The NFL Draft is a month away, but these current players are worth dealing immediately in dynasty leagues.
Defensive Linemen
Danielle Hunter (DL-MIN)
Hunter has been in the league since 2015, yet he’s only 28 years old. His contract in Minnesota is in the final year and he’s set to make far less than he’s worth. With Minnesota bringing in Marcus Davenport, and having brought in the former Packer Za’Darius Smith last season, Hunter may not find playing for a less-than-ideal salary to be feasible. He’s been injured in all but one of the past 3 seasons, missing the 2020 season completely. Contract and injury issues aside, he returned to form this past season, logging 10.5 sacks, 46 solo tackles, 19 tackle assists and a career-high 3 passes deflected. He’s a sell for me because he may choose not to play for his current salary, possibly requesting a trade if negotiations go south, and his injury history leaves a lot to be desired. Recommendation: Sell high.
Aaron Donald (DL-LAR)
Aaron Donald will be an NFL legend for as long as the league exists. That being said, he’s 31 years old and has mulled retirement for the past two off-seasons (maybe even longer). If dealing Jalen Ramsey to Miami is any indication, it appears that the Rams are not gearing up for another Super Bowl run in 2023. Whether he stays in LA or asks to be dealt to a contender for one last shot at a ring, it’s time to move off of the living legend. Yes, he’ll put up solid numbers like he always does, but it’s better to deal him now than wait until it’s too late. Recommendation: Sell Immediately.
Aiden Hutchinson (DL-DET)
At this point, it may be impossible to deal for Aiden Hutchinson. He’s entering his sophomore season in Detroit and has all the makings of a star. In fact, he easily could have been the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year. That prize went to Sauce Gardener, but Hutchinson did everything in his power to make it close. He finished his rookie season with 9.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 3 passes deflected and 2 fumbles recovered. If you’re going to shell out for a young player, I think Hutchinson is the only target worth focusing on. Buy and don’t be afraid to overspend. Recommendation: Buy at all costs.
Chase Young (DL-WAS)
Young has been somewhat of a disappointment in the NFL, but his career has been marred by injury. He only played in 9 games in 2021 and 3 games in 2022. He’s still destined for greatness, in my opinion, and he’s still only 23 years old. The Washington defense seems to get better every season, and Young will finally be healthy again to start the 2023 season. IDP managers often take long-term approaches with defensive linemen, but managers with Chase Young on the roster may be ready to move on. He’s a prime buy-low candidate with a strong potential to lead your defensive line for years to come. Recommendation: Buy Low.
Linebackers
Shaquille Leonard (LB-IND)
Shaquille Leonard had an incredible rookie season… in 2018. He’s been middling or injured ever since. In fact, he’s missed playing time due to injury in every season since entering the league, including his amazing rookie year. His name still strikes fear in the heart of opposing managers, but he’s just not the player we thought he was. A player worth targeting is his replacement: Zaire Franklin. More on Franklin later on, but please sell Leonard before you’re left with nothing. Recommendation: Sell High.
C. J. Mosley (LB-NYJ)
Mosley has been in the league since 2014, but his best seasons have been in the past 2 years. After missing most of 2019 and all of 2020, Mosley has been renewed as the beating heart of the New York Jets defense. Still, the Jets are getting younger and Mosley is 30 years old. He’s not too old to stick with this team a bit longer, but he’s got a lot of tread on the tires. He’s likely been playing beyond his current ceiling. Recommendation: Sell High.
Zaire Franklin (LB-IND)
Franklin has been in the league since 2018, doing virtually nothing of note until this past season. He finished 2023 with 102 tackles, 64 tackle assists and 3 sacks, all made while in replacement of an injured Shaquille Leonard. The Colts recently lost Bobby Okereke, and Leonard may not be long for the league, given his injury history, which leaves Franklin in an enviable spot. I’m willing to bet his 2022 season wasn’t a fluke. Recommendation: Strong Buy.
Nick Bolton (LB-KC)
Bolton is the youngest linebacker on this list, regardless of being a buy or sell. After being drafted in 2021 and posting reasonable rookie numbers, he demonstrated significant improvement in 2022. He finished with 108 tackles, 72 tackle assists, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and 3 passes deflected. The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the smartest franchises in the league. They’re not going to mess up a good thing, which is why Bolton is as strong a buy as possible. He should be the anchor of this defense for at least a couple more seasons, possibly for much longer. Recommendation: Very Strong Buy.
Defensive Backs
Jamal Adams (DB-SEA)
Adams is an absolute monster when he plays, but he rarely plays. Injuries have effectively derailed his career and there’s no reason to think the future will be any different. There’s more than one IDP manager out there who’d be willing to trade for his potential. With Adams returning from an injury that took him out of virtually the entire 2022 season, his stock may never be this high again. Recommendation: Strong Sell.
Jeremy Chinn (DB-CAR)
I have too many Chinn shares to mention, but he’s a sell for me. The Panthers certainly value his talent but they seem unable to utilize him in a fantasy-friendly way. Even when he played in 2022 (injuries forced him to play in only 11 games), he didn’t post the kinds of stats that his managers have become accustomed to in his young career. I think his youth and upside are enough to make him an extremely valuable asset, but that’s all the more reason to sell now. The Panthers are under the illusion that they’re ready to win the Super Bowl this season, and they brought in safety Vonn Bell in free agency to help. Bell will be hindrance to Chinn’s overall production, and it will take time for this team to rebuild and actually compete. Recommendation: Sell for the right price.
Talanoa Hufanga (DB-SF)
Injuries allowed Hufanga to step up and make a statement in 2022. He was pedestrian during his 2021 rookie season, but 2022 was enough to put him on the IDP map. He tallied 65 tackles, 30 tackle assists, 2 sacks, 9 passes deflected and 4 interceptions this past season. He’s now the undisputed leader of the San Francisco defensive backfield, and his big play ability make him appealing in all IDP formats. If you have a player with more clout, like Jeremy Chinn, Hufanga is a great target to try to swap for. Recommendation: Buy.
Kyle Hamilton (DB-BAL)
The Ravens are having an interesting off-season with Lamar Jackson, so IDP managers may not be aware that the Ravens dealt safety Chuck Clark to the New York Jets. Hamilton was a disappointment in 2023, but that’s mostly because he wasn’t given the playing time that IDP managers anticipated he would get. With Clark gone, the unicorn of the 2022 NFL Draft is set to take over. Hamilton displayed his versatility in 2022, when he was given the chance. Someone is willing to sell their share of him, and you should reap the benefits from their lack of vision. Recommendation: Strong Buy.
