FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 23rd, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

It May Not Be Miller Time, but It’s IDP Time

After spending a little time looking back at the skill players of 2010 who get most of the attention from the fantasy world, I thought it was time to pay some props to the bad boys of the gridiron. Last season saw no shortage of the fantasy worthy individual defensive players and here are the linebackers that made their bones crushing quarterbacks….

The Pass-rushing Linebackers…..

LB-DeMarcus Ware
The Cowboys pass rushing linebacker DeMarcus Ware turned in another solid campaign last season registering 15.5 sacks and 66 total tackles. Ware has been a solid IDP’er throughout his career having not missed a single game in his six seasons at the pro level. His 15-plus sacks last season was the fifth straight time he has reached double figures in that category. He’ll be a top IDP fantasy draft pick in 2011.

LB-James Harrison
The 2008 defensive player of year had a very good year in Pittsburgh last season. James Harrison, noted quarterback hunter turned in another solid season in 2010 churning out 100 total tackles and recording 10 and a half sacks. Harrison also added six forced fumbles and two interceptions to help led one of the league’s most fierce defenses to the Super Bowl. As long as his wallet is fat it’s not likely the fines he keeps collecting will slow him down, he’s a top IDP pick in 2011.

LB-Clay Matthews Jr.
Man or beast, it doesn’t matter because either way Clay Matthews Jr is just that good. A runner up in the race for defensive player of the year, Matthews is coming off a fine 2010 campaign that saw him sack the quarterback 13-plus times and total 60 tackles. Matthews also chipped in a pair of forced fumbles with a pick to lead an upstart Packer’s defense to another NFL championship. Clay Jr was a force for the Packers defense in 2010 and should be once again in 2011; he’s unquestionably a top tier linebacker choice in fantasy.

LB-LaMarr Woodley
While Harrison gets all the notoriety for the vicious hits, his counterpart and teammate LaMarr Woodlyey quietly goes about his job racking up nice numbers for himself. In 2010 Woodley registered 10 sacks, 50 total tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He’ll never have the reputation of a Harrison, but Woodley is very good and should be a high second tier fantasy pick in 2011.

LB-Tamba Hali
The Chiefs found a rising star in linebacker Tamba Hali. In 2010 he led his team with 14 and a half sacks while forcing four fumbles; he also contributed 52 total tackles last season. Hali is coming off his best season and with a young up and coming defense he figures to only get better. Last year was the first time in his five seasons that Hali had double digit sacks; he has the look of a second tier IDP linebacker in 2011.

LB-Cameron Wake
The Dolphins Cameron Wake came from literally nowhere in 2010. His 2009 rookie was hardly worth a mention, but after starting all 16 games in 2010 he put together a very nice sophomore season; 14 sacks, 57 total tackles, and three forced fumbles. Cameron looked very talented on the edge a year ago and hardly has the appearance of a one year wonder; keep him in your sites as a late top tier or early second tier linebacker in fantasy

Others worthy of mention…

These are just a few names that should not be overlooked early on in fantasy IDP drafts, when looking for a good linebacker; the Chargers Shaun Phillips was solid with 11 sacks and 55 total tackles in 2011. Over in Baltimore the Ravens have a gem of a pass rushed in Terrell Suggs; 11 sacks and 68 total tackles a year ago. The Raiders Kamerion Wimbley also deserves some notoriety for his nine sacks and 58 total tackles last season.

This was just a glimpse at the IDP package for 2011, I will be following up with the other positions over the next couple of weeks as well as developing my early rankings for the 2011 season, so keep checking back.

By David Ortega

FSH: IDP NOTES

June 16th, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

LB TAMBA HALI NOT ADJUSTING WELL TO NEW POSITION
My Fantasy Read: The Chiefs former defensive end and now converted to linebacker has not looked comfortable in his new position. The slow start could be a great indicator for a long learning curve. Hali had a down 2008 season and with new struggles in the new system his fantasy stock value is likely to plummet this summer. He’s not going to top any fantasy charts this fall, but may be one of those late bloomers.

LB AARON CURRY PLAYING ON THE D-LINE TOO
My Fantasy Read: The Seahawks standout defensive rookie has been drawing some attention and praise in mini-camps thus far, so much he getting reps at defensive end during the minis. While it is only mini-camp, Curry is expected to be a hot fantasy stock item in IDP drafts this summer. Though he is unproven, he’s going to get plenty of chances to be a special player and play-maker at the next level. Fantasy owners can expect to see him gobbled up fairly early.

LB JULIUS PEPPERS EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR CAMP
My Fantasy Read: According to another Carolina Panther defensive player, the team’s All-Pro defensive end is expected to be ready to go when the team enters training camp. While the source (Jon Beason) is likely to be reliable, Peppers has not been happy and has asked for a trade, so we’ll believe it when we see it. Though Peppers is garnered as one of the top pass rushing ends in the game, there’s no doubt his best value is in Carolina.

LB GREG ELLIS SIGNS WITH THE OAKLAND RAIDERS
My Fantasy Read: The former Cowboy has signed a three-year deal with the Raiders. Ellis is expected to move back to his natural defensive end position. The 34-year old was released earlier in the off season by the Cowboys, so it’s a bit of a reach for the Raiders. Ellis saw a slight dip in his numbers last season with only eight sacks in 16 games. He’s not likely to reach double figures in 2009, but may be a manageable bye week replacement.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411……