Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire for Week 1
Connor Barwin, Defensive End
The Chip Kelly regime changed the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense to a 3-4 unit that was middling at its best. In 2016, however, noted defensive guru Jim Schwartz took over the new era of defensive Philly football and moved everything back to his beloved attacking 4-3 front.
Defensive end Connor Barwin has also made his first position transition in about five years, from 3-4 outside linebacker back to 4-3 defensive end – a much more stable (and useful) fantasy position. Per Fantasy Data, Barwin has earned at least 5 sacks four times in the last five years, and achieved 10 tackles for a loss the same amount. He’s also an every-down player -- he’s been in on 1,000 or more snaps each of the last four seasons. That volume of opportunity is one of the best possible things for defensive ends: he’s not just a rotational pass-rusher, and contributes in attacking the pass and the run.
In Week 1, Barwin gets the Cleveland Browns, who ranked seventh-highest in sacks allowed percentage and third-highest in stuffs allowed percentage in 2015. Against an offensive line that lost Pro Bowl center Alex Mack and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz this offseason, Barwin should have a field day.
Barwin is available in 94.2% of ESPN IDP leagues, and we project him for 4.34 tackles, 0.69 sacks, and a total score of 7.19 fantasy points in Week 1.
