There are some defensive players who are buy low and sell high candidates heading into the 2024 season.
Every year there are a litany of defensive players who overachieve, putting together a season to remember. For some, it seems like they may have finally hit their draft ceiling; while others are clear one-hit wonders. In fantasy football IDP leagues, it’s advantageous to get out from these players before they fall back to their average. These linebackers are buy low and sell high candidates whose futures could change in 2024.
IDP Player to Buy
LB Nate Landman, Atlanta Falcons
Nate Landman was an UDFA signed by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. But by Week 4 of the 2023 season, he would be thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries. Landman performed admirably, finishing the season with 82 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 interception. For IDP fantasy football, Landman averaged 11.9 PPG (34th among LB) with 179 total points (35th among LB), per FantasyPros. He also received a three-year extension under new head coach Raheem Morris.
Being retained by a new coaching staff as an UDFA is something that doesn’t normally happen. With the 2024 NFL draft class weak at the linebacker position, the stars could be aligning for a full-time gig as the Falcons’ starting linebacker.
Other linebackers in Atlanta include Kaden Elliss and Troy Andersen. Andersen was placed on injured reserve following a shoulder injury in Week 3 of the 2023 season. With a new coaching staff, there is no guarantee that Troy Andersen gets his starting job back, it will likely be a competition in training camp.
Landman is a great run-stopping presence on the field. His 58 run stops were good for 9th among all linebackers last season (min. 100 snaps). Meanwhile, his stop percentage of 12.6 was 2nd-best among all linebackers last year, per PFF.
While Landman does struggle in coverage, it allows for greater opportunity for fantasy purposes. The more catches he allows (that he’s unable to deflect or intercept), the better his chances are of getting tackling points.
Nate Landman is only 25 years old tied to an elite defensive mind in head coach Raheem Morris. While it’s unlikely he’s still on waivers in fantasy football leagues, he could be had for a late round pick or used as a potential throw in piece for a larger trade.
Honorable Mention: Frankie Luvu
IDP Player to Sell
EDGE Jonathan Greenard, Minnesota Vikings
Jonathan Greenard had a career-high 14 sacks for the Houston Texans last season playing alongside Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson. For the third-round pick in 2020, it seemed like things have finally turned the corner. And, his career-season paid off, signing a massive four-year $76M contract with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. However, he’s a player I’m looking to sell high in IDP fantasy football leagues.
It’s true that Greenard had his best season in 2023, but there’s a reason that the Houston Texans decided to move on.
Greenard has not been the staple of health throughout his career. He’s never played a complete season, finishing last year with a career-high 15 games played. Greenard also won’t have the luxury of playing with another elite player in Minnesota. Danielle Hunter, who had 18 sacks in 2023, replaces Greenard in Houston after signing a two-year contract. The Vikings also won’t have D.J. Wonnum. Wonnum signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason after finishing with nine sacks in 2023.
While Greenard will be playing under an incredible defensive coordinator in Brian Flores, he will be asked to do a lot more than what he did in Houston. I don’t know if Greenard is able to perform in the same fashion Hunter did for Minnesota last season, and I’m not sure if his body will hold up to that type of usage.
13 of Greenard’s 14 sacks came in true pass sets, per PFF. However, he only had a 17.7% win rate in those sets, which was T-44 among EDGE players (min. 150 snaps). With a lack of true pass rushers to help him in 2024, it’s likely he becomes the focal point to defend against by offensive coordinators.
Greenard was T-6 in fantasy points per game last season with 10.6. Despite potentially more usage, I don’t expect him to reach that number again. And although he’s being paid as a high-end EDGE, I am selling Greenard in IDP leagues this offseason. Depending on your IDP league score settings, Greenard could fetch a second-round pick from a manager who believes in his talent.
Honorable Mention: Patrick Queen
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