When it comes to production in fantasy sports, as well as pretty much any other outlet of life, success is often the byproduct of two factors: ability and opportunity. While you certainly need exceptional talent to survive and produce in the NFL, you also need to be given the chance the showcase that talent, usually in the form of a starting gig. While anyone can look at a defensive player's statistics from last season and fill out their squad accordingly, you also must pay close attention to the players whose roles have changed and will have a better opportunity to compile big stats in 2008.
Here are a few IDP names you should keep an eye on with the season ready to fully commence on Sunday, many of whom have either been handed new roles or have had their roles changed due to offseason acquisitions by their team.
Chike Okeafor, DE/LB, Cardinals -- Calvin Pace and his 98 tackles and 6.5 sacks are playing for the Jets. While Clark Haggans should see some time in Pace's former spot at outside linebacker, Okeafor is expected to start there and should see a greater number of plays at the position. Okeafor has been largely forgotten after spending the entire 2007 season on the IR with a torn left biceps, but he averaged over 8 sacks a year from 2003-06 with Seattle and Arizona at defensive end. Shifting to linebacker this season, Okeafor still may have DL eligibility in your league and would post big-time tackle numbers similar to Pace's 2007 totals.
Ray Edwards, DE, Vikings -- Edwards is an unknown man in the Vikings' dominating defense. That is exactly the reason why he could have a huge season this year. Edwards should see a lot of one-on-one action with right tackles as opposing offensive lines must deal with defensive tackles Kevin Williams, Pat Williams and newly acquired defensive end Jared Allen. Edwards should double his 5 sacks from 2007 this season.
Paul Posluszny, LB, Bills -- Posluszny was a tackle-machine at Penn State and the 2007 second-round pick had 22 tackles before breaking his forearm in Week 3, ending his rookie season. Posluszny is relatively healthy and ready to go. His tackle numbers could increase with Angelo Crowell, who was supposed to be starting at one of the outside linebacker spots, out for the season with a knee injury and newcomer Marcus Stroud drawing potential blockers. If Posluszny stays healthy, he should reach 100 tackles and we would bet on him to finish the season in the top-10 or 15 in the category.
Antoine Bethea, S, Colts -- Bethea, a former sixth-round pick, has been a pleasant surprise for the Colts in his first two seasons, emerging as one of the league's best young safeties. Bethea has started 27 games and notched a career-high 4 interceptions in 2007. Bethea should continue to see a lot of action thanks to the presence of Bob Sanders, and expect his interception total to increase for the second consecutive year, along with more tackles.
LaMarr Woodley, LB, Steelers -- Woodley played sparingly in 2007, but registered 6 sacks (including the playoffs). Woodley is expected to be one of Pittsburgh's starting outside linebackers this season, and figures to follow in the steps of former stud Steelers linebackers Joey Porter and Jason Gildon. He will get a load of pass-rushing opportunities in Pittsburgh's 3-4 scheme. Though his tackle numbers may not be on par with other linebackers -- as is often the case for linebackers in the 3-4 system. Lawrence Timmons, who could replace Larry Foote as a starting inside linebacker at some point this year, is another second-year guy to keep an eye on.
