KACSPORTS 2009 FANTASY TIGHT END/KICKER/TEAM DEFENSE RANKINGS

KACSPORTS 2009 FANTASY RANKINGS - TIGHT ENDS

1. Jason Witten (DAL) – Unlike the QB, RB, and WR positions, there is spirited debate on who the top tight end drafted should be, the majority give Witten a slight edge. The resume is very favorable, catching 87, 66, 64, 96, and 81 passes the last five years and averaging over 11 yards per catch in each campaign. Theory also says that with T.O. Gone that Witten's responsibilities will grow even further. The downside is Witten has never been a huge TD threat, only scoring 24 times in those five seasons.

2. Dallas Clark (IND) – Or if you can't get the guy from Dallas, you can just go with – ah, Dallas. As is the case with Witten, Clark figures to get even more looks now that the longtime #1 receiver (Marvin Harrison in this case) has been let loose. The argument for ranking Clark #1 is his red-zone looks, he leads all tight ends with 17 scores in his last 30 games. At age 30, this could be the year Clark goes over 1,000 yards receiving.

3. Antonio Gates (SD) – His production has dropped some in recent years, going from 89 to 71, 75, and last year just 60 catches. But although no longer a slam-dunk #1 tight end, Gates still is among the leaders in yards per catch (12.7 over his career) and you can't possibly argue with 49 TD's over five seasons. The nice thing this year is Gates won't be in quite as high demand.

4. Tony Gonzalez (ATL) – Everyone was convinced that the future Hall-of-Famer's days were numbered going into last season, especially with an unproven QB at the helm in KC. All Gonzalez did was have one of his best seasons yet, flirting with 100 catches and scoring ten times. Has finally gotten his release from Kansas City, and don't be surprised if his numbers remain strong in the A-T-L. Any of the top four tight ends make good options 40-55 picks into most drops.

5. Owen Daniels (HOU) – Gets overlooked in Houston's explosive offense, but has caught 133 balls the last two years averaging over 12 yards per grab, if Matt Schaub had played all of last year Daniel's numbers may had even been gaudier. The bad news is Owen has only score five times in that span, the smart money says that should improve.

6. Greg Olsen (CHI) – In year three, the Miamii product appears poised to reach the upper echelon of tight ends. 54 catched and five TD's for the year was nothing to scoff at, but the split for the final four games could give an idea of what's in store for '09. 20 catches, 176 yards, three TD's. The Bears are on record as saying that the baton has officially been passed from Desmond Clark to Olson, and Jay Cutler at QB should also be a boon.

7. Zach Miller (OAK) – The Raiders have had a long tradition of outstanding tight ends, and Miller has quickly fallen into that pattern, averaging nearly 14 yards per catch last year and compiling 457 yards in Oakland's final four games. The downside is Miller only scored once for the entire season, but the team says Miller will be featured much more in the red zone this year. Don't get this player confused with another Zach Miller who is also a tight end with Jacksonville.

8. Chris Cooley (WSH) – After only scoring once last year, Cooley is on public record as saying he WILL score six times this year. Considering he scored six and eight times the previous two years, that should be achievable. Cooley has improved from 57 to 66 to 83 catches in recent seasons, but his yards per catch fell from 11.9 to 10.2 last year.

9. Kellen Winslow (TB) – He sure looks good in the used car lot, but do you really want to drive it home??? K2 did have career-like numbers in 2007 (82/1106/5 TD) and you really can't hold last year against him considering he missed six games and Cleveland's QB situation was a mess. All of that said, QB is also an issue in Tampa and Winslow has a pretty extensive injury history not to mention some other transgressions.

10. Dustin Keller (NYJ) – Looks definitely ready for prime-time after going 35/388 in the final eight games of his rookie campaign. There is some flux this year in the Jets QB situation, but someone has to pick of the slack from the departure of Lavernaues Coles. I am very bullish on Keller's potential in year two.

11. John Carlson (SEA) – Notre Dame may not have done much in the won-loss department in recent seasons, but South Bend is quickly becoming a cradle for future NFL tight ends. Carlson's stock exploded his senior season to the point that he became an early second round pick last year. By mid-season, Carlson had become a huge part of Seattle's offense, going 33/383/3 in the second half of last year. Carlson may not have the name recognition yet, but is a solid starting TE in most fantasy league formats.

12. Brent Celek (PHI) – Now the Eagles starter with L.J. Smith out of town. Celek earned his way onto the first unit with a stellar playoff runs, catching 19 passes for 151 yards and three scores in the post-season. Celek should be a popular choice in salary-cap style leagues where his cost should still be quite low.

13. Jeremy Shockey (NO) – Like Kellen Winslow, seems to spend a lot of time in the shop, and even could not make it through a Vegas pool party unscathed this off-season. All of that said, Shockey is still pretty good when he suits up, catching 50 passes in 12 games last year. I wouldn't expect too much beyond that as Shockey is just one of several options in New Orleans offensive attack.

14. Heath Miller (PIT) – The Steelers staked a claim last season as the NFL's best franchise of the Super Bowl era, that has been achieved without significant contributions from the TE position. The good news is you know what you will get from Miller – 50 catches/600 yards/5 TD's at the very most. Miller is a nice TE2 who will get you through a bye week and any other situation where you may be in a pinch.

15. Vernon Davis (SF) – Fool me one shame on you, fool me about five times and -... I will say Vern tends to look AWFULLY good in the pre-season, if you're in a pre-season fantasy league he's a top pick. Now that I've about given up on him this will probably be the year Davis finally explodes. What's never been argued is that he has the tools, it's just a matter of the team and the player utilizing. I would trade to get him on my team in Madden and coach him up from there. He's worth taking a flier on at some point in all drafts, just make sure to draft one of the safer names first and look at Vern as a potential flex option.

16. Visanthe Shiancoe (MN) – If you like scores (seven last year) and a lot of yards per catch (14+ last year), then Visanthe is your guy. This will be Visanthe's seventh season in the league and before last year had never caught more than 27 catches in a season.

17. Anthony Fasano (MIA) – Did not get much of a sniff behind Jason Witten in Dallas, but broke out in Miami last year averaging 13+ yards per catch and scoring seven times. Fasano holds more value as a blocker than a receiver, but it is those blocking abilities that keep him on the field to produce the occasional big play.

18. Bo Scaife (TN) – Has averaged 52 passes the past two seasons, but averaging less than ten yards per catch and scoring only three times tends to be a turn-off. Jared Cook was drafted third-round this year and figures to eventually be Bo's replacement.

19. Kevin Boss (NYG) – Does not catch a lot of passes, but did score six times last year and appears solid as the Giants starter. TD's can be fluky from year to year, but his name tends to get called a lot near the goal line.

20. Tony Scheffler (DEN) – If you like TE's with a great receiving average, you would have to be interested in Scheffler's 16 yard per grab clip from last year. But with a new coaching staff in place and Cutler out of town, Scheffler figures to be perhaps the biggest loser in the new scheme.

21. Randy McMichael (STL) – Logic says he will be a piece of the Rams offense, for they are not exactly stocked at wide receiver. Even in his best days, McMichael wasn't a top tight end statistically and is coming off an injury that cost him most of the 2008 season.

22. Marcedes Lewis (JAX) – His development has been painfully slow, but if you are looking for 40 catches/500 yards out of a spot-starter I think Lewis can handle that. There aren't a lot of other receiving options with the Jaguars, but I don't see too much more potential out of Lewis.

23. Donald Lee (GB) – His numbers did not fall off THAT much last year and has scored 11 times over the past two years. However Lee may have already peaked, and the organization would like to see what they have in Jermichael Finley at some point. Lee also averaged a measly 7.8 yards per catch in 2008.

24. Benjamin Watson (NE) – Early on, Watson was part of the Patriots record setting pace in 2007, catching five TD passes in the team's first five games before getting hurt. Watson could be a sleeper, but NE has brought in plenty of competition including former Tampa Bay Buc Alex Smith.

25. Brandon Pettigrew (DET) – The best of this year's rookie crop of tight ends, the Oklahoma State product should not have much of a problem quickly finding playing time. Pettigrew grades very highly on blocking, which should get him on the field. His receiving skills are not graded as being off the charts.

26. L.J. Smith (BAL) – Caught 111 catches for PHI between 2005-06, but his production fell off sharply due to injuries the past two years. Is expected to be utilized as the Ravens pass-catching TE in receiving situations.

27. Chase Coffman (CIN) – Another tight end who lit up the Big XII last year, Coffman was selected in the fourth round in the 2009 Draft. Many of you older fans out there may remember his dad from the Packers in the Lynn Dickey era, Chase is definitely a spitting image. Is not a burner by any means but he can definitely run routes and catch the rock. Blocking his considered the weaker part of his game and he may have to improve on that to see sustained playing time.

28. Desmond Clark (CHI) – Clark hasn't necessarily been sent out to pasture, he will be second fiddle to Greg Olson from this point forward, but the Bears still figure to use plenty of two TE sets and Desmond has caught 40+ passes in each of the past three years.

29. Todd Heap (BAL) – The way Heap has disappeared the last couple of years it might be easy to figure that Heap simply went on his Mormon mission a little late. Considered one of the top fantasy tight ends not too long ago, Heap was hurt most of '07 and the new coaching staff decided that he would be better utilized as a blocker. In his current role Heap has lost most of his value.

30. Jermichael Finley (GB) – Very athletic talent who is a bit raw and considered a project. That said the Packers seem to be willing to give him a shot to be part of the offense.

31. Jerramy Stevens (TB) – Is actually coming off one of his better seasons, catching 36 passes last year. But with Kellen Winslow around Stevens figures to be bumped down the depth chart.

32. Martellus Bennett (DAL) – Who led Dallas tight ends in TD's last year. If you said Jason Witten you have one of the two correct answers, he was actually tied with Bennett with four TD's each. The Cowboys like Bennett's athletic ability and like to use him near the goal-line.

33. Martin Rucker (CLE) – An obvious job opening with K2 gone, and Rucker will fight Robert Royal and Steve Heiden for the starting job, Rucker has the best receiving skill set but I wouldn't really count on any Cleveland receiver right now.

34. Brad Cottam (KC) – At 6'9” 270, it's easy to see Cottam's name called on some goal-line situations. But don't look for Cottam to pick up the receiving slack from Tony Gonzalez, he is considered primarily a blocker and wasn't even utilized in a receiving role in his final two years at the University of Tennessee.

35. Dante Rosario (CAR) – Got some Week 1 waiver wire action after a performance that ended with him scoring a game-winning TD on the final play in San Diego, but didn't see much action after that. He will battle Jeff King for dibs in an offense in which the TE does not traditionally get a lot of works.

KACSPORTS 2009 FANTASY RANKINGS - KICKERS

1. Steven Gostkowski (NE) – The Patriots offense obviously took a hit last year the second that QB Tom Brady went down. However Gostkowski actually wound up having a better year, scoring 148 points as opposed to 137 the year before as NE wound up having to kick more 3-points as opposed to the slew of PAT's of the year before. Either way, Gostkowski is the rare kicker worth drafting before the very last rounds.

2. Nate Kaeding (SD) – Nice weather, team that should win a lot of games, favorable schedule??? Kaeding fits the bill in all three areas. Kaeding has averaged 121 points per year over five seasons and has a 86.1 career FG percentage.

3. Mason Crosby (GB) – He has a hell of a leg, the Packers let him attempt a 60-yard FG in a non-end of half situation in a pre-season game, the ball ended up clanging up the upright. Problem was Crosby missed another FG later on from a shorter distance - and Crosby has also fell just short of 80 percent on FG's his first two years in the league. Still you have to like the total output (141/127 pts) and the Packers schedule is incredible favorable, at least until the month of December.

4. Rob Bironas (TN) – The Titans don't have a great offense and thus have to turn to Bironas often for the three-points. Bironas has an NFL-record eight FG game on his resume and scored 71 points in Tennessee's first eight games of last year.

5. David Akers (PHI) – Had a career year last year scoring 144 points. The previous three years were not nearly as good as Akers only hit on 58 of 77 FG's (75.3%). But still, Akers is a veteran and his job seems pretty secure.

6. Jeff Reed (PIT) – It's very easy for this guy to hide his emotions for one more day, take a long drive in the middle of the night, or just do some other mundane task around the house between workouts. Reed has never put up monster point totals during his 6 ½ seasons in the league, but you have to like his status playing on a perennial contender. And no, I don't think the commish is going to come down too hard on him for going nuts at the Quik-Mart at three in the morning.

7. Jason Elam (ATL) – You simply forget about the age here, in fact Elam had one of his better seasons last year hitting on 29 of 31 attempts. Throwing out a season in which he missed three games, Elam has been good for 109 points in each of his other 15 seasons and playing ten of his 16 indoors will not hurt neither.

8. Robbie Gould (CHI) – You're always skittish about the potential Chicago weather, but you can't quibble with his stats of 143, 126, and 119 points last year along with a 86 percent accuracy rate. And the Bears are another NFC North team with a nice schedule this year.

9. Nick Folk (DAL) – His production fell sharply from that of his rookie year, as Folk only got 22 attempts. I would easily expect more than that, about 115-120 points would be average for his team's situation.

10. Adam Vinatieri (IND) – You worry about the age a little more here than with other kickers, because Vinatieri does not have an exceptionally strong leg. In his three years in Inday Vinatieri was only good for 103 points last year, I would not expect worse than that and his job should be secure.

11. Ryan Longwell (MN) – If you miss out on Mason Crosby, the Vikings have a near-identical schedule and also have the advantage of playing indoors. After three seasons falling short of 100 points, Longwell rebounded with 127 last year which ranks among his career highs.

12. Neil Rackers (AZ) – Don't look for a repeat of that 140 point season from a few years back, but the accuracy did come back some last year. Rackers shouldn't fall too far considering AZ's offense.

13. John Kasay (CAR) – Look past the fact that he turns 40 this year and you will note that Kasay had the second highest point total in his career last year with 130. Playing on a solid offense, Kasay should do well again this year.

14. Kris Brown (HOU) – Not the most consistant kicker in history, but tied a career high with 124 points last year, and this year could even be better as Houston looks to have a pretty good offense

15. Josh Brown (STL) – One of the better pure kickers around, Brown is 19-30 lifetime from 50+ yards out, and that kicking most of his career outdoors in Seattle. Even on a lousy Rams team last year, Josh was still good for 112 points.

16. Rian Lindell (BUF) – Wound up with a career hight 124 points last year, and in the nine games away from Ralph Wilson stadium was a perfect 20-20 in FG's. However in the seven outdoor games at home Lindell was an unacceptable 10-18. The home conditions alone are enough to conclude that last year is probably as good as it gets.

17. Joe Nedney (SF) – Has been one of the better kickers out there in recent years, mos notably making 26-28 FG's a few years back. Playing on the 49ers however it has not meant much in the fantasy realm until last year, where he scored 121 points. If the Niners can make waves in the weak NFC West, then Nedney becomes more of an option.

18. Lawrence Tynes (NYG) – The starter on the Super Bowl 42 winning team, Tynes missed most of last season to injury and is batting a groin problem this time around in camp as well. Giants kicker should be an easy gig considering the kickers accounted for 149 points last year, but the team at some point may look elsewhere if Tynes is unable to stay healthy.

19. John Carney (NO) – Garrett Hartley appeared to be the answer to the Saints kicking problems after going 13-13 in the second half of last year. However Hartley was struggling in camp then word came that he was suspended four games by the league for stimulant use. Enter Carney's return to NO, coming off a career high 143 points (35-38 FG's) in just 15 games last year. Of course we don't know for sure if the 45-year old sticks around after Week 4, but keeping him around and using Hartley as the kickoff specialist would seem to make the most sense.

20. Matt Bryant (TB) – Should actually be several spots higher after scoring 131 points and performing admirably with a very heavy hart most of the season. However the Bucs brought in Mike Nugent as competition this year. The Bucs offense may take a spot back this year, so also keep that in consideration.

21. Josh Scobee (JAX) – If things shake out well enough, Scobee has potential to finish in the 115-120 point range, but finished with a mere 90 last year. Jacksonville does not have a great offense, so I do not see Scobee as a top-ten type.

22. Steven Hauschka (BAL) – Taking Matt Stover's numbers through the years and transferring them to Hauschka sounds easy enough, and Hauschka does have a year in with the team as a kickoff specialist. He will definitely sound attractive as a cheap kick in salary cup formatted games, but I am always leery in regards to rookies, who always seem to be a missed PAT or a couple of missed FG's away from a pink slip.

23. Jay Feely (NYJ) – Coming off a solid 24-28 season with 111 points, but a groin injury in camp has me concerned. Feely was able to play in the Jets pre-season opener, but these type of things have an unlucky way of cropping back up on the opening kickoff of Week 1. Just too many comparable alternatives at this point.

24. Shayne Graham (CIN) – After being a top fantasy kicker in earlier years with a pair of 130-pt seasons, Graham plummeted along with the team with only 78 points in 14 games last year. If the team rebounds Graham would be a middle-of-the-road kicker.

25. Shaun Suisham (WSH) – Has been able to keep his job for two years now, but struggled some last year, but the Skins have so many other problems that stressing about the kicker is kind of like being worried about air-conditioning in the middle of a hurricane.

26. Jason Hanson (DET) – Every Thanksgiving we're reminded just how great a kicker this guy's been, and did make 21 of 22 FG's last year. Actually Hanson proved how clutch he still is in the Lions first pre-season game, kicking a GW 47-yard field goal. If the Lions were just respectable Hanson would be somewhat relevant as 117 and 122 points in 2006-07 attest.

27. Dan Carpenter (MIA) – No road to the NFL can possibly be longer than from Helena, MT to South Beach. Or was that from Hannah Montana to South Beach?? Carpenter was able to hang on to his job last year and was adequate enough going 21-25 and 103 points. A terrifying Miami schedule works against Carpenter being able to match that output this year.

28. Sabastian Janikowski (OAK) – Perhaps the John Daly of NFL kickers, and with a pink slip already on the way former coach Lane Kiffin let Sebass attempt a 76-yard field goal at the end of the half of his final game. But Seabass also did make 56 and 57 yard field goals last year and was 6-11 on 50-yard attempts the year before. The long attempts are entertaining, but Seabass has not eclipsed the mere 100-point mark since 2004.

29. Olindo Mare (SEA) – Worked out way much better than expected last year, making 24 of 27 attempts, but his disastrous 68 percent clip from attempts in 2006-07 keeps me away from seriously considering him.

30. Matt Prater (DEN) – With a career percentage of 68 percent in 38 attempts, and then shanking a couple of kicks in Denver's public scrimmage, Prater's job is very much in jeopardy no matter what the Broncos braintrust may be saying publicly. Denver kickers have historically been pretty good with the good teams and extra altitude boost but this is one year I may stay away.

31. Phil Dawson (CLE) – The only kicker the Browns have known in their ten years since returning to the league, making 83 percent of his attempts. But during that span Dawson has only scored 891 points, although even in last year's disaster he did manage 108 points, the second highest total of his career.

32. Ryan Succop (KC) – He probably deserves to be ranked at least a couple spots higher – Succop made kicks of 53 and 58 yards in a recent scrimmage and the Chiefs think enough of him that they have already released his competition which was Connor Barth. But after being Mr. Irrelevant at the NFL Draft, I can't help but resist making it the daily double and ranking Succop at #32, he may be a good waiver wire option at some point if KC improves as a team and at least his last name isn't Shank.

KACSPORTS 2009 FANTASY RANKINGS - TEAM DEFENSE

1. Pittsburgh – It is not a head and shoulders #1, but the Steelers are the safest bet among all the defenses, with DPOY James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley both coming off double-digit sack seasons. If you like a unit that gets a few special team scores per year, Pittsburgh may not be up your alley, they traditionally don't seek the kick return scores.

2. Baltimore – It looked for a while this past post-season that the Ravens D may for a second time this decade almost single-handedly lead it's team to a Super Bowl win, that bid fell just short. The Ravens chalked up six defensive scores in both 2006 and 2008 and safety Ed Reed is among the best players pound-for-pound in the league period. Don't worry about coordinator Rex Ryan departing, he's just following in the footsteps of Marvin Lewis and Mike Nolan.

3. NY Giants – As was said during a pre-season contest, the Giants have incredible depth on the defensive line, and are a cinch to be among the league leaders in sacks. Osi Umenyiora returns after missing last season and there were also notable additions in free agency.

4. Minnesota – Perhaps the toughest unit to run against in the league in recent years, the only fly in the ointment are the possible four-game suspensions against the Williams' Wall, a case against the league that continues to be fought in the court system. Even in a worst-case scenario where Pat and Kevin have to sit a month, that might be offset by the intrigue of rookie Percy Havin possibly being used in the return game, which could be a Devin Hester-like impact.

5. San Diego – The Chargers pass rush has fallen drastically the last two years, going from 61 to 28 sacks. But Shawne Merriman missed virtually the entire year while CB Antonio Cromartie played with a fractured hip. If those two return to form the powder blue may return to be amongst the top units.

6. Philadelphia – There are no real IDP standouts, but this is a unit that has been perfected over the past few years by the late DC Jim Johnson with frequent situational substitutions. The Eagles not only recorded 48 sacks last year, but were also opportunistic with 14 fumble recoveries.

7. Green Bay – It seems like every defender in Green Bay has had a chance to do the leap in the last three years, as the team has racked up 16 scores during that period. The team is transitioning to a 3-4 scheme, and it's two top picks from the '09 Draft reflect that. Even if the team doesn't add another slew of defensive TD's it should do in the INT department, making the Pack a quality unit even if they still allow some points.

8. Chicago – Kind of a reputation pick, as the Bears has fallen some after their NFC-winning 2006 campaign. Devin Hester did not score even once last year, if he can make an impact there again that would help. Even without it Chicago figures to be among the league leaders in interceptions.

9. Dallas – The good, the bad, and the ugly. On the plus side, the Cowboys led the league in 59 sacks (led by DeMarcus Ware's 20), but only recorded eight INT's. If Felix Jones is utilized in the return game, Dallas' defense would get an additional spark.

10. New England – This is not a bad unit to see fall in a draft. Although scoreless in 2006 and '08, the Patriots D did score six times in 2007. The defensive unit it slip some last year, but holes have been addressed and second year LB Jerod Mayo deserves consideration as a top IDP pick.

11. NY Jets – Many elements of the Ravens defense are in place, starting with the hiring of Rex Ryan as coach along with the acquisitions of LB Bart Scott and S Jim Leonhard. Other premiere cases of the defense include top corner Darrelle Revis, run-plugger Kris Jenkins, and veteran addition Leon Washington. The cherry on top is Leon Washington in the return game.

12. Tennessee – Has recorded 40+ sacks the last two years and allowed a stingy 13 points per game last year. CB Cortland Finnegan has become amongst the leagues best, but the loss of Albert Haynesworth creates a gigantic hole.

13. Miami – OLB Joey Porter is a top IDP choice after 17.5 sacks last season. Veteran Jason Taylor has also quietly returned to the team and is slated for spot pass-rushing duty, along with two-time CFL Defensive MVP Cameron Wake. Safety Gibril Wilson has also escaped the hell that is Oakland and is coming off a 96 tackle season.

14. Washington – Plenty of dollars were spent on the acquisition of Albert Haynesworth, but this is a team that has only averaged 25 sacks and 11 INT's over the past three seasons. #13 overall pick Brian Orakpo from Texas could provide a nice boost in time.

15. Atlanta - DE John Abraham (16.5 sacks) is the clear star of the unit, but the defense in total did not accomplish anything particularly special besides that. Former #8 overall pick Jamaal Anderson has been a disappointment so far and the secondary is also looking for someone to step up.

16. Carolina – After an off-season in which he requested a trade Julius Peppers remains on the payroll and reported to camp without incident. The rest of their front four was last seen being shredded apart by the Giants in a late-season game. ILB Jon Beason (110 tackles) is the best IDP pick after Peppers.

17. Indianapolis – DE's Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis both produced double-figure sacks last year, but another major injury involving S Bob Sanders again doomed the unit. Sanders is still hurting and may begin this year on the PUP list. You may not want to start a borderline quarterback against the Colts, they only allowed six TD's through the air.

18. Tampa Bay - An era ended when long-time DE Monte Kiffin left during the off-season, taking his signature Tampa 2 defense with him. ILB Barrett Ruud (102 tackles) is the best IDP choice on this team.

19. Houston – The organization has been proven right by drafting Mario Williams over Reggie Bush a few years back, but Mario accounted for 12 of only 25 sacks last year. ILB Demeco Ryans (86 tackles, three FR) is the second best IDP option on the team.

20. Jacksonville – After recording 20 INT's each in 2006-07, the team fell to 13 last year and the team's sack total also plummeted, there is no projected starter this year with as many as five sacks last year. Coach Jack Del Rio will be very much on the hot seat if the defense in particular cannot turn things around.

21. Arizona – The playoffs notwithstanding, the Cardinals were ripped apart last year although they did recover 17 fumbles. If AZ cannot pick it up they may join a long list of Super Bowl bridesmaids to regress the following year. A good IDP sleeper would be second-year CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie.

22. Cincinnati – They only recorded 17 sacks overall and only intercepted 12 passes, but were a decent defense overall particularly against the run. Former USC linebacker Keith Rivers missed a portion of last season and may be overlooked in the IDP department.

23. Cleveland – The return exploits of Joshua Cribbs helps improve this ranking some, he may be the Browns best weapon period right now. New coach Eric Mangini has brought over no less than four starters over from the Jets. As bad as the Browns offense is, the defensive side is going to have to stand on it's head.

24. New Orleans – After escaping the Jets and moving back into a 4-3 scheme, Jonathan Vilma flourished again with 98 tackles, two forced fumbles and three recoveries. But the rest of the defense was a problem and the secondary in particular. Coach Sean Peyton even volunteered to give up part of his salary so the owner would hire Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator.

25. Buffalo – An early season injury to Aaron Schobel doomed the pass-rushing abilities, but has produced ten defensive scores the past three years ILB Paul Posluszny is rising fast among the ranks of IDP's. Roscoe Parrish is one of the better threats in the league on punt returns.

26. Oakland – CB Nnamdi Asomugha is one of the best players in the league period, so good that he's rendered worthless in IDP formats since the opposition never throws his way. DE Derrick Burgess and ILB Kirk Morrison are other worthwhile options, and tend to rack up numbers simply because the Raiders defense is on the field a lot. And that major money the team spent on DeAngelo Hall and Gibril Wilson last year, well both have already moved on.

27. Denver – The unit was a mess last year and will play some 3-4 this year with Mike Nolan on board after washing out as a head coach. Champ Bailey and D.J. Williams are both coming off injury marred seasons but have the ability to bounce back.

28. Seattle – The Seahawks do put up some sack totals, with 41, 45, and 35 in recent years. But the defense fell apart along with the rest of the team last year. The teams already strong linebacking corps will be bolstered by #4 overall pick Aaron Curry, who some feel was the best overall pick in the draft.

29. San Francisco – OLB Patrick Willis is arguably the best individual defensive player available to be drafted, and the defense also features a solid corner combo of Nate Clements and Dre Bly. Coach Mike Singletary could help motivate this outfit into a respectable option.

30. St. Louis – In time, the hope is that new HC Steve Spagnuolo will take his pedigree from the Giants and whip this defense into shap. 2008 #2 overall pick Chris Long will be one good piece to worth with along with Ohio St. rookie James Laurenaitis. It will probably take a year or two for the results to take root.

31. Detroit – As you might expect, there will be plenty of changes after an 0-16 season, and the fact that they hired a defensive-minded coach in Jim Schwartz should help some. OLB Ernie Sims is probably the best of the bunch from an IDP perspective.

32. Kansas City – Safety Bernard Pollard is best remembered for his low blow that ended Tom Brady's season, ironically it was a rare time that a KC player actually got to the quarterback, as the team recorded a historically low total of ten sacks for the entire campaign. Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas come over as veteran acquisitions, and DE Tyson Jackson was selected as the third overall pick in the 2009 Draft.

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