2020 Fantasy Sleepers: D
Top: Denver Broncos
Analysis: Jurrell Casey gets my vote for the most underrated addition of the offseason. His presence is only going to make things that much easier for Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. Oh, and Chubb will be back on the field this year after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. Not to mention, the Broncos landing A.J. Bouye is just unfair. I know he’s coming off a down season, but Vic Fangio has worked magic with Corners that were not nearly as talented as Bouye is. They also drafted Michael Ojemudia, Corner out of Iowa, who I like a lot. Plus, this year the offense shouldn’t end up killing the defense like they have basically done since Manning retired.
Others:
Los Angeles Chargers
Analysis: One name, Derwin James. He is the sole reason I believe the Chargers defense is going to bounce back in a big way. Losing him to injury last year is why this defense didn’t get going like they did in 2018. Having his versatility and talent back on the field should push the Chargers back toward the top.
Las Vegas Raiders
Analysis: Maybe this surprises you, maybe it doesn’t. The Raiders added Corey Littleton and Nick Kwiatkowski to arguably their worst position group. Littleton’s versatility at Linebacker is going to be a major boost. The Maliek Collins addition to the interior of their D-Line is going to help free up Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell on the outside. I also like the addition of Carl Nassib to their D-Line rotation. The Raiders made big big improvements to their front seven, if their secondary can make strides, they have the potential to move up the defensive stat boards by leaps and bounds. The downside? They have to play the Chiefs and Broncos twice each.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Analysis: Todd Bowles is a defensive genius. He played a pivotal role when he was with the Cardinals and Bruce Arians was helping turn things around in the desert. He’ll continue to play that role with Tampa. Despite all the high picks that had been put into fixing that unit over the seasons leading up to Bowles’ arrival, the previous Defensive Coordinators hadn’t been able to do anything with the players. Bowles on the other hand was able to help them flip a switch and take off. I’m excited to see if that carries over into this year.
Deep Sleeper: Arizona Cardinals
Analysis: I love Isaiah Simmons. I think he has enough talent to turn this unit around as a whole, right away. It’s not like Arizona doesn’t have pieces, Chandler Jones has been consistent off the edge, Patrick Peterson is a staple in the secondary, and Budda Baker and Byron Murphy are up and comers on the back end. There is potential in this unit, let’s see if Simmons can be the key that gets the vehicle started.
