Christian Wilkins

Wilkins emerged as an elite run defender in 2021 and 2022, but like most interior defensive linemen, he didn't have much production in terms of getting to the quarterback. That all changed in 2023 when he posted a career-high nine sacks in a contract year. Though there's some reason to be wary about that increased production, there's also plenty to indicate Wilkins can at least come close to replicating his ability to get after the quarterback in 2024 after landing a massive deal in free agency with Las Vegas. First is his role. Last year was his breakout in terms of stats, but his role truly changed in 2022 when he was in a pass-rushing role on a career-high 587 snaps (per PFF). Given that the Raiders invested $110 million to land Wilkins, they surely won't be looking to cut back on his responsibilities. The change of scenery should also be beneficial to Wilkins because Maxx Crosby is among the better run-stopping ends in the league, which should free up defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to scheme creative pass rushes for Wilkins. That puts him in position to be one of the most productive interior linemen in the league.

One of the league's top defensive tackles, Wilkins has racked up linebacker-like tackle numbers the last two seasons with 187 in 34 games, adding eight sacks, 10 passes defended, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries for good measure. The switch from Josh Boyer to Vic Fangio at defensive coordinator could impact Wilkins' role up front, but the 13th overall pick in the 2019 draft is more than athletic enough to stay on the field for passing downs, playing a career-high 903 defensive snaps in 2022. Fangio has gotten big years out of lesser DTs, and he could find new ways to exploit Wilkins' talent.

Wilkins racked up a career-high 4.5 sacks in his third NFL season and has had his fifth-year option picked up. After breaking out with 89 tackles (49 solo) last season, Wilkins can be considered a high-end fantasy asset even if he doesn't take a huge step forward as a pass-rusher.

Wilkins hasn't yet lived up to the lofty expectations of his draft status, as the 2019 first-round pick has just 3.5 sacks through his first two seasons. He's no doubt ticketed for a starting role Year 3, but for Wilkins to receive fantasy relevance he'll need to take a step forward.

Wilkins managed 56 tackles and two sacks while handling a full 16-game slate as a rookie, and the Dolphins will count on him to take a step forward as a sophomore. Miami possesses little in the way of up-front pressure for 2020, at least on paper, but the team's revamped secondary and linebacker corps should serve to significantly improve the defense as a whole. As such, things could open up for Wilkins up front, making him a fair stash candidate in dynasty IDP formats.

The 13th overall selection of the 2019 NFL Draft, Wilkins steps into a position of need at defensive tackle for the Dolphins and seems destined to begin his rookie season as a starter. The 6-3, 315-pound Clemson product's polished skill-set should allow coach Brian Flores to use Wilkins in any defensive situation, giving him a decent floor for snap-count and production in year one, though his lackluster athletic testing (29.5-inch vertical, 107-inch broad jump) could ultimately limit his upside as a difference-maker at the NFL level.