This article is part of our IDP Analysis series.
RISING
Xavier McKinney, FS, Giants 
The Giants have utilized an unpredictable rotation at safety this season among McKinney, Jabrill Peppers and Logan Ryan. However, Peppers left with a hamstring injury during Sunday's overtime win against the Saints. That type of injury typically requires at least a week of recovery, so McKinney's workload should be more secure next week against the Cowboys. McKinney has produced six tackles in back-to-back games.
Kyzir White, LB, Chargers 
Kenneth Murray (ankle) was carted off the practice field Saturday and will miss at least one game. Drue Tranquill has the most to gain considering he has yet to exceed a 45 percent snap share, but White has the best chance to mold into an every-snap player with Murray out of the picture. Through the first three games, White played between 65 and 71 percent of the defensive snaps, totaling 18 tackles (12 solo), two forced fumbles and a sack. White should be a strong starter in Week 4 against the Raiders, and he'll have massive upside if Murray can't return in Week 5 against the Browns, who lead the league with 32.5 rushing attempts per game.
Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT, Rams 
Joseph-Day probably isn't a target if your league doesn't have a specific DL spot, but he's proven enough this year to be considered if there is. He generated eight tackles and a sack in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals, marking the second time this year that he recorded at least eight stops.
RISING
Xavier McKinney, FS, Giants
The Giants have utilized an unpredictable rotation at safety this season among McKinney, Jabrill Peppers and Logan Ryan. However, Peppers left with a hamstring injury during Sunday's overtime win against the Saints. That type of injury typically requires at least a week of recovery, so McKinney's workload should be more secure next week against the Cowboys. McKinney has produced six tackles in back-to-back games.
Kyzir White, LB, Chargers
Kenneth Murray (ankle) was carted off the practice field Saturday and will miss at least one game. Drue Tranquill has the most to gain considering he has yet to exceed a 45 percent snap share, but White has the best chance to mold into an every-snap player with Murray out of the picture. Through the first three games, White played between 65 and 71 percent of the defensive snaps, totaling 18 tackles (12 solo), two forced fumbles and a sack. White should be a strong starter in Week 4 against the Raiders, and he'll have massive upside if Murray can't return in Week 5 against the Browns, who lead the league with 32.5 rushing attempts per game.
Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT, Rams
Joseph-Day probably isn't a target if your league doesn't have a specific DL spot, but he's proven enough this year to be considered if there is. He generated eight tackles and a sack in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals, marking the second time this year that he recorded at least eight stops. This could be a true breakout for the 26-year-old.
Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, 49ers 
Al-Shaair couldn't hold down a full-time role through his first two seasons in the league, but it looks like he has finally locked in every-down responsibilities with Dre Greenlaw (groin) on injured reserve. The 24-year-old Al-Shaair has produced 10 tackles in back-to-back games, and he'll be worth starting consideration as long as Greenlaw is out, which should be at least three more weeks.
Pete Werner, LB, Saints 
Werner dealt with injuries to start the season, but he made his first career start last week before finally showing his second-round pedigree in Week 4 against the Giants. The rookie second-round pick showcased his sideline-to-sideline athleticism with 10 tackles (six solo), and he should retain the starting job as a result. Werner is impressive in coverage, too, raising his ceiling beyond just tackling numbers.
FALLING
Cameron Jordan, DE, Saints
Jordan needs to make sacks to generate fantasy production. Last year, he put up 7.5 sacks, which was just his second time in five years that he finished with fewer than 10 sacks. Now, he has yet to produce one in 2021. The 32-year-old's decline has seemingly started, and fantasy managers still holding the line should look to drop him. The cards are stacked against him in Week 5 against Washington, as QB Taylor Heinicke has been sacked just once in each appearance, and the Saints are on bye in Week 6.
Alec Ogletree, LB, Bears 
Wait, didn't he just pile up 12 tackles against the Lions? Why is he in the falling column? This is a warning not to chase Ogletree's points. This is still Danny Trevathan's starting job. Trevathan could be back in Week 5, and he'll certainly be back in Week 6. If anything, pick up Trevathan, who stacked up 113 tackles, five pass breakups and a sack last year.
Jerome Baker, LB, Dolphins 
If you have Baker on your roster, there's a decent chance you don't have any better pivots. Still, try shifting if you can. Baker's numbers have been down lately with just 15 tackles over the last three weeks, and he'll get fewer opportunities in Week 5 against the Buccaneers, who rank 29th in the league with 72 rushing attempts through four contests.
Jayon Brown, LB, Titans 
Injuries have factored into the equation for Brown, but it's nevertheless been a tough start for the fifth-year linebacker. He has posted just one tackle in each of the last two games. He maintains significant fantasy upside when healthy, but it'll be hard to realize that ceiling against the Jaguars, Bills and Chief — all pass-heavy team — over the next three weeks, respectively.
