Help rank these LBs (1 Viewer)

[KRANG]

FOR DYNASTY PURPOSES

I think that some of these are under the radar a little. I have some leagues were a few of these guys are on the FA list and another dynasty league starting up soon. How would you rank these guys?

Barnett

DJ Williams

A.Davis

Crowder

Wilkinson

Greenwood

Ruud

D.Johnson (KC)

D.Smith (Jax)

Bradie James

L.Hill

Also, do ANY of these guys deserve a closer look as late round/sleeper guys?

N.Harris

Keiaho

Wilhelm/Cooper (will either take over for Edwards?)

Tulloch/Fowler (MLB in Tenn??)

Land. Johnson

 

[gregjcross]

Of the sleepers most are training camp battles and it is impossible to say at the moment.

SD currently plans for Cooper and Wilhelm to be starting inside, if Randall Godfrey leaves (most likely), and if they don not draft another ILB on Saturday (they could draft one for depth or if one slips in first round) and if ILB Tim Dobbins doesnt beat Wilhelm out during training camp. Anything can happen.

Tulloch / Fowler is a camp battle, impossible to predict so get both but neither are grade A fantasy guys as they wont be the nickel backers unless Thornton or Bulluck are hurt.

Keiaho has a chance to play, probably fights Gilbert Gardner for a job

Not sure about Landon Johnson or Napolean Harris (if that is the N. Harris)

N.Harris

Keiaho

Wilhelm/Cooper (will either take over for Edwards?)

Tulloch/Fowler (MLB in Car??)

Land. Johnson

 

[J Andersson]

I'll give it a try - obviusly it depends on scoring system etc. - but here's my two cents.

1. Nick Barnett

The reasoning behind this is that Barnett signed an extension and appear to be firmly entrenched as the 4-3 MLB in Green Bay. He played through injuries last year and I expect him to put up better numbers. When Abdul Hodge stepped in at MLB he was so bad in pass coverage I think he's only (at best) a candidate to play SLB right now.

2. Andra Davis

Andra Davis is a quality LB but there are rumors flying around he'll be moved to the other (for FF) not so favourable inside spot (which would favor Leon Williams?).

3. Daryl Smith

I like Daryl Smith plenty and his numbers will be better but not really close to Mike P's (there has been talk of him playing MLB instead of Mike P but I don't buy it really).

4. Morlon Greenwood

Greenwood is an average LB in a great place but for longtime purposes he might be replaced (for now the Texans have other needs though.

5. Barrett Ruud

Just heard Tampa Bay released Quarles for failing his physical. Obviusly this means Ruud is an attractive option but will he be a 2-down player only with June and Brooks on the roster?

6. DJ Williams

DJ Williams hasn't been the stud he was thought to be but if he moves to the middle he might improve a lot - especially if new DC Jim Bates installs a system that's as LB friendly as the one he employed in Miami (think Zach Thomas - but there's a lot of if's).

7. Bradie James

James should floursih in a 4-3 but is only average in the "Parcells 3-4" that Wade Wilson will keep.

8. Channing Crowder

Crowder may not get great numbers until Zach Thomas retires, but I hear he's very impressive in early camps (how will Cam Cameron line up on defense?).

9. Derrick Johnson

Until Derrick Johnson is moved from SLB I'm not buying.

10. Leroy Hill

Leroy Hill is another SLB (or LLB) that's rather good but still won't achieve the FF success of Tatupu and Peterson.

11. Gerris Wilkinson

Wilkinson might be in a good spot after the release of Arrington and Emmons. However I think the Giants will pick a rookie early and revamp the LB squad - and I'm not sure where Wilkinson fits at this point.

Regarding the possible sleepers...

Landon Johnson just signed an extension but his upside is limited. Keiaho is a bit of a risky pick but extreme upside if he end up starting as the WLB in the Indy cover-2. Regarding Wilhelm/Cooper last I heard was Wilhelm was slated to play in Donnie Edwards spot but it appears uncertain at this point. Tulloch and Fowler (in Tennessee rather than Carolina) are guys that might end up in a good situation but neither is talented enough to be a long-term option - they could easily be replaced by a rookie if Tennessee decides to go for one on day one of the draft.

 

[bcr8f]

10. Leroy HillLeroy Hill is another SLB (or LLB) that's rather good but still won't achieve the FF success of Tatupu and Peterson.

Is he? Seattle doesn't classify their LB'ers that way but Peterson played over the TE more than Hill when I saw them play. He had 92 total tackles but only 2 sacks to Peterson's 89 and 10 sacks.

 

[Jene Bramel]

FOR DYNASTY PURPOSESI think that some of these are under the radar a little. I have some leagues were a few of these guys are on the FA list and another dynasty league starting up soon. How would you rank these guys?BarnettDJ WilliamsA.DavisCrowderWilkinsonGreenwoodRuudD.Johnson (KC)D.Smith (Jax)Bradie JamesL.HillAlso, do ANY of these guys deserve a closer look as late round/sleeper guys?N.HarrisKeiahoWilhelm/Cooper (will either take over for Edwards?)Tulloch/Fowler (MLB in Tenn??)Land. Johnson

Our first set of staff dynasty rankings should be out after the draft in early May.Every player in the first group you listed has a blemish or two. Ruud, Barnett, Williams, Davis, and Smith have the highest upside but all have some risk associated. In the second group, Keiaho and either Wilhelm or Cooper absolutely deserve a close look during mini-camps.J Andersson provided an excellent summary and I share his opinions on all (except the Dallas 3-4, which will change this year into a more IDP friendly version -- whether James wins a three down role will be the question).There were a number of off-season threads about up-and-coming linebackers in dynasty leagues and potential 2007 projected stats. Many of the players you mentioned also have threads dedicated specifically to them. It might be worth doing a search or scrolling through the most recent month or two of posts to get some additional information.