2019 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 3

Defensive Linemen
(Previously recommended DLs: Sam Hubbard, Nick Bosa, Quinton Jefferson)

DT Denico Autry (IND) – After being a middling-type fantasy player in Oakland to begin his career, Autry broke out in a big way after joining the Colts last year. He had 9 sacks in 12 games and seemed to excel in his move from defensive end to a three-technique tackle position. He’s carried that strong play into this season as he has 2.5 sacks over the course of the first two games. He’s a must start in DT-required leagues and in most standard IDP leagues for that matter.

DE Chase Winovich (NEP) – Winovich flew a bit under the radar coming into the season, but he’s a player the Patriots really like and has seen decent playing time as a rookie so far this year. He’s coming off a 1.5 sack performance last week and gets a juicy matchup against the Jets and their third-string quarterback who gave up three sacks to Myles Garrett last week. Although he’s not likely to make a significant impact in the tackle columns, I like Winovich for at least a sack (if not two) this week.

DE Robert Quinn (DAL) – Quinn was required to miss the Cowboys’ first two games after he was served a suspension for PEDs. However, he should be back in the lineup for this coming week and squares off against his old team in the Miami Dolphins who have allowed a league-leading 10 sacks and a whopping 23 QB hits so far this season. Quinn won’t likely see a full complement of snaps in his first game back but the Dallas pass-rush has been underwhelming so far, so I expect him (and his fresh legs) to see enough playing time to notch a sack or two in this game where Miami is likely going to be forced into a lot of obvious passing situations. Sneaky play for those struggling to fill their DL3 spot in deeper leagues for Week 3.

Linebackers
(Previously recommended LBs: Jordan Hicks, Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Kyzir White, Blake Cashman)

ILB Zach Cunningham (HOU) – I had Cunningham ranked on the outskirts of the top 20 linebackers heading into the season. Despite that relatively high ranking, I noticed he consistently slid in drafts into the LB30-40 range. He’s been inconsistent so far in his career, but if we are willing to assume he takes the “next step” in his development, there’s reason to believe he will fulfill my preseason ranking. He’s coming off a monster 10 solo game (with a sack as well). Consider him a LB3+/LB2- moving forward.

WLB Quincy Williams (JAX) – Williams, a third round selection in this year’s draft out of Murray State, was a player the team has been extremely high on since the beginning of training camp and consequently he generated some preseason buzz in IDP circles. Jacksonville has already taken the reigns off the youngster and allowed him to play every snap last week. He rewarded the team with a very nice game and actually out tackled teammate Myles Jack with 9 total tackles. Now is the time to get Williams on your roster as he’s likely only going to heat up as the season wears on. He’s a LB3- with upside right now in redraft leagues and is also an immediate priority pickup in dynasty leagues if still available.

ILB Mark Barron (PIT) – An early game injury to Vince Williams forced Barron into a true every down role next to rookie Devin Bush and helped him to a 2-4-0.5 stat line. Although Barron has graded out poorly the last couple of seasons, the team likes his experience and has trusted him with calling the defensive plays. He’s had a handful of productive fantasy seasons in the past, so there’s reason to believe he can produce starter-type numbers for us if Williams were to miss any time.

ILB Kevin Minter (TB) – Rookie Devin White exited the Thursday Night game after just 6 snaps with a knee injury and did not return. It has since been revealed that he dodged a bullet and has a grade 1 MCL sprain. Although the team doesn’t expect an extended absence for the first year player, he could still miss this week’s game. If he is inactive, Kevin Minter will fill in at ILB and play every down. He had 8 tackles in Week 2 as White’s replacement and could equal those numbers against the Giants who will likely be very run-heavy in rookie QB Daniel Jones’ first NFL start.

Defensive Backs
(Previously recommended DBs: Juan Thornhill, Jordan Whitehead, Xavier Woods)

SS Ronnie Harrison/Terrell Edmunds (JAX/PIT) – I listed both of these players as safeties to target in my 2019 IDP Draft Guide, so if you are a subscriber of the site, you may already have one or both of these players rostered. However, if you don’t, it’s time to add them. They both play a high percentage of snaps up “in the box” and profile more as linebackers than traditional safeties. This should ensure consistent week-to-week tackle production and, if they can string together some big plays, DB1 value in the process.

FS Tracy Walker (DET) – After his nine tackle, 2 pass defense, and 1 interception performance in Week 1, I got a lot of questions about Tracy Walker. Given he plays free safety in a scheme not known for producing quality tackle-producing options at that position and he had the benefit of an overtime game in which he saw 82 plays, I cautioned that Walker’s performance was likely a fluke. However, he followed up this week with a 7-3 stat line so it’s time to take notice. The Lions are pretty weak at linebacker, so it makes sense that tackle opportunities are trickling down into the secondary on a fairly consistent basis. If the play at that level improves, expect Walker’s production to decline. But for now, he’s someone we have to trust as a DB2/DB3 until he proves otherwise.

SS Darnell Savage (GB) – Savage, the Packers first round draft pick this year, has immediately slotted into an every down role at strong safety for the team. Given Green Bay has one of the weaker inside linebacking crews in the league, expect him to see solid opportunity throughout the year. He started off slow with just three solo tackles in Week 1, but quickly ramped up to six solos and a forced fumble last week against the Vikings. I expect him to continue to build upon those numbers as the season progresses and he gains a better understanding of the defense. NOTE: He was spotted in a walking boot after the game last week, but reports say his injury is relatively minor.

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Last Updated: September 17, 2019