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

Featured Articles

 

Fantasy Fallout: Suspensions Loom for Rashee Rice and Jordan Addison

Bob Harris

With legal proceedings in the cases of Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice and Vikings wideout Jordan Addison resolved, the NFL will soon set league punishment for both players.

07/17/25 Read More
 
 
 
 

More by Footballguys Staff

 

Fantasy Fallout: Suspensions Loom for Rashee Rice and Jordan Addison

Bob Harris

With legal proceedings in the cases of Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice and Vikings wideout Jordan Addison resolved, the NFL will soon set league punishment for both players.

07/17/25 Read More
 

12 Fantasy Football ADPs That Don't Make Sense

Sigmund Bloom

Sigmund Bloom tells you why the average draft position of 12 players is irrational and how to take advantage.

07/17/25 Read More
 

Muddy Backfields: Sorting the Kansas City Chiefs RBs

Phil Alexander

A look at Kansas City's murky backfield, how much it matters, and which players to target or fade before training camp brings clarity and the market adjusts.

07/17/25 Read More
 

Quarterback Rankings and Tiers: One Staffer's Opinion

Dave Kluge

Quarterback rankings provided by Dave Kluge, with explanations on where and why he strays from consensus opinions.

07/15/25 Read More
 

Team Vibes: Seattle Seahawks

Team vibes refer to the overall mood toward a team's offense. Our staff shares their thoughts on the Seahawks.

07/17/25 Read More
 

Eyes of the Guru IDP Info, Part 20: Seattle Seahawks

John Norton

A look at the Seahawks' defense with an emphasis on individual defensive players and their fantasy value.

07/17/25 Read More