Projected Three-Down Linebackers for IDP Fantasy Football Leagues in 2023
I can make the argument that the linebacker position is the most important position in IDP. More teams are deploying odd fronts and including an extra defensive back, which takes a linebacker off the field, so the number of true three-down and full-time linebackers is dwindling. More teams are deploying single-LB packages at a higher rate, so drafting linebackers who'll barely leave the field is vital. Snaps=Opportunities=Production.
Here's my initial look at the projected three-down and full-time linebackers, and who is expected to wear the green dot as the play-caller of the defense. The player who wears the dot is all but solidified as a three-down player. As camp and the preseason goes on, I'll be updating this with my observations, as well as any definitive changes as new information is uncovered.
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| Team | Player | Games Played 2022 | 2022 Defensive Snaps | 2022 Defensive Snap Rate | Green Dot 2023 | 2022 Tackle Rate% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARI | Kyzir White | 17 | 844 | 76.00% | x | 13.00% |
| ATL | Troy Andersen | 17 | 481 | 42.90% | 12.90% | |
| ATL | Kaden Elliss | 17 | 630 | 55.70% | x | 11.70% |
| BAL | Roquan Smith | 17 | 1,039 | 97.00% | x | 16.00% |
| BAL | Patrick Queen | 17 | 1,026 | 93.90% | 11.40% | |
| BUF | Tyrel Dodson | 16 | 220 | 20.90% | x | 12.70% |
| BUF | Matt Milano | 15 | 947 | 90.10% | 10.50% | |
| CAR | Frankie Luvu | 15 | 940 | 81.30% | 11.80% | |
| CAR | Shaq Thompson | 17 | 1,090 | 94.30% | x | 12.40% |
| CHI | TJ Edwards | 17 | 1,041 | 94.10% | 15.30% | |
| CHI | Tremaine Edmunds | 13 | 760 | 72.30% | x | 13.40% |
| CIN | Logan Wilson | 15 | 955 | 92.20% | x | 12.90% |
| CIN | Germaine Pratt | 15 | 724 | 69.90% | 13.70% | |
| CLE | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | 11 | 534 | 49.00% | 13.10% | |
| CLE | Anthony Walker | 3 | 119 | 10.90% | x | 10.90% |
| DAL | Leighton Vander Esch | 14 | 746 | 65.00% | x | 12.10% |
| DEN | Josey Jewell | 13 | 826 | 72.20% | x | 15.50% |
| DET | Alex Anzalone | 17 | 1,080 | 95.10% | x | 11.60% |
| DET | Jack Campbell | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 0.00% | |
| GB | De'Vondre Campbell | 13 | 694 | 67.20% | 13.80% | |
| GB | Quay Walker | 17 | 846 | 81.90% | x | 14.10% |
| HOU | Christian Harris | 12 | 712 | 60.80% | 10.40% | |
| IND | Zaire Franklin | 17 | 1,134 | 99.70% | x | 14.60% |
| IND | Shaq Leonard | 3 | 74 | 6.50% | 14.90% | |
| JAX | Foyesade Oluokun | 17 | 1,145 | 98.50% | x | 16.10% |
| KC | Nick Bolton | 17 | 1,119 | 97.50% | x | 16.10% |
| LAC | Eric Kendricks | 17 | 1,095 | 94.30% | x | 12.50% |
| LAR | Ernest Jones | 17 | 723 | 66.40% | x | 15.60% |
| LV | Divine Deablo | 8 | 464 | 41.20% | x | 15.90% |
| MIA | David Long | 12 | 740 | 63.40% | x | 11.60% |
| MIA | Jerome Baker | 17 | 1,014 | 88.60% | 9.90% | |
| MIN | Brian Asamoah | 16 | 119 | 10.30% | 12.60% | |
| MIN | Jordan Hicks | 17 | 935 | 80.50% | x | 13.80% |
| NE | Ja'Whaun Bentley | 17 | 907 | 80.30% | x | 13.50% |
| NO | Demario Davis | 17 | 1,132 | 100.00% | x | 9.60% |
| NO | Pete Werner | 12 | 597 | 52.70% | 13.20% | |
| NYG | Bobby Okereke | 17 | 968 | 85.10% | x | 15.40% |
| NYJ | C.J. Mosley | 17 | 1,114 | 97.90% | x | 14.20% |
| NYJ | Quincy Williams | 15 | 690 | 60.60% | 15.40% | |
| PHI | Nakobe Dean | 17 | 34 | 3.10% | x | 17.60% |
| PIT | Cole Holcomb | 7 | 446 | 42.70% | x | 15.50% |
| SF | Fred Warner | 17 | 1,026 | 95.80% | x | 12.70% |
| SF | Dre Greenlaw | 15 | 849 | 79.30% | 15.00% | |
| SEA | Bobby Wagner | 17 | 1,080 | 99.20% | x | 13.00% |
| TB | Devin White | 17 | 1,076 | 96.00% | x | 11.50% |
| TB | Lavonte David | 17 | 1,075 | 95.90% | 11.50% | |
| TEN | Azeez Al-Shaair | 12 | 314 | 29.30% | x | 14.00% |
| WAS | Jamin Davis | 16 | 834 | 79.90% | 12.50% | |
| WAS | Cody Barton | 17 | 895 | 77.40% | x | 14.90% |
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals spent two first-round picks on off-ball linebackers in 2021 and 2022; Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins. In 2023, they are playing different positions. Simmons has transitioned to DB, while Collins has been moved to the edge. This thrusts free-agent signing Kyzir White into a three-down role. Not only does he have a three-down role but he looks to be wearing the green dot this season as the play caller. It makes sense since he has familiarity with the head coach's defense. In redraft, White is the only off-ball LB I'm targeting and he's a solid LB2. Keep an eye on Owen Pappoe, as he's someone who could see meaningful snaps this season.
Green Dot: Kyzir White
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons' LB situation heading into 2023 is starting to shape up. Surprisingly, they didn't bring back their leading tackler and signal-caller, Rashaan Evans (he's still a free agent). Mykal Walker's play degraded as the 2022 season went on, which opened the door for Troy Andersen. The Falcons also brought in former Saints LB Kaden Elliss. Elliss is reunited with his former coordinator and has had a solid offseason and camp. Elliss and Andersen are rounding into form and look to be the full-time linebackers in Atlanta. The Falcons deployed 2-LB packages nearly 87% of the time and were above league average in that deployment.
Update 8/12: No one of consequence played for the Falcons. Mykal Walker and Nate Landman were the starters with Landman wearing the dot. I don't expect this to be the norm. We'll see how Atlanta deploys their LBs in Week 2.
Preseason Week 2 8/18/2023: It looks as if Kaden Elliss will wear the dot and call the plays. Don't fret Troy Andersen owners. He should have a full-time role.
Green Dot: Kaden Elliss
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens made the bold move to acquire Roquan Smith midseason and he made an immediate impact on the defense. The addition of Smith even helped Patrick Queen's development throughout the season. For the Ravens, it's pretty simple; Smith and Queen are your full-time off-ball linebackers. The Ravens will deploy multiple fronts and use multiple linebackers on the field for 80% of their defensive snaps. They did use a single-LB look around 20% of the time. With Chuck Clark leaving for the Jets, Smith will wear the dot this season.
Green Dot: Roquan Smith
Buffalo Bills
The Bills let their MIKE walk in free agency and find themselves without their true play caller. This has been an ongoing competition throughout the offseason. Third-round pick Dorian Williams was in on the competition but has since been moved to Matt Milano's weak side. As of now, Tyrel Dodson and Terrel Bernard are the sole survivors in a battle to the death. Well, that might be a bit hyperbolic. It looks like Dodson has pulled away over the last few days, as he was the MIKE with Milano sitting out for a day or two. As much as I like Bernard, I think Dodson gets the three-down role opposite Milano and ends up with the dot. It's still a fluid situation and could change daily.
Update #1 (8/10/2023): So, Terrel Bernard suffered a pesky hamstring injury and left practice early. This could put the spotlight squarely on Tyrel Dodson. Poor timing for Bernard.
Green Dot: Tyrel Dodson
Carolina Panthers
This was shaping up to be pretty simple on the surface. The off-ball linebackers were going to be Shaq Thompson and Frankie Luvu. The Panthers signed Deion Jones and he immediately saw some first-team reps. I'm not buying it, and I think it ends up with Thompson and Luvu as the full-time off-ball linebackers. Jones will probably see base package snaps, as the Panthers used 3-LB packages 29% of the time. It's worth noting Carolina didn't use any dime packages, so they are consistently using at least two linebackers. Thompson is the leader of the defense and the signal caller. He'll continue to wear the dot.
Green Dot: Shaq Thompson
Chicago Bears
To help Justin Fields' development, the Bears decided to bring in two high-priced off-ball linebackers. Chicago strengthened the middle of their defense by adding Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards in free agency. Those two will not be leaving the field and have solid tackle floors heading into 2023. Who'll wear the dot? Both have the experience, but I do think it will be Edmunds. Now, the dot does not equal production. Just because Edmunds gets the dot, doesn't mean he's going to be the leading tackler. Both Edwards and Edmunds are weekly LB1s. I do have Edwards ranked higher this season.
Week 1 Preseason Update: Tremaine Edmunds is dealing with an injury and has been held out of contact portions of practice. He's not in any danger to miss the regular season opener. Jack Sanborn and TJ Edwards operated as Chicago's off-ball LBs against the Titans. Sanborn wore the dot, so when Edmunds returns, he'll wear the dot.
Green Dot: Tremaine Edmunds
Cincinnati Bengals
Logan Wilson is the captain of the defense and was recently rewarded with a well-deserved contract extension. He's been the play caller over the last few years, and that will continue into 2023 and beyond. As long as Wilson remains healthy, he's a top-10 LB and has a 130-tackle floor. The Bengals used 2-LB packages on over 80% of the snaps, so Germaine Pratt will continue to have value in most leagues as an LB3/4. Pratt appeared in 76% of the snaps and should see around 80% this season and has the upside to hit the 100-tackle mark for the first time in his career.
Update 8/12: Logan Wilson didn't play, and Akeem Davis-Gaither wore the dot. I fully expect Wilson to be the signal caller.
Preseason Week 2 8/18/2023: Logan Wilson got the start and wore the dot. The Falcons had a long first drive and Germaine Pratt saw all but one snap, so that's encouraging for his potential usage in the defense.
Green Dot: Logan Wilson
Cleveland Browns
This is one of the situations that had me baffled, but is starting to clear up. Anthony Walker was re-signed and Jim Schwartz will probably install the vet as his play caller. He has a command of the defense and knows how to get the defense into position and make sure they're following assignments. The wild card, however, for the green dot could be Juan Thornhill. I don't have any first-hand knowledge, but I do think he's a candidate. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah put on some weight over the off-season and looks to have a full-time role—I'm targeting him as an LB3. Walker is a solid target in deeper leagues or best ball as an LB4/5, especially if he gets the dot.
Update 8/12/2023: Anthony Walker didn't play, but JOK played every snap with the first-team defense. Jacob Phillips will miss the 2023 season with a torn pec.
Week 3 Preseason Update 8/18/2023: The Browns didn't play their starters on defense, however, there was a defensive standout; Mohamoud Diabate. He contributed a tackle for safety and forced a fumble. Diabate appeared in 81% of the snaps and finished with seven tackles. He'll probably start as a special teamer, but this is how you make a team. Dynasty leaguers want to take notice. We could potentially see the starters in their Week 4 tilt against the Chiefs.
Green Dot: Anthony Walker or Juan Thornhill
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys didn't deploy a true full-time off-ball LB over the last few weeks of the 2022 season due to injuries. The Cowboys also used Jayron Kearse as their play caller. That's changing heading into 2023. It appears Leighton Vander Esch will wear the dot and is in line for a three-down role. This puts him in the LB2/3 conversation. Health, not production, has been the concern with the veteran. Who'll be the LB2 opposite him? I think it's Damone Clark. However, the Cowboys do run a mix of nickel/big dime. The Cowboys were well above league average (23%) in deploying single-LB. I do like Clark as an LB4/5 in deeper leagues if the Cowboys do shift to more 2-LB looks.
Green Dot: Leighton Vander Esch
Denver Broncos
The Broncos have two high-volume tacklers; Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton. In Jewell's last two healthy seasons (2020/2022), he averaged just over 120 tackles. Singleton is an insanely efficient LB and just when you think he can't sustain his tackle rate, he exceeds it. He's recorded a 20.1% tackle rate over the last two seasons while seeing fewer than 70% of the snaps. Can he maintain this level of production? He's shown no reason to doubt him. Both Jewell and Singleton are LB1s. I don't think I'm putting Singleton as a full-time LB until I see how his usage plays out over the first few weeks.
Update 8/12/2023: Josey Jewell wore the dot as expected. Alex Singleton appeared to come off the field in single-LB packages (which is how Denver started their first series).
Green Dot: Josey Jewell
Detroit Lions
Malcolm Rodriguez looked to be on the precipice of a full-time role in 2023. That is, until draft night. The Lions drafted Jack Campbell in the first round, and so far, he's been as advertised in camp and has received the majority of first-team reps alongside Alex Anzalone. I think Anzalone gets the dot, but Campbell will see a full-time role as an LB2 in Detroit's defense. I prefer Campbell's upside and talent in redraft ahead of Anzalone.
Update 8/12/2023: No Anazlone in this one. Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez got time with the first team with Barnes wearing the dot. Jack Campbell came in for Rodrigo, but Barnes still called the plays. Campbell ended up with the dot when playing alongside Rodrigo. I do expect Anzalone to be the full-time play caller.
Preseason Week 2 8/19/2023: Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez got the snaps with the first team, while Jack Campbell came in on the second drive. Alex Anzalone didn't play, so it appears he's in line to start the season as the play caller.
Green Dot: Alex Anzalone
Green Bay Packers
There may not be a more undervalued three-down LB than De'Vondre Campbell. In the words of Eminem, "You drafters act like you forgot about Dre." Quay Walker enjoyed a fine rookie season and saw a production increase when Campbell was out for a few games, but Campbell still produced a 13.8% tackle rate. When he returned in Week 13, he had three games of seven or more tackles. Walker and Campbell are both draftable, but I think I prefer Campbell ahead of Walker. Green Bay deploys 2-LB packages just over 80% of the time, but whoever wears the dot, will have a three-down role.
Update (Week 1 preseason 8/11): With both De'Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker on the field, Walker wore the dot. Will this continue in the season? It just might. Campbell's IDP value may take a bit of a hit if he's coming off the field in dime packages. We'll see how this plays out in Week 2.
Green Dot: Quay Walker (based on Week 1 preseason)
Houston Texans
This is one of the few LB situations that still remains a bit muddied, at least when it comes to the LB2. I think Christian Harris has solidified himself as a three-down LB and DeMeco Ryans is raving about him. Now, if you look at his 2022 PFF grades, you would think Ryans has gone crazy. However, Harris seems to have shown improvement in every aspect of his game, especially in coverage. As of now, Harris is the only Houston LB I'm targeting. Will Harris wear the dot? I'm not sure. Denzel Perryman and Christian Kirksey have been splitting duties, but I don't think Ryans wants that kind of inconsistency. Ryans might look at Harris as his Fred Warner.
Preseason Week 2 8/19/2023: Looks like Perryman is set to wear the dot this season. Perryman and Harris look to be the three-down LBs in Demeco's defense.
Green Dot: Denzel Perryman
Indianapolis Colts
Zaire Franklin was the darling of IDP leagues in 2022. He took advantage of Shaq Leonard's absence and recorded a career-high 167 tackles (including 102 solos). Franklin also wore the dot. However, Leonard looks healthy and has cleared all of the protocols so far to get back on the field. Back injuries aren't a joke. It was great to see him in pads at the end of July. He's being eased in, and I do think he's being controlled, but still receiving contact. When healthy, Leonard is a beast and a tackle machine. How long will he remain healthy? I'm targeting Leonard as an LB3, but I'm not reaching for him as my weekly anchor. With Bobby Okereke in New York, I don't see Franklin leaving the field either.
Week 1 Preseason: Great to see Shaq Leonard on the field and moving around on the field. Zaire Franklin and Leonard played every snap with the first team with Franklin wearing the dot.
Green Dot: Zaire Franklin
Jacksonville Jaguars
This one is simple; Foyesade Oluokun. He'll be the three-down LB and wear the dot. Who'll be the LB2? Devin Lloyd was a full-time player up until Week 10. Chad Muma started breaking through and saw more snaps as a result. Whoever wins that role will be on the field a lot. The Jaguars deployed 2-LB packages 95% of the time—just over 20% of the league average. I'm hoping Muma ends up with the role. Beat writers are tabbing him to have a breakout season. I'll take a chance on Muma's upside this season as an LB4/5.
Week 2 Preseason Update 8/19/2023: No Devin Lloyd or Foyesade Oluokun in this one. Chad Muma and Shaq Quartermann got the start with the defense. This leads me to assume Foye and Lloyd will be the full-time off-ball LBs.
Green Dot: Foyesade Oluokun
Kansas City Chiefs
Just draft Nick Bolton. Bolton was Steve Spagnuolo's three-down LB and play-caller in 2022 and that looks to continue in 2023. The LB2 situation is a bit of a conundrum with Leo Chenal, and Willie Gay, and to really add mud to the water, they added Drue Tranquill in free agency. The Chiefs deployed 3-LB packages 10% above the league average. Kansas City loved their big dime packages—deploying single-LB on over 20% of their defensive snaps. I think Willie Gay leads the LB2 rotation, but it's still a situation I might stay away from until usage becomes clear during the preseason (I'm not holding my breath).
Green Dot: Nick Bolton
Las Vegas Raiders
Divine Deablo was on his way to a monster season—recording a 15.9% tackle rate before suffering a season-ending injury in early November. He has packed on some muscle and now really looks like a thumper. Deablo is healthy and looks to be ready for the season and will wear the dot. I currently have him as my LB9. I think Robert Spillane gets that LB2 role opposite him. Deablo likes his style and I think he's drawing some praise from the coaches. The Raiders are a 2-LB system, however, they do run single-LB/3-safety 15% above league average. Deablo looks to be the lone three-down LB.
Green Dot: Divine Deablo
Los Angeles Chargers
Kenneth Murray was seemingly in Brandon Staley's doghouse for most of his tenure. After receiving 959 snaps as a rookie, Murray has been on the field for 1,073 snaps over the last two seasons combined. This makes it all more puzzling why they'd let Drue Tranquill walk and head to a division rival. The Chargers drafted Daiyan Henley and signed veteran off-ball LB Eric Kendricks. Kendricks has already been bestowed the dot and will be a three-down LB and will be looking for his eighth-straight 100-tackle season. I think Henley in the third round might tell you what you need to know about Murray. If I were to target an LB2, it's Henley. Either way, the LB2 will be off the field for just under 30% of the snaps.
Green Dot: Eric Kendricks
Los Angeles Rams
Bobby Wagner had one season with the Rams, but Ernest Jones still enjoyed a solid season. Wagner has returned home to Seattle and that leaves the play caller role open. It does appear Jones will see a three-down role and wear the dot this season. He's a weekly LB1 and has huge tackle potential with the increased volume. Who'll be the LB2? Christian Rozeboom is a name to have in the back of your mind, but his usage could be capped at around 50% of the snaps. The Rams used single-LB packages 20% above the league average. Jones is the only Rams LB I'm targeting.
Green Dot: Ernest Jones
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins were a defense using odd fronts and deployed single-LB on over 21% of their groupings. The LB group was a bit underwhelming and Jerome Baker was an inefficient tackler. Elandon Roberts was primarily a run-stopper and was on the field for 59% of the snaps. Roberts, however, is now with Pittsburgh. The Dolphins brought in David Long from Tennessee to bolster the LB group. According to PFF, he graded well against the run and will be a pass-rush threat in Vic Fangio's defense. I could see Long wearing the dot and Baker shifting to a blitzing off-ball LB. As of now, Long is the only Miami LB I'm targeting. I'll let someone else draft Baker.
Preseason Week 2 8/19/2023: Jerome Baker looks like he'll continue as the defensive play caller.
Green Dot: Jerome Baker
Minnesota Vikings
There's going to be a hole in the middle of the defense with the loss of Eric Kendricks. As of now, it looks like Jordan Hicks and Brian Asamoah will be tasked to fill that hole. Hicks has experience calling the plays, so I'd imagine he's the one wearing the dot in the early going. Asamoah has been a camp standout and has been all over the field. He's a prototypical Brian Flores off-ball LB. Plays downhill and has plus sideline-to-sideline range. Both should be in line for full-time roles. I like Asamoah's upside a bit more and he's my first target in redraft leagues.
Green Dot: Jordan Hicks
New England Patriots
Ah, yes. Everyone's favorite team for fantasy. However, I will plant my flag on Ja'Whaun Bentley being a three-down player. With Devin McCourty retiring, Bentley has been tasked with wearing the dot. Kyle Dugger was in the mix, but it does look like Bentley will relay the plays. Bentley has been a solid tackle producer with a 14.6% tackle rate over the last two seasons, resulting in 234 tackles. Bentley had his highest usage rate as a Patriot last season at 80%, so as the signal caller, that will surely increase in 2023. I'm targeting Bentley as my LB3.
Green Dot: Ja'Whaun Bentley
New Orleans Saints
Demario Davis and Pete Werner are lining up to be the Saints' full-time linebackers. Kaden Elliss has left for Atlanta, so Werner should see the majority of the snaps as the LB2 alongside Davis. Werner recorded a 13.4% tackle rate through 12 games and was on his way to a 100-tackle campaign before injuries derailed him. He's 100% heading into the season and is a solid LB2 target in most formats. Davis's production has dipped slightly over the last few years, failing to reach 110 tackles in the last two seasons. He'll still be a three-down LB, as he'll wear the dot this season.
Green Dot: Demario Davis
New York Giants
I'll make this one simple. The only LB to target in redraft formats is Bobby Okereke. I love his landing spot and he'll be on the field for all of the snaps he can handle. He's a candidate to wear the dot, but I think that ultimately goes to Xavier McKinney. Darrian Beavers or Micah McFadden are in competition for the LB2 spot. How much value does that hold? I'd say whoever wins the job will be on the field for between 65%-70% of the snaps. The Giants deployed single-LB packages 23% of the time. Target Okereke and watch McFadden and Beavers as waiver targets throughout the season.
Preseason Week 2 8/18/2023: Bobby Okereke will be wearing the dot for the Giants.
Green Dot: Bobby Okereke
New York Jets
Again, this one is simple. Target C.J. Mosley. He's wearing the dot and not leaving the field. I think he's shed his injury-prone label and has appeared in 33 games over the last two seasons resulting in well over 2,200 snaps. He's a tackle machine and is a weekly LB1. He should be one of the first LBs off the board in most IDP formats. Quincy Williams should be the LB2 opposite him and should see the full-time role. I don't mind him as an LB3 in tackle-heavy formats.
Green Dot: CJ Mosley
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles allowed their play caller to walk in free agency (TJ Edwards). This opens the door for the second-year linebacker Nakobe Dean to take over Edwards's role. He's done a solid job of commanding the defense. He's been dinged the last few days but has worn the dot when on the field. The LB2 is going to be a mess. They signed Nicholas Morrow and had been using Christian Elliss in that spot. Elliss has even worn the dot with Dean out. Philly recently signed Zach Cunningham and Myles Jack. I don't view them as a threat to Dean's role. I just won't target any other Eagle LB. Target Nakobe and move on.
Week 2 Preseason Update 8/18/2023: Nakobe Dean played with the first team and wore the dot, as expected. The LB2 situation is mess right now. Zach Cunningham got the start alongside Dean and played the majority of the snaps. Nicholas Morrow and Christian Elliss were the next group on the field and then Cunningham came in for Morrow. Myles Jack didn't get in until late in the game. Elliss had a better showing, but I don't know who has the edge in the LB2 coversation. If it's Cunningham, <insert Sheldon-throwing-papers-in-air.gif>
Green Dot: Nakobe Dean
Pittsburgh Steelers
Gone are Devin Bush, Myles Jack, and Robert Spillane. The Steelers added Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, and Kwon Alexander. The latter of the three is an interesting signing and I see him pushing Roberts for that LB2 spot. Pittsburgh is a 2-LB system but did deploy big dime packages 18% of the time which resulted in single-LB looks. I believe Holcomb is going to be the lone three-down LB and should wear the dot. Roberts was interesting, but I think Alexander could push him for snaps this season. Roberts is a liability in coverage.
Green Dot: Cole Holcomb
San Francisco 49ers
It's the Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw show in the Bay Area. They are probably one of the best LB duos in the NFL. Greenlaw put together a relatively healthy season and appeared in 88% of the snaps and finished with 127 tackles. I think he's a potential LB1 alongside Warner. I'm targeting both as my LB1 and if I end up with both, I'm okay with that, too. Warner has just one season of fewer than 120 tackles.
Green Dot: Fred Warner
Seattle Seahawks
The prodigal son, Bobby Wagner, returns home after spending a year with the Rams. Jordyn Brooks suffered a torn ACL at the end of the season, so his status is up in the air. Wagner will be the three-down LB and wear the dot once again. In Brooks' absence, Devin Bush should see the snaps alongside him. Seattle has been, traditionally, a 2-LB system, but they toyed with more big dime and single-LB in 2022, almost 11% higher than the league average. Cody Barton is now with the Commanders, so I project Bush seeing at least 70% of the snaps until Brooks returns later in the year. Bush could have some appeal as an LB4/5 in deeper leagues.
Green Dot: Bobby Wagner
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It's Lavonte David and Devin White. White will wear the dot once again. I have White higher because of the pass-rush upside he provides over David. White has 106 pressures over the last three seasons, resulting in 18 sacks. White has a solid tackle floor and the pass rush upside to make him a weekly LB1. David is looking more like an LB3 but still has a safe tackle floor of an LB32.
Green Dot: Devin White
Tennessee Titans
It's clear Azeez Al-Shaair is the LB1 in the Tennessee defense. However, the LB2 may not be who you think. At first, Monty Rice looked like the LB to get the snaps opposite Al-Shaair. Jack Gibbens has made the decision too difficult. I don't think Ben Niemann is a factor in the rotation. I'm targeting Al-Shaair but the preseason will tell us more about how Tennessee feels about their secondary LBs.
Week 1 Preseason: Some observations here. Azeez Al-Shaair didn't play. Jack Gibbens and Chance Campbell started the game. I figured Monty Rice didn't play, but he came on in the second quarter and played alongside Ben Niemann. Rice ended up with seven snaps in the game, but I didn't like where he was used. He came in the second quarter with the second/third team, at this point, I'm making the assumption that he's below Gibbens on the depth chart. We'll see how things shake out in Week 2.
Green Dot: Azeez Al-Shaair
Washington Commanders
Cole Holcomb is off to Pittsburgh, so this could be the first year we see Jamin Davis in a three-down role and wearing the dot. Davis was on the field for 85% of the snaps alongside Holcomb, recording a solid 12.5% tackle rate. Davis had nearly the identical number of pass rush snaps from 2021 to 2022, however, he doubled his pressures, resulting in three sacks. The Commanders also added Cody Barton to the mix and he's in line for a full-time role with the Commanders thanks to shallow depth at LB. Barton should see 80%-85% of the snaps and is a decent LB3 in tackle-heavy formats.
Green Dot: Cody Barton (wore the dot in Week 1 preseason game against Browns)
