Whitney Mercilus

[GridironGuerilla]

I know they're just projections and can't be trusted or relied upon in any way, but does anyone have any insight that may justify Mercilus as a top 5 DE by end of season? Even with Watt gone I am having a tough time imagining it even if I squint real hard.

[murphysxm]

I am no IDP expert, but this seems like crazy talk to me

[GridironGuerilla]

41 tackles, 22 assists and 8 sacks. Career highs with the exception of sacks. He had 11 in 2015.

[TheBelgian]

In 2019, he played a bunch of snaps even pre Watt injury. Was not a top 5 DE.
I'm not sure who is projecting these numbers, but I would bet against it.
He is playing for a rebuilding team at the age of 30.
If he gets off to a poor start I would not be surprised to see Houston pivot to a younger player.
Could he be a dependable IDP? Absolutely. Not elite.

[killer_of_giants]

I know they're just projections and can't be trusted or relied upon in any way, but does anyone have any insight that may justify Mercilus as a top 5 DE by end of season? Even with Watt gone I am having a tough time imagining it even if I squint real hard.

whose projections?

regardless, despite having a banging name, i'd be very confident in betting against him being in the top 5. i'd be surprised if he was in the top 20.

[GridironGuerilla]

It's MFL. My bad. Should have included that. Depending on IDP scoring he is projected anywhere from 2nd to 6th overall in most of my leagues.