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
Yes - Lofton is definitely too low. As a 3-down backer, I truly believe he will make the leap to be a perennial top 5-10 kind of guy.
Posted by: Tim Marman | July 9, 2009 04:37 PM
Those rankings are crazy! ILBs, generally speaking, aren't worth drafting at all, unless your name is Patrick Willis. (Stick with 4-3 MLBs and you'll do MUCH better)
How Diles EVER got to be LB15 is beyond me. Playing beside Ryans, and being a SLB, what were you guys thinking?
Durant at 33?? Gimme a break! This clown doesn't belong on anyone's team unless you field 7 or 8 players.
It's not that hard really - Draft 4-3 MLBs and 3-4 OLBs then 4-3 WLB and forget the rest. (Patrick Willis notwithstanding)
Also, if you want consistency each week, stick with LBs over DEs. Unless they get a sack, DEs are useless.
Posted by: Kurt | July 10, 2009 05:42 PM
My bad on Durant - if he starts at MLB and not at SLB as he's currently listed.
There's still NO CHANCE anyone should take Timmons as your 2nd LB or even draft Diles though.
Posted by: Kurt | July 10, 2009 05:55 PM
Kurt - No offense man, I appreciate the feedback. But your posts contained several inaccuracies.
"ILBs, generally speaking, aren't worth drafting at all."
That statement is highly inaccurate.
"How Diles EVER got to be LB15 is beyond me. Playing beside Ryans, and being a SLB, what were you guys thinking?"
Clearly, you did not read the post and are not aware of Diles' 2008 pre-injury production.
"Also, if you want consistency each week, stick with LBs over DEs. Unless they get a sack, DEs are useless."
Again, incorrect.
"My bad on Durant - if he starts at MLB and not at SLB as he's currently listed."
Durant IS the Jaguars' starting middle linebacker. He is too small to play strong side and was moved to the MIKE early this offseason.
Thanks for the posts, though, and if you want to discuss this more email me at evansilva@rotoworld.com.
Posted by: evan | July 10, 2009 07:31 PM
I've responded to you via email. Having played, and at a very high level, using IDP players for over a decade, I have a very good track record and stand by my comments. We'll have to agree to disagree.
Posted by: Kurt | July 10, 2009 07:49 PM
'Having played, and at a very high level...'
As if some of the IDP comments weren't bad enough... Better to be thought an idiot than open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Posted by: Seriously??? | July 10, 2009 09:21 PM
Serious??:
Using Sandbox default IDP defensive scoring, the highest ranked DE was Justin Tuck at 8.0/g. That puts him at LB15 behind Lamar Woodley.
However, in the 8 games where Tuck didn't get a sack, he scored: 2,2,5,3,2,3,3 & 2 points. If you want to play him and get very little production for half a season, be my guest.
If you're good enough to know when these DEs are going to get a sack, then you don't need Evan's advice!
Posted by: Kurt | July 12, 2009 02:40 AM