FSH: IDP NOTES

May 14th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

In case most folks have not noticed I can’t tell fantasy football is still about three months away (for some early draft) and the NFL does not kickoff until September. If you were here with me, you’d think tomorrow were draft day and fantasy starts Sunday. We still have plenty of time to prepare, so here’s my latest take from the IDP Nation.….

DL B.J. RAJI COULD COMPETE AT NOSE TACKLE
My Fantasy Read: The Packers number one 2009 draft selection is being pegged as the favorite in the middle despite the presence of 2008 starter Ryuan Pickett. Raji is a load and will take up considerable space, but at his size and build he serve more as a gap filler and have limited value for fantasy owners in IDP leagues.

LB BARRETT RUUD SITTING OUT FOR NOW
My Fantasy Read: The Buc’s leading tackler from last season has not reported to any of the team’s OTAs this offseason, but he says “everything’s fine.” It doesn’t sound like much now, but Ruud is in his final year of his rookie contract. As long as he’s on the field he’ll remain a solid IDP start in most any fantasy league.

DL SHAUN ELLIS RETURNS TO THE FIELD
My Fantasy Read: The Jet’s defensive lineman is coming back from offseason surgery. He’s currently limited in practice, but is expected to be back in time for camp. Ellis played well in 2008 and should be even better under Coach Ryan’s new system. Ellis will be a mid-level IDP favorite on the defensive line for fantasy owners in 2009.

DL JASON TAYLOR RETURNS TO THE DOLPHINS
My Fantasy Read: There’s nothing like “home, sweet home.” The defensive lineman returns to his former team in Miami, but will play a situational role coming from the sideline. Taylor enters his 12th season at age 34 and following an injury plagued 2008 season where he only started eight games, the sideline could actually be his friend. Taylor is still very well skilled and athletic, coming off the bench as a situational pass rusher will keep him healthy and extend his season. He’s not a top tier fantasy IDP, but he’ll be worth picking up in 2009.

LB DERRICK BROOKS NOT COMING BACK TO TAMPA
My Fantasy Read: Unfortunately for the former stud standout in the Tampa 2 defense, linebacker Derrick Brooks could be looking at having to hang’em up in 2009. The free agent is not generating any interest and the team has confirmed they have no plans to bring him back. It’s sad to say, but Brooks will likely have little or no fantasy value in 2009.

DL LEONARD LITTLE HOPE TO BOUNCE BACK IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: The Rams former third round pick in the 1998 NFL draft is coming off an injury riddled 2008. Last season Little started just five games and recorded just 18 tackles (six sacks). He’s missed a total of eleven games the last two seasons. He’s now close to full strength, but at 35 his durability will remain a question going into 2009. If he can stay healthy, he figures to have a prominent role in Spagnuolo’s defense and could be a solid IDP play this coming fantasy season.

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