Linebackers
Krys Barnes and Ty Summers (GBP): Barnes is doing "more with less", only getting 15ish snaps a game, but is making the most of it. Even with his great production, it looks like Summers could be the main beneficiary of Christian Kirksey once again being bitten by the injury bug. Summers took all of Kirksey's snaps once he left last week. Both are worthy of adds at this point. Barnes could be the long play, especially if Summers doesn't pan out. But for now, Summers could be an IDP league darling if Kirksey's absence is lengthy.
Devante Downs (NYG): Downs' snap counts have gone from under 25% to over 70% Week 3, running alongside super-stud Blake Martinez. Downs hasn't really produced but it stands to reason he could if Martinez were to find himself injured. He did chip in with a trio of assists last week but needed 55 snaps to get there. Downs has good size and a solid athletic profile, although he didn't time well in the 40 pre-draft. Still, he'd be in line for major production if Martinez were to get hurt.
Alex Anzalone (NOS): Demario Davis is 31 and while still fairly productive, if his play could see a dropoff it stands to reason the younger Anzalone could benefit. Anzalone is on the field quite a bit (no less than 70% of defensive snaps in 2020) but has yet to produce much. He was around the ball quite a bit Week 5, logging 5 assists. This could be construed as a signal that better production is ready to break through. If nothing else, just keep the ex-Florida Gator on your radar. He has talent, and the team clearly values his potential.
Defensive Linemen
Maurice Hurst (DT - LVR): Hurst has been a bit of a disappointment since coming out of Michigan State some three years back. But there have been flashes where it looks like Hurst can dominate whoever is across from him on the offensive line. He definitely eats up space at 6'1" and nearly 300 pounds, and given the right matchup can be a decent run-stopper. In leagues that start DT, Hurst should be on your radar.
Kingsley Keke (DE - GBP): Not trying to be too reactionary here, because yes, Keke certainly broke out last week against the Saints. But we like Keke's long-term prospects as a regular contributor for the Packer front. Outside of Kenny Clark, the Packers don't really have much in the way of young defensive linemen. Coming out of Texas A&M, he profiled as either a DE or DT, with the athleticism to make an impact at either spot.
Jihad Ward (DE - BAL): Calais Campbell is 34 and isn't the major force he once was. The Ravens do also feature Derek Wolfe at the DE spot, but Ward gets run too, and has the kind of athletic profile that would translate well to a more regular role on the Raven defense. Ward's draft profile features high praise, mentioning his hip quickness and strong hands. In deeper leagues or leagues that break apart DE/DT, Ward should be on your radar as a potential breakout in 2021.
Defensive Backs
Jamel Dean (CB - TBB): The Bucs always seem to have a high-volume tackling corner; this year it appears to be Dean, who has 18 solos in the first three weeks' worth of action. His pass defense numbers are low (just one so far), but if you're looking for a cheap source of tackles in leagues that break apart CB/S, Dean is worth a look. Dean started as the team's nickel this season but appears to be kicking outside to the right CB spot with Sean Murphy-Bunting likely out with a groin injury. Either way, Dean is likely to continue racking up tackles.
Jalen Mills (S - PHI): With Malcolm Jenkins back in the Big Easy, the converted corner Mills is producing alongside the veteran Rodney McLeod. Mills is definitely the DB to own for the Eagles, showing both the ability to tackle and even get to the opposing QB, logging 1.5 sacks last week. The only thing to be mindful of is that Mills does have an injury history. If he can stay healthy, he should produce. And he's still just 26 years old.
DeShon Elliott (S - BAL): Is Elliott what the Ravens thought Earl Thomas would be for them? Well, they are both ex-Texas Longhorns, and right now Elliott, seeing all but one defensive snap thus far in 2020, is showing that he's rangy, able to make tackles and big plays for the Raven D. Chuck Clark, as expected, is putting up good numbers for this defense, but honestly, Elliott has been right up there with him production-wise.
