle Seahawks Bobby Wagner Jordyn Brooks Think this should be Jordyn Brooks, but coming off ACL now Wagners job.
    30 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Devin White Lavonte David
    31 Tennessee Titans Azeez Al-Shaair Monty Rice/Jack Gibbens several otas reports saying its his job. Managed this well when Warner got hurt, with 49ers.
    32 Washington Commanders Jamin Davis Cody Barton plenty of three down safety formation will cause this group to lose snaps.

    Troy Andersen expected to wear green dot for Falcons in 2023

    Veteran linebacker Rashaan Evans wore the green dot for the Falcons in 2022, but sophomore Troy Andersen is expected to assume that responsibility in 2023. Andersen, 24, has made significant progress during the offseason, impressing coaches and teammates with his leadership and playmaking ability. It would not be a surprise if he is chosen to lead the Falcons' defense in 2023.

    Andersen is a versatile player who can play multiple positions on defense. He is also a gifted communicator and has a strong understanding of the game. He is the perfect candidate to wear the green dot and make calls for the Falcons' defense.

    Evans is a solid player, but he is not the same type of leader as Andersen. Evans is more of a traditional linebacker, while Andersen is a more modern, versatile player. Andersen is also younger and has more potential.

    The Falcons are rebuilding their defense, and Andersen is a key part of that rebuild. He is a player with the potential to be a star, and he is expected to play a major role in the Falcons' defense in 2023.

    Kyzir White as the green dot defender for the Cardinals

    There is a growing belief that Kyzir White will be the green dot defender for the Cardinals in 2023. This belief stems from the fact that Zaven Collins is moving to the defensive line, where he will be rushing the passer more often. Isaiah Simmons is known for his coverage skills, so he will be spending more time in the secondary. This leaves a need for a linebacker to cover the middle of the field, and White is the most qualified player on the roster to do so.

    White has experience playing the green dot defender, as he did so sporadically for the Chargers in 2021 and the Eagles in 2022. He is also an intelligent player with a strong understanding of the game. He is the perfect candidate to lead the Cardinals' defense in 2023.

    It is also no coincidence that new head coach Jonathan Gannon brought White over from the Eagles. Gannon knows White's abilities and trusts him to be the green dot defender. It is not out of the question that White will be the Cardinals' green dot defender in 2023.

    The Bills' green dot linebacker competition is heating up

    The Buffalo Bills are still in the middle of their LB2 middle linebacker competition, and the player who emerges victorious will also assume the responsibility of calling the defensive plays. Matt Milano is set to remain in his role as the weakside linebacker, and there have been no indications of him taking on play-calling duties.

    From mid-June to July, it was rumored and assumed that Dorian Williams would be the Bills' green dot linebacker. However, on Friday, July 28th, Terrel Bernard had the opportunity to take the first-team reps at the middle linebacker spot. And on August 1st, Tyrel Dodson, who stepped in for Tremaine Edmunds when he was absent last season, was given the initial practice reps in the middle linebacker position and handled defensive play-calling duties.

    It is still too early to say who will be the Bills' green dot linebacker, but the competition is heating up. All three players have the potential to be successful in this role, and it will be interesting to see who emerges as the leader of the Bills' defense.

    T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds are in contention to be the green dot linebacker for the Bears

    Most people think that the green dot linebacker for the Bears will be Tremaine Edmunds, but T.J. Edwards has also been mentioned as a possibility. Edwards has previously expressed his interest in wearing the green dot, and he is a more natural leader than Edmunds.

    Edwards is a play-call guesser who uses his ability to detect the play to make key stops. Edmunds, on the other hand, is more of an athletic freak who uses his speed and prowess to cover and make impact plays.

    I think Edwards is the better candidate for the green dot. He is a more natural leader and he has a better understanding of the game. He is also more likely to make the right play call in critical situations.

    However, it is still too early to say who will be the green dot linebacker for the Bears. The coaching staff will likely make a decision after training camp and preseason games.

    The Cowboys are breaking from tradition and giving the green dot to Leighton Vander Esch

    The Dallas Cowboys have always had a secondary player wear the green dot, which allows them to communicate with the coaching staff on the sideline. However, recently it was revealed on a radio show that the role is going to Leighton Vander Esch, a linebacker.

    This is a significant change for the Cowboys, as Vander Esch is the first linebacker to wear the green dot since Sean Lee in 2016. Vander Esch is a rising star in the NFL, and he has the intelligence and leadership skills to be successful in this role.

    The Cowboys' decision to give the green dot to Vander Esch is a sign of their confidence in him. They believe that he is the best player to lead their defense, and they are willing to break with tradition to give him the opportunity.

    Divine Deablo and Robert Spillane are in contention to be the green dot linebacker for the Raiders

    With Denzel Perryman's departure from the team to join the Texans via free agency, the Raiders are looking for a new green dot linebacker. Many experts in the IDP community think that Divine Deablo is the frontrunner for the job, but Robert Spillane is also a possibility.

    Deablo is a hybrid linebacker who can play multiple positions in the defense. He is also a good communicator and has a strong understanding of the game. However, some experts believe that Deablo is better suited for a hybrid role and that he may not be the best choice to be the sole play-caller for the defense.

    Spillane is a more traditional linebacker who is known for his toughness and his ability to make plays in the run game. He is also a good communicator and has a strong understanding of the game. However, Spillane has not had much experience as a play-caller.

    Kyle Dugger is a strong candidate to be the green dot defender for the Patriots in 2023

    Although there has been no official word, history has shown us that Bill Belichick likes to use a safety as his green dot defender. With the news of Devin McCourty's retirement, I expect Kyle Dugger to be the next in line.

    Dugger is an elite defensive back who has the intelligence, leadership, and athleticism to be a successful green dot defender. He is also a versatile player who can play multiple positions in the defense.

    Dugger is a steal at his current ADP (average draft position). He is a top-five safety in the NFL and should be drafted after the top five players come off the board. If he is given the green dot, he will be a high-snap player who can make a big impact on the Patriots' defense.

    Here are some additional reasons why Kyle Dugger is a good candidate to be the green dot defender for the Patriots in 2023:

    • He is a smart player with a strong football IQ.
    • He is a good communicator and can make quick decisions under pressure.
    • He is a versatile player who can play multiple positions in the defense.
    • He is a leader on the field and in the locker room.

    The Giants are having a five-person green dot camp battle

    The New York Giants are having a five-person green dot camp battle right now. Most people would assume that Bobby Okereke will be the green dot defender, but he has said that he does not think it will be him. During OTAs, there were as many as five players who were spotted wearing the green dot. The coach has not helped us figure this out much with his cryptic video.

    Update: As of yesterday OTAS, it looks like it is Xavier McKinney. Expect this one to play out into the preseason. This sound clip from the coach says it best.

    Nakobe Dean will be the green dot defender for the Eagles in 2023

    Following the departure of T.J. Edwards this offseason, it has been announced that Nakobe Dean will be wearing the green dot in 2023. With the green dot, he should be playing close to 100% snaps. However, at the time of this writing, Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham were signed. What will this mean long term? Stay tuned.

    Dean is a talented young linebacker who has the intelligence, leadership, and athleticism to be a successful green-dot defender. He is also a physical player who can make plays in the run game and the passing game.

    The signing of Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham is interesting. Both players are experienced linebackers who can play multiple positions. It is possible that they will be used in a rotational role, or that they will compete with Dean for the green dot.

    It is too early to say what the long-term implications of these signings will be. However, the Eagles are committed to improving their defense. They are hoping that Dean, Jack, and Cunningham can be part of a unit that can lead the team to the playoffs.

    Cole Holcomb is the green dot defender for the Steelers

    The Steelers cleaned out their linebacker room this offseason, bringing in several new players. This led to speculation that the green dot defender role would be a camp battle. However, it appears that Cole Holcomb has won the job.

    Holcomb was seen wearing the green dot during minicamps, and he was also mentioned as the green dot defender in an ESPN article. This is a significant development for Holcomb, as it shows that the Steelers trust him to be the leader of their defense.

    Holcomb is a talented young linebacker who has the intelligence, leadership, and athleticism to be a successful green dot defender. He is also a physical player who can make plays in the run game and the passing game.

    Here are some additional reasons why Cole Holcomb is a good candidate to be the green dot defender for the Steelers:

    • He is a smart player with a strong football IQ.
    • He is a good communicator and can make quick decisions under pressure.
    • He is a versatile player who can play multiple positions in the defense.
    • He is a leader on the field and in the locker room.

    Why Cole Holcomb could be the key to the Steelers' linebacking reboot - ESPN

    Thank you for checking out my article! You can read all of my articles on my IDP Guys author page. Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @TheBroNamaths and @IDPGuys (we have offense, too), and please consider becoming a subscriber!

    Steve Hungarter (IDPHunter)

    Steve is U.S Army retired Veteran who's been playing in IDP leagues since 2004. He is currently ranked #4 in IDP accuracy on Fantasy Pros and recently selected into The Fantasy Sports Writers Association for his content. In addition to being an ECR ranker on Fantasy Pros, Steve also writes articles for both Fantasy Six Pack and IDP Plus. When Steve was a kid he got in trouble a lot. He would be held after school for trading his Football cards and comic books. He spent his time in the hallways, doing his own original content. The teachers would say not to do those silly things and obide by the rules. Fortunately, Steve was not a good listener.
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