Welcome to the rest of the season / deep dynasty profile for Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez.
Inside linebacker, Malcolm Rodriguez
The Lions' Malcolm Rodriguez started out the season hot but hit a wall mid-season after sustaining an elbow injury against the Packers. Since then, he hasn't seen a full complement of snaps as a full-time starter yet, which is unfortunate for IDP owners heading into the playoffs Week 14.
It also doesn't fare well for Rodriguez's IDP outlook for the rest of the season. It's all about trust, and we can't trust that he'll resume his 75% plus snap count gig soon (WK14).
After carrying strong tier-2 ILB value with a solid LB1 ceiling in any given contest early on, let's mention it's not only the injury to blame. Rodriguez will be capped at this rate as a low-end LB2 option in the future.
The Lions' defense is currently healthy and not exactly fighting for much. And, with players like Kerby Joseph developing nicely and Darrick Barnes in the wings, the Lions do not need to rush or risk their future with Rodriguez. When there are plenty of other options to play out the season, and they continue to build this young defensive unit's chemistry for the future.
Deep Dynasty Profile
How does this NFL rookie Cinderalla story end? Will our IDP hero carry us off into the sunset as a future LB1? Well, we'd have to hot take that's a firm yes. Despite his shortcomings as a sixth-rounder and playing at this level, Malcolm Rodriguez has a very notable low miss tackle rate and raw cover skills to work with. And both were mandatory things the Lions needed to improve on with this defense.
Bonus. There aren't any real long-term competitors signed long-term on this roster, either at least after Rodigraguez goes through another year of development. So even depending on if the Lions resign Alex Anazaolone, who has had a solid season for them. That would be the closes guy that might hamper any outlook Rodriguez has.
And it's our deep dynasty hot take. Any linebacker in the future used next to him only needs to be a "Derrick Barnes" prototype, which is a two-down thumper coming off the field on passing downs—leaving Rodrigues on the field way more. And an opportunity to record the LB1 production that Alex Anzalone has in 2022.
Like to see a similar NFL linebacker like Malcolm Rodriguez? Then check out the recent feature on Troy Andersen's deep dynasty profile.
Thank you for checking out Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez's deep dynasty profile. If you're interested, catch more of my Tipster fantasy football and NFL IDP content on Twitter at @TheIDPTipster, or find all my future IDP Guys content at IDPGuys.org. Let’s chat! I’ll always find time to talk defensive player football anytime.
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