Ind Def: 134 Player Breakdowns

RANK

PLAYER/TEAM

POS

SOLO TACKLES

ASSISTS

TOT. TACKLES

SACKS

INTS

FORCED FUMBLES

PASSES DEFENSED

SAFETIES

TDS

1

DeMarcus WARE COWBOYS

LB

69

15

84

20

0

6

2

0

0

Ware is unblockable despite constant double teams, and he has developed into a solid run defender.

2

Patrick WILLIS 49ERS

LB

109

32

141

1

1

1

10

0

1

The Niners will continue to channel ballcarriers to Willis, whose 245 solo tackles over his first two seasons are 31 more than the next player's.

3

James HARRISON STEELERS

LB

59

33

92

16

1

7

3

1

0

Unless your league awards points for holding flags drawn, Harrison remains a half-step behind Ware.

4

Jared ALLEN VIKINGS

DL

41

13

54

14.5

0

3

3

2

0

With a few breaks, Allen's league-leading 331?2 knockdowns of a year ago will translate into four or five more sacks in 2009.

5

Jon BEASON PANTHERS

LB

110

28

138

0

3

0

8

0

0

A rock in the middle, Beason led the league in solo tackles last season despite sitting out most of Carolina's meaningless Week 17 win.

6

Charles TILLMAN BEARS

DB

81

12

93

0

3

4

17

0

1

[INJURY-PRONE] Outstanding in run support and targeted more than any DB, Tillman's durability is the only concern. (He has missed time in each of the past five seasons.)

7

Quentin JAMMER CHARGERS

DB

73

13

86

0

2

3

19

0

0

Jammer will rack up tackles in run support, and more plays will come his way if Antonio Cromartie is back to 100% on the other side.

8

Bradie JAMES COWBOYS

LB

81

36

117

8

0

3

4

0

0

[ON THE RISE] James (page 116) exploded after Wade Phillips took over the play-calling (55 solo tackles, seven sacks in nine games).

9

Barrett RUUD BUCCANEERS

LB

101

35

136

3

2

0

6

0

0

New coordinator Jim Bates will rely on Ruud to stop the run. Zach Thomas (2000-04), Nick Barnett ('05) and D.J. Williams ('07) all had huge tackle numbers under Bates.

10

Julius PEPPERS PANTHERS

DL

40

11

51

14.5

0

5

4

0

0

It's not that Peppers can't duplicate his career-best sack total of 2008, but his disastrous '07 (2.5 sacks) is not yet a distant memory.

11

D.J. WILLIAMS BRONCOS

LB

68

25

93

2.5

0

0

2

0

0

Williams will be the weakside ILB in coordinator Mike Nolan's 3-4 defense, the same spot that Patrick Willis played for Nolan.

12

Karlos DANSBY CARDINALS

LB

95

24

119

4

2

2

5

0

0

Since moving to the weak side two seasons ago, Dansby has been a 100-tackle player. He blitzes often enough in the hybrid 3-4 that the four sacks in 2008 was not just luck.

13

Yeremiah BELL DOLPHINS

DB

100

20

120

1

0

3

1

0

0

Despite the addition of Gibril Wilson, Bell will continue to play in the box. Whether he matches his 2008 production will depend on how many tackles Wilson steals.

14

Jermaine PHILLIPS BUCCANEERS

DB/LB

48

11

59

0

3

1

5

0

0

He's penciled in at weakside linebacker, making Phillips the top DB on the board in tackle-heavy scoring formats.

15

Jerod MAYO PATRIOTS

LB

98

28

126

0

0

1

4

0

0

[ON THE RISE] Mayo had some ups and downs as a rookie, but a more consistent sophomore season should lead to 100 solo tackles.

16

Richard MARSHALL PANTHERS

DB

51

4

55

2

1

0

4

0

0

[ON THE RISE] Marshall is set to be a full-time starter for the first time. A great tackler, he'll have a chance to make plays as teams will pick on him early and often.

17

Stephen COOPER CHARGERS

LB

72

26

98

1.5

4

0

6

0

0

Cooper was wildly productive despite a four-game suspension. The four INTs in 12 games, however, was likely a fluke.

18

Mario WILLIAMS TEXANS

DL

44

9

53

12

0

4

0

0

0

The addition of Antonio Smith on the other side of the line could mean fewer double teams for Super Mario.

19

Antoine WINFIELD VIKINGS

DB

77

13

90

2

2

4

11

0

0

Winfield is a threat for 80 solo tackles because of his ability in run support. Teams won't throw at him often, but he has great ball skills and big-play ability.

20

D'Qwell JACKSON BROWNS

LB

95

59

154

2

3

0

6

0

0

He'll continue to thrive with Shaun Rogers playing in front of him, though Eric Mangini favorite Eric Barton could steal some of Jackson's tackles.

21

Terrence McGEE BILLS

DB

61

5

66

0

3

0

18

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] McGee is strong in run support, has good ball skills and is a playmaker. Nagging injuries continue to be an issue, though.

22

Kirk MORRISON RAIDERS

LB

101

36

137

1

1

2

1

0

0

He's a three-down Mike on a unit that opponents run on frequently. Morrison is a safe bet for 90-plus solos and could make some plays in pass coverage as well.

23

DeAngelo HALL REDSKINS

DB

63

11

74

0.5

5

0

21

0

0

He'll get picked on because he gambles, but Hall has the skills to turn those challenges into big numbers. He had 60 solos and 17 PDs in 12 starts last year.

24

Lance BRIGGS BEARS

LB

90

20

110

0.5

3

1

11

0

0

Briggs-not Brian Urlacher-is the better bet for 100 solo tackles in Chicago. He should improve on his league-worst 17 tackles missed.

25

John ABRAHAM FALCONS

DL

37

1

38

16.5

0

4

1

0

0

He is a not a factor against the run, keeping his tackle totals low. But Abraham has had double-digit sacks every season in which he has stayed healthy.

26

Nick HARPER TITANS

DB

68

3

71

0

2

1

14

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] Harper became a popular target across from Pro Bowler Cortland Finnegan, and he's solid in run support. But he missed at least one game for the fifth straight season.

27

Thomas DAVIS PANTHERS

LB

93

21

114

3.5

0

2

6

0

0

Davis produced big numbers in his first season on the weak side, but his upside is capped by Jon Beason's swallowing up so many tackles.

28

Aaron KAMPMAN PACKERS

DL

47

15

62

9.5

0

0

1

0

0

[ON THE RISE] The transition to a 3-4 OLB could mean more plays against the run for Kampman, who still has 12-sack potential.

29

Jonathan VILMA SAINTS

LB

98

34

132

1

1

2

6

0

0

Vilma returned to a 4-3 defense and reemerged as an IDP stud. He's a safe pick in tackle-heavy formats.

30

Aqib TALIB BUCCANEERS

DB

14

6

20

0

4

0

9

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] He can play the run and has the ball skills of a wide receiver. His potential is huge as he enters his first season as a starter.

31

Channing CROWDER DOLPHINS

LB

92

21

113

0

0

1

6

0

0

A natural fit on the inside of Miami's 3-4, Crowder should put up similar numbers in his second year in that scheme.

32

Justin TUCK GIANTS

DL

51

14

65

12

1

3

2

0

1

Tuck had career highs across the board in 2008, thanks to increased playing time, but he could return to a rotation with Osi Umenyiora back.

33

Ray LEWIS RAVENS

LB

84

33

117

3.5

3

2

9

0

0

Still going strong at age 34, Lewis could be even more productive with ILB partner Bart Scott leaving through free agency.

34

Brian WILLIAMS JAGUARS

DB

75

8

83

0

2

0

10

0

0

Williams is a safety masquerading as a corner. He's strong in run support, and teams won't shy away from throwing at him.

35

DeMeco RYANS TEXANS

LB

86

26

112

1

0

2

4

0

0

He's durable and reliable, but Ryans's numbers have dropped as Houston adds more defensive talent.

36

Johnathan JOSEPH BENGALS

DB

31

11

42

0

1

1

13

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] Joseph's production came in only eight games last season due to a broken foot that should have mended. He'll continue to be a popular target.

37

Trent COLE EAGLES

DL

59

18

77

9

0

2

2

0

0

Although he's not a 15-sack threat, Cole is one of the best blends of run stopper and pass rusher in the NFL.

38

Kelvin HAYDEN COLTS

DB

36

6

42

0

3

1

12

0

1

A hamstring injury limited him to 10 games last season. Hayden supports the run like a classic Cover Two corner and has excellent ball skills.

39

Chris JOHNSON RAIDERS

DB

31

2

33

0

3

1

12

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] He'll continue to see a ton of work opposite Nnamdi Asomugha. Johnson had 30 solos and 11 PDs in eight games after taking over as a starter last year.

40

Oshiomogho ATOGWE RAMS

DB

75

7

82

0

5

6

5

0

0

A gambling, ball-hawking free safety, Atogwe is a top DB in big-play, heavy-scoring formats.

41

Chris GAMBLE PANTHERS

DB

83

10

93

0

3

1

19

0

0

[ON THE DECLINE] Teams might continue to run at him, but Gamble won't see as many throws his way. Richard Marshall is too inviting a target on the other side.

42

Stewart BRADLEY EAGLES

LB

86

22

108

1

1

1

6

0

0

[ON THE RISE] Bradley is established as a sideline-to-sideline Mike, and he has the potential for more sacks in coordinator Jim Johnson's blitz-heavy scheme

43

Brandon MCDONALD BROWNS

DB

63

11

74

0

5

1

17

0

1

Already strong in run support, McDonald played well enough in coverage to earn back his starting job after a midseason benching.

44

Osi UMENYIORA† GIANTS

DL

40

12

52

13

0

5

0

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] He's a lock for double-digit sacks when healthy, but Umenyiora might not be at full strength in his first season back off a torn lateral meniscus.

45

Eric WEDDLE CHARGERS

DB

103

22

125

1

1

0

5

0

0

[ON THE DECLINE] He could play further off the line of scrimmage if rookie Kevin Ellison overtakes Clint Hart at the other safety spot, leading to fewer tackles.

46

Leon HALL BENGALS

DB

57

14

71

0

3

0

24

0

1

Hall chases the opposing team's top receiver, putting him in the middle of plays. But slap an asterisk on those three INTs-they all came from Ken Dorsey.

47

Terrell SUGGS RAVENS

DL/LB

54

15

69

8

2

2

9

0

2

He's more valuable in leagues where he's DL-eligible. Suggs struggled with shoulder problems last season but is solid against the run and as a pass rusher.

48

Troy POLAMALU STEELERS

DB

54

19

73

0

7

0

17

0

0

He displayed some amazing ball skills last season and moves around too much for opponents to avoid him.

49

Derrick JOHNSON CHIEFS

LB

68

17

85

1.5

1

4

6

0

0

Johnson appears to be a great fit inside in K.C.'s new 3-4, but the lack of a decent nosetackle will mean a lot of traffic to fight through.

50

Brandon FLOWERS CHIEFS

DB

61

7

68

0

2

1

13

0

1

He's undersized, but Flowers plays the run aggressively and showed an ability to go get the ball last season.

51

London FLETCHER REDSKINS

LB

96

37

133

0.5

0

1

5

0

0

He gives you nothing in terms of big plays, but Fletcher is a tackling machine who hasn't missed a game in his 11 NFL seasons.

52

Joey PORTER DOLPHINS

LB

36

11

47

17.5

0

4

1

0

0

Back at home as a 3-4 rush linebacker, Porter should be among the sack leaders again, though he doesn't do much against the run.

53

Antrel ROLLE CARDINALS

DB

77

11

88

0

1

0

5

0

1

[ON THE RISE] He spent last season adjusting to safety, but Rolle's nose for the ball should translate into a few more interceptions this season.

54

Adalius THOMAS PATRIOTS

LB

24

8

32

5

0

0

4

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] Assuming his broken forearm is healed, Thomas is a rare threat for 60-plus solo tackles and 10 sacks.

55

Cortland FINNEGAN TITANS

DB

57

12

69

1

5

0

17

0

1

Finnegan scared off offenses after four picks in the first three games of '08, but he remains a fine option in big-play-heavy formats.

56

Lawrence TIMMONS STEELERS

LB

35

22

57

5

1

1

3

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] Timmons will step in as a starter while retaining his third-down duties, making 70-plus solos a possibility along with more sack chances.

57

Shawne MERRIMAN† CHARGERS

LB

54

14

68

12.5

0

2

5

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] Knee issues make him a huge question mark, but owners in sack-heavy leagues should roll the dice on Merriman.

58

Brandon MERIWEATHER PATRIOTS

DB

57

20

77

2

4

2

9

0

0

[ON THE RISE] The versatile Meriweather stepped in for an injured Rodney Harrison and had 43 solo tackles in 10 games.

59

Chad GREENWAY VIKINGS

LB

85

29

114

5.5

0

3

5

0

0

He doesn't have the potential for many more tackles playing the strong side, but his pass-rush ability makes up for it.

60

Charles WOODSON PACKERS

DB

51

12

63

3

7

1

17

0

2

Woodson will move back to corner after a brief stint at safety. His ball skills are still among the best in the NFL.

61

James LAURINAITIS* RAMS

LB

52

78

130

4

2

1

4

0

0

The rookie will step right into the middle for the Rams and should lead them in tackles. If he plays on third downs, 90-plus solos is a possibility.

62

Brian DAWKINS BRONCOS

DB

64

11

75

3

1

6

6

0

0

Considering the team's weak front seven, Dawkins could see a lot more opportunities for tackles playing in Denver.

63

Corey WEBSTER GIANTS

DB

48

2

50

1

3

2

24

0

0

Webster should continue to take advantage of mistakes caused by the Giants' pass rush, leading to PDs and INTs.

64

Paul POSLUSZNY BILLS

LB

87

23

110

0

1

1

6

0

0

He's not a big-play threat, but Posluszny is a safe bet for 80-plus solos again playing the middle in Buffalo.

65

Shawn SPRINGS PATRIOTS

DB

31

5

36

1

1

0

7

0

0

Springs will be tested often by teams curious to see if the 34-year-old can still keep up with No. 1 receivers.

66

Curtis LOFTON FALCONS

LB

61

27

88

1

0

1

2

0

0

[ON THE RISE] He has shed weight and is set to be a three-down player. Lofton should get 90-plus solo tackles.

67

Dominique RODGERS-CROMARTIE CARDINALS

DB

36

3

39

0

4

0

19

0

1

[ON THE RISE] A popular target, DRC is in the middle of a lot of plays. Including the postseason, he had 50 solo tackles, 24 PDs and 6 INTs in 15 starts as a rookie.

68

Cedric GRIFFIN VIKINGS

DB

74

11

85

0

1

4

14

0

0

He'll keep getting tackles as a solid run defender and because teams would rather test Griffin than Antoine Winfield.

69

Patrick KERNEY SEAHAWKS

DL

16

6

22

5

0

2

3

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] Off-season elbow surgery is a major red flag, but if Kerney comes back at 100%, he'll benefit from improved talent on the Seattle D-line.

70

Kerry RHODES JETS

DB

60

24

84

1

2

0

5

0

0

The addition of Jim Leonhard could allow Rhodes to play closer to the line of scrimmage, as he did in his rookie season (80 solo tackles).

71

Robert MATHIS COLTS

DL

36

11

47

11.5

0

5

3

0

0

Despite coming off the bench in 2008, Mathis has proved to be a more well-rounded end than teammate Dwight Freeney.

72

LaMarr WOODLEY STEELERS

LB

41

19

60

11.5

1

2

2

0

0

Woodley will continue to thrive as opponents focus on stopping James Harrison.

73

E.J. HENDERSON VIKINGS

LB

23

4

27

1

0

1

0

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] His 94 solo tackles in 2007 weren't a fluke, but Henderson likely won't be at full strength in '09 after dislocating toes on his left foot last September.

74

Champ BAILEY BRONCOS

DB

36

5

41

1

1

2

3

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] He has the ball skills and ability in run support to be an IDP superstar again, but age (31) and injuries (elbow, groin) are catching up to him.

75

Bart SCOTT JETS

LB

62

21

83

1.5

0

2

5

0

0

[ON THE RISE] Scott could outproduce fellow ILB David Harris because of his familiarity with Rex Ryan's scheme from their time together in Baltimore.

76

Ron BARTELL RAMS

DB

54

3

57

1

3

2

20

0

0

Bartell will play the run, and opponents will throw his way. He was burned a team-high 51 times last season.

77

Ernie SIMS LIONS

LB

71

42

113

1

0

0

1

0

0

[ON THE RISE] Sims was dinged up during a disappointing 2008 but could bounce back to '07 numbers (97 solos) in new coordinator Gunther Cunningham's less-rigid scheme.

78

Abram ELAM BROWNS

DB

42

18

60

2

1

3

3

0

1

[SLEEPER PICK] This favorite of coach Eric Mangini should have a starting spot locked up. Elam had 71 solo tackles in 17 starts for Mangini with the Jets.

79

Calvin PACE JETS

LB

62

18

80

7

0

5

3

0

0

Pace is solid against the run and capable of eight-plus sacks in his rush OLB role.

80

Gary BRACKETT COLTS

LB

71

29

100

0

0

1

1

0

0

Brackett was en route to 90 solo tackles before a broken leg ended his season after 12 games.

81

Carlos ROGERS REDSKINS

DB

49

7

56

0

2

0

24

0

0

Rogers gets thrown at often and racks up the PDs. The departure of Shawn Springs ensures he'll keep his starting job.

82

Dwight FREENEY COLTS

DL

24

4

28

10.5

0

4

0

0

0

He'll get his sacks, but Freeney is a rotational end with injury concerns who doesn't play the run.

83

James FARRIOR STEELERS

LB

89

44

133

3.5

0

1

5

0

0

[ON THE DECLINE] Farrior's tackle numbers could suffer with the more active Lawrence Timmons replacing Larry Foote alongside him.

84

Kyle VANDEN BOSCH TITANS

DL

12

12

24

4.5

0

3

0

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] Vanden Bosch will have motivation to return to his 2007 form (12 sacks) in a contract year, but he'll get extra attention with Albert Haynesworth gone.

85

Antonio CROMARTIE CHARGERS

DB

60

4

64

0

2

0

9

0

1

Healthy after a fractured hip last season, Cromartie could be the big-play force he was in 2007 (10 INTs, three

TDs).

86

Nick BARNETT PACKERS

LB

41

8

49

0

0

1

2

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] Barnett could be slowed in his first year back from a torn ACL, but he's a good fit in Green Bay's new 3-4 and will benefit from rookie NT B.J. Raji's occupying blockers.

87

Brian URLACHER BEARS

LB

79

14

93

0

2

0

9

0

0

The name doesn't match up with the IDP value, as Urlacher's ceiling is around 95 solo tackles.

88

Kevin WILLIAMS VIKINGS

DL

47

15

62

8.5

0

1

5

0

0

The arrival of Jared Allen opened up a lot of pass-rush opportunities for Williams, who nearly had his third double-digit sack season.

89

David HARRIS JETS

LB

53

23

76

1

0

0

1

0

0

[ON THE DECLINE] Although he saw plenty of action under Eric Mangini last season, Harris may play second fiddle to new coach Rex Ryan's student Bart Scott at ILB.

90

Ronde BARBER BUCCANEERS

DB

65

8

73

2

4

0

12

0

1

[ON THE DECLINE] Barber can still get it done against the run and the pass, but the Bucs are moving away from the Tampa Two defense he thrived in.

91

Gaines ADAMS BUCCANEERS

DL

27

11

38

6.5

2

0

6

0

1

[ON THE RISE] This could be the breakout year. New coordinator Jim Bates helped make Jason Taylor into a superstar, and his scheme should better make use of Adams's athleticism.

92

Brian ORAKPO* REDSKINS

DL

31

11

42

11.5

0

4

2

0

0

He can rush the passer, and if the Skins follow through on their plan to play him standing up on running downs, he could get 60-plus solo tackles as well.

93

Zac DILES TEXANS

LB

47

19

66

1

1

1

2

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] Playing the strong side, Diles got off to a huge start before breaking his leg in Week 8. If he beats out Xavier Adibi on the weak side, he could lead Houston in tackles.

94

Cliff AVRIL LIONS

DL

17

5

22

5

0

4

0

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] A pure pass rusher, Avril is set to make a big splash after producing nicely in limited action as a rookie.

95

Albert HAYNESWORTH REDSKINS

DL

41

10

51

8.5

0

3

2

0

0

He's undoubtedly the most talented defensive tackle in the NFL, but will Haynesworth still be motivated to dominate now that he's been paid?

96

Erik COLEMAN FALCONS

DB

80

15

95

0

3

2

6

0

0

A well-rounded safety, Coleman will still get tackles despite lining up primarily at free safety.

97

Brandon MEBANE SEAHAWKS

DL

29

10

39

5.5

0

2

1

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] With Colin Cole coming in, Mebane will play more three-technique tackle, making it easier for him to get to the quarterback.

98

Michael MITCHELL* RAIDERS

DB

36

26

62

0.5

3

2

5

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] Assuming he beats out Tyvon Branch, Mitchell will play in the box behind a weak front seven. That spot yielded 97 solo tackles for Gibril Wilson last season.

99

Eric BARTON BROWNS

LB

93

26

119

1.5

0

1

4

0

0

[ON THE DECLINE] Despite his familiarity with Eric Mangini's scheme, Barton won't be quite as productive in Cleveland with D'Qwell Jackson taking a chunk of the tackles.

100

Nate CLEMENTS 49ERS

DB

56

7

63

0

2

1

9

0

0

He's still one of the best corners in run support, but Clements is coming off a career-worst fantasy season.

101

A.J. HAWK PACKERS

LB

67

19

86

3

0

0

1

0

0

[ON THE RISE] His production was mediocre playing the weak side of Green Bay's 4-3, but Hawk might step it up playing inside in the Pack's new 3-4 defense.

102

Chris HOPE TITANS

DB

63

15

78

1

4

0

8

0

0

Hope is better than average against the run and has good ball skills for a strong safety (11 INTs over the past three seasons).

103

Adrian WILSON CARDINALS

DB

59

15

74

2.5

2

2

5

0

0

[ON THE DECLINE] Wilson hasn't lived up to his lofty IDP reputation over the past two seasons because of injuries and because offensive coordinators shy away from him.

104

Andre CARTER REDSKINS

DL

24

13

37

4

0

0

2

0

0

[ON THE RISE] Two years removed from a 101?2-sack season, Carter could benefit greatly from the additions of Albert Haynesworth and Brian Orakpo.

105

Atari BIGBY PACKERS

DB

15

6

21

0

1

0

2

0

0

[ON THE RISE] Back from an injury-filled 2008, Bigby will play in the box frequently under new coordinator Dom Capers and should top his career high of 64 solo tackles.

106

Tamba HALI CHIEFS

DL

44

11

55

3

0

3

2

0

Despite the paltry sack total, Hali had an encouraging 19 hurries and eight QB knockdowns last season. He could break out playing OLB in the Chiefs' new 3-4.

107

Eric WRIGHT BROWNS

DB

61

5

66

0

3

2

13

0

1

Wright holds his own in run support, but his ball skills and big-play potential are what make him an attractive pick.

108

Sabby PISCITELLI BUCCANEERS

DB

34

8

42

0

2

1

8

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] The hard-hitting Piscitelli may finally get his shot at strong safety if Jermaine Phillips's move to linebacker works out.

109

Sean JONES EAGLES

DB

48

8

56

0

4

1

4

0

0

He's not guaranteed a starting job in Philly, but Jones brings better ball skills than your typical strong safety.

110

Lofa TATUPU SEAHAWKS

LB

69

25

94

0

1

1

4

0

0

[ON THE DECLINE] His production keeps dwindling, but Seattle's improvements on the interior D-line should free Tatupu up for more tackles.

111

Nick COLLINS PACKERS

DB

58

11

69

0

7

1

15

0

3

Big-play leagues have taken notice of Collins, but seven INTs and three TDs will be nearly impossible to duplicate.

112

Donte WHITNER BILLS

DB

50

11

61

1

0

1

1

0

0

[ON THE DECLINE] If rookie Jairus Byrd emerges at free safety, Whitner might have a chance to make more plays against the run.

113

Gibril WILSON DOLPHINS

DB

97

36

133

1.5

2

1

3

1

0

[ON THE DECLINE] He was a force in the box for the Raiders, but Wilson is likely to play further back alongside Yeremiah Bell in Miami, cutting into his tackle totals.

114

Tommy KELLY RAIDERS

DL

31

27

58

4.5

0

0

0

0

0

He should be stronger in his second full season back from a torn ACL. Perhaps we'll see why Oakland invested big money in the penetrating defensive tackle.

115

Manny LAWSON 49ERS

LB

31

12

43

3

0

1

3

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] He struggled through injuries last season, but Lawson has a chance to take a big step forward as he steps into a three-down role.

116

Rashean MATHIS JAGUARS

DB

39

1

40

1

4

1

9

0

2

He's a great pickup in big-play leagues, but teams will continue to throw away from Mathis.

117

Pisa TINOISAMOA FREE AGENT

LB

83

15

98

3

0

2

2

0

0

Tinoisamoa is undersized but has a ton of range and can rack up tackles. He'll be a serviceable LB2 if he lands as a weakside starter.

118

Chris HOUSTON FALCONS

DB

52

8

60

0

2

0

16

0

1

Houston will again be targeted often, as he tries to keep up with opponents' No. 1 receivers.

119

Michael LEWIS 49ERS

DB

76

20

96

2

0

1

6

0

0

Lewis is a steady strong safety who should have another 70-plus solo tackles as well as a sack or two.

120

Chris LONG RAMS

DL

32

8

40

4

0

1

0

0

0

We'll see if new head coach Steve Spagnuolo, the man who made Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, can work his magic on Long.

121

Will SMITH SAINTS

DL

43

19

62

3

0

1

1

0

0

[INJURY-PRONE] He had just 10 sacks in the past two seasons combined. Off-season hernia surgery might bring back the 101?2 he had in 2006 alone.

122

Antonio SMITH TEXANS

DL

31

10

41

3.5

0

2

0

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] Moving from Arizona's 3-4 to Houston's 4-3, he'll have a chance to rush the passer. And with Mario Williams on the other side, Smith will only have one man to beat.

123

Daniel BULLOCKS LIONS

DB

63

30

93

0

0

2

1

0

0

He's a solid tackler at strong safety, and Bullocks might have a chance to blitz more often under new coordinator Gunther Cunningham.

124

Brandon CARR CHIEFS

DB

70

3

73

0

2

0

6

0

0

Carr was picked on as a rookie, and this season should be no different. He'll have a chance to make a lot of tackles.

125

Will WITHERSPOON RAMS

LB

57

15

72

1

1

0

3

0

0

[ON THE DECLINE] Moving to the weak side will hurt Witherspoon's numbers (he had 190 solos from 2006 to '07), but he could step up if rookie James Laurinaitis struggles in the middle.

126

William GAY STEELERS

DB

26

6

32

0

1

0

7

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] Gay takes over the starting spot across from Ike Taylor. He's physical enough to post solid tackle numbers and should be thrown at often.

127

Bob SANDERS COLTS

DB

25

14

39

0

1

0

2

0

0

[ON THE DECLINE] Sanders's injury history makes him a risk, and since he's never had more than 72 solo tackles or two INTs in a season, the reward isn't big enough.

128

Chevis JACKSON FALCONS

DB

26

5

31

0

1

0

5

0

1

[SLEEPER PICK] His willingness in run support would make him an IDP star as a starter, but Atlanta seems set on Jackson as a nickelback.

129

Domonique FOXWORTH RAVENS

DB

35

3

38

0

1

0

11

0

0

Teams throw often on the Ravens because of their strong run defense, and Foxworth is likely to be opposing quarterbacks' favorite target.

130

Justin SMITH 49ERS

DL

50

23

73

7

1

1

3

0

0

Smith is low risk, with 40-plus solo tackles in each of his eight NFL seasons. But as a 3-4 end, he's unlikely to get double-digit sacks.

131

Ed REED RAVENS

DB

34

7

41

1

9

1

16

0

2

He's much more valuable in big-play leagues, but Reed's role in run support is minimal, and teams are starting to throw away from him.

132

Lito SHEPPARD JETS

DB

18

3

21

0

1

1

4

0

0

Sheppard will get a chance to make some plays lining up opposite Darrelle Revis.

133

Akeem JORDAN EAGLES

LB

38

7

45

0

0

0

0

0

0

[SLEEPER PICK] He'll have to battle Omar Gaither to keep his starting job, but Jordan had 35 solo tackles in six starts late last season.

134

Darnell DOCKETT CARDINALS

DL

37

12

49

4

0

1

1

0

0

He serves as a run-stopping end and pass-rushing tackle, making Dockett a decent source of tackles with eight-to-10 sack potential.

ON THE RISE
ON THE DECLINE
SLEEPER PICK
INJURY-PRONE