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Here at RotoBaller, we aim to provide top-notch coverage for fantasy leagues of all types, and fantasy football IDP leagues (individual defensive players) are no exception. Check out Chris Gregory's risers and fallers post 2021 NFL Draft for IDPs.
Seasoned IDP vets know the top names already and likely know the type of players to target on draft day. But what about those who have yet to suit up in an NFL game? Rookies often surprise us by emerging in unlikely situations or surpassing expectations. For that reason, we are going to analyze the top rookies to monitor throughout the preseason at each major positional category.
We begin with the most productive defender of them all - the linebacker. Is the next Darius Leonard ready to emerge? Here are some possible candidates.
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Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah, Cleveland Browns
Owusu-Koromoah wasn't the first linebacker taken in the 2021 NFL Draft but his landing spot puts him on a path to rising potential. Then, there is that buzzword -- versatility. At Notre Dame, the 2020 ACC Defensive Player Of The Year did a little bit of everything. It could be debated that Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish' staff might have overused Owusu-Koromoah later in the season.
The Cleveland Browns have been big on young talent and have started to rise in defensive circles. Joey Bosa and Derwin James should be perennial Pro Bowl selections but injuries have limited them from reaching their full potential. Jayon Brown is a solid player who also warrants strong consideration in IDP leagues.
So, here is the debate with these hybrid players. Where do you play Owusu-Koromoah. The answer may just lie in the dime linebacker role. Some said the box corner role suited him best but at Notre Dame, he caused chaos whenever the Fighting Irish went to that dime package -- especially that first meeting against Clemson. This will allow the rookie to rush the quarterback and begin the process of learning how to read defenses. That is also without the pressure of being relied on too much too soon.
Aside from collecting tackles, Owusu-Koromoah could pick up a few sacks now and then. That will only increase his value. Expect his role to expand as well as his positional eligibility as the season goes along.
Ernest Jones, Los Angeles Rams
He is a linebacker who likely will benefit because of the surrounding talent or lack thereof.
The Los Angeles Rams insist "he is just what we want our linebackers to be".
Here is his scouting report.
The main appeal is that Jones will be an inside linebacker from the start in what was one of the top defenses for IDP purposes last season. Rams linebackers' coach Chris Shula quickly was enamored by Jones and his ability to just get to the ball. Now, some are not considering him a lock to start but a good training camp should be a springboard. Los Angeles has a crop of honestly unproven linebackers. The South Carolina standout can easily come in and impress.
If he does not start right away, the projections seem to indicate Jones will at some point. He expects to contribute early and often as a rookie. The divisional setup may benefit his IDP fantasy value as well. This is something that will definitely be monitored but Jones could be quite a steal in 2021.
Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets
If there is a defense that needs massive help, it is the New York Jets.
While his stats weren't overwhelming, Sherwood was drafted as a smallish linebacker. He was only 6 foot 2 and approximately 216 pounds. His 82-inch wingspan is what attracted New York in the first place. Their thought process is that it would be easier to make him into a linebacker. Dime packages might be ideal but that eventually, Sherwood could morph into an every-down linebacker.
The Auburn star was only a fifth-round draft pick but there are lots to like. Think of Keanu Neil who has transitioned from safety to linebacker pretty well. Expect Sherwood to gain about ten pounds of muscle in the summer to start camp around 225 or so. This will help work on his strength. Agility will be something that comes in time and through training camp.
He is not expected to start right away for the Jets but could see some action early in the season. Sherwood likely will make impacts later in 2021 and beyond for New York.
Barron Browning, Denver Broncos
Barron Browning starred for "THE Ohio State". At 6 foot 3 and 240 pounds, his flashes of athletic brilliance intrigued the Denver Broncos coaching staff. They were willing to forego some of his more lackadaisical moments on the football field. He can play the interior or outside linebacker position. With Denver employing a 3-4 strategy, that becomes more important.
This should allow Browning to be able to contribute from day one. Initially, that may be in more of a fringe role defensively and more prevalent on special teams. In time. expect the linebacker to make a mark. His outside ability may be more untapped as Browning has shown the ability to cover some of the biggest and best tight ends in the college game. That should translate to the pros so do not be surprised if he is matched up against the likes of Travis Kelce and Darren Walker in time. Browning will be one to watch as 2021 goes on.
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