Darius Leonard Fantasy

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard knows the team's defense will get better with the addition of defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. "Having DeForest come onto the team and help our defense out, he's a complete dog. Watching his tape, he has a motor that doesn't stop," Leonard said. The Colts secondary allowed 248.9 passing yards per game last year, the 10th-most in the league. An improved defensive line should create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and force them to get the ball out quicker. Buckner hasn't missed a game in three seasons and was the only player with 40-plus QB pressures, 10-plus run stuffs and seven-plus hustle stops in 2019, according to Next Gen Stats. Buckner should easily be a top-10 defensive line target in IDP formats, while Indy's defense will likely be in the streaming conversation this year.

Jun. 30th • 11:36 AM

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard comes in at No. 10 on NFL.com's Nick Shook's top-10 coverage men in 2019, and he's the only linebacker on the list. Not only does he consistently stop the run, but Leonard is expected to stay with receivers, running backs and tight ends in coverage. His five interceptions led all linebackers last season, as well as his 58.6 passer rating allowed as the nearest defender in coverage. Leonard finished with seven passes defensed and even took an interception back for a touchdown. The 24-year-old (25 in July) has 284 tackles (182 solo), 19 tackles for loss, 14 QB hits, 12 sacks, seven interceptions, 15 passes defensed, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in just two seasons for Indy. Leonard is the No. 1 IDP linebacker for a reason.

Jun. 5th • 12:27 PM

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich said that linebacker Darius Leonard (concussion) and safety Malik Hooker (knee) have been ruled out for Week 4 against the Raiders. It'll be Leonard's second straight missed game with his head injury. The second-year All-Pro is typically a must-start in IDP leagues when he's active. It takes a little luster off the Colts Defense as a low-end fantasy option this Sunday when they host Oakland. The absences of both Leonard and Hooker will be good news for Raiders tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Tyrell Williams.

Sep. 27th • 2:08 PM