2011 Linebacker Rankings

2011 Linebacker IDP Rankings

Risk/Reward Ratings

5 - Freakish Risk/Highest Potential
4 - Very Risky/Good Upside
3 - Moderate Risk/Consistent Potential
2 - Stable Risk/Little Upside
1 - Safe/No Upside


1. Patrick Willis, 49ers (4-3, MLB)
6'1" 240 lbs, 5th Season, Age 26
2010 Stats: 101 Solo 27 Asst 6.0 Sacks 2 FF
2011 Prediction: 108 Solo 35 Asst 6.0 Sacks 2 Ints 
Risk/Reward:  1/5
What's to like: 


2. Lawrence Timmons, Steelers (3-4, ILB)
6'1" 234 lbs, 5th Season, Age 25
2010 Stats: 96 Solo 39 Asst 3.0 Sacks 2 Ints 2 FF 2 FR
2011 Prediction: 106 Solo 43 Asst 4.0 Sacks 2 Ints 
Risk/Reward:  1/5
What's to like:  


3. Jerrod Mayo, Patriots (4-3/3-4, WLB/ILB)
6'1" 245 lbs, 4th Season, Age 25
2010 Stats: 114 Solo 60 Asst 2.0 Sacks 2 FF 3 FR
2011 Prediction: 102 Solo 46 Asst 5.0 Sacks 1 Int 
Risk/Reward:  2/5
What's to like: 

4. Jon Beason, Panthers (4-3, MLB)
6'0" 237 lbs, 5th Season, Age 26
2010 Stats: 89 Solo 30 Asst 1.0 Sacks 1 Int 2 FF
2011 Prediction: 96 Solo 32 Asst 2.0 Sacks 3 Int 
Risk/Reward:  3/5
What's to like: 

5. London Fletcher, Redskins (4-3, MLB)
5'10" 245 lbs, 14th Season, Age 36
2010 Stats: 87 Solo 49 Asst 2.5 Sacks 1 Int 3 FF 3 FR
2011 Prediction: 97 Solo 45 Asst 1.5 Sacks 1 Int 
Risk/Reward:  3/5
What's to like: 

6. David Hawthorne, Seahawks (4-3, MLB)
6'0" 246 lbs, 4th Season, Age 26
2010 Stats: 76 Solo 31 Asst 1 Int 2 FF 1 FR
2011 Prediction: 104 Solo 36 Asst 2 Sacks 2 Int 
Risk/Reward:  2/5
What's to like: 

7. Clay Matthews, Packers (3-4, OLB)
6'3" 255 lbs, 3rd Season, Age 25
2010 Stats: 54 Solo 5 Asst 12.5 Sacks 1 Int 2 FF 
2011 Prediction: 64 Solo 12 Asst 14 Sacks 2 Int 
Risk/Reward:  2/4
What's to like: 

8. Demarcus Ware, Cowboys (3-4, OLB)
6'4" 262 lbs, 7th Season, Age 29
2010 Stats: 56 Solo 10 Asst 15.5 Sacks 2 FF 2 FR 
2011 Prediction: 48 Solo 12 Asst 14.5 Sacks 
Risk/Reward:  3/5
What's to like: 

9. Stephen Tulloch, Lions (4-3, MLB)
5'11" 240 lbs, 6th Season, Age 26
2010 Stats: 111 Solo 48 Asst 1.0 Sacks 1 Int 1 FR 
2011 Prediction: 113 Solo 32 Asst 1 Sacks 
Risk/Reward:  3/4
What's to like: 

10. D'Qwell Jackson, Browns (4-3, MLB)
6'0" 240 lbs, 6th Season, Age 27
2010 Stats: DNP 
2011 Prediction: 86 Solo 41 Asst 2.0 Sacks 1 Int
Risk/Reward:  4/4
What's to like: 

11. D.J. Williams, Broncos (4-3, WLB)
6'1" 242 lbs, 8th Season, Age 29
2010 Stats: 94 Solo 25 Asst 5.0 Sacks 1 FF 1 FR 
2011 Prediction: 86 Solo 24 Asst 4.0 Sacks 1 Int
Risk/Reward:  3/4
What's to like: 

12. Derrick Johnson, Chiefs (3-4, ILB)
6'3" 242 lbs, 7th Season, Age 28
2010 Stats: 94 Solo 26 Asst 1.0 Sacks 1 Int 3 FF 1 FR 
2011 Prediction: 101 Solo 28 Asst 1.0 Sacks 2 Int
Risk/Reward:  2/4
What's to like: 

13. Chad Greenway, Vikings (4-3, WLB)
6'2" 242 lbs, 6th Season, Age 28
2010 Stats: 109 Solo 36 Asst 1.0 Sacks  
2011 Prediction: 111 Solo 32 Asst 2.5 Sacks 1 Int
Risk/Reward:  4/4
What's to like: 

14. James Laurinaitis, Rams (4-3, MLB)
6'2" 244 lbs, 3rd Season, Age 24
2010 Stats: 98 Solo 16 Asst 3.0 Sacks 1 Int 1 FR  
2011 Prediction: 109 Solo 22 Asst 2.5 Sacks 1 Int  
Risk/Reward:  1/3
What's to like:

15. Barrett Ruud, Titans (4-3, MLB)
6'2" 241 lbs, 7th Season, Age 28
2010 Stats: 87 Solo 33 Asst 2.0 Sacks 1 Int 2 FF 
2011 Prediction: 98 Solo 42 Asst 1.0 Sacks 1 Int
Risk/Reward:  2/3
What's to like: 

16. Paul Posluszny, Jaguars (4-3, MLB)
6'1" 238 lbs, 5th Season, Age 26
2010 Stats: 103 Solo 49 Asst 2.5 Sacks  
2011 Prediction: 108 Solo 27 Asst 1.0 Sacks 2 Int
Risk/Reward:  4/4
What's to like:

17. Lamarr Woodley, Steelers (3-4, OLB)
6'2" 265 lbs, 5th Season, Age 26
2010 Stats: 34 Solo 15 Asst 8.5 Sacks 2 Int 3 FF 2 FR  
2011 Prediction: 48 Solo 12 Asst 11.0 Sacks 
Risk/Reward:  3/3
What's to like:

18. David Harris, Jets (3-4, ILB)
6'2" 250 lbs, 5th Season, Age 27
2010 Stats: 69 Solo 30 Asst 3.0 Sacks 2 FR  
2011 Prediction: 76 Solo 41 Asst 3.5 Sacks  
Risk/Reward:  4/4
What's to like: 

19. Curtis Lofton, Falcons (4-3, MLB)
6'0" 241 lbs, 4th Season, Age 25
2010 Stats: 92 Solo 25 Asst 2.0 Sacks 1 Int 3 FF  
2011 Prediction: 91 Solo 28 Asst 2.0 Sacks  
Risk/Reward:  2/3
What's to like: 

20. Desmond Bishop, Packers (3-4, OLB)
6'2" 238 lbs, 5th Season, Age 27
2010 Stats: 75 Solo 28 Asst 3.0 Sacks 1 Int 2 FF  
2011 Prediction: 94 Solo 32 Asst 2.0 Sacks  
Risk/Reward:  3/3
What's to like: 

21. Rolando McClain, Raiders (4-3, MLB)
6'4" 249 lbs, 2nd Season, Age 23
2010 Stats: 59 Solo 26 Asst 0.5 Sacks 1 Int  
2011 Prediction: 86 Solo 36 Asst 1.0 Sacks 1 Int  
Risk/Reward:  3/3
What's to like: 
 

2011 Defensive Linemen Rankings

2011 Defensive Linemen IDP Rankings
(Note: Mario Williams, Terrell Suggs are officially linebackers in their team's 3-4 scheme)

Risk/Reward Ratings
5 - Freakish Risk/Highest Potential
4 - Very Risky/Good Upside
3 - Moderate Risk/Consistent Potential
2 - Stable Risk/Little Upside
1 - Safe/No Upside


1. Justin Tuck, Giants (4-3, DE/DT)
6'5" 274 lbs, 7th Season, Age 28
2010 Stats: 48 Solo 27 Asst 11.0 Sacks 5 FF 5 FR
2011 Prediction: 55 Solo 25 Asst 12.5 Sacks
Risk/Reward:  1/4
What's to like:  Tuck has been playing both tackle and end for the Giants because of their depth at D-line.  With Umenyiora expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks with a knee scope, it should allow Tuck more looks at Defensive End in the beginning of the season, which could result in more sack opportunities.


2. Trent Cole, Eagles (4-3, DE)
6'3" 270 lbs, 7th Season, Age 28
2010 Stats: 50 Solo 15 Asst 10.0 Sacks 1 FF
2011 Prediction: 45 Solo 18 Asst 14.5 Sacks
Risk/Reward:  1/5
What's to like:  The additions of Asomugha and DRC to team with Samuels will form by far the best set of cornerbacks in the league.  Their coverage will give Coles more time to get to the QB and more opportunities for sacks.  Babin will help alleviate double teams as well. 


3. Jared Allen, Vikings (4-3, DE)
6'6" 270 lbs, 8th Season, Age 29
2010 Stats: 45 Solo 15 Asst 10.0 Sacks 1 FF 1 FR
2011 Prediction: 40 Solo 15 Asst 12.0 Sacks
Risk/Reward:  2/4
What's to like: The loss of Ray Edwards will hurt considering teams will be able to double team Allen more without as much threat on the left side.  This can also result in teams running away from Allen and a potential loss for tackle opportunities. That being said, Donovan couldn't be much worse than Brett's perfomance last year, and Minnesota should be much more consistent and in ball games this year.  With teams likely to pass more on the Vikings this year, it should give Allen more sack opportunites. 

4. Elvis Dumervil, Broncos (4-3, DE)
5'11" 260 lbs, 6th Season, Age 27
2010 Stats: N/A
2011 Prediction: 38 Solo 14 Asst 15.0 Sacks
Risk/Reward:  3/5

5. Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants (4-3, DE)
6'5" 270 lbs, 2nd Season, Age 22
2010 Stats: 25 Solo 5 Asst 4.5 Sacks 2 FF 2 FR
2011 Prediction: 42 Solo 16 Asst 10.5 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 2/5 

6. Julius Peppers, Bears (4-3, DE)
6'7" 283 lbs, 10th Season, Age 31
2010 Stats: 43 Solo 11 Asst 8.0 Sacks 3 FF
2011 Prediction: 44 Solo 19 Asst 9.5 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 2/3

7. Ndamukong Suh, Lions (4-3, DT)
6'4" 307 lbs, 2nd Season, Age 24
2010 Stats: 48 Solo 17 Asst 10.0 Sacks 1 FF 1 FR
2011 Prediction: 56 Solo 22 Asst 8.0 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 3/3

8. Robert Mathis, Colts (4-3, DE)
6'2" 245 lbs, 9th Season, Age 30
2010 Stats: 44 Solo 16 Asst 11.0 Sacks 1 FF 1 FR
2011 Prediction: 42 Solo 12 Asst 10.5 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 2/3

9. Charles Johnson, Panthers (4-3, DE)
6'2 275 lbs, 5th Season, Age 25
2010 Stats: 50 Solo 11 Asst 10.5 Sacks
2011 Prediction: 56 Solo 14 Asst 9.0 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 3/3

10. John Abraham, Falcons (4-3, DE)
6'4" 263 lbs, 12th Season, Age 33
2010 Stats: 35 Solo 5 Asst 13.0 Sacks 1 FF
2011 Prediction: 39 Solo 11 Asst 11.5 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 3/3

11. Matt Shaughnessy, Raiders (4-3, DE)
6'6" 253 lbs, 3rd Season, Age 24
2010 Stats: 43 Solo 13 Asst 7.0 Sacks 2 FF
2011 Prediction: 48 Solo 16 Asst 9.5 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 3/4

12. Ray Edwards, Falcons (4-3, DE)
6'5" 268 lbs, 6th Season, Age 26
2010 Stats: 28 Solo 9 Asst 8.0 Sacks
2011 Prediction: 42 Solo 16 Asst 10.0 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 3/4

13. Derrick Morgan, Titans (4-3, DE)
6'3" 278 lbs, 2nd Season, Age 22
2010 Stats: 3 Solo 2 Asst 1.5 Sacks
2011 Stats: 43 Solo 12 Asst 9.5 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 4/3

14. Calais Campbell, Cardinals (3-4, DE)
6'8" 300 lbs, 4th Season, 24
2010 Stats: 46 Solo 14 Asst 6.0 Sacks 1 FR
2011 Prediction: 51 Solo 16 Asst 7.5 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 2/3

15. Chris Clemons, Seahawks (4-3, DE)
6'2" 240 lbs, 9th Season, Age 29
2010 Stats: 33 Solo 15 Asst 10.5 Sacks 1 FF 1 FR
2011 Prediction: 38 Solo 14 Asst 9 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 3/3

16. Adrian Clayborn, Buccaneers (4-3, DE)
6'3" 287 lbs, Rookie Season, Age 23
2010 Stats: N/A
2011 Prediction: 38 Solo 18 Asst 8.5 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 3/3

17. Marcell Dareus, Bills (3-4, DE)
6'3" 319 lbs, Rookie Season, Age 21
2010 Stats: N/A
2011 Prediction: 52 Solo 28 Asst 6.5 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 4/3

18. Cliff Avril, Lions (4-3, DE)
6'3" 260 lbs, 4th Season, Age 25
2010 Stats: 22 Solo 10 Asst 7.5 Sacks 1 FF 1 FR
2011 Prediction: 33 Solo 12 Asst 8.0 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 3/3

19. Justin Smith, 49ers (3-4, DE)
6'4" 285 lbs, 11th Season, Age 31
2010 Stats: 57 Solo 13 Asst 8.5 Sacks 1 FF
2011 Prediction: 46 Solo 12 Asst 7.0 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 2/2

20. Robert Quinn, Rams (4-3, DE)
6'4" 265 lbs, Rookie Season, Age 21
2010 Stats: N/A
2011 Prediction: 31 Solo 8 Asst 9.0 Sacks
Risk/Reward: 3/4

21. Carlos Dunlap, Bengals (4-3, DE)
22. Dwight Freeney, Colts (4-3, DE)
23. James Hall, Rams (4-3, DE)
24. Will Smith, Saints (4-3, DE)
25. Jason Babin, Eagles (4-3, DE)
26. Da'Quan Bowers, Buccaneers (4-3, DE)
27. Jason Jones, Titans (4-3, DE/DT)
28. Jabaal Sheard, Browns (4-3, DE)
29. Darnell Dockett, Cardinals (3-4, DE)
30. Chris Long, Rams (4-3, DE)