IDP Risers
Every year there are Individual Defensive Players (IDPs) whose situations have changed and are in line to better their statistics. Keep in mind that stats are not a great indicator of whether the players are actually good at football, as even bad defenders can rack up tackles or sacks in the right environment. Let's look at five linemen, five linebackers, and five defensive backs that are positioned for statistical leaps.
Defensive Linemen
1. Bucs RE Gaines Adams
New Bucs defensive boss Jim Bates' reputation has dwindled from widely-accepted genius to journeyman coach, but if there's something he's always done right it's get high sack counts from his weak-side end. RE Trace Armstrong posted a career-high 16.5 sacks during Bates' first season as Miami's coordinator in 2000, Jason Taylor rang up 18.5 for the Fins two years later, and Denver RE Elvis Dumervil's sack total moved from 9 to 12 in Bates' last stop. Adams' final 2008 stat line wasn't spectacular, but he dominated in spurts and is on Taylor's level in terms of athleticism. As Bates' latest pet project, Adams appears poised for a sizable third-year leap.
2008 Stats: 38 tackles (27 solo), 6.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, 6 PBUs
2009 Projection: 48 tackles (33 solo), 11 sacks, INT, FR, FF, 5 PBUs
2. Lions RE Cliff Avril
Rod Marinelli didn't feel comfortable starting Avril as a rookie, but the Purdue product just kept making plays in the nickel package. Jim Schwartz's staff deemed Avril one of Detroit's three indispensable players (Calvin Johnson and Ernie Sims were the others) and will use him in the Kyle Vanden Bosch role at weak-side end. Coordinator Gunther Cunningham will also add 3-4 looks to the defense, allowing Avril to play with his hand up like he did in college and enhancing his big-play potential in coverage. Avril is undersized and probably will never be much of a run stopper, but he plays fast, is a vicious hitter, and has already shown that he can get to the QB.
2008 Stats: 23 tackles (18 solo), 5.0 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 4 FFs, 0 PBUs
2009 Projection: 43 tackles (11 solo), 8 sacks, INT, 0 FRs, 4 FFs, 3 PBUs
3. Rams RE Chris Long
Last year's 2nd overall pick started hot with 28 stops, four sacks, and a fumble recovery in the first seven games. But Long ran head-on into a rookie wall and never topped three tackles in a week again. He still finished with a club-best 16 QB pressures for a Rams team that did far more run defending than pass rushing last season. In comes new coach Steve Spagnuolo, whose blitz-happy scheme orchestrated breakout years from DEs Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka in New York. Long isn't as physically developed as Tuck, but plays with a similarly relentless motor and is arguably more athletic. While we're not expecting double-digit sacks from Long just yet, he'll flirt with DL2 value as the right defensive end in Spagnuolo's pressure-based system.
2008 Stats: 40 tackles (32 solo), 4.0 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, FF, 0 PBUs
2009 Projection: 52 tackles (40 solo), 7 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 2 FFs, 2 PBUs
4. Raiders RE Trevor Scott
Raiders beat writers questioned the draft selection of Scott when he reported to last year's spring camps looking like a 225-pound safety. But Scott helped prove that Al Davis still has an eye for talent by scoring two multi-sack games against excellent offensive lines (Patriots, Jets) and tying Kalimba Edwards for the team lead in sacks, despite not starting once. Already highly athletic, Scott has bulked up to 258 pounds and lined up as Oakland's first-team right defensive end at Organized Team Activities. If he can hold off sluggish incumbent Jay Richardson and fumble-forcing rookie Stryker Sulak, Scott will play every down and could approach double-digit sacks.
2008 Stats: 24 tackles (19 solo), 5.0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FRs, FF, 0 PBUs
2009 Projection: 43 tackles (32 solo), 7 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 2 FFs, 2 PBUs
5. Titans DT Jason Jones
An explosive up-field lineman, Jones was sensational as a rookie spelling Albert Haynesworth. The No. 54 overall pick especially stood out in a 3.5-sack effort against Pittsburgh's mauling interior line in Week 16. While he was only a passing-down tackle last year, Jones never hit a rookie wall and will now be counted on to start next to Tony Brown at the "three technique." Savvy line coach Jim Washburn will continue to rotate Brown, Jones, $16 million free agent Jovan Haye, and rookie SenDerrick Marks, but Jones' snap count and production will increase as closer to a full-time player. Target Jones early in IDP leagues that require you to start DTs.
2008 Stats: 31 tackles (24 solo), 5.0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FR, 3 FFs, 2 PBUs
2009 Projection: 48 tackles (36 solo), 7 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 3 FFs, 3 PBUs
Linebackers
1. Steelers ILB Lawrence Timmons
Timmons' 2008 production was amazing considering he played only on passing downs. A 2007 first-round pick who's kicked inside due to the presence of OLBs LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison, Timmons is a violent hitter with elite speed and cover skills. Coordinator Dick LeBeau has also showed a lot of confidence in Timmons' ability to blitz up the middle. An every-down starter now that Larry Foote is in Detroit, Timmons should bypass James Farrior to be the team's leading tackler and mix in plenty of glory stats. Timmons will go after usual suspects Karlos Dansby, Jon Beason, and Ray Lewis in IDP drafts, but has the potential to out-produce them all.
2008 Stats: 65 tackles (43 solo), 5.0 sacks, INT, FR, FF, 3 PBUs
2009 Projection: 99 tackles (67 solo), 5 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FRs, 2 FFs, 4 PBUs
2. Jaguars MLB Justin Durant
Realizing that penetrating defensive tackle Rob Meier was miscast as a starter, the Jags have opened his position to competition. They'll go back to a two-gap scheme inside, using 6'7/335-pound incumbent John Henderson and 6'3/321-pound rookie Terrance Knighton to shield guards so the linebackers behind them can make plays. Durant, the 48th pick overall in 2007, shuffled between the outside positions in his first two seasons, but has now been installed at his natural MIKE spot because he is Jacksonville's best sideline-to-sideline linebacker. A near lock for 100 tackles, Durant will stay in on passing downs and looks like the ideal value target in IDP leagues.
2008 Stats: 70 tackles (62 solo), 0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, 5 PBUs
2009 Projection: 101 tackles (80 solo), 2 sacks, INT, 0 FRs, FF, 6 PBUs
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3. Ravens ILB Tavares Gooden
Baltimore drafted Gooden 71st overall in 2008 hoping he'd be immediate special teams help and eventually replace one of contract-year starters Bart Scott or Ray Lewis. Gooden only made it to October before hip and hernia woes landed him on injured reserve, but the starting opportunity arose when Scott bolted for the Jets. Highly athletic with versatility to play inside or out, Gooden perfectly fits the Ravens' hybrid defense and is already running with the first team at Scott's old position. Don't expect a ton of big plays, but Gooden will flirt with 90 tackles in a 16-game slate.
2008 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solo), 0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, 0 PBUs
2009 Projection: 89 tackles (60 solo), 1 sack, INT, FR, FF, 6 PBUs
4. Cowboys OLB Anthony Spencer
Spencer's transition from college end to pro rush linebacker has been slow, mostly because Greg Ellis was ahead of him on the depth chart. Ellis, who produced 21 sacks over the last two years, is now on the verge of being released due to a pricey contract. The NCAA leader in tackles for loss as a Purdue senior, Spencer is now thrust into a starting role. He's already a potent run defender and will see single teams in passing situations playing opposite 2008 NFL sack leader DeMarcus Ware. Spencer has a lot to prove as a blitzer, but the table is set for a big campaign.
2008 Stats: 34 tackles (22 solo), 1.5 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 0 FFs, 0 PBUs
2009 Projection: 61 tackles (40 solo), 6 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 3 FFs, PBU
5. Bucs WLB Geno Hayes
A surprise early entrant in the 2008 draft, Hayes sat behind franchise stalwart Derrick Brooks at weak-side linebacker as a rookie. Hayes did show promise in nine appearances, racking up seven special teams stops and returning a blocked punt for a touchdown. The weak-side spot opened up when Brooks was cut in a February salary-cap move. New coordinator Jim Bates uses his defensive linemen as "shields" to free up linebackers to run sideline to sideline, which suits Hayes' athleticism. He needs to beat out Adam Hayward and Quincy Black -- another speedster -- but Hayes is the early favorite and will be a nice deep-league target if he wins.
2008 Stats: 13 tackles (10 solo), 0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, PBU
2009 Projection: 84 tackles (67 solo), 1 sack, INT, FR, 0 FFs, PBU
Defensive Backs
1. Bucs SS Sabby Piscitelli
Jermaine Phillips kept Piscitelli on the bench for his first two years, but the Bucs have initiated change at strong safety by converting Phillips to linebacker. Piscitelli will be a coverage upgrade and can make plays on the ball. The Bucs are in transition at three spots on the line and two linebacker positions, which could lead to a leaky front seven. Well built at 6'3/224, Piscitelli can deliver blows to ball carriers who get through to the second level. It's a formula for production, as Tampa's defense will likely be on the field more because the offense has downgraded.
2008 Stats: 48 tackles (40 solo), 0 sacks, 2 INTs, 0 FRs, FF, 8 PBUs
2009 Projection: 87 tackles (69 solo), 0 sacks, 4 INTs, FR, FF, 10 PBUs
2. Texas SS Dominique Barber
Conservative ex-coordinator Richard Smith couldn't bring himself to start a sixth-round rookie in the back end last season, but aggressive new DC Frank Bush will give Barber every chance to win the job. Marion's little brother hits like his sibling runs and flashed playmaking ability with a Week 17 sack of Kyle Orton. Barber also showed a nose for the ball as a senior in college, recovering four fumbles (one returned for a TD) and forcing four more. He could be a sleeper DB2 in tackle-heavy formats if he beats out Nick Ferguson and Brandon Harrison in camp.
2008 Stats: 15 tackles (12 solo), 1.0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, PBU
2009 Projection: 77 tackles (11 solo), 1 sack, INT, 0 FRs, 2 FFs, 5 PBUs
3. Bucs LCB Aqib Talib
Following Phillip Buchanon's exit, Talib moves into the starting lineup at left corner after acting as Tampa Bay's nickel back as a rookie. Last year's 20th overall pick, Talib will fit right in as a bump-and-run coverman in new coordinator Jim Bates' man-to-man defense. Expect opposing offensive coordinators to test Talib early and often with a motormouth like DeAngelo Hall's and playing opposite respected RCB Ronde Barber. That would lead to more big-play opportunities, which Talib showed he can capitalize on with four picks as a mere part-timer in his first year. At 6'1/205, Talib is also built to tackle. Few cornerbacks offer better IDP upside.
2008 Stats: 23 tackles (17 solo), 0 sacks, 4 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, 9 PBUs
2009 Projection: 63 tackles (48 solo), 0 sacks, 6 INTs, 0 FRs, FF, 17 PBUs
4. Giants SS Kenny Phillips
The 31st overall pick a year ago, Phillips led Giants DBs in solo stops despite spending his first season behind FS Michael Johnson and SS James Butler. It's a testament to Phillips' range. The imposing ex-Miami Hurricane has a LaRon Landry-like skill set with the ability to handle both safety spots, and moves into a full-time job with Butler in St. Louis. GM Jerry Reese let Butler go with no contract offer because he knows Phillips will be an upgrade versus both the run and pass. The Giants have a stingy front seven and don't blitz their safeties frequently, but Phillips will spend most of his time near the line of scrimmage wreaking havoc. He's a safe DB3 pick with DB2 upside.
2008 Stats: 67 tackles (55 solo), 0 sacks, INT, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, 5 PBUs
2009 Projection: 81 tackles (69 solo), 0 sacks, 3 INTs, FR, 2 FFs, 9 PBUs
5. Vikings SS Tyrell Johnson
Johnson is an in-the-box safety, but was forced to make seven starts on the free, "center field" side last season while Madieu Williams recovered from injury. His numbers didn't stand out at the tackle-unfriendly position, but the experience will help because Johnson is taking over for Darren Sharper at strong safety. The 43rd pick overall in 2008, Johnson is extremely physical and possesses ideal straight-line speed (4.43). He also showed better range than advertised as a rookie, even dabbling at nickel cornerback. The Vikes' stout front seven will prevent Johnson from approaching 100 tackles, but he's an excellent DB3 pick with a high forced fumble ceiling.
2008 Stats: 31 tackles (24 solo), 0 sacks, INT, FR, 0 FFs, 2 PBUs
2009 Projection: 85 tackles (68 solo), 0 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FFs, 7 PBUs
Every year there are Individual Defensive Players (IDPs) whose situations have changed and are in line to better their statistics. Keep in mind that stats are not a great indicator of whether the players are actually good at football, as even bad defenders can rack up tackles or sacks in the right environment. Let's look at five linemen, five linebackers, and five defensive backs that are positioned for statistical leaps.
Defensive Linemen
1. Bucs RE Gaines Adams
New Bucs defensive boss Jim Bates' reputation has dwindled from widely-accepted genius to journeyman coach, but if there's something he's always done right it's get high sack counts from his weak-side end. RE Trace Armstrong posted a career-high 16.5 sacks during Bates' first season as Miami's coordinator in 2000, Jason Taylor rang up 18.5 for the Fins two years later, and Denver RE Elvis Dumervil's sack total moved from 9 to 12 in Bates' last stop. Adams' final 2008 stat line wasn't spectacular, but he dominated in spurts and is on Taylor's level in terms of athleticism. As Bates' latest pet project, Adams appears poised for a sizable third-year leap.
2008 Stats: 38 tackles (27 solo), 6.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, 6 PBUs
2009 Projection: 48 tackles (33 solo), 11 sacks, INT, FR, FF, 5 PBUs
2. Lions RE Cliff Avril
Rod Marinelli didn't feel comfortable starting Avril as a rookie, but the Purdue product just kept making plays in the nickel package. Jim Schwartz's staff deemed Avril one of Detroit's three indispensable players (Calvin Johnson and Ernie Sims were the others) and will use him in the Kyle Vanden Bosch role at weak-side end. Coordinator Gunther Cunningham will also add 3-4 looks to the defense, allowing Avril to play with his hand up like he did in college and enhancing his big-play potential in coverage. Avril is undersized and probably will never be much of a run stopper, but he plays fast, is a vicious hitter, and has already shown that he can get to the QB.
2008 Stats: 23 tackles (18 solo), 5.0 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 4 FFs, 0 PBUs
2009 Projection: 43 tackles (11 solo), 8 sacks, INT, 0 FRs, 4 FFs, 3 PBUs
3. Rams RE Chris Long
Last year's 2nd overall pick started hot with 28 stops, four sacks, and a fumble recovery in the first seven games. But Long ran head-on into a rookie wall and never topped three tackles in a week again. He still finished with a club-best 16 QB pressures for a Rams team that did far more run defending than pass rushing last season. In comes new coach Steve Spagnuolo, whose blitz-happy scheme orchestrated breakout years from DEs Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka in New York. Long isn't as physically developed as Tuck, but plays with a similarly relentless motor and is arguably more athletic. While we're not expecting double-digit sacks from Long just yet, he'll flirt with DL2 value as the right defensive end in Spagnuolo's pressure-based system.
2008 Stats: 40 tackles (32 solo), 4.0 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, FF, 0 PBUs
2009 Projection: 52 tackles (40 solo), 7 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 2 FFs, 2 PBUs
4. Raiders RE Trevor Scott
Raiders beat writers questioned the draft selection of Scott when he reported to last year's spring camps looking like a 225-pound safety. But Scott helped prove that Al Davis still has an eye for talent by scoring two multi-sack games against excellent offensive lines (Patriots, Jets) and tying Kalimba Edwards for the team lead in sacks, despite not starting once. Already highly athletic, Scott has bulked up to 258 pounds and lined up as Oakland's first-team right defensive end at Organized Team Activities. If he can hold off sluggish incumbent Jay Richardson and fumble-forcing rookie Stryker Sulak, Scott will play every down and could approach double-digit sacks.
2008 Stats: 24 tackles (19 solo), 5.0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FRs, FF, 0 PBUs
2009 Projection: 43 tackles (32 solo), 7 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 2 FFs, 2 PBUs
5. Titans DT Jason Jones
An explosive up-field lineman, Jones was sensational as a rookie spelling Albert Haynesworth. The No. 54 overall pick especially stood out in a 3.5-sack effort against Pittsburgh's mauling interior line in Week 16. While he was only a passing-down tackle last year, Jones never hit a rookie wall and will now be counted on to start next to Tony Brown at the "three technique." Savvy line coach Jim Washburn will continue to rotate Brown, Jones, $16 million free agent Jovan Haye, and rookie SenDerrick Marks, but Jones' snap count and production will increase as closer to a full-time player. Target Jones early in IDP leagues that require you to start DTs.
2008 Stats: 31 tackles (24 solo), 5.0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FR, 3 FFs, 2 PBUs
2009 Projection: 48 tackles (36 solo), 7 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 3 FFs, 3 PBUs
Linebackers
1. Steelers ILB Lawrence Timmons
Timmons' 2008 production was amazing considering he played only on passing downs. A 2007 first-round pick who's kicked inside due to the presence of OLBs LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison, Timmons is a violent hitter with elite speed and cover skills. Coordinator Dick LeBeau has also showed a lot of confidence in Timmons' ability to blitz up the middle. An every-down starter now that Larry Foote is in Detroit, Timmons should bypass James Farrior to be the team's leading tackler and mix in plenty of glory stats. Timmons will go after usual suspects Karlos Dansby, Jon Beason, and Ray Lewis in IDP drafts, but has the potential to out-produce them all.
2008 Stats: 65 tackles (43 solo), 5.0 sacks, INT, FR, FF, 3 PBUs
2009 Projection: 99 tackles (67 solo), 5 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FRs, 2 FFs, 4 PBUs
2. Jaguars MLB Justin Durant
Realizing that penetrating defensive tackle Rob Meier was miscast as a starter, the Jags have opened his position to competition. They'll go back to a two-gap scheme inside, using 6'7/335-pound incumbent John Henderson and 6'3/321-pound rookie Terrance Knighton to shield guards so the linebackers behind them can make plays. Durant, the 48th pick overall in 2007, shuffled between the outside positions in his first two seasons, but has now been installed at his natural MIKE spot because he is Jacksonville's best sideline-to-sideline linebacker. A near lock for 100 tackles, Durant will stay in on passing downs and looks like the ideal value target in IDP leagues.
2008 Stats: 70 tackles (62 solo), 0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, 5 PBUs
2009 Projection: 101 tackles (80 solo), 2 sacks, INT, 0 FRs, FF, 6 PBUs
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3. Ravens ILB Tavares Gooden
Baltimore drafted Gooden 71st overall in 2008 hoping he'd be immediate special teams help and eventually replace one of contract-year starters Bart Scott or Ray Lewis. Gooden only made it to October before hip and hernia woes landed him on injured reserve, but the starting opportunity arose when Scott bolted for the Jets. Highly athletic with versatility to play inside or out, Gooden perfectly fits the Ravens' hybrid defense and is already running with the first team at Scott's old position. Don't expect a ton of big plays, but Gooden will flirt with 90 tackles in a 16-game slate.
2008 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solo), 0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, 0 PBUs
2009 Projection: 89 tackles (60 solo), 1 sack, INT, FR, FF, 6 PBUs
4. Cowboys OLB Anthony Spencer
Spencer's transition from college end to pro rush linebacker has been slow, mostly because Greg Ellis was ahead of him on the depth chart. Ellis, who produced 21 sacks over the last two years, is now on the verge of being released due to a pricey contract. The NCAA leader in tackles for loss as a Purdue senior, Spencer is now thrust into a starting role. He's already a potent run defender and will see single teams in passing situations playing opposite 2008 NFL sack leader DeMarcus Ware. Spencer has a lot to prove as a blitzer, but the table is set for a big campaign.
2008 Stats: 34 tackles (22 solo), 1.5 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 0 FFs, 0 PBUs
2009 Projection: 61 tackles (40 solo), 6 sacks, 0 INTs, FR, 3 FFs, PBU
5. Bucs WLB Geno Hayes
A surprise early entrant in the 2008 draft, Hayes sat behind franchise stalwart Derrick Brooks at weak-side linebacker as a rookie. Hayes did show promise in nine appearances, racking up seven special teams stops and returning a blocked punt for a touchdown. The weak-side spot opened up when Brooks was cut in a February salary-cap move. New coordinator Jim Bates uses his defensive linemen as "shields" to free up linebackers to run sideline to sideline, which suits Hayes' athleticism. He needs to beat out Adam Hayward and Quincy Black -- another speedster -- but Hayes is the early favorite and will be a nice deep-league target if he wins.
2008 Stats: 13 tackles (10 solo), 0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, PBU
2009 Projection: 84 tackles (67 solo), 1 sack, INT, FR, 0 FFs, PBU
Defensive Backs
1. Bucs SS Sabby Piscitelli
Jermaine Phillips kept Piscitelli on the bench for his first two years, but the Bucs have initiated change at strong safety by converting Phillips to linebacker. Piscitelli will be a coverage upgrade and can make plays on the ball. The Bucs are in transition at three spots on the line and two linebacker positions, which could lead to a leaky front seven. Well built at 6'3/224, Piscitelli can deliver blows to ball carriers who get through to the second level. It's a formula for production, as Tampa's defense will likely be on the field more because the offense has downgraded.
2008 Stats: 48 tackles (40 solo), 0 sacks, 2 INTs, 0 FRs, FF, 8 PBUs
2009 Projection: 87 tackles (69 solo), 0 sacks, 4 INTs, FR, FF, 10 PBUs
2. Texas SS Dominique Barber
Conservative ex-coordinator Richard Smith couldn't bring himself to start a sixth-round rookie in the back end last season, but aggressive new DC Frank Bush will give Barber every chance to win the job. Marion's little brother hits like his sibling runs and flashed playmaking ability with a Week 17 sack of Kyle Orton. Barber also showed a nose for the ball as a senior in college, recovering four fumbles (one returned for a TD) and forcing four more. He could be a sleeper DB2 in tackle-heavy formats if he beats out Nick Ferguson and Brandon Harrison in camp.
2008 Stats: 15 tackles (12 solo), 1.0 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, PBU
2009 Projection: 77 tackles (11 solo), 1 sack, INT, 0 FRs, 2 FFs, 5 PBUs
3. Bucs LCB Aqib Talib
Following Phillip Buchanon's exit, Talib moves into the starting lineup at left corner after acting as Tampa Bay's nickel back as a rookie. Last year's 20th overall pick, Talib will fit right in as a bump-and-run coverman in new coordinator Jim Bates' man-to-man defense. Expect opposing offensive coordinators to test Talib early and often with a motormouth like DeAngelo Hall's and playing opposite respected RCB Ronde Barber. That would lead to more big-play opportunities, which Talib showed he can capitalize on with four picks as a mere part-timer in his first year. At 6'1/205, Talib is also built to tackle. Few cornerbacks offer better IDP upside.
2008 Stats: 23 tackles (17 solo), 0 sacks, 4 INTs, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, 9 PBUs
2009 Projection: 63 tackles (48 solo), 0 sacks, 6 INTs, 0 FRs, FF, 17 PBUs
4. Giants SS Kenny Phillips
The 31st overall pick a year ago, Phillips led Giants DBs in solo stops despite spending his first season behind FS Michael Johnson and SS James Butler. It's a testament to Phillips' range. The imposing ex-Miami Hurricane has a LaRon Landry-like skill set with the ability to handle both safety spots, and moves into a full-time job with Butler in St. Louis. GM Jerry Reese let Butler go with no contract offer because he knows Phillips will be an upgrade versus both the run and pass. The Giants have a stingy front seven and don't blitz their safeties frequently, but Phillips will spend most of his time near the line of scrimmage wreaking havoc. He's a safe DB3 pick with DB2 upside.
2008 Stats: 67 tackles (55 solo), 0 sacks, INT, 0 FRs, 0 FFs, 5 PBUs
2009 Projection: 81 tackles (69 solo), 0 sacks, 3 INTs, FR, 2 FFs, 9 PBUs
5. Vikings SS Tyrell Johnson
Johnson is an in-the-box safety, but was forced to make seven starts on the free, "center field" side last season while Madieu Williams recovered from injury. His numbers didn't stand out at the tackle-unfriendly position, but the experience will help because Johnson is taking over for Darren Sharper at strong safety. The 43rd pick overall in 2008, Johnson is extremely physical and possesses ideal straight-line speed (4.43). He also showed better range than advertised as a rookie, even dabbling at nickel cornerback. The Vikes' stout front seven will prevent Johnson from approaching 100 tackles, but he's an excellent DB3 pick with a high forced fumble ceiling.
2008 Stats: 31 tackles (24 solo), 0 sacks, INT, FR, 0 FFs, 2 PBUs
2009 Projection: 85 tackles (68 solo), 0 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FFs, 7 PBUs
