The 2024 season is just almost upon us, so what better time to share some Value LBs for your IDP drafts? The LB position is a massive part of your IDP build, and similar to RBs provide reliable week-to-week production for your roster. Here, we are looking to identify some value plays that are going to be on the field for the majority of snaps for their team, but are being undervalued for what they are going to be able to offer. Positional rankings are taken from Fantasy Pros Rankings at the time of writing:
- Kyzir White (ARI) LB20
- Eric Kendricks (DAL)
- Blake Cashman (MIN)
- Trenton Simpson (BAL)
- David Long (MIA)
Kyzir White (ARI) LB20
The only reason I can think that White is ranked as the LB20 is due to injury concerns. He was on the field consistently up until Week 11 when he was injured. There isn’t much reason to think that role will change heading into this season. He was a key part of Jonathan Gannon’s Eagles defense, and was brought in to serve that role for the Cardinals this season. Unless he suffers another injury, he should on the field consistently in the middle of the field and should be an LB1. He should be the Green Dot for the team too, which furthers his case heading into 2024.
Eric Kendricks (DAL) LB23
Kendricks was a key contributor in Mike Zimmer’s defense when he was with the Vikings, working as the Green Dot and being massively productive. The veteran has finished with over 100 tackles in every season he has been in the league, with the exception of his rookie season (where he had 92 tackles). The Cowboys have a need for an every-down LB, and Kendricks fills that role. Should finish above where he is being ranked currently. If you were able to combine him with White, you have a good opportunity of having two borderline LB1’s on your roster.
Blake Cashman (MIN) LB36
Cashman was given an opportunity last season with the Texans, after four seasons were he spent a lot of time on the sidelines. Last season, he had his first 100+ tackle season, along with 9 TFLs, 5 QBHits and 1 INT. Cashman has started to see his ranking improve recently, as there are more reports that he could be the Green Dot for the team. It was reported/ rumoured that Ivan Pace was going to fill that role, but Cashman currently looks to be in a strong position to start the season.
Trenton Simpson (BAL) LB51
Simpson is a riskier selection, given his limited work last season. But, the Ravens lined up 100% of their snaps with 2 or more LBs on the field last season. With Roquan Smith leading the team, it’s easy to overlook the man that is going to be next to him. With Patrick Queen moving on in free agency, Simpson should be the next man up for the Ravens. He is practically free in drafts, and has decent upside in this defense.
David Long (MIA) LB63
Long played his first full season in his NFL career last season, and his first 100+ tackle season too. It was announced in July that he would also lead the defense (wear the Green Dot). The Dolphins let Jerome Baker leave in the offseason too, so there is plenty of opportunity in the middle of the field in this defense.
Remember you can find our other content here. Reach out on social media, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server.
