More IDP Shakeup: T-T-Timmons Time
Patrick Willis should be the first linebacker off the board in any Individual Defensive Player (IDP) format. I tend to draft defensive linemen earlier than linebackers due to position scarcity, but there's no doubt about the No. 1 LB. After him, though, it gets a lot less certain.
Continuing our IDP shakeup series in the 2009 Rotoworld Draft Guide, we'll move on to linebacker changes.
1. Texans OLB Zach Diles dropped from the LB15 overall to the LB62. This is because Diles is no longer assured of a starting job. A former undrafted free agent, Diles opened 2008 as Houston's starting strong-side linebacker. Through nine weeks, he was leading the Texans in tackles (ahead of even Pro Bowl middle 'backer DeMeco Ryans) before falling victim to a fractured tibia. Diles is recovered, but the Texans drafted Brian Cushing in the first round and will start him at SAM. Diles and Xavier Adibi (no pushover) will battle on the weak side. The winner could approach 100 tackles, but Adibi's cover skills may give him the edge.
2. Steelers ILB Lawrence Timmons catapulted from the LB33 to LB21. Even this rank may be conservative for Pittsburgh's prime breakout candidate. While Timmons is "competing" for tackles with highly productive fellow inside man James Farrior, it's obvious who possesses more big-play ability. Timmons registered an amazing five sacks, 65 tackles, and a fumble forced despite being a nickel backup behind Farrior and Larry Foote last year. With Foote gone to Detroit, Timmons will be an every-down player. There's nothing not to like here.
3. Jaguars LB Justin Durant moved from unranked to LB33. Durant is another reason why surefire difference-making defensive linemen like Jared Allen, Justin Tuck, and Mario Williams should be drafted ahead of linebackers, at least in tackle-heavy IDP formats. Durant won't even be drafted in some leagues, but offers rare upside as Jacksonville's new middle linebacker. A sideline-to-sideline athlete who won't come off the field on third down, Durant was Defensive Player of the Year three times in the MEAC before the Jags snapped him up at 48th overall in 2007. No matter the level, it's very impressive to consecutively be the best player in a conference as a sophomore, junior, and senior. Durant also will benefit from the addition of 320-pound rookie Terrance Knighton, a Marcus Stroud clone, and a hopefully rejuvenated John Henderson playing in front of him.
One other notable development was Falcons MLB Curtis Lofton's move from LB35 to LB27. Newly a three-down middle linebacker, Lofton stands to benefit from first-round rookie Peria Jerry's addition up front.
We'll kick out some DB movements later tonight or tomorrow.
Comments
Thanks for the update and keep it coming Evan
Posted by: ndcummins | July 8, 2009 04:31 PM
Hooray for more IDP!
Posted by: ickz | July 8, 2009 04:34 PM
From LB35 to LB27? Oh boy!
How can you not lead with that story? ;-)
Posted by: Juggs | July 8, 2009 04:56 PM
Lofton is still too low.
He only played 60% of the Falcons snaps last year as a 2-down LB and doesn't appear to have signficant competition for tackles.
He should be in the LB10-15 range.
Posted by: Stephen | July 8, 2009 06:27 PM
liking the idp reports... keep em coming
Posted by: zach | July 9, 2009 03:08 AM
On board for more IDP!
Posted by: tony | July 9, 2009 10:52 AM
need more IDP help
Posted by: pepperj | July 9, 2009 12:29 PM