How do you determine if a DL is valuable? (1 Viewer)

[Darko M]

This is my first year in a 12-team PPR/IDP, outside of the normal offensive players we start 2LB, 2DL, and 2DB. The position I am struggling with is DL. There are plenty of free agents that appear to be performing, but how do you determine who warrants a start? I've read all the strategy threads but I'm still kind of lost. Any help appreciated. A lot of the time I don't even know if these guys play a lot of downs or even start.

 

[jbz]

Look at the depth charts. Do searches on names. Drop some names in the IDP AC forum. Obviously some guys are going to be 1 week wonders due to big plays (fumbles, TDs, etc). What you want is guys that get a lot of snaps (obviously) and show the ability to get to the QB. The tricky thing is some of these pass rushing guys don't play full time.

 

[DesmondBishop]

This is my first year in a 12-team PPR/IDP, outside of the offense we start 2LB, 2DL, and 2DB. The position I am struggling with is DL. There are plenty of free agents that appear to be performing, but how do you determine who warrants a start? I've read all the strategy threads but I still am kind of lost. Any help appreciated. A lot of the time I don't even know if these guys play a lot of downs or even start.

It may be easier if you could post a list of guys that are available and then we could help you pick a couple guys to hang on to. Most of the time I look at the best pass rusher available since DL's do not get a lot of tackles. Guys like:Osi UmenyioraTuckTrent ColeSuggs (May be listed as a LB'er)Mario WilliamsJohn AbrahamOgunleyeSchobelPeppersJustin SmithIf any of these guys are available pick them up and more if possible. That is also just about the order I would take them in also. Hope that helps

 

[Spike]

This is my first year in a 12-team PPR/IDP, outside of the offense we start 2LB, 2DL, and 2DB. The position I am struggling with is DL. There are plenty of free agents that appear to be performing, but how do you determine who warrants a start? I've read all the strategy threads but I still am kind of lost. Any help appreciated. A lot of the time I don't even know if these guys play a lot of downs or even start.

With the type of format you have (start 2/2/2), DL is actually the most valuable IDP position.You want "3 down" players (ones who essentially don't come off the field).You want DEs as opposed to DTs.As previously mentioned, you want to check depth charts (FBGs has them if you're a subscriber; other places have them as well).Read, read, read.Ask questions.Read some more.Good luck!

 

[Darko M]

This is my first year in a 12-team PPR/IDP, outside of the offense we start 2LB, 2DL, and 2DB. The position I am struggling with is DL. There are plenty of free agents that appear to be performing, but how do you determine who warrants a start? I've read all the strategy threads but I still am kind of lost. Any help appreciated. A lot of the time I don't even know if these guys play a lot of downs or even start.

With the type of format you have (start 2/2/2), DL is actually the most valuable IDP position.You want "3 down" players (ones who essentially don't come off the field).You want DEs as opposed to DTs.As previously mentioned, you want to check depth charts (FBGs has them if you're a subscriber; other places have them as well).Read, read, read.Ask questions.Read some more.Good luck!

How do you find out if a guy is a 3 down player? I've looked at depth charts and sometimes it seems like they're aren't really up to date, or even players are missing, etc. I'm aware that DEs are the most valuable, can you guys confirm that usually the right side DE is the most valuable? Seems more often than not the right side DL racks up the most points. So, how do you determine if the left side guy is valuable, or are the left side guys rarely valuable (except maybe the Giants)? Are there certain teams that don't even have a valuable DEs? For example, I notice all of the DEs from Green Bay are available (obv something to do with their new def scheme?).To the guy in post 2: those names are definitely not on the waiver wire. That's the issue with DLs, it seems like the top guys are easy to identify, but the mid tier guys are so hard to see who's valuable. I mean just looking at my transaction report, everyone is shuffling all kinds of DLs in and out of their roster, clearly I'm not the only one struggling at finding consistent and viable DEs.

 

[DesmondBishop]

The easiest way to tell you who to use is for you to post a list of who is available, I am sure someone can point out a couple names for you.

The only other thing to go by is their stats and then check the names on depth charts.

 

[Darko M]

Profootballfocus.com looks like a pretty good site to see the % of plays an IDP gets, right?

 

[Darko M]

The easiest way to tell you who to use is for you to post a list of who is available, I am sure someone can point out a couple names for you.

The only other thing to go by is their stats and then check the names on depth charts.

Top 30:Free Agent Defensive Linemen Weekly Scoring NFL Points Stats

Player Next Bye Guru 1 Avg Total

Biermann, Kroy DL ATL CAR 4 0 22.0 22.0 22.0

Abiamiri, Victor DL PHI NO 4 0 19.0 19.0 19.0

Jenkins, Cullen DL GB CIN 5 4 15.0 15.0 15.0

Ellis, Greg DL OAK @KC 9 0 13.0 13.0 13.0

Babineaux, Jonathan DL ATL CAR 4 4 12.0 12.0 12.0

Johnson, Antonio DL IND @MIA 6 0 12.0 12.0 12.0

Keisel, Brett DL PIT @CHI 8 0 12.0 12.0 12.0

Tyler, Tank DL KC OAK 8 0 12.0 12.0 12.0

Berry, Bertrand DL ARI @JAC 4 0 11.0 11.0 11.0

Gregg, Kelly DL BAL @SD 7 0 10.0 10.0 10.0

Jones, Jason DL TEN HOU 7 2 10.0 10.0 10.0

Nwagbuo, Ogemdi DL SD BAL 5 0 10.0 10.0 10.0

Patterson, Mike DL PHI NO 4 0 9.5 9.5 9.5

Fanene, Jonathan DL CIN @GB 8 0 9.0 9.0 9.0

Ferguson, Jason DL MIA IND 6 0 9.0 9.0 9.0

Hayward, Reggie DL JAC ARI 7 0 9.0 9.0 9.0

Jackson, Lawrence DL SEA @SF 7 0 9.0 9.0 9.0

Leonard, Louis DL CAR @ATL 4 0 9.0 9.0 9.0

McDonald, Ray DL SF SEA 6 0 9.0 9.0 9.0

Pryce, Trevor DL BAL @SD 7 0 9.0 9.0 9.0

Westerman, Jamaal DL NYJ NE 9 0 9.0 9.0 9.0

Hayes, William DL TEN HOU 7 0 8.5 8.5 8.5

Anderson, Mark DL CHI PIT 5 0 8.0 8.0 8.0

Brown, Tony DL TEN HOU 7 0 8.0 8.0 8.0

Kearse, Jevon DL TEN HOU 7 2 8.0 8.0 8.0

Lewis, Damione DL CAR @ATL 4 4 8.0 8.0 8.0

Merling, Phillip DL MIA IND 6 0 8.0 8.0 8.0

Okoye, Amobi DL HOU @TEN 10 0 8.0 8.0 8.0

Scott, Trevor DL OAK @KC 9 0 8.0 8.0 8.0

Stroud, Marcus DL BUF TB 9 0 8.0 8.0 8.0

If you guys can give me an example of a player from this list that is actually worth rostering, and more importantly why I'd appreciate it. But this feels like an assistant coach thread then, and that's not my intention. I basically want to know how to scout DLs.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Stud defensive linemen have all the following qualitiies:

**Strong pass rushers, whether it be of the speed, edge rushing variety, the technical variety or those with relentless motors.

Sack numbers, quarterback hit numbers, scouting reports help here.

**Strong run supporters

Strong tackle numbers, high solo tackle less sack numbers help here.

**Significant number of snaps

Almost every defensive lineman rotates in today's NFL. Some rotate in on only 50% of the snaps, some see 80% or more.

Durability, surrounding cast also play roles.

Generally speaking, you're looking for an all-around 4-3 DE. Stud IDP options are just as likely to be found at LDE as RDE. Some defensive tackles play a penetrating role on run downs and have great pass rush skill and can be as valuable as the 4-3 ends. There is also a subclass of 3-4 ends -- RDE in certain types of 3-4 with a 4-3 end like profile (i.e. penetrating with pass rush rather than space-eating squatters) -- that will have value, too.

Examples of the above:

Stud 4-3 end with all-around talent: Allen, Williams, Cole, Tuck, Peppers, Umenyiora, etc

Stud 4-3 DT with penetrating role: KWilliams

Strong 3-4 options with 4-3 like talent: Dockett (Seymour was in this category at one time, too)

Of those below, the following players fit the profiles above (albeit with blemishes):

Greg Ellis (all-around 4-3 end)

Jonathan Babnineaux, Jason Jones, Kelly Gregg, Tony Brown (penetrating 4-3 DT)

Brett Keisel (3-4 DE with 4-3 like all-around talent)

William Hayes could be on the verge of becoming a stud 4-3 end but isn't getting enough snaps yet. Victor Abiamiri is getting enough snaps now but has yet to prove he's got the all-around game.

 

[DesmondBishop]

Profootballfocus.com looks like a pretty good site to see the % of plays an IDP gets, right?

Yes. Certainly not a sexy list. I like Cullen Jenkins and Greg Ellis, Phillip Merling (Who had a sack that was credited to Ferguson) and Bertrand Berry. I am looking mostly at DE's as they have a better chance for sacks then DT's and Berry is actually an outside LB'er incorrectly listed. Some of the guys below had big games but may not be starters, they just rotate in and had good games like Kroy for instance, I would definitely wait on him as he may not get another sack the rest of the year. Westerman is also a LB'er but may be only playing on a part time basis so I would not jump on him yet either. Thats my take on your list and what I would do in your situation if this was all the guys to pick from. Maybe Jene will stop in and he can give you some additional/better advice. He is more of an IDP Guru while I am just a wannabe.

 

[jbz]

Darko - if you got a FBG sub, then they have weekly articles that sometimes gives you breakdowns of how IDP players are rotating, the amount of snaps they see, etc. That helps with the games you aren;t able to watch yourself. Also I find that googling the news for certain players to see if the local beat writers that follow each team have more insight. In the big picture, sites like ESPN won't give you much info regarding IDPs or DL outside of the already well known players that are likely already rostered. Good luck

 

[bonscott]

Darko - if you got a FBG sub, then they have weekly articles that sometimes gives you breakdowns of how IDP players are rotating, the amount of snaps they see, etc. That helps with the games you aren;t able to watch yourself. Also I find that googling the news for certain players to see if the local beat writers that follow each team have more insight. In the big picture, sites like ESPN won't give you much info regarding IDPs or DL outside of the already well known players that are likely already rostered. Good luck

Exactly. Just get a FBG sub and you'll be all set with IDP information and you'll be overloaded. Who to pick up? Whomever Norton and Bramel tell me.

 

[FunkyTeaParty]

DL is the toughest positon. Unless you have one of the dozen or so studs listed above you may feel like you are throwing names against the wall hoping one will stick.

 

[Darko M]

Stud defensive linemen have all the following qualitiies:**Strong pass rushers, whether it be of the speed, edge rushing variety, the technical variety or those with relentless motors.Sack numbers, quarterback hit numbers, scouting reports help here.**Strong run supportersStrong tackle numbers, high solo tackle less sack numbers help here.**Significant number of snapsAlmost every defensive lineman rotates in today's NFL. Some rotate in on only 50% of the snaps, some see 80% or more.Durability, surrounding cast also play roles.Generally speaking, you're looking for an all-around 4-3 DE. Stud IDP options are just as likely to be found at LDE as RDE. Some defensive tackles play a penetrating role on run downs and have great pass rush skill and can be as valuable as the 4-3 ends. There is also a subclass of 3-4 ends -- RDE in certain types of 3-4 with a 4-3 end like profile (i.e. penetrating with pass rush rather than space-eating squatters) -- that will have value, too.Examples of the above:Stud 4-3 end with all-around talent: Allen, Williams, Cole, Tuck, Peppers, Umenyiora, etcStud 4-3 DT with penetrating role: KWilliamsStrong 3-4 options with 4-3 like talent: Dockett (Seymour was in this category at one time, too)Of those below, the following players fit the profiles above (albeit with blemishes):Greg Ellis (all-around 4-3 end)Jonathan Babnineaux, Jason Jones, Kelly Gregg, Tony Brown (penetrating 4-3 DT)Brett Keisel (3-4 DE with 4-3 like all-around talent)William Hayes could be on the verge of becoming a stud 4-3 end but isn't getting enough snaps yet. Victor Abiamiri is getting enough snaps now but has yet to prove he's got the all-around game.

Are Tapp (SEA) and Freeney (IND) in that elite top 12 DL group, or are they mixed in with all of the other "mid tier" guys?

 

[Terps2002]

Stud defensive linemen have all the following qualitiies:**Strong pass rushers, whether it be of the speed, edge rushing variety, the technical variety or those with relentless motors.Sack numbers, quarterback hit numbers, scouting reports help here.**Strong run supportersStrong tackle numbers, high solo tackle less sack numbers help here.**Significant number of snapsAlmost every defensive lineman rotates in today's NFL. Some rotate in on only 50% of the snaps, some see 80% or more.Durability, surrounding cast also play roles.Generally speaking, you're looking for an all-around 4-3 DE. Stud IDP options are just as likely to be found at LDE as RDE. Some defensive tackles play a penetrating role on run downs and have great pass rush skill and can be as valuable as the 4-3 ends. There is also a subclass of 3-4 ends -- RDE in certain types of 3-4 with a 4-3 end like profile (i.e. penetrating with pass rush rather than space-eating squatters) -- that will have value, too.Examples of the above:Stud 4-3 end with all-around talent: Allen, Williams, Cole, Tuck, Peppers, Umenyiora, etcStud 4-3 DT with penetrating role: KWilliamsStrong 3-4 options with 4-3 like talent: Dockett (Seymour was in this category at one time, too)Of those below, the following players fit the profiles above (albeit with blemishes):Greg Ellis (all-around 4-3 end)Jonathan Babnineaux, Jason Jones, Kelly Gregg, Tony Brown (penetrating 4-3 DT)Brett Keisel (3-4 DE with 4-3 like all-around talent)William Hayes could be on the verge of becoming a stud 4-3 end but isn't getting enough snaps yet. Victor Abiamiri is getting enough snaps now but has yet to prove he's got the all-around game.

Are Tapp (SEA) and Freeney (IND) in that elite top 12 DL group, or are they mixed in with all of the other "mid tier" guys?

I like Tapp a bit, never been a fan of Freeney if he isn't getting a sack , he isn't scoring. I play in a similar format and during our draft went heavy on offense and basically had to grab a bunch of DT at the end of it. Kelly Gregg ( not a big sack guy but steady on the tackle side), Tony Brown who will give you a little bit of tackles and sacks and Kevin Williams who will have big weeks and mediocre weeks, make up my base rotation. I myself look for steady tackle number guys, it is too hard predict sacks and they tend to come in bunches for a players who have the high sack numbers. I also look at the history of their tackle numbers in past years to see who is consistently around the ball.On your list I like Keisel, J Jones and Gregg as the most consistent options even though they are 2 DT and a 3-4 DE. Pick up those guys and take a flyer on another high sack guy and see how he pans out. I'd rather have a guy who gets 3-5 tackles almost every week, then one who has three sacks one week then disappears the next few weeks.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Stud defensive linemen have all the following qualitiies:**Strong pass rushers, whether it be of the speed, edge rushing variety, the technical variety or those with relentless motors.Sack numbers, quarterback hit numbers, scouting reports help here.**Strong run supportersStrong tackle numbers, high solo tackle less sack numbers help here.**Significant number of snapsAlmost every defensive lineman rotates in today's NFL. Some rotate in on only 50% of the snaps, some see 80% or more.Durability, surrounding cast also play roles.Generally speaking, you're looking for an all-around 4-3 DE. Stud IDP options are just as likely to be found at LDE as RDE. Some defensive tackles play a penetrating role on run downs and have great pass rush skill and can be as valuable as the 4-3 ends. There is also a subclass of 3-4 ends -- RDE in certain types of 3-4 with a 4-3 end like profile (i.e. penetrating with pass rush rather than space-eating squatters) -- that will have value, too.Examples of the above:Stud 4-3 end with all-around talent: Allen, Williams, Cole, Tuck, Peppers, Umenyiora, etcStud 4-3 DT with penetrating role: KWilliamsStrong 3-4 options with 4-3 like talent: Dockett (Seymour was in this category at one time, too)Of those below, the following players fit the profiles above (albeit with blemishes):Greg Ellis (all-around 4-3 end)Jonathan Babnineaux, Jason Jones, Kelly Gregg, Tony Brown (penetrating 4-3 DT)Brett Keisel (3-4 DE with 4-3 like all-around talent)William Hayes could be on the verge of becoming a stud 4-3 end but isn't getting enough snaps yet. Victor Abiamiri is getting enough snaps now but has yet to prove he's got the all-around game.

Are Tapp (SEA) and Freeney (IND) in that elite top 12 DL group, or are they mixed in with all of the other "mid tier" guys?

Mixed in.Tapp >> Potential stud 4-3 end with all-around talent; still rotating and getting only 60% of the snapsFreeney >> Very little contribution in run support and very unlikely to hit 40 solos in any given year

 

[Darko M]

Top 30 this week, you gurus see anything worth while? I hope I'm not bordering assistant coach type questions, I am still trying to pick up on the cues and similiarities of the DLs that are roster worthy.

Free Agent Defensive Linemen Weekly Scoring NFL Points Stats

Player Next Bye Guru 1 2 Avg Total

Ellis, Greg DL OAK DEN 9 8 13.0 20.0 16.5 33.0

Jackson, Lawrence DL SEA CHI 7 8 9.0 20.0 14.5 29.0

Tyler, Tank DL KC @PHI 8 0 12.0 14.0 13.0 26.0

Abiamiri, Victor DL PHI KC 4 0 19.0 6.0 12.5 25.0

Biermann, Kroy DL ATL @NE 4 0 22.0 1.0 11.5 23.0

Berry, Bertrand DL ARI IND 4 0 11.0 11.0 11.0 22.0

Stroud, Marcus DL BUF NO 9 7 8.0 14.0 11.0 22.0

Warren, Ty DL NE ATL 8 0 2.0 19.0 10.5 21.0

Johnson, Antonio DL IND @ARI 6 0 12.0 8.0 10.0 20.0

Griffin, Cornelius DL WAS @DET 8 0 5.0 13.0 9.0 18.0

Hunter, Jason DL DET WAS 7 0 7.0 10.0 8.5 17.0

Leonard, Louis DL CAR @DAL 4 0 9.0 8.0 8.5 17.0

McDonald, Ray DL SF @MIN 6 0 9.0 8.0 8.5 17.0

Wright, Mike DL NE ATL 8 0 0.0 17.0 8.5 17.0

Babineaux, Jonathan DL ATL @NE 4 0 12.0 4.0 8.0 16.0

Keisel, Brett DL PIT @CIN 8 0 12.0 4.0 8.0 16.0

Dorsey, Glenn DL KC @PHI 8 6 7.0 8.0 7.5 15.0

Fluellen, Andre DL DET WAS 7 0 6.0 9.0 7.5 15.0

Nwagbuo, Ogemdi DL SD MIA 5 0 10.0 5.0 7.5 15.0

Parker, Juqua DL PHI KC 4 7 6.0 9.0 7.5 15.0

Reid, Darrell DL DEN @OAK 7 0 7.0 8.0 7.5 15.0

Patterson, Mike DL PHI KC 4 0 9.5 5.0 7.2 14.5

Brown, Tony DL TEN @NYJ 7 0 8.0 6.0 7.0 14.0

Denney, Ryan DL BUF NO 9 0 5.0 9.0 7.0 14.0

Foster, Eric DL IND @ARI 6 0 6.0 8.0 7.0 14.0

GLBerry, Wallace DL FA BYE 0 5.0 9.0 7.0 14.0

Gregg, Kelly DL BAL CLE 7 6 10.0 4.0 7.0 14.0

Miller, Roy DL TB NYG 8 0 4.0 10.0 7.0 14.0

Sims, Pat DL CIN PIT 8 0 6.0 8.0 7.0 14.0

Wilfork, Vince DL NE ATL 8 0 0.0 14.0 7.0 14.0

As always, thank you all for the help, this forum has made me a much more confident fantasy player in the past year, but I still have a long ways to go.