Wire Me This (IDP: Week 5)

10/06/2009 6:24 PM -  Mike Woellert

Week 4 saw some monster performances by IDP studs like Jared Allen, Robert Mathis and DJ Williams.  There were some out of nowhere performances, as well by guys like Cameron Wake, Nick Roach and George Wilson.  With week 5 on the horizon, you may need to look to the wire to fill in for guys like Jonathan Vilma and Eric Weddle.  In this week’s edition, I’ll continue to scour the wire for your bye week fillers and sleeper picks:

Defensive Linemen

1. Gaines Adams, DE (TBB): Most of his previous owners either had already dropped him or benched him (like me) and didn’t take advantage of his 5 tackle/1 sack performance on Sunday.  Now, the DL position is inherently unpredictable enough, and he could be one of those up and down guys.  He has the upside and is on a defense that’s going to be on the field.

2. Ryan Denney, DE (BUF): I would try and play any defensive linemen against the Browns.  I like what Denney did against the Dolphins and the Bills have a nice matchup with the Browns.  The Browns can give up points to opposing defensive linemen and look what Robert Geathers was able to do.  I like Denney as a sneaky start this week and for some bench depth.

3. James Hall, DE (STL): He’s quietly producing for the Rams and he’s going to get plenty of opportunities to do so.  Even at 32, he still looks to have some gas in the tanks.  His matchup against the Vikings isn’t very favorable this week but if you need a filler, he could be someone to look.  He could see some opportunities with ADP running the ball but, I wouldn’t count on a sack this week.

4. Trevor Pryce, DE (BAL): He’s getting up there in age but his motor is still going.  I liked what he was able to do against the Patriots offensive line and their offense.  He was able to get 2 solos (5 total tackles) and a sack.  He has 3 sacks on the year and makes a nice add for bench depth and is a decent bye-week option.

5. William Hayes, DE (TEN): Kyle Vanden Bosch has either disappeared off the face the of the earth or he’s seeing double-team after double-team.  William Hayes has been able to fill in the gaps nicely and looks to be a nice piece for the defensive line.  You wouldn’t know it by they’re playing.  If you’re in a deeper league, this guy is someone to keep an eye on.

Linebackers

1. Keith Brooking (DAL): He appears to be serviceable in deeper leagues as he adjusts to Dallas’s defensive system.  He’s always been someone that can produce and make tackles and it appears he’s starting to make plays.  He had his best game of the year with 9 solo tackles against the Broncos in week 4.  With another favorable matchup in week 5, I’d look to make room for him now.

2. Kawika Mitchell (BUF): I think he’s someone to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.  He’s been rotating between strong-side and middle on certain plays and I think has more value over the next few weeks than, say, someone like Marcus Buggs.  Mitchell is going to be at least an everydown ‘backer.  If you need someone for a week 5 bye, he might make a sneaky start against the Browns.

3. Kamerion Wimbley (CLE): Wimbley seems to be putting it together in Rob Ryan’s defense and has turned in back-to-back weeks with a sack (3 sacks total on the season).  He has also managed to be productive by turning in at least 5 tackles in his last 3 games and with a favorable matchup coming up in week 5 against the Bills, now’s the time to grab him.

4. Brian Orapko (WAS): He touted as one of the better hybrids coming into the draft and was a super sleeper heading into 2009.  He was moved to the linebacker spot where he lost some luster.  After turning in some snoozers in weeks 1 and 2, he ignored the snooze bar and woke up with a 4 total tackle performance and a sack in week 3 and followed that up in week 4 with another sack and 7 total tackles.  He looks like he’s starting to get it and makes a nice add for the rest of the season going forward.  As a rookie, he’s worth playing the matchups but is going to have his inconsistencies.

5. DeAndre Levy (DET): He’s turning into a solid prospect and might earning more playing time as the season goes on.  If he’s on your wire now, I’d try and grab and see if I could get one or two more starts out of him as Ernie Sims is due back soon.  Levy makes a nice add in keeper/dynasty leagues as he’s looking solid in Jim Schwartz’s defense.

Defensive Backs

1. Dashon Goldson, S (SF): He’s had solid back-to-back weeks now and if you’re down due to bye-weeks or lack of production, Goldson makes a sneaky add.  He’s managed back-to-back weeks of turning in a big play, whether it be an interception, or a sack and he’s notched 14 total tackles in those two weeks.

2. Jabari Greer (NO): With the Saints on bye this week, you might be able to wait on him but he’s looking like a solid NFL corner, which is something NO has been needing and they are getting.  If opposing QBs are going to throw to him, he’s going to defend the ball or make the tackle.  I like him as a DB2 or flex play in IDP leagues going forward.

3. C.C. Brown, SS (NYG): He’s getting the nod at SS with Kenny Phillips on IR and is making the use of the playing time.  In his first game as full-time starter, he notched 7 solo tackles and defended 2 passes.  He’s definitely worth a flier going forward in deeper leagues and if you need a bye-week starter.

4. Brandon McGowan, FS (NE): McGowan has taken over the starting FS spot from James Sanders.  I think he’s the better playmaker and tackler anyway.  He’s managed at least 5 total tackles in his last three starts (including 7 against the Ravnes) and makes a nice flier in those leagues that start 3 DBs.

5. Jordan Babineaux, FS (SEA): He turned in a solid game against the Colts by notching 10 total tackles.  His matchup this week doesn’t seem favorable but has a nice schedule going forward.  In deeper leagues, he’s a nice bye week filler or bench depth even though he may be playing the less IDP friendly FS spot.