I.D.P. (Individual Defensive Player) Leagues are growing in popularity; they’re here to stay. In his last chat hosted by Fantasy Football Trader, John Tuvey hinted that up to 50 percent of fantasy leagues could incorporate an IDP element within the next 3-5 years, if not already.
I have been playing IDP leagues for the past 10+ years (my leagues average 6-7 defensive players) and I can tell you without hesitation that while individual defensive players won't necessarily win you championships, they can certainly kill your championship aspirations if you don't keep tabs on your players.
Over the next few weeks, I will be reviewing my personal top 10 players in each of the three various def. fantasy positions (DL, LB and DB) so that you can familiarize yourself with the IDP stalwarts, enough to at least give yourself a fighting chance in your IDP fantasy league. This week I’ll run down the DL.
1. Allen, Jared Chiefs DE - Allen has a nonstop motor that helped him notch 15.5 sacks in 14 games. At the end of the season, he also scored on a receiving touchdown. All of that adds up to Allen being the top point producing DL last season. At only 25 years old, there is no reason to think that he is going away anytime soon.
2. Williams, Mario Texans DE - Maybe, just maybe the Texans knew what they were doing all along. While Reggie Bush has struggled the past couple seasons, Williams has really come into his own as a premier sack machine for the Texans, racking up 14 sacks in just his second season. The entire defensive line is full of youth, and Williams will only continue to get better. If it weren't for Allen's occasional stint as a goal-line TE, Williams would be the top DL.
3. Cole, Trent Eagles DE - At first glance, Cole doesn't do anything to jump out at you. But you can't deny the results. He has improved his tackling and sack totals in each of his three years in the NFL, last year finishing with 12.5 sacks and 70 total tackles.
4. Vanden Bosch, Kyle Titans DE - Another guy with an all out motor to the ball and what puts Vanden Bosch in the top tier is his consistency. He is seemingly good for 5 points every time out, and as such, will never leave you high and dry with a goosegg.
5. Suggs, Terrell Ravens DE - One of the more athletic DL, since his move from LB Suggs struggled with only 5 sacks last year. However, he made up for that with 52 solo tackles. Only 25 years old, Suggs is still young enough to improve a little more and become one of the premier defensive stars in the game.
6. Tuck, Justin Giants DE - Even playing in the rotation along with Strahan and Umenyiora, Tuck still found the QB 10 times. In the process firmly establishing himself as one of the better up and coming DL. If Strahan retires, Tuck would be the biggest benefactor.
7. Kampman, Aaron Packers DE - Kampman is much like Allen and Vanden Bosch in that there is no quit in this guy. Last year, Kampman notched 12 sacks leading the young and talented Packers D. At 28 years old and in the prime of his career, Kampman should be able to approach those same numbers in ’08 and beyond.
8. Taylor, Jason Dolphins DE - Now here's a situation that you may want to pay attention to. With the Dolphins likely implementing a 3-4 defense, if Taylor were to stay on board it’s likely he may move to OLB as I'm not sure he could hold up as a 3-4 DL. His value will then be predicated on how league lists him. If he's listed as a DL but playing LB, his value will actually increase. If he's listed as LB, Taylor may fall off the radar for fantasy purposes.
9. Kerney, Patrick Seahawks DE - Another all out “effort” guy in the same mold as Allen/Kampman/Vanden Bosch; Kerney notched a career high 15 sacks last season. With a strong LB crew, he is often free to rush the passer. However, he does turn 32 next year, so much like RBs who turn 30, his value takes a dip.
10. Umenyiora, Osi Giants DE - At first glance, you would think he is underrated. But take away his one gigantic game where he notched 6 sacks and we see that he only had 7 sacks in the other 15 games.
Other notable DE to keep an eye on...
Carter, Andre WAS DE, Ogunleye, Adewale CHI DE, Smith, Justin CIN DE, Haye, Jovan TBB DT, Smith, Will NOS DE, Peppers, Julius CAR DE, Freeney, Dwight IND DE.
