Sleeper IDPs On The Rise
March 28, 2009 at 7:00 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
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We’ve taken a look at the obvious IDP risers and fallers as a result of free agency over the last couple weeks, but there are several under-the-radar IDPs that nobody is talking about. We’re not going to waste any more time - let’s take a look at more individual defensive players that benefited from March’s happenings, and are ready to make an impact in 2009.
Rising - Eric Barton, Browns LB - The 31 year old Barton filled in for injured second year man David Harris and led the Jets defense in 2008, finishing with 119 tackles (93 solo, 13th in the NFL). He truly was one of the sleeper IDP linebackers of 2008, and his signing with Cleveland this off-season has basically gone completely under the radar. He’ll rejoin Eric Mangini and start at inside linebacker next to IDP superstar D’Qwell Jackson, upon the departure of Andra Davis to Denver. With Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams clogging things up front, Barton should be a tackle hog again in 2009. He’s the perfect example of a late round draft choice or early week waiver pick up that could make a huge difference in your league.
Rising - Leigh Bodden, Patriots CB - In 2007, Bodden was a beastly fantasy producer in the Browns 3-4 scheme, starting opposite then-rookie Eric Wright. Prior to the 2008 season, he was traded to Detroit along with a third round pick for Shaun Rogers, and fell into the black hole that is the Lions. Detroit released him and he has resurfaced with the Patriots, again in a 3-4 scheme. We expect Bodden to earn a significant role and once again become a fantasy worthy player in deep leagues.
Rising - Mike Peterson, Falcons LB - The soon-to-be 33 year old reunites with former Jags defensive coordinator Mike Smith after a season-long spat with Jack Del Rio in 2008. He’s had health issues, and hasn’t been productive since 2005, but this change of scenery should help him. Smith will give him a chance to play, although it’s very unclear if it will be at MLB or WLB, as he and second year man Curtis Lofton can apparently play both positions. What is clear though, is that with Keith Brooking (Dallas) and Michael Boley (New York Giants) gone, there will be a role for Peterson in 2009.
Rising - Justin Durant, Jaguars LB - The third year man from Hampton had an impressive 62 solo tackles in 2008, and with Peterson gone, should play an even more crucial role in the Jags defense under new coordinator Mel Tucker.
Rising - Tavares Gooden, Ravens LB - We were huge fans of last year’s third round pick out of Miami heading into 2008. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending hip injury and went on injured reserve in mid-October. We hear his recovery has gone well, and the Ravens are looking at him to replace the departed Bart Scott. He’ll have to compete with Prescott Burgess - also a youngster with high upside - but Gooden is a more natural fit next to Ray Lewis at inside linebacker. It’s worth keeping a close watch on him, as he could end up being a fantasy gem.
Rising - Andra Davis, Broncos LB - The 30 year old had been the quintessential 3-4 inside linebacker during his seven seasons with the Cleveland Browns, and now he will help the Denver Broncos convert to a 3-4 scheme under Mike Nolan after signing via free agency. We expect him to start, and wouldn’t be surprised if he returns to his 100 tackle form.
Rising - Angelo Crowell, Buccaneers LB - Crowell has 80 or more tackles in three of his last four seasons, with 100 or more in two of them. The one that he didn’t reach the mark, he missed completely with a knee injury - that was last year. Now, he resurfaces in Tampa Bay’s 4-3 scheme with a serious chance to start on the weak side next to MLB Barrett Ruud after the release of veterans Derrick Brooks and Cato June. If he can stay healthy, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him become a very useful bye-week and injury LB fill-in this year.
For more on IDPs, check out our forums and rankings.
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