Who are some names to know in your IDP leagues after a wild Week 4? Let’s take a look at a list of players who make for potential waiver wire Week 5 additions to your IDP squads.
Week 4 brought us another action-packed week of football with plenty to digest. We still have one more game to cap it off, as the Los Angeles Chargers take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night. The waiver wire Week 4 article was written before the conclusion of that game, so unfortunately it doesn’t include those players (except for Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill). Now it’s time to dive into some potential waiver wire Week 5 IDP additions!
Disclaimer: All league sizes and formats are different. Meaning some of these players may or may not be available in your league. Each week I’ll be doing my best to cover a wide enough base of scenarios. If you ever have any league-specific questions, I’m always willing to help and so is our fantastic team here at IDP Guys.
Linebackers
Jamin Davis, LB, Washington
Week 4 Stats: 2 solos tackles
We have been waiting for Davis to see an uptick in snaps and now might be that time. With the unfortunate news that Jon Bostic might have suffered a serious pectoral injury, the Washington defense may need to rely on their talented rookie a bit more. Davis has flashed his potential, but his highest snap share of the season came in Week 1 at 56% (45 snaps).
With Bostic likely out, it opens the door for Davis to get more snaps and the rookie has the game to make a big impact. There will likely be bumps in the road with the extra opportunity, but it should lead to some nice IDP production. In redraft leagues, Davis is a priority waiver wire add with the potential workload increase.
Damien Wilson, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 4 Stats: 6 tackles (3 solos)
Damien Wilson has started all four games for Jacksonville, but his usage was a little spotty the first couple of weeks. In Week 1, Wilson played 77% of the defensive snaps, only to see his snap share drop to 55% in Week 2. However, Wilson has seen a nice increase in snaps as of late playing 85% in Week 3 and 88% in Week 4.
While the production hasn’t been staggering, Wilson has produced 15 tackles (9 solos) over his last two games. Not super exciting, but decent production. If the recent snap volume continues for Wilson he could be a solid waiver wire add as an LB4 type.
Alec Ogletree, LB, Chicago Bears
Week 4 Stats: 12 tackles (10 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended
With Danny Trevathan out on IR, it’s been Alec Ogletree running with Roquan Smith. Ogletree had a big Week 4 outing producing a team-high 12 tackles (10 solos). A nice little blast from the past week here from Ogletree.
The Bears recently activated Trevathan’s 21-day window to return from IR, so his practice participation will be something to watch this week. If he’s not ready to return, Ogletree should be back in his current role seeing roughly 70% of the snaps. Ogletree is more of a deeper league option if you’re in a pinch.
Jermaine Carter, LB, Carolina Panthers
Week 4 Stats: 4 tackles (2 solos)
Reports came out today that Shaq Thompson is expected to miss some time with a foot injury. That is a big loss to the Carolina defense. With Thompson out, Carolina might turn to Carter as the every-down man in the middle.
While Carter has started all four games, his snaps have been all over week-to-week and his production hasn’t been much of note. That being said, if Carolina turns to him with Thompson out, it could be a different story. The potential role/volume increase makes Carter a good speculative add for managers in need of linebacker help as we see how this plays out.
Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB, Houston Texans
Week 4 Stats: 7 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss
With Zach Cunningham on the Covid-19 list, it was Kamu Grugier-Hill starting in his place. Grugier-Hill also drew the start in lieu of Cunningham when he was benched for disciplinary reasons in Week 2.
When Cunningham is out, Grugier-Hill is the next man up and he’s been productive when called upon. Keep an eye on Cunningham’s status this week to see if he’s activated off the Covid-19 list. Quite simply, Grugier-Hill is only an option if Cunningham is out. Though I thought he was worth mentioning in case managers find themselves in this situation this week.
Kyzir White/Drue Tanquill, LB, Chargers
It was announced today that the Chargers are placing Kenneth Murray on IR with an ankle injury. This means Murray will be out a minimum of three games. My immediate reaction is to pick up Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill where you can. Since the Chargers are playing Monday night, I’m planning on updating this situation with a little more context at some point on Tuesday.
Post Game Update 10/5
Kyzir White: 44 snaps (77%)
Week 4 Stats: 4 tackles (3 solos), 1 tackle for loss
Drue Tranquill: 51 snaps (89%)
Week 4 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solos), 1 QB hit
As you can see above, both Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill played a solid amount of snaps this week with Murray out. Tranquill did end up playing seven more snaps than White, but next week it could be flipped for all we know. The bottom line is, it's encouraging that both linebackers saw north of 75% of the defensive snaps this week.
Both White and Tranquill are solid waiver wire additions where available. Let's just keep an eye on what the usage looks like week-to-week going forward.
Defensive Line/Edge
Rashan Gary, Edge, Green Bay Packers
Week 4 Stats: 6 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 2 QB hits
Rashan Gary had his best game of the young season in Week 4 and the timing couldn’t have been any better. This week the news came out that Za’Darius Smith underwent back surgery and is in danger of missing the rest of the season. The Packers defense will need Gary to step up and he did just that this week (see stat line above).
Through four games, Gary has generated a team-high 16 pressures per PFF, while playing 68% of the defensive snaps. His snap share is solid and will continue to be as Green Bay NEEDS Gary on the field to get pressure off the edge for their defense. I’m looking for Gary to stay hot this week as he draws a below-average Cincinnati offensive line in Week 5. In leagues where Gary has DL/Edge eligibility, he’s a fine waiver wire grab coming off a productive week and enticing upcoming matchup.
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Edge, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 4 Stats: 2 solo tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 QB hits
With Jason Pierre-Paul out the last two weeks, it’s been rookie Joe Tryon-Shoyinka starting in his place. The Buccaneers' first-round rookie has enjoyed healthy snap shares with Pierre-Paul out, playing 78% and 85% of the defensive snaps in Weeks 3 and 4, respectively. This week, Tryon-Shoyinka had himself a game on Sunday night as he notched the first two sacks of his young career.
It will be important to monitor Jason Pierre-Paul’s status this week as he deals with his shoulder injury. If he’s able to return, it will likely put a damper on Tryon-Shoyinka’s role. Should Pierre-Paul be unable to go again, Tryon-Shoyinka could be in for another nice week going up against a Miami offensive line who have allowed 13 sacks on the year.
Randy Gregory, DE, Dallas Cowboys
Week 4 Stats: 3 tackles (2 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 QB hits
The Dallas defense registered five sacks on Sunday and Randy Gregory was one of the key contributors to the unit’s success. Gregory was wreaking havoc off the edge and finished the day with two sacks and four quarterback hits. After a slow start in the production column, this was the performance Dallas and IDP managers had been waiting for.
I’ve always been a fan of Gregory’s talent, availability has just been the problem throughout his career. Hopefully, he can build some momentum off his impressive Week 4 performance and turn that into more production in Week 5 against the Giants. Gregory is a solid waiver wire addition in leagues where you need DE/DL help should he be available.
Michael Danna, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 4 Stats: 4 tackles (3 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits
With Frank Clark missing his second straight game nursing a hamstring injury, Michael Danna once again stepped up for the Chiefs defense. Over his last two games, Danna has collected an impressive three sacks, five quarterback hits, and forced a fumble. Heck of a two-game stretch for the second-year defensive end.
Checking Clark’s status this week will be key as hamstring injuries are tricky and can flare up at any time. In the three games Clark has missed this season, Danna has averaged a 74% snap share in his absence. In deeper roster leagues, Danna could be a nice spot start type if Clark is unable to go again.
Charles Harris, DE, Detroit Lions
Week 4 Stats: 4 tackles (3 solos), 1 sack, 2 QB hits, 1 forced fumble
Charles Harris has seen an uptick in playing time the past two weeks filling in for the injured Trey Flowers. Unfortunately, the Lions lost a big piece to their defense this week as Romeo Okwara suffered a torn Achilles. So even when Flowers comes back, Harris will definitely be counted on as a key contributor going forward.
Harris has been on a tear as of late collecting sacks in each of his last three games. Pair that with the fact he should continue to see a healthy snap volume going forward and it makes Harris a really nice waiver wire target if you need defensive end help/depth.
Defensive Backs
Kareem Jackson, S, Denver Broncos
Week 4 Stats: 11 tackles (9 solos)
After a very quiet Week 3 outing (two tackles), Kareem Jackson put up a real solid Week 4 IDP output. Jackson played all 73 of Denver's defensive snaps and his 11 tackles (9 solos) were a team-high. A productive day for the 33-year-old veteran who quietly put up a career-high 89 tackles (67 solos) in 2020.
While he does see most of his snaps at free safety, Jackson does have a steady weekly role. He's played all but a handful of Denver's snaps through four games and supports a 98% snap share on the year. If you're in need of safety help, Jackson is a possible waiver wire target in leagues where you start 3-4 defensive backs.
Dane Cruikshank, S, Tennessee Titans
Week 4 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 1 forced fumble
The last two weeks it's been Dane Cruikshank holding down the safety spot next to Kevin Byard in Tennessee. Cruikshank has started the last two games and played all 61 defensive snaps in Week 3 and 59 snaps (97%) in Week 4.
As of now, Cruikshank looks to have a hold on that other safety spot. The production hasn't been huge, but he has put up 11 tackles (8 solos) and a forced fumble over the last two games. In leagues where the waiver wire is thin, Cruikshank is worth a look if you need some help at your safety spot.
Eric Stokes, CB, Green Bay Packers
Week 4 Stats: 8 solo tackles, 1 interception, 2 passes defended
Rookie Eric Stokes has been a key piece to the Green Bay defense since seeing his role grow with Kevin King out. Stokes came up big in Week 4 collecting eight solo tackles and grabbing the first interception of his promising, young career. The Green Bay defense will need Stokes to step up even more now with Jaire Alexander suffering a shoulder injury this past week. Talk about a big loss to that defense, ugh.
Right now, Alexander's timetable for a return is unknown and we will find out more later in the week. With Alexander out, Stokes will be relied upon even more going forward. Stokes will be busy and should see plenty of opportunities to produce. In cornerback required leagues, Stokes is a great waiver wire addition and he also has appeal in combined DB formats if you are in a pinch.
Sidney Jones, CB, Seattle Seahawks
Week 4 Stats: 7 tackles (5 solos), 1 pass defended
After being acquired via trade right before the start of the season, Sidney Jones saw his first game action for Seattle this Sunday. Jones replaced Tre Flowers in the starting lineup and played all 76 of Seattle's defensive snaps.
Putting up seven tackles (5 solos) and a pass defended, Jones had a solid IDP output in his first game. Jones should be busy again in Week 5 as he faces a potent Los Angeles Rams' passing attack looking for revenge after their Week 4 loss. In cornerback required leagues, Jones could be a nice spot-start this week if you’re in need.
A Look Back
We are through five weeks already and I thought it might be good to take a look back at the players that have been covered in this article so far. Some of the players may be available and by clicking on the article link for the week they were featured you can see the analysis at that time. If you have any questions about the current relevancy of a certain player feel free to hit me up anytime.
Week 2
Linebackers: Anthony Walker, Cole Holcomb, Kenny Young, De'Vondre Campbell, Christian Kirksey, Josey Jewell (out for season), Nick Vigil, Jermaine Carter
Defensive Line/Edge: Von Miller, John Franklin-Meyers, Javon Hargrave, Larry Ogunjobi
Defensive Backs: Rayshawn Jenkins, Marcus Maye, Logan Ryan, Jalen Ramsey
Week 3
Linebackers: Jordan Hicks, Malcolm Smith, Denzel Perryman, Nick Bolton, Zack Baun, Azeez Al-Shaair, Justin Strnad
Defensive Line/Edge: Gregory Rousseau, Odafe Oweh, Payton Turner, Dante Fowler, Vita Vea
Defensive Backs: Jaquiski Tartt, Daniel Sorensen, Ronnie Harrison, Jalen Thompson
Week 4
Linebackers: Alexander Johnson, Tae Crowder, Alex Anzalone, David Long, Quincy Williams
Defensive Line/Edge: Romeo Okwara (out for season), Melvin Ingram, Malik Reed, Robert Quinn, Al-Quadin Muhammad
Defensive Backs: Micah Hyde, Nasir Adderley, Andrew Wingard, Emmanuel Moseley
To get the low-down on everything IDP relevant from Week 4, make sure you check out Johny The Greek’s “The Monster” dropping on Thursday!
Thanks for taking the time to read my article, I hope you enjoyed it and found it helpful. You can find my work here at idpguys.org and follow me on Twitter @KBellf54. I’m always available for any questions or feedback you may have and my DMs are always open.
