Rookie Dynasty Rankings: LBs
Linebackers are the defensive position worth reaching for throughout dynasty league drafts. They are highly predictable, can start right away, and have long careers. Their tackle numbers make them the alpha dogs of IDPs. Players like David Harris and Patrick Willis can be plugged into most starting lineups (fantasy and reality) from day one and be left there.
I play in tackle-heavy leagues, so outside linebackers in 3-4 systems get big downgrades. They are too reliant on big plays and not enough on tackles. If your system is structured differently, make adjustments to these rankings.
1. Patrick Willis, 49ers - Willis went fourth overall in my league. I’d rather gamble on Robert Meachem or Brandon Jackson, but Willis is a safe pick. 3-4 inside linebackers have more competition for tackles, but Willis is an exceptional talent that should produce right away.
2. Jon Beason, Panthers - It doesn’t really matter if he plays weak-side linebacker or middle linebacker when Dan Morgan gets hurt or is force to retire. Beason is an intelligent ballhawk that should have at least five good years in a linebacker-friendly system.
The next great Miami LB
3. Paul Posluzny, Bills - Playing in the middle will make Posluzny a valuable IDP starter in Buffalo. Tampa 2 defenses tend to have very productive middle linebackers. I don’t really know why he slipped in the NFL Draft, but the Bills did a nice job with similar players last year.
4. David Harris, Jets - There should be enough tackles to go around for Harris and Jonathan Vilma. It should only be a matter of time before Eric Barton is off the roster, opening up Harris’ starting spot. There is a big drop-off after Harris, so he’s worth a look in the top 35 overall rookie picks. I'd take Harris over LaRon Landry or any DL.
5. Michael Okwo, Bears - The rest of the linebackers may take some time to make an impact. Okwo is the favorite to be the heir apparent to Lance Briggs in Chicago, but he’ll have to beat out Jamar Williams. Boom or bust pick.
6. Buster Davis, Cardinals - If Arizona fully commits to a 3-4 defense, Davis is likely to take one of the spots in the middle. He’s a great sleeper late in drafts.
7. Anthony Spencer, Cowboys - Wade Phillips’ track record with outside linebackers is worth noting. Spencer reminds us a lot of Shaun Phillips, who is a good IDP option, but not great.
8. Quincy Black, Bucs - We don’t know a lot about this undersized prospect, but he’s in a perfect position to replace Derrick Brooks. Which would make him the least popular man in Tampa in two years.
9. Justin Durant, Jaguars - He’s going to play on the outside in Jacksonville. He probably won’t do much as a rookie, but could replace Mike Peterson in 2008.
10. Lawrence Timmons, Steelers - He’s Joey Porter’s replacement, and Porter was never a consistent IDP force. If the Steelers ever transition to a 4-3 defense, Timmons may play on the strong side.
11. Anthony Waters, Chargers - He could be a project, but inside linebackers in San Diego usually evolve into valuable players.
12. Clinton Sessions, Colts - Not a lot in front of him.
13. Stewart Bradley, Eagles - Upside isn’t there for a strong-side linebacker.
14. Stephen Nicolas, Falcons Could replace Demorrio Williams in a season.
15. LaMarr Woodley, Steelers - See Lawrence Timmons.
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