Three-Down Linebackers You Need to Plug in Your IDP Roster for 2023

I can make the argument that the linebacker position is the most important position in IDP. More teams are deploying odd fronts and including an extra defensive back, which takes a linebacker off the field, so the number of true three-down and full-time linebackers is dwindling. More teams are deploying single-LB packages at a higher rate, so drafting linebackers who'll barely leave the field is vital. Snaps=Opportunities=Production.

This article will be updated weekly as information is presented and potential roles change. Here's how snaps and usage are playing out, and I'll point if a non-LB is wearing the dot.

2023 IDP Three-Down Linebackers

Team	Player	Games Played 2023	Defensive Snaps 2023	2023 Defensive Snap Rate	Green Dot 2023	Tackle Rate 2023
ARI	Josh Woods	10	448	59%	x	12.3%
ATL	Kaden Elliss	12	786	99%	x	10.8%
ATL	Nathan Landman	12	550	70%		14.2%
BAL	Roquan Smith	12	794	97%	x	15.9%
BAL	Patrick Queen	12	795	98%		12.8%
BUF	Terrel Bernard	11	715	91%	x	14.5%
CAR	Frankie Luvu	12	703	93%	x	12.1%
CHI	TJ Edwards	12	728	96%	x	16.8%
CHI	Tremaine Edmunds	10	562	72%		12.5%
CIN	Logan Wilson	12	795	99%	x	12.2%
CIN	Germaine Pratt	12	723	91%		12.2%
DAL	Damone Clark	12	543	71%		12.5%
DEN	Alex Singleton	12	767	89%	x	15.6%
DET	Derrick Barnes	12	508	65%	x	12.0%
DET	Alex Anzalone*	11	682	98%		12.6%
GB	Quay Walker	10	630	76%	x	14.6%
GB	De'Vondre Campbell	8	420	51%		13.3%
HOU	Blake Cashman	11	559	69%	x	13.8%
IND	Zaire Franklin	12	780	91%	x	16.7%
IND	EJ Speed	8	434	57%		12.0%
JAX	Foyesade Oluokun	12	772	99%	x	17.1%
JAX	Devin Lloyd	11	636	79%		13.8%
KC	Drue Tranquill*	12	462	69%	x	13.6%
LAC	Kenneth Murray	11	791	95%	x	9.7%
LAC	Eric Kendricks	9	567	67%		11.6%
LAR	Ernest Jones	11	675	84%	x	16.0%
LV	Robert Spillane	12	790	99%	x	13.3%
LV	Divine Deablo	9	483	59%		12.8%
MIA	David Long	12	569	68%		13.4%
MIA	Jerome Baker*	12	643	87%	x	10.7%
MIN	Ivan Pace	11	461	54%		11.7%
NE	Ju'Whaun Bentley	10	651	82%		10.9%
NO	Demario Davis	13	755	97%		10.5%
NO	Pete Werner*	11	672	87%	x	10.1%
NYG	Bobby Okereke	12	795	100%	x	14.2%
NYJ	CJ Mosley	12	838	99%	x	14.2%
NYJ	Quincy Williams	12	818	97%		12.7%
PHI	Nicholas Morrow	11	572	78%	x	9.8%
PHI	Zach Cunningham*	11	625	86%		11.4%
PIT	Elandon Roberts*	12	429	51%		18.6%
PIT	Mykal Walker	3	161	19%	x	10.6%
SEA	Bobby Wagner	12	839	98%	x	15.3%
SEA	Jordyn Brooks*	12	647	75%		15.1%
SF	Fred Warner	12	739	95%	x	13.0%
SF	Dre Greenlaw	11	620	80%		12.9%
TB	Lavonte David*	10	625	79%		14.4%
TB	Devin White*	11	713	90%	x	9.8%
TEN	Azeez Al-Shaair	12	763	94%	x	14.9%
WAS	Cody Barton	9	530	62%	x	11.7%
WAS	Jamin Davis	13	734	86%		12.1%

*-Injured

Arizona Cardinals

Josh Woods was the lone full-time off-ball LB for the Cardinals in Week 13. Woods was on for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. Krys Barnes was the LB2 opposite Woods, but the Cardinals spent a lot of time in dime/single-LB packages, as Barnes saw 62% of the snaps. Woods is the lone LB to own from Arizona.

Week 13 Green Dot: Josh Woods

Atlanta Falcons

Kaden Elliss was on the field for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot in Week 13. Nathan Landman appears to have lost his full-time role, as the Falcons are going more dime-heavy as of late. This is Landman's second straight game of fewer than 75% of the snaps. Although Landman got injured near the ene of the 4th quarter, he was still coming offthe field on third downs. It's not an ideal time to be losing snaps or injuries. Andre Smith came in for seven snaps in the 4th.

Week 13 Green Dot: Kaden Elliss

Baltimore Ravens

Bye week.

Week 13 Green Dot: Bye Week

Buffalo Bills

Bye week.

Week 13 Green Dot: Bye Week

Carolina Panthers

It's Frankie Luvu, and that's it for Carolina. Luvu saw 100% of the snaps and wore the dot.

Week 13 Green Dot: Frankle Luvu

Chicago Bears

Bye week.

Week 13 Green Dot: Bye Week

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals deployed 2-LB for all but eight snaps against the Jaguars in Week 13. Logan Wilson was on the field for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. Wilson has recorded eight or more tackles four of his last five games and seven of his last eight. Germaine Pratt came off the field for dime/single-LB packages for eight snaps and was on the field for 91% of the snaps. Pratt's 12 tackle performance helped improve his tackle efficiency to 12.2% and is on pace for his first 100-tackle season.

Week 13 Green Dot: Logan Wilson

Cleveland Browns

Anthony Walker was back on the field in Week 13. Walker and Sione Takitaki rotated, once again, the dot responsibilities this week. Dare I say that Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is a full-time LB? He's appeared in 80% or more of the snaps in three of four. He was on for 79% of the snaps against the Steelers in Week 10. In his last four games, JOK has recorded a 15.6% tackle rate. He's the only Cleveland LB I trust right now, and if he's on your wire, I'd pick him up for the stretch run.

Week 13 Green Dot: Sione Takitaki/Anthony Walker

Dallas Cowboys

Markquese Bell was the lone full-time LB this week, as he saw 84% of the snaps. Bell finished with eight tackles and is producing a 13.1% tackle rate over the last three weeks. Damone Clark saw his usage dip below 75% this week. This will be something to monitor as we head into next week. Bell could be the lone full-time LB in Dallas's defense. Malik Hooker continues to wear the dot.

Week 13 Green Dot: Malik Hooker (DB)

Denver Broncos

Alex Singleton wore the dot for Denver's defense and saw 100% of the snaps. Singleton recorded double-digit tackles (12) in his fourth-straight game. For good measure, he added a sack to the boxscore, as well. Josey Jewell saw 75% of the snaps this week against the Texans' offense. The Broncos were in dime/single-LB for 25% of their defensive snaps this week. It's Shaquille Leonard watch for the next 24 hours as he's deciding between Dallas and Philadelphia as his next team.

Week 13 Green Dot: Alex Singleton

Detroit Lions

We got news this week that Alex Anzalone suffered a hand injury in Week 12 and could miss some time. Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes each got turns with the dot and were full-time LBs with Anzalone sidelined. Campbell enjoyed a productive day with eight tackles (4 solos), while Barnes contributed nine - though just three were solos. Campbell and Barnes look to be the nickel LBs and have full-time roles. If they are available on your wire, they're both worth adding. I give the nod to Campell ahead of Barnes.

Week 13 Green Dot: Jack Campbell/Derrick Barnes

Green Bay Packers

Quay Walker was the lone three-down LB against the Chiefs. Walker showed up big for his owners - recording 13 tackles. He didn't add any splash plays this week. Walker continues to wear the dot. The Packers were in dime/single-LB packages for 12 snaps. De'Vondre Campbell was the LB off the field, as he saw 82% of the snaps.

Week 13 Green Dot: Quay Walker

Houston Texans

With Denzel Perryman back, it had no bearing on Blake Cashman's role. Cashman was on for 100% of the snaps and continued to wear the dot. Perryman ended up playing 39 snaps. Perryman's return had more of an impact on Christian Harris's role. Harris saw just 36 snaps this week after seeing a full-time role over the last two games.

Week 13 Green Dot: Blake Cashman

Indianapolis Colts

Zaire Franklin was on for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. EJ Speed once again saw a full-time role, as he was the field for 91% of the snaps. The Colts went dime/singe-LB on just 7 snaps, so Indy continues to be a nickel/2-LB defense.

Week 13 Green Dot: Zaire Franklin

Jacksonville Jaguars

Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd were each on the field for all but one snap against the Bengals. Oluokun wore the dot and was his usual productive self. Foye produced an 18% tackle rate - resulting in 13 tackles. He's now on pace for 185. Lloyd contributed 11 of his own tackles and should hit triple-digits over the next few games.

Week 13 Green Dot: Foyesade Oluokun

Kansas City Chiefs

Drue Tranquill suffered a concussion that knocked him out after just seven snaps. It was a huge blow to his owners, who were counting on him this week. Jack Cochrane ended up appearing in 100% of the snaps after he took over for Tranquill. Cochrane wore the dot and finished with seven solos. Willie Gay was the primary LB2 opposite Cochrane, as he was on the field for 89% of the snaps. Leo Chenal saw 25 snaps this week.

Week 13 Green Dot: Drue Tranquill

Las Vegas Raiders

Bye week.

Week 13 Green Dot: Bye Week

Los Angeles Chargers

Kenneth Murray was the lone three-down LB and wore the dot for the Chargers in Week 13. The Chargers went single-LB/dime for seven snaps this week and Eric Kendricks was the one coming off the field. Once again, Kendricks saw 89% of the snaps and recorded 10 tackles and a sack.

Week 13 Green Dot: Kenneth Murray

Los Angeles Rams

Ernest Jones was the lone three-down LB for the Rams and wore the dot. Jones saw 100% of the snaps and finished with 15 tackles. Jones is producing a 16% tackle rate and is on pace for 157 total tackles. The LB2 opposite Jones has no value. Christian Rozeboom saw just 11 snaps, and Troy Reeder ended up outsnapping him with 19.

Week 13 Green Dot: Ernest Jones

Miami Dolphins

Jerome Baker suffered a knee injury that limited him to 22 snaps. Duke Riley replaced Baker, wore the dot on defense, and appeared in all of the snaps after Baker exited. David Long had a full-time role this week, as he was on the field for 87% of the snaps. If Baker misses extended time, Riley will be the LB to add.

Week 13 Green Dot: Jerome Baker. Duke Riley when Baker left.

Minnesota Vikings

Bye week.

Week 13 Green Dot: Bye Week

New England Patriots

Ju'Whaun Bentley was off the field for nine snaps, but ended up with 85% of the total defensive snaps. He wore the dot when he was on the field. I noticed packages where Mack Wilson and Jahlani Tavai were on the field without Bentley. Tavai saw just 69% of the snaps with Wilson seeing 46% of the snaps.

Week 13 Green Dot: Ju'Whaun Bentley

New Orleans Saints

Pete Werner was inactive this week. Nephi Sewell got the majority of the LB2 snaps alongside Demario Davis. Sewell was the nickel linebacker and on the 2-LB packages. Sewell ended up appearing in 72% of the snaps. Zack Baun's role was mostly in their base defense/3-LB packages. Baun ended up with 34% of the snaps. If you're in a deeper league, Sewell is the LB to target in deeper leagues if Werner continues to miss time.

Week 13 Green Dot: Demario Davis

New York Giants

Bye week.

Week 13 Green Dot: Bye Week

New York Jets

It was unfortunate timing for CJ Mosley to turn in a dud. Mosley was on for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot but failed to reach even the six-tackle mark - finishing with just five tackles, just one solo. Quincy Williams was on the field for all but a handful of snaps and led the LB group in tackles with eight.

Week 13 Green Dot: CJ Mosley

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are another team decimated at the LB position. They were without Zach Cunningham this week, so Christian Elliss saw the LB2 snaps opposite Nicholas Morrow. The Eagles were in dime/single-LB for 15 snaps, as Elliss saw 75% of the snaps. Morrow was the lone three-down LB and wore the dot on defense. Shaquille Leonard is making a decision on where to sign, and it's between Dallas and Philly.

Week 13 Green Dot: Nicholas Morrow

Pittsburgh Steelers

Another week, another injury suffered by a Pittsburgh linebacker. This week, it was Elandon Roberts. A groin injury knocked him out after just 22 snaps. Mykal Walker took over the dot after Roberts left the game. Walker played the majority of the game and looks to be the playcaller if Roberts misses any time. Mark Robinson saw 43 snaps in nickel/2-LB packages alongside Walker. Walker has appeared in 87% of the snaps since joining the Steelers.

Week 13 Green Dot: Elandon Roberts. Mykal Walker took over the dot when Roberts left with a groin injury.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers dominated the Eagles this week. Fred Warner wore the dot, but his day ended a bit early with the blowout victory, as he was on the field for 61 snaps (85%). Dre Greenlaw got into a kerfuffle with Eagles' security staffer, Dom DiSandro. He ended up getting ejected and appeared in just 39 snaps. I don't see Greenlaw getting suspended, but if he does, Oren Burks will be the waiver target as his replacement.

Week 13 Green Dot: Fred Warner

Seattle Seahawks

Jordyn Brooks suffered an ankle injury that knocked him out after 26 snaps. At least Brooks was able to record a sack to go along with his solo tackle. Bobby Wagner was on the field for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. Devin Bush replaced Brooks after he exited with his ankle injury. Bush ended up appearing in the majority of the snaps alongside Wagner. Brooks's status will be up in the air for Week 14, but Bush will be on the

Week 12 Green Dot: Bobby Wagner

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs were without the majority of their LBs this week. Lavonte David, Devin White, and SirVocea Dennis were inactive. KJ Britt suffered an injury early on in the game, leaving just JJ Russell. Russell ended up with the dot, and Ryan Neal was moved to play more in the box at LB opposite Russell. I would imagine Dennis will be back next week, as long as he's over his illness. Britt was carted off, so I'm assuming his injury is more serious. Monitor David and White's injuries over the week. Russell will be the LB to target from Tampa if anyone continues to miss time.

Week 13 Green Dot: KJ Britt. JJ Russell wore it when Britt left.

Tennessee Titans

Azeez Al-Shaair was all over the field for the Titans - finishing with 12 tackles and a sack. Al-Shaair improved his tackle rate to 14.9% and now has 114 tackles this season. Jack Gibbens was ultra-efficient with his snaps this week. Gibbens finished with a 31% tackle rate over 42 defensive snaps. This production is unsustainable and will be inconsistent on a weekly basis if he's getting just 61% of the snaps. The Titans have shifted to more of a dime/single-LB defense.

Week 13 Green Dot: Azeez Al-Shaair

Washington Commanders

Cody Barton had his usual three-down role and wore the dot. The Commanders were in single-LB for just six snaps, as Jamin Davis saw 55 snaps.

Week 13 Green Dot: Cody Barton