IDP: Top performers at a glance
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September 10, 2009 @ 00:00:00 |
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By Bryce McRae
Edited by Nicholas Minnix
Fantasy football owners drafting in IDP leagues know the impact a top defensive player can have on their team. It's important to know the names of some of the top performers at defensive lineman, linebacker and defensive back. They might not be attainable in your league because of their average draft position, but you'll still want to keep track of them should they fall.
Defensive linemen
Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings
- In the last four years, Allen has averaged 63 total tackles (53 solo) and 12 sacks per season.
- He's 27 and in the middle of his prime. He has missed just two games in the last four years, both for suspension. Given his past transgressions, another off-the-field incident could result in a length suspension.
- Pro Bowl tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams should keep opposing offensive linemen from ganging up on Allen. There is a minute chance the Williamses will be suspended this year.
- Allen should be taken as the No. 1 defensive lineman off the board - just don't reach for linemen.
Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens
- In the last five seasons, Suggs has averaged 68 total tackles per season. He has also been a sack machine with an average of 8.83 per year during his career.
- The loss of defensive coordinator Rex Ryan could slow the defense, although new DC Bryan Mattison is expected to ensure continuity. They also lost linebacker Bart Scott, and linebacker Ray Lewis, 34, and safety Ed Reed, 30, are both getting up there in years.
- Suggs may have eligibility at only linebacker in your IDP league, so make sure to check up on the rules before your draft.
- The Arizona State product ranks as a strong No. 1 lineman; he's been consistent and the talent surrounding him should keep him at the top this year.
Justin Tuck, New York Giants
- The talented 26-year-old has averaged 66 total tackles (50 solo) and 11.0 sacks per season over the last two years. He also scored on an interception return last year.
- The return of defensive end Osi Umenyiora (knee) should free up Tuck from some double teams.
- Tuck is a strong No. 1 defensive lineman who has plenty of upside with all the talent on the Giants' defensive line.
Linebackers
Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers
- Willis tallied 174 total tackles (135 solo) in his rookie year (2007) and followed that up with 141 tackles (109 solo) last year.
- He hasn't contributed many peripheral stats, with 5.0 sacks, just one interception and three forced fumbles in his first two years.
- Still, he's a tackling machine AND he's consistent. Last year he posted at least eight tackles in 10 games, including an 18-tackle, 1.0-sack effort in Week 5. He racked up 10 games of double-digit tackles as a rookie.
- Draft him as the No. 1 linebacker, though there is a decent chance he'll be overvalued because of his impressive tackle totals.
DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
- In his first three seasons, Ryans has averaged nearly 132 total tackles (103 solo) per year.
- He was disappointing (for a No. 1) at times last year with nine games of six tackles or fewer, though he also posted big weeks with five games of double-digits takedowns.
- His total and solo tackles as well as interceptions have all declined in each of the last two years.
- Ryans likely will return value as a strong No. 1 linebacker. Be wary of his two straight years of declining production, though.
D'Qwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns
- Jackson was a beast last year with 154 total tackles (95 solo). He also recorded 2.0 sacks, intercepted three passes and managed six passes defensed.
- His tackle total jumped from 93 in 2006 to 101 in 2007 to 154 last year. He doesn't have the same track record in tackles as some of the other top options.
- The Browns offense won't remind anyone of the Greatest Show on Turf; it could leave Jackson on the field for plenty of downs.
- Jackson is a strong No. 1 linebacker, though we have a few reservations about him because of the one-year spike in his tackles.
Defensive backs
Oshiomogho Atogwe, St. Louis Rams
- He is coming off the two best seasons of his career, totaling 160 tackles (143 solo) with 13 interceptions and 17 passes defensed.
- Over the last three years, Atogwe has averaged 77 total tackles (69 solo) and 5.33 interceptions per season.
- St. Louis' offense doesn't appear to be that strong again this year; Atogwe could find himself on the field plenty, giving him quite a few chances for tackles.
- He's also an excellent pass defender, so he should find ways to put up points no matter the scenario for the offense.
- He's a No. 1 defensive back in your IDP league and should be drafted as one of the first players at the position off the board.
Gibril Wilson, Miami Dolphins
- Of all defensive backs, Wilson has the most tackles over the last three seasons. He has averaged 107 total tackles and 2.67 interceptions per season in that time.
- The former New York Giants DB reached double digits in tackles in seven games last year and finished with fewer than seven tackles only five times.
- It's almost a lock that the five-year vet will surpass 100 tackles, if healthy. Even when he missed three games in 2007, he reached 92 tackles. Draft him as a No. 1 defensive back.
Quintin Mikell, Philadelphia Eagles
- Last year was the finest of Mikell's career; he recorded 93 total tackles (68 solo) with nine passes defensed, three interceptions and 2.0 sacks in his first season as a full-time starter.
- There has to be some concern about how the defense will adapt after the passing of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson and the loss of safety Brian Dawkins to the Denver Broncos. Sean McDermott has taken over for Johnson and is seen as a clone, though.
- Mikell doesn't have the name recognition of the two ahead of him on this list; you might be able to garner good value from him as your No. 1 defensive back.
Bottom line
These are just a few of the top performers at their respective positions. The beauty of IDP leagues, though, is that you can often find suitable players on the waiver wire almost on a weekly basis. Matchups play such a big part in how well defensive players do that you can often afford to hold off drafting them highly.
You still want to secure one of the top performers, if you can. Don't reach for them, but locking up at least one of them as a base for your defense can go a long way toward putting your team on pace for a fantasy championships.
