Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire for Week 1
William Hayes, Defensive End
Speaking of rotational pass-rushers, 31-year-old Los Angeles Rams defensive end William Hayes has had just two seasons with more than 5 sacks in his career, but has averaged 5.38 sacks per season over his last four years and consistently gets to the quarterback; his quarterback hit percentage ranked 19th among the 106 defensive linemen who played at least 40 snaps per game last year. That star pass-rusher, Robert Quinn, is back and healthy should help Hayes get to the quarterback even more in 2016.
The Rams have a Week 1 tilt against the lacking San Francisco 49ers, and Hayes should have a ton of fun against second-year, seventh-round right tackle Trent Brown. The Niners had the highest sacks allowed percentage in the NFL in 2015, and it’s unlikely they improve that much this year; their only addition to the line was a guard. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert is awful at reacting to pressure, which makes him a sitting duck for Hayes.
Hayes is available in 86.7% of ESPN IDP leagues, and we project him for 3.53 tackles, 0.52 sacks, and a total score of 5.13 fantasy points in Week 1.
