Rookie DL to Target

Though DE/DT is not generally a productive fantasy position for rookies, there have been a few notable exceptions. For every Jamal Anderson there’s a Jevon Kearse; for every Dewayne Robertson there’s a Dana Stubblefield. You’ve heard of a “diamond in the rough,” well rookie DL drafting is akin to finding a diamond (mine) after your tee-shot slices 200 feet east. Here’s an early look:

Potential Impact DT that could start Week One:
Glenn Dorsey (DT, KC) – Should beat out Hard Knocks stars Tank Tyler and Turk McBride. This would actually help me immensely as I get them confused every time I try to rank them…

Sedrick Ellis (DT, NO) – The oft-injured Brian Young and the oft-tired Hollis Thomas are the incumbent starters inside. Both will play key roles. Both have an upside that pales in comparison to the explosive Ellis.

Andre Fluellen (DT, Det) – Fluellen might have been among the top 10 picks had he played at Florida State when the players still received, um, coaching. DT incumbents are Cory Redding (he of the huge 2006 and even bigger contract in 2007) and FA acquisition Chuck Darby. I like Fluellen to start at some point in September over Darby. 

Marcus Harrison (DT, Chi) – Could get a chance to play “if” Pro Bowl DT Tommie Harris suffers an injury. Harrison is another guy with great ability, but as of now he’s simply auditioning to fill the role previously occupied by DT Tank Johnson in Chicago.

Kentwan Balmer (DT/DE, SF) – Another 3-4 DE with a shot to start but don’t expect big numbers in the early weeks.

Potential Impact DT in a fight for playing time:
Trevor Laws (DT, Phi) – I assume he’ll move back inside after playing LDE in a 3-4 at Notre Dame as a Senior. There’s probably a bias involved here as I watched Laws play about 45 games, but I think he’s a 10-year pro and one of the best run defenders in the draft.

Philip Merling (DE/DT, Mia) – Reportedly a first-round talent (I’ve seen him play just parts of games so I can’t speak intelligently on his potential in the 3-4), Merling should qualify as a DT in most fantasy leagues this season.

Jason Jones (DT/DE, Ten) – Jones could easily beat out undersized DE Bryce Fisher on the left side. He’d be much more valuable if he qualifies at DT for those of you that must specify positions.

Frank Okam (DT, Hou) – Reportedly scored a 39 on his Wonderlic exam at the combine, so if he’s ever converted to Quarterback or Defensive Coordinator, you should probably sign him immediately. Has a battle on his hands with 2^nd Year DT Amobi Okoye (a sure starter) and DT Travis Johnson (41 solos last season/2005 1^st Round selection). I like Okam, but he has a tough road to hoe.

Kendall Langford and Lionel Dotson (DTs, Mia) will also have a shot at playing time as The Tuna tears down the house in Miami but, like Merling, both will probably play as 3-4 DE, the scoring equivalent of the FB position on defense. Langford has the early edge before they put on the pads.

Harrison, Balmer, Laws, Merling, Jones, Okam, Langford, and Dotson are all FA material unless you have a separate rookie draft (Dynasty Leagues).

Potential Impact DE that could start Week One:
Vernon Gholston (DE, NYJ) – Gholston will likely be listed as an OLB in your league, but if he’s not, make sure he’s your No. 1 rookie selection on the D-Line.

Chris Long (DE, Stl) – Fairly obvious selection. Long will find a way to get to the ball carrier so any struggles as a pass-rusher in his rookie season should be offset. He’s the safest and potentially the most productive choice among rookie DL.

Derrick Harvey (DE, Jac) – He won’t beat out DE Paul Spicer; he could beat out DE Reggie Hayward, or at least seriously push him for 4^th quarter playing time (and, as a result, the coveted garbage-time sacks).

Potential Impact DE in a fight for playing time:

Lawrence Jackson (DE, Sea) – I don’t think he’ll beat out Darryl Tapp for the DE spot opposite Pro Bowler Patrick Kerney, but Tapp has been a bit of a fantasy disappointment other than his 4-sack outburst last season vs. a Ram’s O-Line that routinely made lemonade out of DL lemons.

Quentin Groves (DE, Jac) – As mentioned yesterday, I like Groves quite a bit, but he’s likely to begin camp as the team’s 4^th DE. He appears to be a bit of a head case but there are plenty of head cases that still know how to get to the Quarterback.

Calais Campbell (DE, Ari) – I’m not a fan, but he is 6’8” and in a great spot with 2007 sensation Calvin Pace leaving for the bright lights of the big city. RDE Bert Berry has played just 27 games in the last three seasons while LDE Antonio Smith showed flashes of brilliance last season but is inconsistent.

Chris Ellis (DE, Buf) – Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel have the DE spots on lockdown and quality backup Ryan Denney is also ahead of Ellis on the pre-camp depth chart. The Bills liked him enough to use a 3^rd round pick though so he’s worth watching as a situational pass-rusher.

Jeremy Thompson (DE, GB) – Scouts question Thompson’s ability to care about football and remember: trying hard is a skill as important as quick feet, strength, and technique..

William Hayes (DE, Ten) – Situational pass rusher that somehow became a fourth-round selection. He’ll be in direct competition with DE Bryce Fisher and fellow rookie Jason Jones. Bet on someone other than Hayes.

There’s no reason to draft Ellis, Thompson, or Hayes in most IDP leagues. Jackson, Groves and Campbell are interesting flier picks as the tail end.