RADIO
Darius Leonard 2022 NFL Player Outlook: More Big Play Dependent Than Usual
2 years agoIndianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard was our top overall defender in fantasy for two straight years because he had the potential to lead the NFL in tackles while collecting more defensive big plays than just about anybody not named T.J. Watt. However, the former All-Pro's consistency dropped last season when he averaged a career-low in solo tackles per game (4.69) and collected zero sacks. The South Carolina State alum made up for those dips by forcing an impressive 12 total turnovers. Still, his increased dependency on turnovers made him less reliable on a weekly basis. While much of Leonard's dip in consistency in 2021 can be attributed to nagging injuries and his admitted lack of engagement last season, that dip is enough to drop him behind Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith, Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Derwin James, and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt in most fantasy defender ranks. James and Watt simply offer far more positional value at thinner fantasy positions. At the same time, Smith is considered by many to be a healthier option than Leonard, with nearly as much upside and more consistency.
