IDP Outlook: Finding Sleeper DEs
July 1, 2008 at 7:11 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
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Smart full-service IDP owners (folks that play in individual defensive player leagues that require them to start at least two defensive lineman, linebackers and defensive backs) know the importance of the defensive line position. Check out some of our super sleeper IDP linemen for 2008 and beyond.
We’ve already made it pretty clear how we feel about the top defensive lineman heading into 2008. Guys like Mario Williams, Jared Allen, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and even Trent Cole and Aaron Kampman will be worthy of mid round seasonal selections. However, the best strategy is to find sleeper candidates who are likely to emerge, tag them for the later rounds, and load up on offensive talent and depth while you’re opponents risk big name guys pulling a Julius Peppers or Dwight Freeney on them.
Even rookies like Chris Long and Derrick Harvey could come at a price this season, but I’m going to show you a few guys who could come out of nowhere to become solid starters at defensive line - one of the hardest fantasy positions to fill.
Ray Edwards, Vikings DE - The youngster from Purdue has huge upside, and heading into only his third season, he finds himself in a perfect position to break out. Not only has he predicted that he’ll break the NFL’s single season sack record in 2008, but he now plays opposite one of the game’s premier pass rushers, Jared Allen, and next to Pat and Kevin Williams. Edwards definitely could be the next Osi Umenyiora.
Antwan Odom, Bengals DE - Not only have we always really liked the 6′5″, 274 pound Odom, but now the five year man from Alabama will have a chance to play full time in Cincy, after signing a lucrative five year deal with the Bengals. He recorded an impressive eight sacks last season in limited time with the Titans, and is definitely someone to add in the late rounds of deep drafts as a potential IDP value.
Jarvis Moss, Broncos DE - In 2007, his second season, Moss’ teammate Elvis Dumervil proved that a pass rushing specialist could make a big enough impact to warrant fantasy starting consideration. Now, Moss will follow in his footsteps in 2008. Expect the second year man from Florida to enter a pass rushing rotation that will also include Dumervil, and for Moss to reach upwards of 10-12 sacks. He’s this year’s version of what Indy’s Robert Mathis was in 2005.
Jason Jones, Titans DE - As I mentioned above, Antwan Odom is out of Tennessee. So is Travis LaBoy. That leaves Kyle Vanden Bosch, 32 year old Jevon Kearse - who was recently arrested on DUI charges, and rookie Jason Jones. The Southfield, MI native and Eastern Michigan product is 6′5″, 275 and scouts reportedly felt he was one of the best values to come out of the 2008 NFL Draft. He has a chance to earn a starting gig or prominent role in his rookie season, but even if he doesn’t, he’s someone dynasty owners should definitely monitor as it may take him until 2009 or 2010 to truly emerge.
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