Finding Late-Round Linebackers

Photo: Matthew Emmons, USA Today Sports

The IDP Roundtable Series

This summer, the Footballguys staff will discuss various topics to help you in your IDP leagues.

What linebackers are you targeting in the last two or three rounds?

Christian Williams

I am traditionally looking to make some upside picks in the last few rounds. A player like Channing Tindall from the Dolphins stands out this year; a rookie that could see an early role and become a weekly starter whose ADP hasn't caught up yet. A flurry of rookies fit this mold: Leo Chenal from Kansas City, Chad Muma from Jacksonville, and Brian Asamoah from Minnesota are my favorites. I would also consider Cameron McGrone as a flier in the last couple of rounds. While the Patriots traded for Mack Wilson, it's no lock that he assumes the starting role. McGrone was a raw prospect, and his draft capital reflected that. But operating within the Belichick defense gives McGrone baked-in upside for cleanup tackling duties.

Kyle Bellefeuil

I'll be looking at a few later-round redraft linebacker targets like Nicholas Morrow, Drue Tranquill, Josey Jewell, and Rashaan Evans. Morrow is the current front runner to slot in next to Roquan Smith as the other full-time linebacker in Chicago. With Kyzir White now gone, Tranquill has a chance to emerge as the top linebacker option for the Chargers with a strong camp. Jewell is coming off a knee injury, but if he's fully healthy, I like him as the favorite to lead the Denver linebacker unit. Evans is a nice late-round target as he's familiar with Dean Pees' scheme, and if Deion Jones is dealt, he could end up being the lead man in Atlanta to start the year.

Joseph Haggan

I am a big fan of the Cory Littleton landing spot. In 2018-2019 he was a legitimate top 5 LB, averaging 130 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 11 passes defended, and 2.5 interceptions over those two seasons. He spent time in Las Vegas and looked lost and out of place, causing him to cede his snap share. The top option in Carolina is Shaq Thompson, and he has never hit his true potential. There is a legitimate possibility Littleton could become the team's LB1 if they play him to his strengths.