This time of year I like to stock up on cheap IDP veterans with upside, as others are coming down with the dreaded rookie fever. Most often I find myself digging through the lowly owned defensive players because of expiring contracts in salary/contract leagues and veteran drafts. Below are some players with low ownership according to MFL and solid performance according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). The players are listed by order of ownership in each position. The format of the player line is: name, team, owned percentage, and age. Take a stroll with me through the IDP thrift shop.
If you are craving IDP rookie information instead, check out the latest post combine tiers:
Defensive Ends
Mike Daniels, GBP, 9.82%, 25
Daniels continues to get better. I suspect he will be one the best 3-4 ends in the league in 2015. He is one of the few 34 ends that have great pass rush skills while being very good against the run. Daniels ownership is a little too high to be listed here, but I have been able to get him as an adder on trades in a few leagues. My suggestion is to buy him now before his price gets even higher.
George Johnson, DET, 7,85%, 27
Johnson could have more of an opportunity with Suh looking for greener pastures. He should most likely hold down a starting job in 2015. Although, I am not convinced on his long-term upside.
Ra’shede Hageman, ATL, 6.45%, 24
It is surprising that Hageman is this little owned after being the 37th overall raft pick last year. Hageman may be a better fit with Dan Quinn most likely switching the Falcons back to a 4-3 scheme.
Tyrone Crawford, DAL, 3.51%, 25
Crawford was one of the few highlights of the cowboys front seven. Crawford was graded in the top 20 of 4-3 defensive ends. Crawford is a nice value at this ownership level.
Karl Klug, FA, <2.0%, 26
Klug had a reasonable year in Tennessee and could land a starting gig in 2015. Klug is worth monitoring during free agency.
Tyrunn Walker, FA, <2.0%, 24
It looks like the Saints will not tender RFA Walker. It will be very interesting where he may end up. Walker graded out positively at PFF, so there is appeal if he lands in a starting role.
Linebackers
Brandon Graham, FA, 7.99%, 26
Graham played very well for the Eagles last season ranking as the third best 3-4 OLB at PFF. It looks like he will hit the open market and most likely land a starting job somewhere.
Aaron Lynch, SF, 7.57%, 21
Lynch had an outstanding rookie season. It looks like the 49ers will retain Ahmad Brooks and Aldon Smith for one more season in light of Smith’s recent contract restructure. Lynch should continue to start but will probably lose a few snaps this season due to rotations.
