Five Linebackers you should avoid drafting at their current Sleeper ADP.
1.) Quay Walker, Green Bay Packers
| Sleeper ADP | RPO Ranking |
| 7 | 28 |
Walker had a great rookie season, and he is a great dynasty asset, but he is currently being drafted too early in redraft leagues. He finished as LB26 in 2022 and for at least one more season, this is De’Vondre Campbell‘s defense. When Campbell missed time, the Packers defense really struggled and allowed 27.5 points per game during his absence.
2.) Patrick Queen, Baltimore Ravens
| Sleeper ADP | RPO Ranking |
| 6 | 30 |
Queen is in the final year of his contract and there has been trade speculation as he seeks a new contract. During 2022, the Ravens acquired Roquan Smith and gave him a massive contract extension. There is unlikely enough salary cap room for two massive linebacker contracts. The Ravens also drafted linebacker Trenton Simpson in the third round, who could be Queen’s replacement sooner rather than later.
There is too much uncertainty surrounding Patrick Queen‘s team and role for 2023 to invest heavily in this player. Even if he remains on the Ravens, he will have to fight Roquan Smith for fantasy production.
3.) Drue Tranquill, Kansas City Chiefs
| Sleeper ADP | RPO Ranking |
| 29 | 58 |
Tranquil went from the leader of the linebacker room with the Chargers, to a crowded situation in Kansas City. Nick Bolton is the top linebacker while Tranquil will likely split playing time with Willie Gay. Without a full-time role, it will be difficult for Tranquill to repeat his 2022 performance.
4.) Brian Asamoah, Minnesota Vikings
| Sleeper ADP | RPO Ranking |
| 25 | 41 |
Asamoah came on strong to finish the 2022 season, but the team has a new defensive coordinator, Brian Flores. The Vikings frequently used two-linebacker formations this past season, but I expect this will decrease under Flores. If Jordan Hicks claims the top linebacker spot, Asamoah will likely be on the sidelines in single-linebacker situations like dime defense.
5.) Jordyn Brooks, Seattle Seahawks
| Sleeper ADP | RPO Ranking |
| 10 | 49 |
Currently there is uncertainty regarding the timeline for Brooks’ return. If you recall, he suffered a torn ACL in Week 17 against the New York Jets. The Seahawks recognized that Brooks is likely to miss time and brought back Bobby Wagner to fill the void.
If I am going to draft a linebacker early, I want one that will play the majority of the season. Once Brooks returns, he will likely be eased into playing time and will have some of his upside limited playing next to Wagner.
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