Top 5 Outside Linebackers: 3-4 Defense

One of the most challenging and inconsistent positions in IDP formats is the 3-4 outside linebacker. Most of the time you will see these players on rosters with IDP scoring that places a premium on Tackles for Loss (TFL) and quarterback sacks. However, this position can still produce solid weekly tackle numbers—just not as many as a ILB or 4-3 WLB. You won’t see many of these players rostered, but owning the right one can help your team to a weekly win, especially the not-so-obvious ones. However, majority of the production, much like the 4‑3 outside linebackers, comes from the weakside.

T.J. Is Watt – Pittsburgh Steelers

There isn’t much more obvious of a first selection than T.J. Watt. The Steelers literally got a steal late in the first round of the 2017 draft. In his three seasons, Watt has 175 total tackles (124 solo), 36 TFL, 34.5 sacks, 3 INTs, 15 forced fumbles, and 18 pass defenses. Watt is in an elite tier of his own.

Chandler Jones – Arizona Cardinals

Another top tiered elite freak, Chandler Jones is the epitome of a must-roster even on the wrong side of 30 years old. Over the past five seasons, Jones has had 11-plus sacks, 11-plus TFLs, and 44-plus total tackles. An owner cannot be mad at the level of consistency and health Jones displays. Oh yeah – he’s usually had dual designation of DL and LB, which helps a low end scoring position like DL get a huge boost.

Shaq Barrett – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A lot of owners have been hesitant on buying into Barrett being able to repeat his performance of 58 tackles, 19 TFL, 19.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles. Although regression is likely, the best chances for a top-tiered performance was for him to re-sign with the Bucs, which he has done. Use a team’s skepticism to buy low. Note that Barrett has asked to be designated as an DL for his franchise tag this season so there may be dual designation appeal here.

Za’Darius Smith – Green Bay Packers

The Packers defense isn’t the greatest, but one of the best pieces is Za’Darius Smith. Another one who broke out at 27 who carries risk, ZDS is another position that I’ve noticed who carries dual designations in some apps so be sure to check. Another one that may have teams unsure, try to get him in a deal or a solid throw-in after a solid season consisting of 55 tackles, 17 TFL, 13.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

Markus Golden – Unsigned Free Agent

This is a sleeper pick, but Golden has proven rather reliable when he can stay healthy. He is currently under the rarely used UFA tender, which ties him back to the Giants if he does not sign elsewhere while tagged. Another dual designation under some apps, Golden posted a respectful 72 tackles, 13 TFL, and ten sacks. It’s just a matter of him remaining healthy again this year in his age 29 season.

Honorable Mentions:

1. Bud Dupree
2. Khalil Mack
3. Whitney Mercilus
4. Bradley Chubb
5. Matt Judon

Jarred (@ricco_3733) has over four years of dynasty fantasy football experience, including three years in full IDP dynasty formats. He’s been providing weekly start/sit advice for two years during the NFL season and is always one tweet or an email away (riccadonna3733@hotmail.com) for any advice. Be sure to follow him and the @GoingFor_2 team on Twitter. For IDP rookies and more in-depth analysis on the defensive side of the ball, also follow @EagleDanFF.

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