Hey everyone, I’m Cory Moniz (@CoryMoniz on Twitter/X). Each week, I’ll be looking at players who aren’t in the Top 25 at their respective IDP positions and seeing where we can find good fantasy contributions from the back end of our roster. Maybe you’re dealing with an injury or are just in a deep league. Here are some Under The Radar IDPs for Week 1 (2023) to be on the lookout for using FantasyPros ECR Rankings.
Defensive Line
There are actually some decent names here after the 25th ranking starting with a couple of Commanders. Daron Payne is listed as DL30, and I think he’s somebody we can believe in. After a career year, Washington rewarded Payne with a contract that says they believe. At DL42 is Chase Young, who is dealing with a stinger. If Young can get over the injury, we might finally see this highly drafted-product for 17 games. Week 1 versus Arizona, who may be the worst team in the league, is a delicious matchup. If he plays, I like him this week. He can come around to form versus one of the best possible matchups he could hope for.
According to Fantasy Pros, Rookie Will Anderson Jr. is in an interesting spot at DL34. The rookie comes out the gate and draws Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. As elusive as Jackson is, he still creates a higher amount of opportunities for defensive linemen to touch him. Anderson might get home in his first game.
In what will likely be a hard-fought division game, we have Azeez Ojulari playing for the New York Football Giants. You might see Ojulari get to Dak Prescott this week in an ugly game like this. You could certainly do worse, as he’s listed as DL49.
Lastly, we’ll end things with Bradley Chubb, sitting at 47th overall. The Dolphins should be a high-scoring team, which means opponents will have to throw to catch up in the second half. This will lead to opportunities, and with the emergence of Jaelen Phillips, a healthy Chubb could see clean pass-rushing chances often. I’m not in love with him versus the Chargers this week, but considering he’s basically free, I think that’s a good bargain.
Linebackers
Everyone’s favorite subject is deep linebackers. Kicking off at LB27 is Jordyn Brooks. We know he is coming back from injury, which has hurt his draft status. But we also know this kid is a stud when he plays. If you take a chance on this guy, you get a Top 15 option at Top 30 prices.
Divine Deablo has been a bit under the radar this year. After breaking his arm last year, it seems people have forgotten about the Vegas LB with the sexy name. He opens in Denver in what should be a tight division game. I like him this week to score with the big boys.
In Atlanta, we see a lot of new faces, Kaden Elliss for one, but I’m here to talk about LB32 Troy Andersen. The Falcons will not be very good, which bodes well for linebacker snaps. I expect Andersen to be the guy in Atlanta and a great value at his current draft position.
Next up is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who is buried at LB46. I think there are tackles to be had in Cleveland, and JOK is the guy to get them. I like him a lot this late as a guy who will be a solid contributor to your fantasy team.
And finally, we have what might be a hidden gem, Leighton Vander Esch. Seemingly replaced several times, LVE keeps coming back. With Micah Parsons moving full-time time the DE and the injury to Demarvion Overshown, it’s looking like Vander Esch is headed for full-time snaps in the middle of the Cowboys’ defense. At LB47, he’s basically free; go grab him and brag later.
Defensive Backs
Defensive Back is a position that thins out quickly; many names can be put into the same category, and the tiers are much bigger than other positions. What I’ve found on Fantasy Pros after the Top 25 isn’t bad.
Starting at 26-28 right away are 3 startable guys. Jordan Fuller will channel his 2021 self and get us tackles for the Rams. He’s back in his old spot, but the team is significantly worse, which boosts his situation. I expect the Rams’ defense to be on the field a lot, which means opportunities for Fuller.
In a bit of a question mark is newly acquired Isaiah Simmons. New York says they are playing him as an LB, so that could really change things depending on your format. If he’s DB eligible, he’s a cheat code. If it’s just LB for him, I’m not as high. It will likely take a few weeks for him to see full-time snaps; this one is for the DB eligibles.
At 30 is Jessie Bates. Much like Fuller, I love his situation; the Falcons will suck, and that means tackles for the defense. There are a lot of new names in Atlanta, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of opponents reach the third level, where Bates will be waiting.
His replacement in Cincy is also a nice play. People are high on Dax Hill this year, and he can be had for cheap at DB39. I think he can get you starter production at backup prices for sure. The Bengals will be a high-scoring team, and opponents will have to stretch the field to catch up. Hill should have plenty of opportunities if he can seize this new role.