Linebackers

Samson Ebukam (LAR): Yes Aaron Donald is a freak and is the guy on the Rams’ front seven to own. Yes, Dante Fowler has a ton of upside. And yes Cory Littleton is a monster. But Ebukam flashes from time to time and might be worth a look in big-play leagues. He has 3.5 sacks in the past three games, doing damage against mobile quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson. If you’re looking to stash a guy who has some upside in leagues that reward greatly for sacks, Ebukam is worth a look.

Matt Judon (BAL): Another linebacker with big-play upside is Judon, who has somewhat-quietly put up 8.5 sacks on the season. He’s also forced three fumbles, all in the past month’s worth of games. There are times where he also racks up some tackles, making him a linebacker with a pretty high ceiling. That being said, the floor is somewhat low, too. In larger leagues that reward you for big plays, Judon is worth a look as he’s just 27 and the Ravens will continue to be aggressive defensively.

Craig Robertson (NOS): Perhaps not a long-term option based on age, but more of a plug-and-play for this year and perhaps next if the Saints move on from A.J. Klein in 2020. Robertson has proven to be a solid stat sheet stuffer in the past, and now that he’s getting regular snaps with both Klein and Kiko Alonso on the mend, he’s doing it again. He will remain consistent tackle-wise, but will also plug in the big-play stats as well. He’s a great addition for those that lost guys like Myles Jack.

Defensive Linemen

Sheldon Richardson (DT – CLE): It seems like this guy has been in the league for a decade-plus, but he’s just 29 and seems to still have some burst. Against the right opponent, he could put up fantasy starter-level points. If you’re in a league that breaks apart defensive tackles from defensive linemen, Richardson should be rostered. He has a fairly impressive 40 solos this season and will continue to wreak havoc against weaker offensive lines.

A’Shawn Robinson (DT – DET): Another tackle that comes with a high ceiling, Robinson has shown an ability to knock down passes (3), force fumbles, and come up with solo stops. He definitely has a solid pedigree and is just 24 years old. Damon Harrison is 31 and will be a free agent in 2021. Robinson will be the DT to own in Detroit.

Rasheem Green (DE – SEA): Speculative add (or just watch) here, since Ezekiel Ansah can’t seem to stay healthy. Despite not racking up tackles, Green has offered the big-play stats: three sacks and three forced fumbles. If he’s given an increased role in 2020, he could offer some value. Just 22, the former USC Trojan could be a big part of the Seahawk offense in the future.

Defensive Backs

Troy Hill (CB – LAR): Over the past month or so, Hill has been a machine, racking up tackles, pass breakups, even logging a sack against the Bears. Playing opposite Jalen Ramsey will have its benefits, especially if Hill is given consistent snaps moving forward. He’s a nice play the final two weeks of the season if you’re looking for a high-upside defensive back with some good future value mixed in.

Khari Willis (S – IND): Willis looks like the strong safety of the future for the Colts. With Malik Hooker best suited for a center-field type of role, Willis will continue to have plenty of tackle opportunities. The rookie out of Michigan State has nice size, and despite Darius Leonard occupying a ton of territory for the Colts defense, will have opportunities and should be a solid DB2 in larger leagues.

Darian Thompson (S – DAL): With Jeff Heath out, Thompson has been gobbling up tackles and even sacks for the Cowboys. Heath has shown that he’s somewhat limited physically, so Thompson may see starter-level snaps in 2020 and beyond. Heath’s a free agent in 2020, too, so the job could easily be Thompson’s.