Sleeper Watch

In deep IDP leagues with plenty of defensive slots in your lineup, fielding a good defensive backfield is never easy. With the top names all going off the board early (or signed to long-term contracts in dynasty formats), you have to dig deep to find players who might be able to produce on a consistent basis. Sometimes, you have to dig as deep as Jon McGraw.

With Reggie Tongue no longer in the Jets’ plans for the upcoming season, McGraw looks like the most likely candidate to start in Tongue’s absence. And while McGraw isn’t likely to challenge Erik Coleman as the most desirable fantasy safety on the team, it’s possible that he’ll provide decent numbers at a very low price.

Last year, McGraw posted 33 solo tackles and seven assists along with two interceptions, a forced fumble and six passes defended in 12 games, all in a reserve role. With more playing time, those numbers should see a considerable increase.

It’s worth noting that the Jets added two safeties in this year’s draft, Louisville’s Kerry Rhodes (fourth round, 123rd overall) and North Carolina State’s Andre Maddox (fifth round, 161st overall). For now, however, McGraw seems to be the frontrunner for the job. If he can hold off the competition and avoid the injuries that have plagued him during his three years in the NFL, he should be in for the best season of his career.