This article references and more! At least three Dallas Cowboys players missed practice on Thursday, including offensive tackle Tyron Smith (back), defensive tackle Stephen Paea (knee) and linebacker Sean Lee (hamstring). Paea and Lee missing Week 5 would be a hit to the Cowboys DEF in fantasy. Lee missed [...]Keep on reading: Three Cowboys Miss Practice on Thursday

With rookie mini-camps already underway (tragically in the case of Dante Fowler Jr.), we continue our look at this year’s draft class from an Individual Defensive Player (IDP) perspective. In this edition, we will take a closer look at players selected in Round 2 and what owners can expect from a fantasy perspective. First off, we can address the elephant in the room which is folks wondering if this will be a round-by-round series of articles. No, there will not be a separate article for each and every round. In fact, the next edition will be a compilation of players selected from the third round through the seventh round who deserve fantasy consideration. So, let’s turn our attention to what turned out to be a pretty interesting round of draft selections. Landon Collins, Alabama, SS, New York Giants: With the loss of Antrel Rolle and Stevie Brown via free agency, the Giants traded up in Round 2 to fill a need. Collins is the best run-stopping safety in this draft class and should start Week 1 due to the lack of competition at the position. The NFC East is a division where stopping the run will be vital as each team is wired to feature the running game. Alfred Morris will tote the rock plenty in Washington, while Philadelphia now has DeMarco Murray and Dallas has a dominant offensive line. Collins is my top rookie safety for fantasy purposes and should post excellent tackle numbers. In redraft leagues, he will have value as a solid DB3 with upside. Mario Edwards Jr., Florida State, Oakland Raiders: Edwards has flashed first-round talent at times as a huge presence off the edge who holds up well against the run. An inconsistent performer from game-to-game, however, saw him drop to early in the second where the Raiders scooped him up. He has the versatility to play either the edge or kick inside in the 4-3 scheme that Oakland will employ. Hopefully, playing opposite (and learning from) Justin Tuck will help Edwards fulfill on the potential he’s shown. With the lack of depth that Oakland has at defensive end, Edwards could carve out a big role in the defense from the get go. Until he proves that he’ll bring consistent effort, DL4 is Edwards’ ceiling. Preston Smith, Mississippi State, OLB/DE, Washington: Washington continues to bolster its defensive line with the selection of the versatile Smith in Round 2. Having already signed Stephen Paea, ...