Fantasy Football: 5 Undervalued New York Giants
No. 5 – Olivier Vernon, (IDP #44, LB #19)Let’s just get wacky right off the bat, shall we?
For those who are in leagues that roster individual defensive players, you have felt the stress of a matchup decided by a few points where a tackle or two could have made the difference between fantasy glory and fantasy heartbreak.
My rule is to not consider drafting IDPs and kickers until the final two rounds of a draft, but there are some who can’t resist taking Luke Kuechly or Bobby Wagner in Rounds 12 or even sooner.
DON’T be that person!
While everyone is targeting a big-named guy like Khalil Mack, who is currently holding out and in the midst of a potentially messy divorce with the Oakland Raiders, those people are missing out on a gem in linebacker Oliver Vernon.
#Giants top 5 defensive players so far this preseason (min. 25 snaps):
— PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants) August 22, 2018
1. Olivier Vernon- 90.5
2. Ray-Ray Armstrong- 80.9
3. Andrew Adams- 80.1
4. Michael Thomas- 79.6
5. Landon Collins- 77.4#BigBlue
With the arrival of defensive coordinator James Bettcher from the Arizona Cardinals, Vernon is essentially playing the same position as 2017’s Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Chandler Jones. Under Bettcher, Jones led the NFL in sacks last season with 17.0. He posted 58 tackles, three passes defended and two forced fumbles.
His 154 fantasy points were good enough to tie him with New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis for third amongst defenders. Vernon has been a monster in the preseason for the New York Giants thus far, and he is arguably a better athlete than Jones.
With Bettcher’s creative blitz schemes and line stunts, expect Olivier to post top-flight numbers. He will be the best-kept secret you can stash or pick up on the waiver wire when needed.