IDP Spotlight: LaRon Landry (Group 1) (1 Viewer)

2008 IDP Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The IDP Forum here has grown quickly over the past few years and is probably the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things related to IDPs. In what we hope to make an annual tradition, the IDP Spotlight series will be a key part of our preseason effort this year. As many of you know from what has been done with offensive players over the years, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. This year, we hope to publish IDP Spotlights for approximately 50-60 players, which should account for most of the key IDP starters for this year and possibly years to come.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week (or possibly longer) of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways.

1) At the end of the week (or longer when necessary), we will tally the projections into a consensus.

2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: LaRon Landry, S, Washington Redskins

Player Page Link: LaRon Landry Player Page

Each published article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For DLs: Solos, Assists, Sacks, PD
For LBs: Solos, Assists, Sacks, INT, PD
For DBs: Solos, Assists, Sacks, INT, PDNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

This is a tough projection to do right now since we are still unsure as to whether he'll play SS or FS.

When Taylor was in the lineup last year, Landry was very inconsistent with his tackle numbers (3, 7, 12, 2, 2, 9, 15, 7, 1). Once Taylor was out, he became much more consistent (6, 6, 8, 5, 4, 3, 5). (It's important to note the Landry was also playing his first games when Taylor was in the lineup. It could be the increase in consistency had more to do with him simply maturing as a player than anything to do with Taylor's presence.) I'm not sure exactly when he made the switch to FS. I think it was the Buffalo game, but I'm not sure.

At FS, he'll probably be around 5 tackles per game, maybe 1 sack, about 4-5 INTs, and 10-12 PDs. At SS, he could be up around 7 tackles per game and 3 sacks, but with only 2 INTs and 5 PDs.

dgreen said:

This is a tough projection to do right now since we are still unsure as to whether he'll play SS or FS.

When Taylor was in the lineup last year, Landry was very inconsistent with his tackle numbers (3, 7, 12, 2, 2, 9, 15, 7, 1). Once Taylor was out, he became much more consistent (6, 6, 8, 5, 4, 3, 5). (It's important to note the Landry was also playing his first games when Taylor was in the lineup. It could be the increase in consistency had more to do with him simply maturing as a player than anything to do with Taylor's presence.) I'm not sure exactly when he made the switch to FS. I think it was the Buffalo game, but I'm not sure.

At FS, he'll probably be around 5 tackles per game, maybe 1 sack, about 4-5 INTs, and 10-12 PDs. At SS, he could be up around 7 tackles per game and 3 sacks, but with only 2 INTs and 5 PDs.

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That's probably about right. The key here in the preseason appears to be Schweigart. If he proves good enough in coverage to play FS, then Landry will play SS. I don't see anyone else on the roster as an option for FS other than those two.

Let's get some more quotes in here guys.

Can Landry make enough tackles to stay relevant as a roving centerfielder? Question marks at OLB, CB and the other safety spot leave enough scraps to pair with some big plays to help him out?

I just can't see Landry as a true FS.

They've got to have him in the box routinely for his playmaking abilities. He's an amazing athlete and a ferocious hitter. If they let him play up, I think his instincts make him a comparable player to Polamalu in his up years.

Personally, I'd value him amongst the top 10 DB's, particularly in a dynasty league.

Laron Landry has the talent.

He now has some experience.

As a rookie he posted 95 total tackles. Thats awesome.

Do not underestimate just how good that number is as a rookie safety.

Whichever position they put him in he will produce statistically.

If only the LBs in front of him didnt soak up so much... Fletcher and McIntosh.

Still I have no reason to believe he wont be improving.

Tackles: 79

Assist: 39

Sacks: 1.5

Ints: 3

Pass Ds: 8

He comes with a little "unknown" risk and to draft an early DB you want some guarantees.

But his ceiling is very high indeed. Redraft he is a top consideration after a few others - dynasty/keeper he is already in the elite tier.

Assuming Landry will try to reprise the position that Sean Taylor played, basically a fairly deep centerfield, and not an in-the-box SS then his tackles totals may not be as high as a typical in-the-box safety. But, his stats could be 'padded' as a result of his speed and instincts that will allow him to reach balls that other Safeties may not-in effect getting more opportunities for PD's and INT's.

whether those are enought to boost him into Top 10 Safeties is another matter.

Then too, there is the longer term trend of Cornerbacks dominating the scoring for DB's, so that will work against him also.

Best guess here is:

75 tackles

35 assists

6 INT's

18 PD's

2 sacks

2 FF

1 FR

so in a jumbo scoring league (6 pts for INT, 4 for FR, 2 for FF, 8 for sack, 4 for PD,....) then his total would be 319pts in 16 games which is approx 20 ppg.

that would put him at about #20 in scoring for DB's based upon 2007 rankings....

As a fellow 'Skins fan, I have to agree with, and echo, what dgreen and Tatum Bell have said.

Projecting Landry right now is really tough to do. I'd be real hesitant about predicting 70+ tackles from him right now.

If DC Greg Blache wants to continue using the deep, deep centerfielder role that Sean Taylor was playing, then I don't think anyone on the 'Skins roster is capable of doing that, other than Landry. And Landry was really starting to come in to his own in that role by the end of the season. I think the wild card game at Seattle is a strong testament to that. If that's the way he's used, then I'd predict Sean Taylor-like numbers for Landry. Probably 60-65 solos, tops, but w/ something like 15 PDs and at least 6 INTs.

If Blache decides to go w/ a more "traditional" FS, Schweigart could probably handle that, which allows Landry's toughness and hard-hitting style to be used closer to the LOS. If that's the case, I could see Sean Taylor '06-type numbers for Landry. 80-90 solos, with maybe a half a dozen PDs and an INT or 2.

The wild cards are probably Schweigart and Reed Doughty (there has been some praise for Doughty this offseason, regarding how much he's progressed ever since getting thrown to the wolves in the Week 11 Dallas game). Landry can basically be used any way the coaches want to use him, so I think they'll figure out how Schweigart and/or Doughty can best be used and then fill in the blanks with Landry. It probably won't be until the first few preseason games that we'll be able to really get a glimpse of what Landry's prospects are.

He should produce some decent numbers one way or the other, but whether his points will be big play-based or tackle-based is yet to be seen.

Sidewinder16 said:

As a fellow 'Skins fan, I have to agree with, and echo, what dgreen and Tatum Bell have said.Projecting Landry right now is really tough to do. I'd be real hesitant about predicting 70+ tackles from him right now.If DC Greg Blache wants to continue using the deep, deep centerfielder role that Sean Taylor was playing, then I don't think anyone on the 'Skins roster is capable of doing that, other than Landry. And Landry was really starting to come in to his own in that role by the end of the season. I think the wild card game at Seattle is a strong testament to that. If that's the way he's used, then I'd predict Sean Taylor-like numbers for Landry. Probably 60-65 solos, tops, but w/ something like 15 PDs and at least 6 INTs.If Blache decides to go w/ a more "traditional" FS, Schweigart could probably handle that, which allows Landry's toughness and hard-hitting style to be used closer to the LOS. If that's the case, I could see Sean Taylor '06-type numbers for Landry. 80-90 solos, with maybe a half a dozen PDs and an INT or 2.The wild cards are probably Schweigart and Reed Doughty (there has been some praise for Doughty this offseason, regarding how much he's progressed ever since getting thrown to the wolves in the Week 11 Dallas game). Landry can basically be used any way the coaches want to use him, so I think they'll figure out how Schweigart and/or Doughty can best be used and then fill in the blanks with Landry. It probably won't be until the first few preseason games that we'll be able to really get a glimpse of what Landry's prospects are.He should produce some decent numbers one way or the other, but whether his points will be big play-based or tackle-based is yet to be seen.

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Landry impressively transitioned to the "centerfield" FS role that Taylor did, but I don't think he's as good as Taylor with the ball in the air. Taylor was not only taller, but he had tremendous hands. While Landry is very fast and athletic, Taylor was moreso. Landry won't suck by any means, but I don't think he'll quite get to quite as many balls as Taylor would in that role, so I'd reduce his PD's and INT's slightly.

Folks...you are witnessing the DB with the largest neck in the NFL. The guy is stacked and he's a masher.

Landry vs Portis:

The Skins specifically brought Schweigert aboard to play FS in an effort to get Landry slightly closer to the line of scrimmage. IMO, Landry will quickly become a Bob Sanders type safety. He can hit...he can cover...he can make the big play. As Landry "thinks" less, his INT's and forced fumbles will come into play.

75-30

3 sacks

4 INT's

12 PD's

Top-10 DB for the next decade.

Landry started all 16 games and finished fifth in tackles among all DB's (63 tackles, 32 assists) in 2007. Add 2 sacks and I think it's safe to say he had a very productive rookie year. He really showed a penchant getting to the QB on blitzes. Even when he did not get the sack.

Landry has freakish speed (4.3-4.4 neighborhood) and athletic ability for a man of his size 6-2, 213. Toss in the fact he hits like a linebacker and a year under his belt, and you can't help but come to the conclusion that things can only trend upward for the young man.

All this said, Landry played mostly off athleticism and was known to occasionally blow assignments as a rookie. Sean Taylor and his other teammates did a terrific job covering for him. And although Landry responded after replacing Taylor at FS in the deep middle role, it is not his strength. He has excellent range due to his elite speed, but he has struggled with the deep ball going back to his days at LSU. It is fair to question his ball skills and instincts in coverage (no INT's in 2007).

Predicting his role for 2008 without Taylor, with a new head coach and defensive coordinator is anyone's guess. My gut tells me it will adjust as the season goes along. Schweigert was a solid addition and should give the Skins options. But I still foresee Landry having to play the dual role of in-the-box hammer on 1st & 2nd downs and then moving to deep middle or slot coverage in 3rd down situations. I actually think it will mirror the role Taylor played 2 seasons ago.

Unfortunately for IDP purposes, his additional coverage responsibilities pulling him away from the line of scrimmage could take a toll on his tackle numbers. Not to mention remove him from the blitzing role he played so well last season. My bet is Landry's natural progression in year two will make up for the slight lack of opportunity. Although his tackle numbers may fall slightly, his numbers overall will look similar except with more big plays - a few more PD's and his first career interceptions.

65 tackles

25 assists

3 INT

9 PD's

1.5 sacks

1 FF

1 FR

Blache confirmed on Monday that Landry is the FS. Doughty is the starting SS at least at present - I suppose Schweigart might get a chance to beat him out there, but the team loves Doughty.

From the standpoint of projections for Landry, however, the last five games of the 2007 season (when Landry was playing FS after Taylor's death) are a better guide than are the previous 11.

Mr Capicollo said:

From the standpoint of projections for Landry, however, the last five games of the 2007 season (when Landry was playing FS after Taylor's death) are a better guide than are the previous 11.

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disappointing for fantasy, but he should keep the deep third locked down, and if the playoff loss to Seattle is any indication, 8-10 INTs is within his reach (as are lots of balls that most free safeties couldn't get to)

Sigmund Bloom said:

Mr Capicollo said:

From the standpoint of projections for Landry, however, the last five games of the 2007 season (when Landry was playing FS after Taylor's death) are a better guide than are the previous 11.

Click to expand...

disappointing for fantasy, but he should keep the deep third locked down, and if the playoff loss to Seattle is any indication, 8-10 INTs is within his reach (as are lots of balls that most free safeties couldn't get to)

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He's going to be feast or famine as an IDP like Taylor was. He'll have a bunch of 5-6 point games in a row, and then will bust out with 25 points when he has a big game that includes an INT returned for a TD. That volatility will mean you'd want him as your second S (if you start at least 2) rather than your primary, even if his end-of-year stats seem to indicate he's better than that.