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, Marcus Davenport!
Background
While many IDP dynasty targets are rookies or 2nd-year players with an expanded role, Marcus Davenport is the exception to the rule. In many IDP managers’ minds, Davenport is still in the shadow of Cameron Jordan, and possibly a post-hype target. But can he get out of the larger shadow of being injury prone?
Davenport’s rookie season was actually an interesting situation when looking back. Through the first 8 weeks, Davenport was absolutely making a name for himself, collecting 4 sacks despite limited snaps. After Week 8 tho, it appeared that he had hit the rookie wall, resulting in only 1 sack. It was actually revealed that during the Week 8 game vs the Vikings, Davenport suffered a toe injury that should have ended his season instead of only missing 3 weeks.
While the toe injury, and subsequent surgery, could have dampened the hype of the rookie, there was still hope that he could reward the Saints for their 1st round investment. This wasn’t the 1st surgery that Davenport would have, and it wouldn’t be the last time that an injury would shorten his season.
2019 would be a glimpse into the upside that Davenport possesses. Despite suffering a season-ending foot injury in Wk 14, Davenport collected 51 pressures, 6 sacks, and 31 tackles (8 TFL).
After two seasons of promise, his 3rd year was filled with disappointment as the season started similarly to his others. Injuries were the headline! Marcus missed 6 games due to concussion, and elbow, and toe injuries. While injuries have haunted his past, it would be even more impactful in 2020 when the coaching staff incorporated a full-blown committee approach with Davenport and Carl Granderson. While Granderson and Davenport split snaps, it was Trey Hendrickson who was making a name for himself.
Ultimately, the 2020 season would be Davenport’s worst as a professional, resulting in 21 tackles (4 TFL) and only 1.5 sacks. So what would 2021, his 4th in the NFL, have in store for Davenport?
Current
On the heels of a very successful 2020, Trey Hendrickson was rewarded with a multi-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. This move freed up the DE spot for Davenport to show the Saints that with some good health, he could return payment on their investment 3 years ago.
Davenport’s 4th season started eerily similar to his other 3, as he missed the early part of the season with shoulder issues. It was upon his return in Week 7 that we saw the Marcus Davenport we had all hoped for. Over the course of the remaining 10 games, Davenport was an absolute beast. His 9 sacks were Top 10, despite only playing 11 games. In addition to the sack totals, his 16 QB hits were Top 20. If we narrow down the sample size from Wk 7-18, despite missing Wk 12 & 13, he was Top 10 in pressures (per PFF), QB hurries, and win rate (21.8%). In fact, Davenport was the only player in the NFL with a 20% pressure rate with at least 100 pass rush snaps. Using Fantasy In Frames IDP scoring, Davenport finished 2021 as the DL8 in points per/game scoring. If you break it down even further, he averaged .34 pts/snap. To put this into perspective, Aaron Donald averaged .24 pts/snap.
Marcus Davenport 💪
— Connor Price (@PFF_ConnorPrice) October 8, 2019
The only player in the #NFL with a 20.0%+ pressure percentage across 100+ pass-rush snaps. (22.0%) pic.twitter.com/EIlPVncSTC
It was this type of production that the Saints and fantasy managers had been hoping for. So what does the future have in store for Marcus Davenport?
Outlook
The true blend of speed, power, and technique is a rare commodity to find across the defensive line. It is because of these traits that I continue to believe in the dynasty outlook for Davenport. Of course, if he had produced in his first three years in the league as he did in 2021, this conversation wouldn’t be happening.
Here are the facts! Davenport is in the last year of his rookie contract, and with another successful season, will be in line for a significant raise. Will that be with the Saints, that is yet to be determined. It is also clearly evident that injuries have been a concern with Davenport, and that hasn’t changed over the offseason. It was recently revealed that he had to have the tip of his finger amputated due to an infection as a result of surgery. This surgery was to repair a previous surgery prior to his rookie season. In addition to the amputation, he is also rehabbing a shoulder surgery to clean up some scar tissue.
While it would seem that there have been more negatives than positives in the short career of Marcus Davenport, I am an optimist and see the silver lining in it all. While the injuries are worrisome, the return on investment could be a worthwhile one. I believe the market is in avoid mode as the injuries seem to be an issue, which makes this a good buying opportunity.
Thanks for checking out our IDP Dynasty Target article on Marcus Davenport. Over the course of the summer make sure to click here for more Dynasty Target articles discussing players for you to acquire this season
For all your other IDP needs, tune in to “Shoot the Gap” for our weekly IDP Podcast, as part of the Fantasy In Frames Podcast Network.
