IDP Breakouts: Linebackers
You might notice that most of the Individual Defensive Players on this list play for teams whose offenses probably won't be very good this year. No Patriots, Colts, Steelers, Browns, or Jaguars. Naturally, teams lacking great offenses tend to play defense more, giving defenders increased opportunities to fill the stat sheet. While there are exceptions, (most often at the DL position), it's a good idea to consider the other side of the ball when drafting your IDP lineup.
We begin a three-part IDP series with five linebackers capable of taking major statistical leaps in 2008. Defensive backs and linemen are forthcoming.
Jets ILB David Harris
Harris was nothing short of beastly after replacing injured
Jonathan Vilma at weak inside linebacker in Week 8 last season. Harris roamed sideline to sideline and racked up tackles, averaging 11.3 stops per game in the last nine weeks. Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton also used him frequently as a pass rusher. With space clogging
Kris Jenkins (6'4/390) now at nose tackle, Harris will be better shielded than he was behind 3-4 misfit
Dewayne Robertson (6'1/317). Opponents will also have to key on new rush linebacker
Vernon Gholston, who'll likely line up adjacent to Harris at ROLB. Harris is big (6'2/245), fast (4.53 at 2007 Combine), instinctive, and durable. With a full-time starting job, we expect him to supplant
Patrick Willis as the NFL's leading tackler this season.
2007 Line: 127 (90 solo) – 5 SCK – 0 INT – FR – 2 FF – 3 PASS DEF
Projection: 163 (121 solo) – 6 SCK – INT – 2 FR – 3 FF – 5 PASS DEF
2008 Rotoworld Rank: LB1 Chiefs WLB Demorrio Williams kansascitychiefs.com
A Jim Mora era holdover, Williams barely kept his starting job from fourth-round rookie
Stephen Nicholas under Bobby Petrino last year. In his defense, Williams was coming off a torn pectorals suffered in the offseason conditioning program. He also produced when he played. Signed to upgrade a Chiefs defense that may actually forge team fantasy value because the offense will never be playing, Williams qualifies as a high-upside IDP. While not a classic run-stopping linebacker, Williams has excellent ball skills and athleticism. Our projection is admittedly conservative because of dependent variables. It will be no surprise if Williams approaches 120 tackles with 3-4 picks. Williams' signing moved
Napoleon Harris to the bench and
Donnie Edwards to MLB. Edwards is another IDP to target.
2007 Line: 78 (63 solo) – 0 SCK – 2 INT – 0 FR – 0 FF – 2 PASS DEF
Projection: 104 (79 solo) – SCK – 3 INT – FR – FF – 6 PASS DEF
2008 Rotoworld Rank: LB22 Eagles MLB Stewart Bradley
Bradley sat behind SLB
Chris Gocong last year, playing special teams until taking over as the Birds' nickel 'backer down the stretch. That coordinator Jim Johnson let Bradley play on passing downs was a good sign. Because now that he's slated to start inside, we know Bradley won't come off the field often. Johnson uses a penetrating, blitz-happy scheme that usually doesn't lead to massive tackle counts at MLB (
Omar Gaither had 102 there last year). But Bradley will get pass-rushing opps, and for a MIKE linebacker, is extremely imposing at 6'3/254. He also showed a nose for the football at Nebraska with five forced fumbles and four recoveries as a senior. We like Bradley a bit more in big play-heavy formats, but he'll be worth rostering as an LB2/3 in tackle-first settings too.
2007 Line: 18 (14 solo) – SCK – INT – 0 FR – 0 FF – PASS DEF
Projection: 92 (72 solo) – 3 SCK – INT – 2 FR – 2 FF – 6 PASS DEF
2008 Rotoworld Rank: LB31 Bills WLB Kawika Mitchell buffalobills.com
Mitchell started slowly as a first-year Giant in 2007, but became arguably the club's best LB by season's end. He showed toughness, missing no time due to a late-season MCL sprain. In Buffalo now, Mitchell's production could skyrocket. Coordinator Perry Fewell teaches a Tampa 2 zone scheme that streams ball carriers to the weak side, where Mitchell will play. While a stepback in the sacks department is likely because Fewell doesn't blitz linebackers as much as Steve Spagnuolo did, Mitchell is a virtual lock to approach the century mark in tackles. He's also likely to be an every-down player.
2007 Line: 76 (54 solo) – 3.5 SCK – INT – FR – 2 FF – 4 PASS DEF
Projection: 98 (78 solo) – 0 SCK – INT – 2 FR – FF – 6 PASS DEF
2008 Rotoworld Rank: LB32 Bills MLB Paul Posluszny buffalobills.com
Poz teased by opening his rookie season with consecutive double-digit tackle efforts, then breaking his forearm in Week 3. Buffalo's defense wouldn't be the same with undrafted rookie
John DiGiorgio inside. Healthy again, Posluszny is poised to pick up where he left off. The Penn State alum may come off the field during passing situations in favor of cover 'backer
Keith Ellison, but is the run stopper the Bills are desperate for at the MIKE. Don't expect many glory stats from Posluszny, but he's a strong bet for 100 stops.
2007 Line: 26 (17 solo) – 0 SCK – 0 INT – 0 FR – 0 FF – 0 PASS DEF
Projection: 101 (73 solo) – 0 SCK – INT – 2 FR – 0 FF – PASS DEF
2008 Rotoworld Rank: LB45 Others to Keep a Close Eye On: Bengals MLB
Odell Thurman, Dolphins ILB
Akin Ayodele, Patriots ILB
Jerod Mayo, Bengals WLB
Keith Rivers, Colts WLB
Freddie Keiaho, Broncos MLB
Niko Koutouvides, Chargers ILB
Matt Wilhelm, Giants WLB
Gerris Wilkinson, Lions MLB
Jordon Dizon, Panthers WLB
Landon Johnson, Falcons MLB
Curtis Lofton, Saints MLB
Jonathan Vilma, Cardinals OLB
Travis LaBoy