Jun 9, 2008
Deep League LB Depth
I recently completed the Guru IDP Top 100 for the Magazine (posted in the IDP Section of the Homepage) so there will be quite a few posts discussing the players on the list, those that just missed, and those I never considered.
But first, I noticed two major differences between this list and those from recent years:
- Before finalizing the list I had to convince myself that my No. 11 ranked player was worthy to carry the torch for the “Next 10” best picks (the Top 10 guys all pass the name test quite easily)
- There’s a narrow gap between the 2nd, 3rd, and even some of the 4th Tier LB entering the ’08 season
The aforementioned No. 11 ranked player is Vikings LB E.J. Henderson. I won’t get into his candidacy here (we’d prefer you buy the Magazine or, short of that, keep your Web subscription and read the column!) but at No. 11, I’m basically saying E.J. should be the second, and for a few leagues, the first defensive player you select.
Jump down the list to No. 44 and you’ll see the name Antonio Pierce. How can Henderson rank 33 spots higher (16 LB are ranked between the two) than a proven IDP option such as Pierce? Couldn’t Pierce be your second-best defensive player in a deep league this season as well? Despite my convincing case for each ranking on the list, I have to admit there’s an underlying theme throughout:
Linebacker Value
So on draft day, after the top tier of LB and impact DL/DB are gone, you’ll likely build a better squad by concentrating on improving your offense–stockpiling reliable backup RB and WR–because believe me, there are plenty of LB to go around in 2008. Some of them aren’t even starters…yet.
More on those hidden gems in future posts.
Does Derek M. Smith crack the top 500?
For at least 4 weeks he does. No Stephen Cooper at ILB in San Diego in September.
So what are the odds that Patrick Willis hits a sophomore wall, and/or makes people in San Fran long for the Jim Druckenmiller draft days?
I know that he is a great player, but how consistent will Karlos Dansby be this year? I can either keep LB Dansby or DE Will Smith, but not both. Sacks ar 4 pts and Tackles are 2 for DL and 1 pt for LB. I love Dansby, but seems to be more of a demand for top DL. I am leaning towards Will Smith ever since Saints drafted DT S Ellis. And as a sidenote, what always gives me hell when evaluating IDP for the draft is the consistency. Is there any way for you to grade them on consistency, say 1-5 or something, based on std deviations? Just curious if you have contemplated that factor.
Arky
They are graded on consistency. Stick with Dansby. DL are NOT consistent fantasy wise…unless they are top guys.
That’s not a tough call for me, either. Dansby.
1.) I expect him to have his most productive season as a tackler (and the big plays will be there with him) and separate from that opinion, 2.) Smith isn’t the type of guy you can pencil in for numbers a weekly basis.
Pretty deep league, (arky)? There’s a Values IDP column coming soon that could help.
Regardless, I think you can find someone to take Will Smith’s place
Hey O’Malley quick question. I inheritted a team in a 20 team dynasty league. Colvin just got picked up by Texans. he should start right. I almost released him, but still have him on my squad. He would be one of my reserves, but worth keeping right? In a 20 team league, there is slim\no chance to pick up someone on waivers right now.
He’ll start unless he has just nothing left, and that’s not something you’re going to know until well into the pre-season games so ya, I’d hang onto him as a reserve for sure.
20 teams and you have reserves … is that about 80 LB or more automatically off the board?