Training camps have come and gone and regular season football is just days away. Let's take a look at some players who have created some positive buzz and make good IDP deep league adds for your rosters!
First off, I'd like to wish everyone good luck this fantasy season. Football is finally here and it looks to be an interesting first few weeks with there being no preseason to start things off. This year, maybe more than ever, having depth is going to be crucial, especially in your deep roster leagues. Let's take a look at some IDP deep league adds that could provide this needed depth and value to your roster.
Josh Sweat - DE - Philadelphia Eagles
2019 stats: 21 tackles (16 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 10 QB hits
Sweat has seen limited playing time in his first two seasons in Philadelphia. The former fourth round pick from 2018 did however see an uptick in playing time last season. Although Sweat didn’t make any starts, he did appear in every game and ended up playing 352 defensive snaps. Sweat made an impact with his limited snaps as his four sacks, seven tackles for loss and 10 QB hits show.
The buzz from Eagles training camp is that Sweat looked fantastic. He was reportedly dominant in their team scrimmage and was said to have had at least three or four sacks on the day. With Derek Barnett nursing an injury in camp, Sweat stepped up and impressed. While Sweat may not be the starter, he should see his role increase this season. Sweat looks to be ready to take another step forward this season making him a great IDP deep league add.
Vince Williams - LB - Pittsburgh Steelers
2019 stats: 55 tackles (28 solo), 4 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass defensed
After playing 700+ snaps in both 2017 and 2018, Williams saw his playing time drop off big-time in 2019 playing only 396 snaps. This drop in playing time was due to the arrival of talented rookie Devin Bush and the team choosing to use Mark Baron more than Williams.
The Steelers chose to move on from Baron this off-season and Williams looks to be manning the linebacker spot next to Bush. Playing just over 70% of the team's defensive snaps each year in 2017-2018, Williams collected 165 total tackles and 12.5 sacks during that time. He proved to be a very usable IDP asset during that period and is trending in that direction once again. The veteran linebacker makes for a solid IDP deep league add, especially in leagues where you start 3-4 linebackers.
T.J. Edwards - LB - Philadelphia Eagles
2019 stats: (4 starts), 30 tackles (15 solo)
Edwards was an undrafted rookie free agent pickup for the Eagles last season. Although he didn’t get drafted, Edwards flashed plenty of talent in college collecting 366 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks and 10 interceptions in his four seasons at Wisconsin. While he only played 112 defensive snaps as rookie, he did show some potential when given a chance
Edwards had a strong training camp and the coaches praised him for his instincts and strong football IQ. He will start the season as the man in the middle for the Eagles’ defense. However, it’s still a question whether Edwards will stay on the field in coverage situations. Edwards has said he’s ready for the challenge, but it will be a situation to monitor. With a starting role in hand, Edwards is an IDP deep league add that could pay off nicely for managers.
DeShon Elliot - S - Baltimore Ravens
2019 stats: Only played 40 defensive snaps
The Ravens selected Elliot in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft. Elliot hasn’t seen much time on the field as injuries have marred his first two seasons in Baltimore. With Baltimore’s recent release of Earl Thomas it opens up a big opportunity for Elliot to step up. The Baltimore coaching staff has plenty of confidence in Elliot and head coach Jim Harbaugh has said “It’s his time.”
In deeper leagues, where managers need safety help, Elliot is solid pickup. It appears he will get the first shot at replacing Thomas and the team is confident in his ability. Elliot is a good IDP deep league add as he enters the season with a starting role and a lot to prove.
Troy Apke - S - Washington
2019 stats: 26 tackles (18 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 2 passes defensed
Apke was Washington’s fourth round selection in the 2018 NFL draft. One thing that caught their eye was Apke’s blazing speed as he ran a 4.34 second 40 yard dash at the combine. In his first two seasons, Apke hasn’t made much of an impact. As a rookie he wasn’t able to get on the field at all and last season only compiled 210 defensive snaps. So it’s been a slow start to his career so far.
With Washington releasing Sean Davis, Apke is set to be starting at free safety next to Landon Collins. Apke reportedly had a strong training camp and the coaching staff has been impressed with his play and understanding of the system. Apke could be an under the radar IDP deep league add that can help your safety unit down the road.
Conclusion
It's always good to continue to add talent and depth to your IDP rosters. Injuries can strike at any time and we may see that more than ever this upcoming season. The players listed above all have an opportunity to seize a starting spot and be contributors to your IDP squads. If you have room, these players make for solid additions and if your roster is tight they are names to keep an eye on.
