As the NFL regular season approaches, this article will cover IDP-relevant news and topics from training camps and preseason games. We'll examine injuries, contract situations, camp battles, rookie buzz, and other pertinent IDP topics.
The plan is to have this article ready for your viewing every Thursday until the start of the season. Thanks for tuning in; let's get to it!
IDP News: EDGE Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati
Trey Hendrickson is now at camp, but still doesn't have a deal in place.
After being away from the team during the opening of camp last week, Trey Hendrickson returned to Cincinnati on Wednesday. While this is positive news, Hendrickson and the Bengals still have disagreements over a new contract. Hendrickson was at camp on Wednesday; however, he didn't suit up or participate in what appears to be a hold-in situation. Hopefully, Hendrickson being back in town helps lead to a deal coming together.
In other Cincinnati contract news, rookie Shemar Stewart ended his holdout, signing his four-year, fully guaranteed $18.97 million rookie deal. The uber-athletic rookie edge rusher can now get to work and put the contract distractions behind him.
IDP News: S Joshua Metellus, Minnesota
Minnesota locks up Joshua Metellus with a three-year extension.
The Vikings rewarded one of their key defensive pieces, giving safety Joshua Metellus a three-year, $36 million contract extension. While Metellus might be labeled a safety, he's primarily a box defender, spending 905 of his 1,030 defensive snaps up in the box, slot, and defensive line areas last season, per Pro Football Focus. Metellus' alignment is a key reason for his back-to-back 100+ tackle seasons, as he's an integral part of Brian Flores' defense. The contract extension gives Metellus stability in an IDP-conducive role. This is music to our IDP ears, as Metellus brings a rock-solid tackle floor each week with his box role and safety/DB designation, depending on your platform.
IDP News: LB Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland
Rookie Carson Schwesinger is preparing to lead the Browns' defense.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) has already been ruled out for the year. Now, the sudden retirement of Jordan Hicks leaves an opening at the lead linebacker role for the taking. A role second-round rookie Carson Schwesinger has reportedly taken on in training camp. With his three-down skill set and alluring tackle prowess, we IDP gamers were already excited about Schwesinger's outlook in Cleveland. Being tasked with play-calling duties means the staff trusts their prized rookie, and he will be on the field a lot.
The other linebacker spot will be a camp battle between Jerome Baker, Mohamoud Diabate, and Devin Bush. Baker is a traveled veteran who is reliable when called upon. Diabate started 11 games last year and showed improvement in his second season. Bush started 10 games for the Browns last season, but is dealing with some off-field issues. Let's keep an eye on the camp rumblings from this group as things go on.
IDP News: LB Mack Wilson Sr., Arizona
Mack Wilson Sr. looks like the lead linebacker in Arizona.
With Kyzir White (free agent) out of the picture in Arizona, the lead duties have been bestowed upon Mack Wilson Sr.. Wilson has been donning the green dot in training camp, and head coach Jonathan Gannon is pleased with the results thus far. This comes as a bit of a surprise, as Wilson didn't play a traditional linebacker role last season, splitting time between playing in the box and out of the edge. However, his new lead role lends to a more conventional usage and a full-time gig, making him the Cardinal linebacker to target in IDP land.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, rookie Cody Simon, and Owen Pappoe will compete for the LB2 spot alongside Wilson. Davis-Gaither was brought in on a two-year, $10 million deal during free agency and will be eager to earn a steady starting job for the first time in his career. Don't count him out. Fourth-round rookie Cody Simon is an intriguing dynasty stash who is already creating buzz and getting some run with the first unit. Pappoe has yet to make an impact through his first two seasons and is likely the longest shot for relevancy. Zaven Collins is also a name to keep an eye on as he's seeing time in the box, along with his edge duties, as they continue to explore the former first-rounder's versatility.
IDP News: LB Nate Landman, LA Rams
Nate Landman lands the dot for the Rams' defense.
Finding out who is leading the battle for the Rams' lead linebacker role is important for us IDP gamers, as we typically only get one full-time gig from the defense. Right now, Nate Landman is the leader in the clubhouse, as he's been seen rocking the green dot in practice. Landman was productive when given ample opportunity while in Atlanta over the past two seasons, and came over to the Rams during free agency on a modest one-year, $1.1 million deal.
It appears it's Landman's job to lose, and he's the prime IDP target amongst the Rams' linebacker unit. Pick him up where you can. However, it's important to keep tabs on the situation, as Omar Speights and Troy Reeder have experience in the system and likely won't go away without a fight. Rookies Chris Paul Jr. (fifth round) and Shaun Dolac (UDFA) are also names to monitor or stash away for later.
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