IDP Spotlight: Darnell Dockett (Group 3) (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: Darnell Dockett, DT, Arizona Cardinals

Player Page Link: Darnell Dockett 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, we request that you 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.

Any thoughts on which Dockett is the Dockett of 2008?

The unstoppable guy with 27 solos and 8.5 sacks in the first half of 2008 or the disappearing act with a single sack during the second half of 2008?

Jene Bramel said:

Any thoughts on which Dockett is the Dockett of 2008?The unstoppable guy with 27 solos and 8.5 sacks in the first half of 2008 or the disappearing act with a single sack during the second half of 2008?

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I'm praying for the afore mentioned as Dockett is my DT anchor along with Wilfork and Anthony Montgomery.

anyone feel like sharing their thoughts on Dockett?

Aaron Rudnicki said:

anyone feel like sharing their thoughts on Dockett?

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Not much from me but as a 3-4 DT, I wouldn't expect much in fantasy value. He should be eating up blockers for the LBs and DEs to make tackles. Plus its dependent on the DEs helping him by drawing blockers from him. I don't see stud DEs in ARZ.I would expect more of the 2nd half type production unless the D makes a big step forward. His numbers were really skewed by 3 big games last year (Ravens, Steelers, Bucs). Probably another 40 tackles and top out at 4-5 sacks.

I happened to be coaching at Florida State (different sport) when Dockett was there, and next to possibly Greg Jones, he was the most impressive athlete I saw at a program teaming with them. He and Jones were physical marvels, especially when you were in the weight room with them.

I reference this primarily because he appeared miscast to me with the Cards his first three years as a space eating DT. While I would definitely say his best position in a 4-3 is as a 3-technique allowed to penetrate and disrupt instead of simply occupying blockers... I always thought he might also have the athletic ability and versatility to slide outside and play a 4-3 DE on running downs (a la Cullen Jenkins in Green Bay).

That said, Dockett obviously thrived once moved to a 3-4 DE in Arizona's multi-front scheme (43 tackles, 15 assists & 9 sacks - all career highs) and I was not in the least bit surprised. And while I by no means think it is likely he will be able to duplicate his numbers from the first half of last season, he has never missed a game in his professional career, is entering his age 27 season (the prime of his career) and should be playing the best football of his career now.

The loss of Calvin Pace does not help matters, but the potential return to health of Chike Okeafor and Bertrand Berry, the retention of Karlos Dansby as well as the off-season signing of Travis LaBoy could mitigate the impact.

For 2008, I would expect a slight dip in Dockett's sack numbers from last season but similar numbers otherwise across the board. And likely a good bit more consistency than was the case in 2007. Dockett projects as a solid DL3 to me. He has DL2 upside when he's hot (I wouldn't count on it) with DL4 production the more likely variance. (Oh yes, almost forgot... for leagues requiring a DT - he's definitely a DT1. Thanks Rozelle!).

42 tackles

14 assists

6 sacks

1 INT

2 PD

2 FF

1 FR

I’m still waiting for Dockett to play up to his potential … too inconsistent. He showed last year what he’s capable of, however, after the week 9 contest vs Tampa Bay where he exploded with a 9-1-2 effort, he basically disappeared from the stat sheet the rest of the year. Does he lack stamina, desire, is he a bit lazy? Or is it D, all the above? I don’t know, but he definatley can be a force.

He’s playing DT/UT in their 4-3 and DE in the 3-4, making him one of the better IDP DT’s. He is probably going to be one of those players who will always tease you with his upside. I hope not ... Dockett owner

Dockett signed a contract extension in ’06 (thru 2011) and with 4 years remaining, he wants a new deal. Dockett stayed away for all of the voluntary OTAs, and as far as I know, his status for training camp is up in the air. No surprise who his agent is, as we all know, Rosenhaus’ clients are notorious for wanting to renegotiate and being disruptive. I don’t see a new contract in the near future, so this could get ugly at some point.

Hard to say how this will play out. Darnell could pout and moan, causing him to play with a lack of effort, or turn it loose to try to prove his case for a new deal.

PROJECTIONS 40 solos / 13 Asst / 6.5 sacks / 0 INT / 2 PD’s / and a pair of FF and FR.

BTW … Nice read J Giles Band.

Why am I cursed with having to elaborate on the Cardinals tough-to-figure-out defense!

Dockett is light weight DT who looks to have some pass rushing skills that could make him a poor mans LaRoi Glover.

Last year he wore down as the season progressed. He and Anthony Smith should be the players who have schemes designed for them to create pressure and get to the quarterback. This bodes well for his '08 outlook. If the team can get some leads to help out his chnaces, he should be a top DT consideration for leagues that require them. As JGB pointed out, Dockett has 4-3 DE written all over him. And in the 3-4 he will playing every snap at an end spot.

Tackles: 45

Assists: 12

Sacks: 7.5