After mapping out the IDP landscape in last week’s THOROUGH BREAKDOWN OF EACH TEAM for IDP purposes, the following players have seen their stock rise or fall after the 2nd preseason game.
Risers
Chris Jones (DE, KC) — It’s difficult for a player of Jones’ stature to rise much higher, but his move to DE has proven glorious so far. Now in a better position for big plays and tackles, Jones could move back into the DL1 range this season after spending the last few years in DT purgatory.
Jermaine Carter (LB, Car) — After starting for the injured Denzel Perryman and playing well, Carter not only got the nod to start at MLB, but Carolina traded Perryman to the Raiders. Carter is now a starting 2-down LB, which makes for a nice LB4.
Alec Ogletree (LB, Chi) — Last season, Ogletree was a fantasy bust for those who didn’t heed our advice on his impending demise. But after his impressive audition for the Bears and subsequent strong play last week, Ogletree is a legitimate challenge to veteran Danny Trevathan’s playing time. We need another week to determine whether or not this is a mirage, but he’s worth watching.
John Franklin-Myers (DE, NYJ) — With Carl Lawson and Vinny Curry now out for the year, the Jets pass rush has thinned to a drip. The next man up? Mr. Franklin-Myers. JFM took the start for Lawson in the second preseason game,and looks to be the main beneficiary of snaps at DE for the Jets.
Greg Newsome II (CB, Cle) — With Greedy Williams still banged up, it appears that the rooke Newsome has pulled into the lead for starting CB duties across from Denzel Ward. This is a potentially fantasy-relevant spot in CB-required leagues.
Charles Omenihu (DE, Hou) — The Texans have been giving Omenihu more starting snaps and we saw why in the 2nd preseason game. The third-year player had 2 sacks in just 19 snaps. The combination of the lack of better options, his solid camp, and his preseason production has Omenihu pushing for more snaps during the regular season.
Fallers
Germaine Pratt (LB, Cin) — As if Logan Wilson’s crowning as 3-down LB wasn’t bad enough for Pratt’s fantasy prospects, Pratt was replaced by Jordan Evans on passing downs. More like Germaine Prattfall, amirite?
Will Harris (S, Det) — The Detroit safety had a brutal second preseason game, and some beat writers have been wondering if he not only may lose his starting gig but might be a surprise cut. Consider him undraftable until further notice.
Adrian Phillips (S, NE) — This could be nothing. But Kyle Dugger started over Phillips, and Phillips came in partly as relief. Phillips has been the presumed starter at safety in New England, with Dugger coming in as the third safety. But this preseason role reversal has us pumping the brakes on another DB2 year for Phillips. Let’s see what this last preseason game brings.
Jamin Davis (LB, Was) — The rookie ILB in Washington played with the second team defense behind incumbents Jon Bostic and Cole Holcomb. HC Ron Rivera has a long history of not trusting rookies so this isn’t a complete surprise, but we thought Davis would have blown past the statue of Bostic by now. Unless Davis comes out with the 1s (and stays out in 2-LB sets) in this last preseason game, he’ll be relegated to stash status.
Cameron Dantzler (CB, Min) — The dynasty stash darling spent much of the second preseason game running with Minnesota’s third team defense. That’s not an anomaly. Dantzler has been struggling in camp and is a candidate for getting cut.
