In this article, I want to bring you three defensive tackles whose stocks have been rising and if you wait much longer, the value to add them to your fantasy rosters will be overpriced. So let’s take a look at these three players that you need on your rosters.
Grover Stewart, Indianapolis Colts
Up first is six-year veteran Grover Stewart of the Indianapolis Colts. Score one for the small college schools as the Colts selected Stewart, who is from Albany State, in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In his first five seasons, Stewart has had a mixed bag of production, but this season he’s become the interior stalwart that they had hoped he’d be. Stewart has passed or is on pace to pace his personal best in all categories. In eleven games played this season, he has played 486 defensive snaps (68%) and 91 special team snaps (32%), with that defensive rep pace being a personal best. On the year he has recorded 53 total tackles, 38 solo stops, eight TFLs, four QB hits, three sacks, and two PBUs. and one fumble recovery. He’s averaging nearly five tackles per game (4.8) which is superb for a defensive tackle. If you play in position-specific leagues then you know how tough it is to find production at the position. If you can add him to your IDP rosters then go for it, as he’s only going to get better this season and beyond.
Javon Hargrave, Philadelphia Eagles
Next up is seven-year veteran Javon Hargrave of the Philadelphia Eagles. You first heard of his name when he was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers (2016-2019) where he honed his craft and became one of the NFL's best and most underrated defensive tackles. Now in his third year with the Eagles, he’s become an IDP fantasy stud. Just eleven games into the season, he’s on pace to shatter all of his personal best marks. On the season he has played 475 defensive snaps (66%) and 17 special team snaps (6%). Hargrave has recorded 43 total tackles, 26 solo stops, six TFLs, ten QB hits, seven sacks, one PBU, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. On top of those numbers, he’s registering a career-best 2.3% missed tackle rate. He’s on pace to have double-digit sacks and for a defensive tackle that is huge. If you missed out on the likes of stud Aaron Donald or Jeffrey Simmons, then go get Hargrave. Adding him to your IDP rosters is a championship-winning move.
Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers
For my final defensive tackle buy, I am looking at Derrick Brown of the Carolina Panthers. He was one of my favorite rookies in the 2020 draft class and in year three is having his breakout season. Former head coach Matt Rhule may have gotten fired by the Panthers but he knew how to draft defensive players. Brown was selected in the 1st round of the 2020 NFL draft (7th overall) and has started 41 of 44 possible game games to this point. Through twelve games this season, Brown has been one of the league’s best interior defenders. So far he has registered 50 total tackles, 23 solo stops, five TFLs, six QB hits, one sack, one interception, and six PBUs. His tackle and PBU totals have already smashed his personal-best totals. His PBU numbers (½ a PBU per game) are superb for the defensive tackle position. At age 24, he’s an excellent buy-now option for those of you in position-specific leagues.
All stats provided by Pro Football Reference
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or dm me with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
