Faceoff - DL John Abraham, Atlanta Falcons

Posted 7/17, exclusive to Footballguys.com

Upside - by Aaron Rudnicki

Obviously, the biggest question mark surrounding Abraham is his durability. He has been in the NFL for 7 seasons and has missed 4 or more games in 4 of them. In the remaining 3 seasons, however, he has played in all 16 games and put up 44 or more solo tackles with double digit sacks in each of them. So, as long as he can stay healthy, he is likely a top-5 talent at the DL position. Even if he does not stay healthy enough to play a full season, he's likely to give you excellent production in the weeks that he does play.

Abraham is one of the league's best pass rushers with the potential to average a sack per game when things are going well. Although he lacks ideal size and strength to hold up well against the run, he makes up for it with his explosiveness and ability to chase down plays from behind. That allows him to put up tackles at a very impressive rate as he has averaged nearly 4 solos per game (231 in 81 games) throughout his entire career.

The Falcons have undergone some changes this offseason, but none of them should hurt Abraham's production. They brought in a new scheme on defense, which promises to be more aggressive than the one they used last year. LDE Patrick Kerney signed with the Seahawks but was replaced by one of the best pass rushers in this year's draft, Jamaal Anderson. The Falcons also figure to get a boost in coverage with the drafting of CB Chris Houston, and a healthy Rod Coleman playing alongside Abraham should help draw some attention away from him as well. There's certainly risk involved with Abraham, but he's a proven performer whose upside warrants a very high ranking.

Downside - by Jene Bramel

Writing the downside opinion on John Abraham isn't an indictment of his talent. Abraham has proven himself an elite NFL and IDP defensive end at times in his seven year career. He has an explosive first step and closing burst, makes big plays when he gets to the quarterback and can make plays in pursuit in run defense. Unfortunately, he cannot be counted on to play a full season.

Abraham has missed significant portions of four of his seven seasons in the league to injury. Most frequently, he has been out with severe groin injuries but has also lost games with a knee sprain and sports hernia. As an edge rusher who relies on his lower body for his explosion and burst, any recurrence of those injuries are likely to seriously hinder his effectiveness if he can get back on the field at all. 2006 was a prime example. After a two sack, two forced fumble first half against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, Abraham's groin muscle injury kept him on a strict snap count for the few games for which he was able to return.

If healthy, Abraham may also have to deal with more frequent double teams from opposing offensive lines. Linemate Patrick Kerney has moved on in free agency, leaving untested rookie Jamaal Anderson at the strong side end. Defensive tackle Rod Coleman, who has 27 sacks in three seasons as a Falcon, suffered a ruptured quadriceps muscle in April and may not be as effective if and when he is able to return to the field this season. Abraham may struggle to reach double digit sacks this season if he's the lone pass rush threat on the defensive line.

While taking advantage of high upside players is key to building a winning IDP roster, the risk involved in rostering a player like Abraham has to be respected. If you can surround Abraham with at least two other consistent options at DL, he is an excellent risk to take later in the draft. If you plan to rely on Abraham as your anchor DL1, you're asking to get burned. Be ready to take him in redraft leagues as a value pick after 20 linemen are taken, but let someone else take the risk on him sooner. Dynasty owners might be wise to see what Abraham brings in trade if he gets off to a hot start and you have other options to fill his lineup spot. Bottom line: Abraham's injury history is just too significant to ignore.