There is one key statistic to keep in mind when evaluating individual defensive players: Tackles. By far, this is the easiest stat to project year to year, and it is the most valuable defensive stat in typical leagues because tackles, unlike sacks and interceptions, are more consistent from week to week.
Of the top 30 tacklers in 2006, 16 were in the top 30 again in 2007. Compare that with sacks, where only 10 players placed in the top 30 in both 2006 and 2007, and interceptions, where nine did so.
Also, avoid drafting defensive players too early -- even the stars.
Like quarterback and kicker, IDP is a deep position and not one to overemphasize. There likely will be more quality IDPs on your league's waiver wire than any position, and every year several unheralded IDPs emerge during the season. A corollary to this guideline is to keep a close eye on injuries throughout the season.
A perfect example is what happened with the 2007 Buffalo Bills.
Key players went down early in the season, and many of the replacements turned into valuable IDP options. Another example is Washington safety Reed Doughty, who played very well in relief of the late Sean Taylor. Finally, load up on linebackers, which typically offer the most tackles and the most versatility and draft strong tacklers at other positions.
You probably won't win your league because of your IDP unit, but you can definitely lose it because of a weak group.
Defensive Linemen
1. Trent Cole, DE, Philadelphia
Cole continued his rise with 12.5 sacks and 70 tackles in 2007. Still on the way up at age 25, Cole could really turn into a monster if the Eagles' other defensive linemen take some heat off him. Because of his age and versatility - 70 tackles is significant for a defensive end - Cole has tremendous upside. He's undersized at 6-2, 257, but uses his agility as an advantage. Cole has increased his sack total by three or more in each season since he entered the NFL in 2005.
2. Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay
Kampman offers a compelling mix of tackles and sacks. He slipped a bit in 2007, recording his lowest tackle total since 2003, but still turned in 64 tackles and 12 sacks. At a position where tackles are a premium, Kampman is a solid option. He brings a strong track record, proving his 15.5 sacks in 2006 wasn't a fluke. Even though the 28-year-old might have already peaked, he is still close to top form. Kampman is one of those guys who earns his stats through sheer effort, because he isn't quick and doesn't possess above-average strength.
3. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota
Allen led the NFL with 15.5 sacks in 2007, achieved in only 14 games because of a two-game suspension. Allen made 64 tackles last year after a career-high 77 in 2006. He has at least nine sacks in three of his four NFL seasons and at least 57 tackles in each of the last three. Allen was traded from Kansas City to Minnesota in April and signed a six-year, $74 million deal (more than $31 million guaranteed) -- that is the richest in NFL history for a defensive player. The Vikings have perhaps the league's best defensive line, which figures to free Allen for plenty of sack and tackle opportunities.
4. Mario Williams, DE, Houston
The No. 1 overall pick in 2006 had a breakout campaign in 2007, tying for third in the league with 14 sacks and adding 59 tackles and two forced fumbles. Williams' long-term upside remains high, and it certainly helps that the Texans are building a good defense around him, which lessens his burden. He recorded a sack in six consecutive games in 2007 and could be a consistent double-digit sack threat for the next few years at least. Williams is big, strong and fast and is becoming a polished NFL player at age 23.
5. Will Smith, DE, New Orleans
Smith ranks high among defensive linemen because he is one of the best tacklers at his position. He made 66 tackles last season and threw in seven sacks. In four NFL seasons, Smith has turned in sack totals ranging from seven to 10.5. Couple that consistent production with 60 or more tackles in two of his last three campaigns (he came up short in 2006 because he missed two games), and Smith is a low-risk option. Smith is stout (6-3, 282) and has the strength and willpower to push through opposing teams on his way to the ball carrier.
6. Patrick Kerney, DE, Seattle
Kerney exploded for a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2007, 3.5 more than his last two seasons combined (though he only played in nine games in 2006). Kerney is inconsistent in the sack department, with double-digit totals in 2002, 2004 and 2007 but 6.5 or fewer in 2003, 2005 and 2006. Kerney is much more dependable in tackles, though, with 66, 53 and 60 in his last three full seasons, respectively. At age 31, it's hard to expect a repeat of last year, but Kerney still should remain among the league's top defensive linemen, especially because of his strong tackling ability. He is an agile, well-rounded player that has also proven to be durable throughout most of his NFL career.
7. Justin Tuck, DE, NY Giants
Tuck surprised most observers by posting 10 sacks and 63 tackles in 2007. He often lined up at defensive tackle with Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora at end. As witnessed in Super Bowl XLII, the Giants had a formidable defensive line last year, which surely benefited Tuck. But his success was not merely a product of his teammates' prowess or the Giants' system. His strength and quickness make him a legitimate sack threat even from the inside and a strong run-stuffer. Tuck's role should expand in 2008 and could go sky high if Strahan retires, which would give Tuck more snaps at end.
8. Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE, Tennessee
Vanden Bosch picked up 12 sacks in 2007, the second time in three seasons he has recorded at least that many. He also added four forced fumbles and 60 tackles. Vanden Bosch boasts a three-year average of 66.7 tackles per season, though he is a streaky playmaker. Half of his 12 sacks last year came in two games. Even his tackles came in bursts, with three games of seven or more and five games of one or less. Over the long run, Vanden Bosch posts dependable numbers, but he's a risky play week to week and is likely on the decline as he turns 30 in November. He's still in the top 10 at his position but doesn't have the upside of some of his peers. He does most things well and his biggest strength is his ability to will his way to the ball carrier.
9. Jason Taylor, DE, Washington
It's hard to call a player with Taylor's impressive pedigree undervalued, but Taylor might be just that. In recent years, some likely assumed he was due for a fall because of his age (34 in September). That fall still hasn't happened. Taylor made 11 sacks last year on a terrible Miami team for his fifth double-digit sack total in his last six seasons, missing 10 sacks in 2004 by half a sack. Taylor's tackles peaked in the low-70s two years ago. He seems to be settling into the 55-60 range, which is just fine for a sack artist. Don't underestimate Taylor. He still has enough quickness to get around the edge, and his speed and range allow him to consistently track down ball carriers. Taylor's recent trade to the Redskins where he'll start opposite Andre Carter should only boost his value.
10. Tamba Hali, DE, Kansas City
Overshadowed by Pro Bowler Jared Allen, Hali has been consistent in his first two seasons - seven sacks and 60 tackles in 2006 followed by 7.5 sacks and 58 tackles last year. Now the spotlight is his with Allen traded to Minnesota. Hali will move into Allen's vacated spot at right defensive end this season, which could produce double-digit sacks. Playing right end will allow Hali to attack the quarterback's blind side, usually without having to go through the tight end. Hali might also benefit from the presence of first-round pick Glenn Dorsey in the middle. If the 300-pound defensive tackle pans out, he'll help keep blockers off Hali. Hali's best two tackle totals of the 2007 season came in Weeks 15 and 17, offering further evidence of improvement and durability.
11. Darnell Dockett, DT, Arizona
Dockett had a strange 2007 season. He made eight sacks in his first eight games and then endured a seven-game drought. Part of the problem was a season-ending injury to teammate Bertrand Berry, which turned more attention toward Dockett. His tackle numbers also took a dive during the second half, from 35 to 23. Dockett turned 27 this offseason and still offers considerable upside, especially with a healthier and improved supporting cast. He lacks the strength and quickness to get through a double team, so he needs help from his teammates. After making the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement last season, Dockett wants to renegotiate the five-year contract he signed in 2006, but that probably won't happen and shouldn't keep him off the field in 2008.
12. Osi Umenyiora, DE, NY Giants
Umenyiora made 13 sacks in 2007, just 1.5 shy of his 2005 career high. He lacked consistency throughout the season, though, as six sacks came in Week 4 against the beleaguered Eagles. Umenyiora has 52 or more tackles in three of his last four seasons, a definite plus. But Michael Strahan is a wild card. Strahan, Umenyiora and Justin Tuck form one of the league's best defensive- line trios. If Strahan retires, Umenyiora's production could be impacted because of increased attention from opposing teams. On the other hand, Umenyiora held his own in 2004 when Strahan missed eight games, averaging six tackles a game and totaling four sacks in that span. And Umenyiora's struggles in 2006 probably had more to do with his own hip flexor injury than Strahan's absence. Umenyiora wants a pay raise from the $1.7 million he is to make this season, but there's no indication yet whether that will affect his status for training camp.
13. Andre Carter, DE, Washington
Carter returned to the double-digit sack club in 2007 with 10.5. He hadn't been a member of that fraternity since 2002, when he exploded for 12.5 sacks in his second NFL season. Carter is coming off his two best single-season tackle totals, 56 in 2006 and 55 in 2007. His value is largely tied to this stat because his sack totals lack the consistency of elite defensive linemen. Carter has significant upside, but don't overspend on the 29-year-old. He's inconsistent and not getting younger or faster.
14. Darryl Tapp, DE, Seattle
Tapp is still a raw talent, just two years out of college. He made seven sacks in 2007, four of which came in one game before a broken hand helped limit him to just 1.5 sacks in the final nine games. His 49 tackles were distributed fairly evenly throughout the season, though. Tapp added three forced fumbles and an interception. He'll face competition this season from first-round pick Lawrence Jackson for the starting job. Jackson is bigger than the undersized Tapp (6-1, 270) and could play on running downs, leaving Tapp to be used as a situational pass rusher. In that case, Tapp's tackles likely would decrease, though he could see a bump in sacks.
15. Adewale Ogunleye, DE, Chicago
Ogunleye turns 31 in August, but he proved in 2007 that he isn't over the hill. He totaled nine sacks, six forced fumbles and 58 tackles, just four shy of his career high. While he likely won't approach the 15 sacks that he accumulated in 2003, Ogunleye still has a lot to offer. He's consistent - nine or more sacks in four of his last six seasons, the exceptions coming when he played less than 16 games - and he has a solid supporting cast. Ogunleye also forced six fumbles in 2007, a nice bonus if your league counts that stat. His biggest strength is his ability to use his speed as an edge pass rusher and get to the quarterback.
16. Elvis Dumervil, DE, Denver
Dumervil displayed his tremendous potential in 2007, recording 12 sacks. He had four multi-sack games and eight zero-sack games, showing some inconsistency, but he never went more than three games without a sack. Still, we're most interested in season-long upside and Dumervil has a lot of that. He was deployed more regularly in 2007 after playing mostly on passing downs in 2006 as a rookie, when he picked up 8.5 sacks. With more experience and a continued full-time role, Dumervil should be in the running for another double-digit sack campaign in 2008. He has good speed and is only 24 years old.
17. Derrick Burgess, DE, Oakland
After back-to-back campaigns with double-digit sacks and 50-plus tackles, Burgess had eight sacks in 14 games last year and 39 tackles. He turns 30 in August and is showing some signs of decline, but he's a young 30 by NFL standards as he played sparingly in his first four NFL seasons. Undersized at 6-2, 266 for a defensive end, Burgess compensates with speed and quick hands that allow him to maneuver to the ball. A full season and an improved supporting cast could help him return to double-digit sacks in 2008, and he should once again be in the neighborhood of 45-50 tackles, not too shabby for a defensive lineman.
18. Tommie Harris, DT, Chicago
Harris had a career year in 2007, totaling eight sacks, nearly double his previous career high, even though he played through injuries for almost the entire year. He also chipped in 35 tackles and at age 25 has developed into one of the league's best defensive tackles. Harris' ongoing contract extension talks broke off in April, so he is in line for unrestricted free agency at season's end, which could provide added motivation. Look for continued improvement from Harris; double-digit sacks could be in his immediate future. Consider, however, his injury history: he missed four games in 2006 and played through various ailments to appear in all 16 games last season. When healthy, Harris uses his 295-pound frame like a bull in a china shop.
19. Shaun Rogers, DT, Cleveland
Rogers was traded to the Browns in March and signed a six-year, $42-million deal. If he controls his weight - which has been near 400 pounds - he could be in for a solid campaign. He's coming off a career-high seven sacks, which led the Lions, and could recapture his strong tackling ability with a slimmer waistline. Rogers made 68 tackles in 2004 and then dropped to 39 in 2005, 20 in 2006 (in only six games) and 39 last season. The change of scenery and a renewed emphasis on his conditioning make Rogers a shallow sleeper in 2008. Rogers often commands a double team and has the ability to be an elite defensive tackle.
20. Travis LaBoy, DE, Arizona
LaBoy is expected to win a starting defensive end role this season in Arizona after four seasons as a part-time player in Tennessee. LaBoy made six sacks as a pass-rush specialist last season and could reach double digits if he holds onto a starting role in 2008. He totaled 19.5 sacks the past four seasons in 54 games (20 starts). Playing time is his biggest question, so make sure LaBoy maintains his starting position this summer. His small stature for a defensive end (6-3, 253) could be a good fit in Arizona's hybrid 4-3/3-4 scheme that emphasizes quickness.
Honorable Mentions:
John Abraham, DE, ATL
Chris Long, DE, STL
Antwan Odom, DE, TEN
Glenn Dorsey, DT, KC
Dwight Freeney, DE, IND
OVERALL TOP 20
- Patrick Willis, ILB, San Francisco
- David Harris, ILB, New York Jets
- Nick Barnett, MLB, Green Bay
- DeMeco Ryans, MLB, Houston
- Leigh Bodden, DB, Detroit
- Trent Cole, DE, Philadelphia
- Sean Jones, SS, Cleveland
- Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay
- Jared Allen, DE, Kansas City
- Nate Clements, CB, San Francisco
- Mario Williams, DE, Houston
- Kirk Morrison, MLB, Oakland
- Zach Thomas, MLB, Dallas
- Jon Beason, MLB, Carolina
- Brian Urlacher, MLB, Chicago
- O.J. Atogwe, FS, St. Louis
- London Fletcher, MLB, Washington
- Adrian Wilson, SS, Arizona
- Angelo Crowell, SLB, Buffalo
- E.J. Henderson, MLB, Minnesota
Ted Rossman is a fantasy writer for Rotowire.com. For more information, please visit Rotowire.com