Defensive Tackle Busts

The Footballguys staff looks at players who will underperform expectations and lose you value this season.

Footballguys Staff's Defensive Tackle Busts Footballguys Staff Published 08/13/2024

A bust is a player who can lead you to a losing season. And the earlier you have to pick a bust, the more damage he can do to your team.

RELATED: See Defensive Tackle Sleepers here >>>

To be clear, we define busts as players who we think will perform worse than most expect and be overvalued at their average draft position.

Our staff recently gathered to offer up their busts for this season. Here they are.

Defensive Tackle Busts from Tripp Brebner

Dexter Lawrence II, NY Giants

Dexter Lawrence II is one of the best nose tackles in the league. He's disruptive in both, the run and pass game. Fantasy football, however, rewards counting stats. Lawrence broke out in 2022 with 7.5 sacks, albeit with just 7 tackles for loss. He played up to his standards in 2023 but finished 24th in fantasy points among defensive tackles. Fantasy gamers drafting him squarely as a DT1 are likely to be disappointed.

Zach Sieler, Miami

The Miami Dolphins assembled a Pro-Bowl-level front for 2023. Zach Sieler profited with 10.5 sacks. Due to injuries and free agency, the unit is a shadow of itself in 2024. Pro Football Focus has found the players reaching double-digit sack totals despite a PFF pass-rush grade below 75 (like Sieler) rarely repeat the feat. Drafting Sieler as a DT1 in a big-play format is chasing last year's points. He must (and might) play a huge volume of snaps to bring gamers a return on investment.

Kobie Turner, LA Rams

Like Zach Sieler, Kobie Turner lost a battery mate that helped fuel his production. Aaron Donald, arguably the best interior pass rusher ever, helped transform players like Leonard Floyd into fantasy options, too. The 2024 Rams' front four in nickel subpackages will typically include two rookies and two sophomores. Growing pains should be expected.

Already a subscriber?

Continue reading this content with a ELITE subscription.

An ELITE subscription is required to access content for IDP (individual defensive players) leagues. If this league is not a IDP (individual defensive players) league, you can edit your leagues here.

Photos provided by Imagn Images
Share This Article

More by Footballguys Staff

 

6 Deep Dynasty Players to Target

Colton Dodgson

Identifying the players with the margins to make a difference on your dynasty roster.

03/24/26 Read More
 

2026 NFL Mock Draft from Matt Bitonti

Matt Bitonti

Matt Bitonti reveals his first 2026 NFL Mock Draft projection

03/24/26 Read More
 

IDP Free Agency Review: Defensive Linemen

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport looks at the IDP impact of free agency on the defensive line

03/24/26 Read More
 

Arizona Cardinals Projections: The Coin-Toss Questions That Matter

Jason Wood

A conversation about the most debatable components of the Arizona Cardinals preseason projections.

03/23/26 Read More
 

San Francisco 49ers Projections: The Coin-Toss Questions That Matter

Jason Wood

A conversation about the most debatable components of the San Francisco 49ers preseason projections.

03/23/26 Read More
 

10 Players You Should Be Buying in the Wake of Free Agent Moves

Sigmund Bloom

Ten players to trade for in dynasty leagues before people wake up to their newly increased value

03/23/26 Read More