Linebacker Busts

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

Footballguys Staff's Linebacker Busts Footballguys Staff Published 08/16/2024

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 Linebacker 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.

RELATED: See Defensive Tackle Busts here >>>
RELATED: See Edge Rusher Busts here >>>

RELATED: See Defensive Back Busts here >>> 

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

Linebacker Busts from Kyle Bellefeuil

Frankie Luvu, Washington

It sounds like Washington wants to utilize Luvu’s ability as a blitzer in a more than ideal capacity for IDP purposes. While he will provide us with some flashy splash plays, Luvu blitzing and playing out on the edge often hinders his weekly tackle floor. Luvu’s LB16 priced tag via The IDP Show ADP feels a bit risky if you’re looking for week-to-week consistency with your early linebacker selections.

Troy Andersen, Atlanta

Many IDP gamers, myself included, were disappointed last year when Andersen went down in Week 3 with a season-ending pectoral injury. While Andersen was out, Nate Landman filled in admirably for Atlanta and provided us with some nice waiver wire production. We all want Andersen to have a big breakout in his third season this year. However, I’m worried his competition with Nate Landman could create a messy situation for ideal snap volume. Kaden Elliss is the only Atlanta linebacker I feel comfortable getting full-time work right now.

Edgerrin Cooper, Green Bay

Cooper is a promising IDP dynasty prospect, but his current IDP redraft outlook isn’t as encouraging. Veteran teammate Isaiah McDuffie is claiming the LB2 spot in the nickel next to Quay Walker, while Cooper is nursing a hip injury. Cooper will likely find the field sporadically this season, but I don’t foresee a big enough snap share for him to be an IDP asset for redraft. I’d much rather draft McDuffie, as he showed well last year when called upon and continues to impress on the practice field.

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

 

Faceoff: 5 Questions, 2 Experts: Post-NFL Draft Edition

Gary Davenport

Taking into account the changing state of fantasy football after the 2026 NFL Draft, two fantasy experts debate five questions.

04/30/26 Read More
 

2026 NFL Draft IDP Review: Defensive Backs

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport breaks down the 2026 NFL Draft's Impact on the top rookie defensive backs

04/30/26 Read More
 

2026 NFL Draft IDP Review: Linebackers

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport breaks down the 2026 NFL Draft's Impact on the top rookie linebackers

04/29/26 Read More
 

2026 Post-NFL Draft Dynasty Startup Draft

Dave Kluge

Full results from a 2026 post-NFL Draft dynasty startup draft, with expert analysis and strategy.

04/29/26 Read More
 

Rookie Big Board by Bloom, Start-1-QB Leagues

Sigmund Bloom

Sigmund Bloom lays out his Rookie Big Board for leagues that start a single quarterback.

04/28/26 Read More
 

2026 NFL Draft IDP Review: Defensive Linemen

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport breaks down the 2026 NFL Draft's Impact on the rookies along the defensive line

04/28/26 Read More