NFC East: Fantasy LB team rankings going into 2006
Michael Harmon / FOXSports.com
NOTE THAT ALL INFORMATION IS BASED ON HARMON'S FANTASY PLAYER INFORMATION!
In past editions, I've extended the thought process and analysis to break down each component of offenses and defenses, and attempted to think like the NFL coaching staffs.
This time around, I'm reviewing the linebackers. They have played big-time parts of highlight reels in recent years, and a number of players' jerseys rank among the best selling in the NFL. We know the names of Urlacher, Lewis, Thomas and Porter well. It's time to look beyond the stars and call out their supporting casts.
Remember, these rankings take into account not only the abilities of an individual player, but looks inside the system and attempts to account for the overall fantasy value to be ascribed to the unit. I begin the rankings where the linebacking position has become a key component of the team's identity. Brian Urlacher and the Bears get us started.
7. New York Giants
Giants linebackers performed well in 2005, but ultimately succumbed to injuries down the stretch and in the playoffs. To that end, Giants management sought to bolster the group this off-season. First, they brought back veteran Brandon Short to provide depth. They then made the big splash with the addition of LaVar Arrington from division rival Washington. If Arrington is healthy, he remains one of the most effective and dominant forces on the field. We'll soon find out how much his game was impacted by the year in Joe Gibbs' doghouse. Arrington will play alongside Antonio Pierce and Carlos Emmons, who combined for 149 tackles in 2005.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Injuries hit the Eagles hard across the board in 2005. There were gaping holes in the secondary and surrendered 24 touchdowns. Jeremiah Trotter led the team with 121 tackles in 2005. He returns to anchor the defense. Trotter will be joined in the starting lineup by veteran Dhani Jones, who has tallied at least 70 tackles in four consecutive seasons. The Eagles will count on a return to form from former Chiefs linebacker Shawn Barber. Barber missed the entire 2005 season and will start at weak-side linebacker.
14. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have assembled a strong linebacking corps with Bradie James, rising star DeMarcus Ware and rookie Bobby Carpenter from Ohio State. Dallas also added veteran linebacker Akin Ayodele from the Jaguars. Ayodele recorded 72 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season. The biggest move for this unit is still in the works. There is a possibility that Greg Ellis slides from the defensive line to linebacker in the 3-4 scheme if he's unable to force a trade before training camp. The idea behind the move is that he provides a good veteran presence in the middle of a young defense and can be an effective pass rusher in the vein of Joey Porter.
15. Washington Redskins
The Redskins begin the post-Arrington era in 2006 with his departure for the Giants. Washington ranked ninth in the NFL in total defense at 18.3 points per game. Leading tacklers Lemar Marshall and Marcus Washington combined for 195 tackles, 9.5 sacks and five interceptions. Marshall truly shone in Gibbs' system and benefited from the Arrington issues. Third-year player Chris Clemons figures to take on a larger role this season and will battle draft pick Roger McIntosh for the starting weak-side linebacker position. Former Chicago star Warrick Holdman will also rotate into the action.
NOTE THAT ALL INFORMATION IS BASED ON HARMON'S FANTASY PLAYER INFORMATION!
In past editions, I've extended the thought process and analysis to break down each component of offenses and defenses, and attempted to think like the NFL coaching staffs.
This time around, I'm reviewing the linebackers. They have played big-time parts of highlight reels in recent years, and a number of players' jerseys rank among the best selling in the NFL. We know the names of Urlacher, Lewis, Thomas and Porter well. It's time to look beyond the stars and call out their supporting casts.
Remember, these rankings take into account not only the abilities of an individual player, but looks inside the system and attempts to account for the overall fantasy value to be ascribed to the unit. I begin the rankings where the linebacking position has become a key component of the team's identity. Brian Urlacher and the Bears get us started.
7. New York Giants
Giants linebackers performed well in 2005, but ultimately succumbed to injuries down the stretch and in the playoffs. To that end, Giants management sought to bolster the group this off-season. First, they brought back veteran Brandon Short to provide depth. They then made the big splash with the addition of LaVar Arrington from division rival Washington. If Arrington is healthy, he remains one of the most effective and dominant forces on the field. We'll soon find out how much his game was impacted by the year in Joe Gibbs' doghouse. Arrington will play alongside Antonio Pierce and Carlos Emmons, who combined for 149 tackles in 2005.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Injuries hit the Eagles hard across the board in 2005. There were gaping holes in the secondary and surrendered 24 touchdowns. Jeremiah Trotter led the team with 121 tackles in 2005. He returns to anchor the defense. Trotter will be joined in the starting lineup by veteran Dhani Jones, who has tallied at least 70 tackles in four consecutive seasons. The Eagles will count on a return to form from former Chiefs linebacker Shawn Barber. Barber missed the entire 2005 season and will start at weak-side linebacker.
14. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have assembled a strong linebacking corps with Bradie James, rising star DeMarcus Ware and rookie Bobby Carpenter from Ohio State. Dallas also added veteran linebacker Akin Ayodele from the Jaguars. Ayodele recorded 72 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season. The biggest move for this unit is still in the works. There is a possibility that Greg Ellis slides from the defensive line to linebacker in the 3-4 scheme if he's unable to force a trade before training camp. The idea behind the move is that he provides a good veteran presence in the middle of a young defense and can be an effective pass rusher in the vein of Joey Porter.
15. Washington Redskins
The Redskins begin the post-Arrington era in 2006 with his departure for the Giants. Washington ranked ninth in the NFL in total defense at 18.3 points per game. Leading tacklers Lemar Marshall and Marcus Washington combined for 195 tackles, 9.5 sacks and five interceptions. Marshall truly shone in Gibbs' system and benefited from the Arrington issues. Third-year player Chris Clemons figures to take on a larger role this season and will battle draft pick Roger McIntosh for the starting weak-side linebacker position. Former Chicago star Warrick Holdman will also rotate into the action.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:17 PM
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