IDP: Top performers at a glance

July 31, 2008 @ 13:44:34

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

Owners that have been in leagues that use individual defensive players already know the impact a top-line player can have on their team. Just like regular fantasy leagues that just use offensive players, it is important to grab someone who you can rely on every week to contribute to your fantasy team.

The difference with individual defensive players is that the over-hyped name isn't always the best option for your team. The way a particular player is used in the team's defense, his supporting cast, talent and a couple other factors all play a role into who will be one of the better selections for you on draft day. Below are three defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs that you should look for on draft day. A few names will likely be recognizable, but a couple might be new and someone to make a note for when your fantasy draft rolls around.

Defensive linemen

Jared Allen | Minnesota Vikings

Allen enjoyed arguably the finest of his four professional seasons in 2007. He competed in 14 games - two were lost to suspension - and still managed to lead his position with 15.5 sacks. He finished with 64 tackles (55 solo), which placed him in the top 10 for the second straight year. Allen's 120 solo tackles over the last seasons are the highest at this position. With his value at a high, the Kansas City Chiefs traded him to the Vikings in April. In Minnesota, Allen will line up next to two dominant defensive tackles - Pro Bowlers Pat Williams and Kevin Williams. As well, defensive end Ray Edwards (back) is a decent threat on the left side of the line, provided he returns healthy from a back injury. Either way, the Williams' in the middle should do enough to free up Allen. Look for Allen, 26, to finish with another 10.0-plus sack, 60-plus tackle season.

Aaron Kampman | Green Bay Packers

Kampman turned in his third straight solid season last year. The seven-year end finished with 12.0 sacks in 15 games. He also finished with 64 tackles, which was his fourth straight 60-plus tackle season. His best work came from Week 2 through Week 9 when he reeled off 33 tackles and 9.0 sacks. However, he managed just 3.0 sacks over the final seven games, which also coincided closely with the loss of defensive tackle Johnny Jolly (rotator cuff). As well, the Packers traded tackle Corey Williams (Cleveland Browns). The loss of Williams coupled with the potential suspension of Jolly - he was caught with at least 200 grams of codeine syrup - could hurt the line's quality. Still, don't let that deter you from taking Kampman. He is a good bet to finish with 10.0-plus sacks and 60-plus tackles.

Trent Cole | Philadelphia Eagles

Cole earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl last year after turning in a 70-tackle, 12.5-sack season. In each of the last two seasons, Cole has jumped out to a quick start. Last year, he managed 5.0 sacks in the first three games and 9.0 in his first seven games; the year before it was 6.5 of 8.0 sacks in his first eight games. His quick starts have led to some concerns that he wears down, and the Eagles need to develop another pass-rushing end. The addition of cornerback Asante Samuel to the 18th-ranked pass defense last year should increase the time Cole has to reach the quarterback. Cole seems a good bet to at least reach 60-plus tackles and 10.0 sacks in 2008.

Linebackers

Patrick Willis | San Francisco 49ers

With a league-leading 174 tackles (135 solo) and 4.0 sacks, Willis earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors as well as a trip to Hawaii to compete in the Pro Bowl. The highlight of his year had to have been the 20-tackle, 2.0-sack effort in Week 16. He finished with at least 10 tackles in 10 games, including two games with 18 tackles apiece. The addition of defensive lineman Justin Smith, who could be moved all over the front seven, should help free up Willis. Working as inside linebacker in the 49ers' 3-4 alignment, expect Willis to enjoy another outstanding effort in 2008. He should easily be able to reach 130 tackles and 3.0 or 4.0 sacks.

London Fletcher | Washington Redskins

Fletcher continues to show no signs of slowing down despite celebrating his 33rd birthday in May. He finished with 128 tackles (100 solo), his fifth straight season with at least that number. He did not sack the quarterback at all in 2007, but don't expect that to happen again in 2008. He registered at least 2.0 sacks in every season from 1998 to 2006. Fletcher works as the middle linebacker in the Redskins' 4-3 alignment, which is generally one of the most profitable IDP positions. As well, don't expect a huge drop-off with the departure of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. New coordinator Greg Blache is continuing many of the same principles. Adding defensive Jason Taylor should improve the line and could free up Fletcher. Having started 119 straight games, Fletcher is about as consistent a linebacker as you will find in the league.

DeMeco Ryans | Houston Texans

Ryans followed up his outstanding rookie season with another solid effort in 2007. The Alabama native finished with 128 tackles (99 solo), finishing sixth overall in the league. He also managed 2.0 sacks after registering 3.5 during his first season. The emergence of defensive end Mario Williams could help free up Ryans, especially if Williams commands the double teams Ryans expects him to. Even if they don't show much improvement, the line's play hasn't stopped Ryans from being a tackling machine in the middle of the Texans' 4-3 defense the last two seasons. Just 24 years old, Ryans should continue to put up 125-plus tackle seasons for years to come.

Defensive backs

Adrian Wilson | Arizona Cardinals

The strong safety in Cardinals' 4-3 defensive alignment, Wilson's (Achilles') 2007 campaign ended after he sustained an Achilles' heel injury early in November. Up to that point, the 2006 Pro Bowler managed 44 tackles (33 solo) and two interceptions. If he continued at that place, Wilson would have finished with around 80 tackles and four interceptions. Early reports say he has been impressive during the beginning of training camp. Wilson's two best seasons came in 2004-05, when he finished in the top five in tackles at the position with 102 and 109, respectively. A big part of Wilson's value comes from his sacks. He finished with 5.0 in 2006 and 8.0 the year before. The return of linebacker Chike Okeafor (biceps) and end Bertrand Berry (triceps) could help the pass rush, which in turn could increase Wilson's interception chances. Look for him to bounce back with another season around 75-80 tackles and a few takeaways.

Gibril Wilson | Oakland Raiders

Wilson, a tackling machine during his four seasons with the New York Giants, brings his physical play to the Raiders. Since entering the league in 2004, Wilson has managed 360 tackles, which ranks near the league leaders at this position. Despite missing three games last year, Wilson still finished with 92 tackles (78 solo). He also finished with a career-high four interceptions. He finished with 112 (2005) and 100 tackles (2006). Wilson likely won't have as dominant a defensive line ahead of him; however, the Raiders trotted out one of the worst run defenses in the league last year. If teams attack this weakness, it should mean a lot of action for Wilson, who is slated to play strong safety. Wilson has a solid chance at another 100-tackle season and should chip in with a few takeaways.

Bob Sanders | Indianapolis Colts

Sanders (shoulder) racked up a career-high 96 tackles (71 solo) and 3.5 sacks en route to winning Defensive Player of the Year honors last year. The pint-sized (5-foot-8, 206 pounds) strong safety missed just one game last year - a career high - and managed at least five tackles in 11 games. He does not generate many takeaways with just four interceptions during his career. If end Dwight Freeney (foot) can return from his foot injury as an elite pass-rushing threat, it should help the line and could create more opportunities with errant throws from the quarterback. The injury-prone Sanders plays a huge part in the run defense and should be in line for another 90-plus tackles, provided he stays healthy.

Bottom line

There are a few more players at each position that you can build your fantasy team around, but these are some of the ones that have proven on a fairly consistent basis to be reliable. In the case of players such as Willis or Cole where they are fairly young, they have other factors that point to continued success.

There are some things to keep an eye out for as your draft day approaches. Positional battles during training camp can impact what some players will do over the course of the season. Obviously, injuries will start to accumulate as camp progresses and preseason games start. Knowing how players will be used differently from 2007 to this season can also help. For instance, Washington Redskins recently acquired defensive end Jason Taylor is expected to shift over to the left side after starting on the right side in Miami. This could have him lined up against the tight end more often.

While they will not add a ton of points to your fantasy lineup, every little bit can help you win those close weeks.

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Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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