Fantasy Football Week 2 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Zack Baun, Nick Cross, Darrell Taylor

Linebackers

Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles

There is no doubt that Baun will be the top IDP waiver target heading into Week 2. He had a monster game on Friday, racking up 15 total tackles (11 solo) and two sacks.

This is a guy that many people targeted as a potential sleeper heading into the season. The concern is that there is a chance that he saw increased usage due to the absence of Devin White, who was not able to suit up in this one. However, the way Baun was deployed combined with his impressive performance could point to him staying on the field even when White returns which would put him in line to be a breakout IDP star this season. 

DeMarvion Overshown, Dallas Cowboys

While watching the Cowboys' defense play on Sunday, Overshown was the player who clearly popped off the screen. He had a tremendous game managing 11 tackles (five solo) and a sack. It's worth noting that he only played 58% of the snaps, however, no linebacker played more than 67% of the snaps in Week 1.

The hope is that there are plenty of snaps up for grabs and if he continues to play like this his snap count will keep rising until he's a near every-down linebacker. We would prefer to add and stash him for a week or two and see what he gives us before we stick him in our starting lineups.  

Dorian Williams, Buffalo Bills

Williams looks to be the beneficiary of Matt Milano's injury. He soaked up 85% of the defensive snaps and turned them into eight tackles (five solo) and a fumble recovery.

There is no reason to believe this usage rate won't continue and there will be plenty of tackles to be had for him on what looked to be a less-than-stellar Bills' defense. Although he lacks the potential upside of Overshown, he's a much safer option who can be plugged in immediately.  

Defensive Backs

Nick Cross, Indianapolis Colts

Cross had a breakout game in Week 1 and is locked into a starting job for Indy. He led all defensive backs with 14 tackles (eight solo) this week. This looks like it will be a very lucrative role as far as piling up tackles go.

He can be picked up and plugged in as a weekly star this week. However, don't bank on a ton of big plays until he proves he has that in his skillset. 

Alontae Taylor, New Orleans Saints

Taylor had a monster game and could prove to be a valuable fantasy asset, especially in leagues where you have to start corners.

On top of his six tackles (five solo), he managed to sack the quarterback three times and defend a pass. Obviously, three sacks out of a corner is unsustainable production, but it does show that the team will attempt to utilize him on exotic blitzes which will vastly increase his weekly upside. 

Javon Bullard, Green Bay Packers

Bullard thrived in a starting role for the Packers, which we've seen player after player thrive in the past few years. His 11 tackles (seven solo) are par for the course in that spot.

Bullard is the most owned of the defensive backs we have listed here but is still available in most leagues. If he is on your waiver wire, he's a very safe option who will give you a high floor every week. 

Defensive Linemen

Darrell Taylor, Chicago Bears

Taylor went off in Week 1. He racked up eight tackles (seven solo) and two sacks, adding a forced fumble on one of those sacks.

With the offense having to focus on the star pass rushers around him, Taylor took advantage of his 59% snap share and established himself as a potential major IDP contributor this season. 

Keion White, New England Patriots

White looked awesome in Week 1, causing all types of problems for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. He served as the team's top pass rusher and managed to drag down Burrow 2.5 times while also forcing a fumble.

It looks like he will serve as the team's top pass rusher this season and should be viewed as a very useful IDP defensive tackle in 2024.