2024 IDP Dynasty Target: Azeez Al-Shaair
Today, we continue our series on players to target in your dynasty leagues this season. Let’s keep the train moving as we break down our next IDP dynasty target, Azeez Al-Shaair.
Player Overview
Azeez Al-Shaair is entering his sixth year in the NFL. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic.
Al-Shaair was a tackle machine for the Owls during his first three seasons in college. In his junior year, he was voted by the coaches as a Conference USA first-team selection after finishing the season with 147 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Al-Shaair tore his ACL and MCL in his knee six games into his senior season, which was a significant reason he went undrafted. He was still able to finish his career as Florida Atlantic’s all-time leading tackler.
Fantasy Production
Patrolling the middle of the field for the Titans last season and playing the majority of snaps, Al-Shaair posted 163 total tackles with an above-average 14.3% tackle rate that saw him land as the LB18 in points per game and LB15 in total points scored. What stood out for fantasy purposes was his tackles for a loss when penetrating the opposing offense’s backfield. This linebacker has playmaking potential written all over him, and now, with Houston, he will be looking to bring along with him similar fantasy production value.
Current Situation
After a fantastic season for the Titans, Al-Shaair signed a big-time contract this offseason with the Houston Texans. He signed a three-year, $34 million deal at the start of free agency.
The Texans have been spenders in free agency, putting some absolute studs around Al-Shaair. Up front, Houston added defensive tackles Denico Autry, Folorunso Fatukasi, and Tim Settle. Then the Texans made a huge splash with the signing of the best edge rusher available, enticing Danielle Hunter away from Minnesota to play opposite second-year edge Will Anderson, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year winner.
Dynasty Value
Before this past season Al-Shaair was an afterthought for most IDP managers, if he was even on their radar at all. Heady fantasy players scooped him up early in the season from waivers or traded for him before he broke out.
Al-Shaair should step into one of the starting linebacker spots alongside Christian Harris and Henry To’o To’o. He will be in the running to wear the green dot as the defense’s play-caller.
While the increased talent around Al-Shaair might scare off some IDP owners who might think a dip in production is coming, I think the increased pass-rushing presence and stout defensive line play will keep offensive linemen off of Al-Shaair. Shedding blockers is his biggest weakness, while his greatest strength is tracking down ball carriers and using his speed and athleticism to make plays.
Even after breaking out last year, fantasy players might still be sleeping on Al-Shaair. I’m targeting him this season, and his cost to acquire will likely be less than that of other linebackers who put up similar production last season.
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