Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
One of the hardest IDP options to read in recent fantasy football seasons has been Miami Dolphins DE Cameron Wake. He has spent time playing both defensive lineman and linebacker, and it has left his position eligibility in question heading into previous seasons. This year it appears that he will be used primarily as a defensive end, which causes his fantasy value to skyrocket.
In 62 career games in the NFL, Wake has shockingly amassed 43 sacks. He has shown a knack for getting to the quarterback and has been the only pass rusher on Miami’s roster for years. He only averaged 50.6 tackles over the last three seasons, but his overwhelming sack totals will still make him a top-tier defensive linemen. After all, linemen record points by sacking the quarterback not recording tackles.
Wake will be playing on the defensive line for the majority of his snaps this season. He is best suited to be on the line, because it allows him to just focus on rushing the passer. Wake is not nearly as strong in coverage, so it seems like common sense for him to keep his hand in the dirt. He will be much more comfortable at his natural position and the sack specialist could rival his career-bests this year with the extra confidence.
Wake will be somewhat of a sleeper this season, because many owners will choose to avoid him based on his inconsistent past. I think he will still be a top-10 DL option this year, but fantasy owners may be able to find him well after the top-25 defensive players come off the board.
Adam McGill is the Senior Fantasy Sports Writer at Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @adammcgill83, like him on Facebook, or add him to you networks on Google here or here.
