Initially, the plan was to list 20 players for each position but with so many leagues going to two defensive players at each position a list of 24 seemed logical based on 12 teams per league. Eventually the list was doubled to account for leagues from 8-20 teams. Instead of making the rankings easier it probably tripled the level of difficulty. Drawing from eight different sources I’ve come to one conclusion…no one agrees on anyone, ever, any place. Oh, Jared Allen, Mario Williams, Patrick Willis and DeMeco Ryans led off each of their respective positions but after them it is truly a free for all. So the rankings here are a stew of all contributing sources, not an average from all the sites though a players ADP was included.
As the year progresses I encourage any IDP manager to pay as close attention to the injuries around their IDP players as they do to the injuries to their WR1. Just as much as offensive players, IDP players depend on the players in front of and around them. I’ve tried to note situations to monitor in a number of cases but now that training camps are beginning more changes can be expected. These lists at least offer a baseline.
I encourage you to ask questions if you want to know why a player is ranked lower, higher or is off the list. I’ll get to all of them and while that doesn’t mean you’ll be any happier, you will know some of the info that had to be left out 
. Lastly, when I mention big plays I mean interceptions and sacks.
Let the discussions begin!
My advice is to grab at least one plug and play DL for your team. The pickings get increasingly slimmer the longer you wait.
1. Jared Allen, Min - What needs to be said? Joins the best 2 DT’s in the game which will give Allen more chances to produce. (ADP 8.04)
2. Mario Williams, Hou - May be a bit inconsistent as he was in the first half of 2007 but with this defense opposing teams can’t focus on him. (ADP 10.03)
3. Osi Umenyiora, NYG - Didn’t go consecutive weeks without a sack. Tackles should increase from last year. (ADP 10.10)
4. Trent Cole, Phi - He has worn down after Nov due to lack of DL depth and his size. This year, more depth = more sacks/less tackles but more consistency. (ADP 13.08)
5. Derrick Burgess, Oak - An injury held him back until the sixth week. 35 sacks over 3 years. Should match those numbers and still average 3+ tackles a game. (ADP 23.09)
6. Justin Tuck, NYG - More tackles as a starter and hopefully the same sacks. Watch carefully that he doesn’t wear down towards the end of the year. (ADP 15.07)
7. Julius Peppers, Car - The move to RE frees him from double teams, he’s healthy and in a contract year.(ADP 14.08)
8. Jason Taylor, Was - He and Carter will create a lot of chaos in opposing teams backfields. Could be higher; this ranking is respectful considering his dance skills. (ADP 20.10 but rising)
9. Aaron Kampman, GB - Teams could focus on him due to the injuries along the line last year. Tackles should increase along with sacks with healthy teammates. (ADP 12.05)
10. Andre Carter, Was - Another RE who will benefit from Jason Taylor’s arrival. A solid 2DL, with top 5 potential as long as he doesn’t move for Taylor. (ADP 22.09)
11. Will Smith, NO - My #1 pick to move into the top 5. Had 5 sacks in his last 8 games, only 27 and around the age DL’s emerge. (ADP 17.09)
12. Tamba Hali, KC - Moves to RE which will help but he’ll now face talented LT’s. 15.5 sacks in 2 years, averaging 45 solos. (ADP 20.01)
13. Kyle Vanden Bosch, Ten- If Haynesworth is healthy he’s a DL1, without him I’d sit VdB. (ADP 17.04)
14. Aaron Schobel, Buf - Slow start, strong 2nd half. Watch the waiver wire in the first 6 weeks, inexperienced owners may not know his pattern. Don’t reach. (ADP 19.04)
15. Patrick Kerney, Sea - Figure around 8-10 sacks, he won’t repeat his career year. (ADP 14.06)
16. Robert Mathis, Ind - Yes, health is a concern but he’ll give you tackles, sacks and forced fumbles and he is a steady performer. (ADP 28.04)
17. Terrell Suggs, Bal - Is he a DE or an LB. His value is as a DE, unless your leagues drafts over 60 LB’s. My gut is that Bal will adjust and his sacks will increase. (ADP 17.06)
18. Adewale Ogunleye, Chi - Another health concern, 3 of 8 full seasons. A solid # 2 DL, a great #3. (ADP 18.05)
19. Chris Long, StL - Won’t have constant double teams and with his motor he’ll provide sacks and tackles. Great dynasty pick if you need a DL. (ADP 16.05)
20. Elvis Dumerville, Den - If you can live with inconsistency from a player who will give you 12 sacks for the year, but also have weeks with 1 tackle Elvis is your man. (ADP 21.12)
21. Antwan Odom, Cin - A better fit in big play leagues that reward sacks. Possible breakout candidate. (ADP 34.02)
22. Alex Brown, Chi - A new contract and returned to the starting lineup he’ll give you consistency as a #2 DL. (ADP 36.04)
23. Dewayne White, Det - Entering his second year as a starter he is a breakout candidate but he really needs to be consistent. (NA)
24. Darnell Dockett, Ari - A 3-4 DE who wore down due to lack of DL depth. With that addressed expect more consistent playmaking production. (ADP 26.02)
25. Haloti Ngata, Bal - A DT on the fantasy radar…he could get to the top 20. (ADP 36.02)
26. Greg White, TB - A sack threat in big play he was a 28 yr old rookie last year. Tackles improve with playing time, but he’ll still be a sack threat. (NA)
27. Derrick Harvey TB - Will get his share of sacks but will probably be in a DL rotation which will limit his tackle numbers. (ADP 23.04)
28. Gaines Adams, TB - Overvalued. His numbers will rise but Marques Douglas, Kevin Carter and Greg White will take snaps away. A better #3 DL. (ADP 22.01)
29. Jovan Haye, TB - Can pressure the QB and his tackle numbers were impressive (68 total). Reminds some of Sapp. A value #2 DL. (ADP 24.12)
30. Leonard Little, Stl - Injuries are a concern. Rotate him as he’ll likely sit at some point. (ADP 32.07)
31. John Abraham, Atl - Injuries make him a good #3 DL but back him up quickly if you take him as a #2. Offers no tackles but there is no doubt he gets to the QB. (ADP 27.12)
32. Justin Smith, SF - Undersized for a 3-4 DE he may get some work as a ROLB (ADP 25.10)
33. Chris Kelsay, Buf - A #3 DE who will benefit from a deeper DE rotation and a better DT tandem. (ADP 38.08)
34. Mark Anderson, Chi - Suited more for a pass rushing specialist could produce double digit sack numbers. (ADP 34.11)
35. Amobi Okoye, Hou - Learned from M. Williams how to prepare himself. He’s higher on my board but could be a year away from consistent production. (ADP 30.09)
36. Darryl Tapp, Sea - A fav break out candidate who will lose snaps to Lawrence Jackson. He did learn to play the run towards the end of last year. (ADP 26.09)
37. Jonathan Babineau Atl - A DT gaining steam now that he starts. Worth a flyer as a bench addition or waiver wire pickup. (NA)
38. Louis Castillo, SD - Potential but injuries make him a sleeper candidate. (ADP 30.10)
39. Bobby McCray, NO - A pass rush specialist capable of double digit sacks puts him on the map, worth a late round flyer. (NA)
40. Antonio Smith, Ari - A big play addition so use him as a by week fill in and hope he provides a sack.
Kelly Gregg, Bal; Shaun Rogers, Cle; Tommy Harris, Chi; Kenyon Coleman, NYJ; Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, GB; Kalimba Edwards, Oak: Robert Geathers, Cin
The value of an LB is dependent on your individual scoring. These rankings use 1pt per unassisted tackle and .5 for assists, introductory level IDP scoring. That puts them around the scoring level of a WR2/3 or WR 44 onwards. Last year, Willis was the only exception. Check your scoring to determine when the value switches to theLB’s.
1a. Patrick Willis, SF - Expect a modest dropoff but what a motor. (ADP 5.08)
1b. DeMeco Ryans, Hou- This guy does it all, sacks, int’s, passes defensed and fumble recoveries. Production slipped with injuries last year. Until then he was matching Willis in tackles. (ADP 7.01)
3. David Harris, NYJ - Tackles and sacks. A natural 3-4 ILB. Could be a bit high but not by much. (ADP 9.07)
4. Will Witherspoon, StL - A healthy DL should boost his tackle numbers. A great value. (ADP 12.04)
5. Jon Beason, Car - A rookie tackling machine, should come with a dynasty warning; Dan Connor will eventually move him to WLB, m/o (2009?). (ADP 8.06)
6. London Fletcher, Was - At least 116 total tackles for seven years and counting with 100 unassisted for the last three . 33yrs old, or he’d be higher. (ADP 12.06)
7. EJ Henderson, Min - He’ll lose some tackles to Greenway but he’s still an MLB and another solid LB1. (NA)
8. Lance Briggs, Chi - His contract situation affected him last year, with peace of mind he could produce 100 tackles this year. (ADP 13.10)
9. Ernie Sims, Det - Entering his 3rd year his numbers should increase. Consistent. (ADP 13.09)
10. Kirk Morrison, Oak - Based on his being the MLB and producing big plays there. Value plummets if Hartwell replaces him. (ADP 10.12)
11. Karlos Dansby, Ari - A 3-4 ILB whose numbers should increase with experiece. Sit him if he’s hurt as historically his production falters. (ADP 15.10)
12. Brian Urlacher, Chi - Neck surgery and an arthritic back worry me. Will lose tackles to Briggs but will still produce big plays (sacks and int’s). (ADP 18.01)
13. Chad Greenway, Min - 2nd year Tampa 2 WLB starter breaks out. (ADP 18.04)
14. Nick Barnett, GB - His tackle numbers will decrease with the addition of Brandon Chillar; a solid LB2. (ADP 9.01)
15. Barrett Ruud, TB - Wore down in his first year as MLB. Potentially a top ten LB and great value as "name" LB’s go off the board. (ADP 14.05)
16. James Harrison, Pit - His numbers may decline, he’s a LB2 providing sacks, tackles and INT’s. (ADP 17.12)
17. Paul Posluszny, Buf - IF he stays healthy. (ADP 11.11)
18. Antonio Pierce, NYG - Watch carefully, usually contributes tackles, sacks, int’s and fumbles, but last half of 2007 marred by injuries. (ADP 19.10)
19.Morlon Greenwood, Hou - Has increased his solo tackles in every year of his 7-year career. A starting option if you need 2 LB’s. (29.01)
20. Gary Brackett, Ind - Will give you 85+ tackles but a strength is passes defensed. Another low end #2 or LB3 depending on scoring. (ADP 15.09)
21. Matt Wilhelm, SD - In his last 10 games: 60 solo tackles, 3 INTs and 1 sack. with S.Cooper suspended 4 games he’ll start fast. (ADP 30.04)
22. Shaun Phillips, SD - In the process of rounding out his game. (ADP 27.12)
23. A.J. Hawk, GB - Potential. Needs big plays to suppliment production because of Barnett but the DC promises more pressure. Borderline LB2/3. (NA)
24. Zach Thomas, Dal - He’s 35, health is a major question, but his talent level is not. Insure properly but he could end up in the early teens. (ADP 22.02)
25. James Farrior, Pit - Contract year. A good balance of sacks, int’s and tackles. A great LB3 and maybe a low end #2 depending on your league. (ADP 24.08)
25. Angelo Crowell, Buf - Does a bit of everything. A great LB3. Could be higher but the Posluszny-Crowell partnership should be a healthy one. (ADP 19.11)
26. Lofa Tatupu, Sea - 3 of 4 int’s last year came in one game. 80+ tackles, a few big plays, he’s a solid LB3. (ADP 10.10)
27 Derrick Johnson, KC - If he ever goes to WLB…but until then he’s a LB3. (NA)
28. Keith Bullock, Ten - A perennial top ten LB. His troubles last year were due to the DL injuries, m/o. Could give #1 numbers taken late in a draft. (ADP 18.03)
29. Demarcus Ware, Dal - A top 5 big play LB but 60 solos last year make him a #3 LB. Let someone else reach early. (ADP 9.12)
30. Ray Lewis, Bal - Hasn’t exceeded 82 tackles since ‘04; new HC doesn’t see him as a 3 down LB. Draft his as a #3 LB.(ADP 13.05)
31. Thomas Howard, Oak - Target him in dynasty leagues, this is the cheapest he’ll be. If he can increase his solo tackles he’ll jump up everyone’s board. (ADP 15.09)
32. Shawn Merriman, SD - A top 5 big play LB but a LB3 for you. His 54 solo’s last year was a career high. (ADP 10.05)
32. Juliam Peterson, Sea - Higher in big play formats he doesn’t produce enough tackles or with enough consistency to be higher. (ADP 19.05)
33. Keith Brooking, Atl - Looks like he’ll move back to WLB where he has excelled, but you can’t turn back the clock.(ADP 25.04)
34. D.J. Williams, Den - His move back to WLB (expect 2004 #’s) won’t let him match his career high 106 solo tackles as the MLB. A good LB3. (ADP 11.12)
35. Bart Scott, Bal - I believe he’ll rebound in a contract year. Top 20 big play and underrated in tackles. (ADP 28.05)
36. Keith Rivers, Cin - Who else will tackle on the Bengals? Number increase significantly if he moves to MLB. (ADP 17.04)
37. Freddy Keiaho, Ind - A potential breakout candidate as a 2nd year Tampa-2 WLB starter, if he can stay healthy. He’s a #3 LB for now. (ADP 23.09)
38. Jonathan Vilma, NO - Is he fully healthy this year? Let someone else find out. Grab him in dynasty if available and wait a year. (ADP 14.11)
39. Michale Boley, Atl - Tough last half of 2007. Which player shows up, first or second half; and will Lofton help him or hurt him? (ADP 19.08)
40. Rocky McIntosh, Was - If his knee is healed he is a force, a legit LB2. Almost left him off the list entirely but it appears he’ll be ready for camp.(NA)
Stephen Cooper, SD; Niki Koutouvides, Den; Stewart Bradley, Phi; DeMorrio Williams, KC; D’Qwell Jackson, Cle; H.B. Blades, Was; Gerris Wilkinson, NYG; Jerrod Mayo, NE; Curtis Lofton, Atl; Thomas Davis, Car; Jordon Dizon, Det; Bryan Kehl, NYG; Brandon Siler SD (dynasty)
Check your scoring to determine when the value switches to the DB’s. Generally they score equal to the WR 70 mark. QB’s pick on the rookies and new starters, they’ll give you the fantasy numbers even as they struggle.
1. Kerry Rhodes NYJ - An improved backfield will allow him to play closer to the line. (ADP 15.01)
2. Roderick Hood, Ari - Led the league with 26 passes defensed, next step is to intercept them. Had a strong December, one indicator of what’s coming this year. (ADP 36.03)
3. Charles Tillman, Chi - Injury concerns, yes, but a consistent producer when healthy. Sub for him when he’s banged up. (ADP 22.10)
4. Chris Harris, Car - Should improve with a year in the system. (ADP 18.11)
5. Gibril Wilson, Oak - Risky. On a new team, and can get banged up but with this backfield Wilson can focus on tackles, rushing the QB and grab some INT’s. (ADP 17.11)
6. Marcus Trufant, Sea - He’ll be a LCB and that means he’ll be a blue chip producer this year. If he gets moved to RCB during the year, replace him. (ADP 14.07)
7. Michael Lewis, SF - LOTS of tackles and a few big plays means he’ll provide solid numbers for you. (ADP 21.10)
8. Roman Harper, NO - An improving playmaker who "chipped in 75 solos to go with his 4 sacks and 3 int’s. Should improve in his second year starting. (ADP 18.03)
9. Clinton Hart, SD - Did not play college ball but he broke out last year. (31.09)
10. Terrence McGee, Buf - 68 solos, 25 passes defensed/4 INT’s. They’ll throw at the rook but he’s still a DB2. Higher if you get return yards. (18.06)
11. Bernie Pollard, KC - Grab him if you can in dynasty, this headhunter is only going to get better. (ADP 21.09)
12. Sean Jones, Cle - May not produce 5 int’s as he has the past two years but he’s a steady 70 solo tackle guy. Grab him early and then one of the young risers. (ADP 15.02)
13. Antoine Winfield, Min - Injured in 2007, had fewer opportunities as teams picked on the new guy (C.Griffin) he still put up decent numbers. J.Allen will help. (ADP 20.06)
14. Leigh Bodden, Det - This ballhawk plays in a Tampa-2 scheme. Tackles should increase just be sure to grab more DB’s as last year was his first 16 game season. (ADP 21.02)
15. Chris Hope, Ten - Yes, he’ll be brought along slowly but he’ll soon be tackling and intercepting passes again…as long as Michael Griffin remains FS. (ADP 27.12)
16. Cortland Finnegan, Ten - Teams will continue to throw against him with Nick Harper the other corner; 13 passes defensed, big plays are coming. Solid top 20 DB. (ADP 30.07)
17. Adrian Wilson, Ari - Speed power and instinct. Only his achilles injury puts him here. Next year, top ten again. (ADP 14.05)
18. Champ Bailey, Den - The scheme will limit his tackles and he may add a few INT’s. DB2/3. (ADP 18.03)
19. Oshiomogo Atogwe, StL - May fluctuate either way based on int’s which jumped from 3 to 8 last year. Little and Long improve a pass rush. (ADP 17.03)
20. Ed Reed, Bal - Better in leagues that reward INT’s. They’ll be more INT’s if the Ravens can turn up the pressure on the QB.
21. Laron Landry, Was - He’ll be top ten by the end of the year whether at SS or FS. (ADP 19.11)
22. Atari Bigby, GB - A solid DB2 who this year should be more consistent, increase tackles and continue to pick a few passes off. (ADP 22.12)
23. Nate Clemens, SF - An all around DB but why test him when there are easier targets in the secondary. 15.08)
24. Ike Taylor, Pit - His move to RCB means less tackles but more opportunities for INT’s matched up against the opponents best WR. (ADP 27.05)
25. Antonio Cromartie, SD - INT LEADERS DO NOT REPEAT. QB’s will avoid him and he is the biggest non-injury risk on the list. (ADP 12.03)
26. Reggie Nelson, Jac - He’ll have to cover for an inexperienced SS but he’s a playmaker and has good tackle numbers. (ADP 26.11)
27. Quentin Mikell, Phi - A nice blend of tackles, sacks and INT’s.
28. Brandon Flowers, KC - Opportunity and situation (Tampa-2) combine with his tackling and short zone cover ability to produce this years rookie DB sensaion. (ADP 24.04)
29. Leodis McKelvin, Buf - All the tools and rookies get picked on. Once he starts his numbers will jump. Higher if you get return yards. (ADP 29.11)
30. Eric Wright, Cle - Top 5 DB until he was hurt in his rookie season. With McDonald as the other CB he won’t be tested as much. (ADP 35.10)
31. Bob Sanders, Ind - Can he stay healthy? Those who grab him early believe so. Biggest injury risk on the list. (ADP 13.01)
32. Darrelle Revis, NYJ - Teams will not challenge last years rookie standout, too many questions at the other CB position. (ADP 19.12)
33. Chinedum Ndukwe, Cin - A sleeper who has to win the SS job. In two starts last year: 11 solos, 2 INT, forced fumble, td. (ADP 27.05)
34. Aqib Talib, TB - This is a nod to his dynasty value. Talented but troubled, more value where return points are awarded. He could produce a la Marshall last yr.(ADP 32.02)
35. Brandon McGowan, Chi - The fav at SS, if he wins the job he is a nice sleeper.
36. Jermaine Phillips, TB - Ranked in the top 20 by a lot of places but he’s a Tampa-2 safety his 88 tacles in 2006 could be his career year.(ADP 28.06)
37. Richard Marshall, Car - DB3, even with his numbers last year he ramains the nickel back. He should still produce but if he starts, top 10. (ADP 18.12)
38. Erick Weddle, SD - SD released Marlon McCree, and he is now the FS. It’ll take him a while to adjust but Hart and he are ballhawks. (ADP 29.10)
39. Kelvin Hayden, Ind - A valuable part of a rotation.(ADP 37.10)
40. Cedric Griffin, Min - Higher in tackle leagues, lower in big play. Top DB20 potential with some big plays. (ADP 26.02)
Charles Woodson, GB; Quentin Jammer, SD; Antrelle Rolle, Ari; Fred Bennett, Hou; Dawan Landry, Bal; Tanard Jackson and Ronde Barber (health), TB; Leon Hall, Cin; Brandon McDonald, Cle; Kenny Phillips, NYG
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