Faceoff - DL Luis Castillo, San Diego Chargers

Posted 7/6, exclusive to Footballguys.com

Upside - by Jene Bramel

Most IDP owners know to avoid defensive ends that play in 3-4 fronts, understanding that even the most talented players in those defenses aren't given enough opportunity to make tackles or rush the passer. The best IDP owners know to look for exceptions to the rule, however, and the more aggressive 3-4 scheme taught by former San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is a good example. Many 3-4 ends have had solid value in this system, most notably Phil Hansen and Bruce Smith on the Bills' AFC Championship teams of the 1990s, but even a so-so talent like Marques Douglas averaged 50 solo tackles and five sacks over a two year period under Phillips disciple Mike Nolan in Baltimore a few seasons ago.

Luis Castillo has already shown signs of joining the list of exceptions. He is quick and agile for his size and able to both play the run well and rush the passer effectively. Since Shawne Merriman joined the starting lineup behind him on the strong side, Castillo has totaled 61 solo tackles and 10.5 sacks in 20 games. That pace would give Castillo a 49 solo, 8 sack regular season -- which would have ranked him in the top ten defensive linemen in 2006.

There are some risks with Castillo. His box score production is somewhat dependent on his surrounding cast. If Shawne Merriman or Jamal Williams miss a significant number of games with injury, Castillo's production will suffer. Castillo is somewhat of an injury risk himself, missing games with an elbow injury in college and a high ankle sprain last season. However, you can expect to get Castillo much later in redraft leagues or more cheaply by trade in dynasty leagues than similar injury risks like John Abraham and Michael Strahan.

Don't be the owner that ignores Luis Castillo because he is a 3-4 end with questionable 2005 and 2006 numbers. A closer look at Castillo's historical production and an understanding of the nuances of his particular 3-4 scheme reveals Castillo's top potential. Castillo can likely be acquired as a DL3 and give you near DL1 production, especially in tackle heavy leagues. Finding that kind of value can push your team closer to a league championship.

Downside - by John Norton

Castillo may well be the best 3-4 defensive end in the game today but is he really another Bruce Smith? Yes he is young and yes he was on fire for 11 games last year but we need to step back and look at reality. Very rarely does a 3-4 end make a serious fantasy splash and even more rarely does it happen two years in a row. Let's look back at the past 4 seasons for reference. In '06 there were two 3-4 ends among the top 30 defensive linemen. Ty Warren was #5 and Aaron Smith #30. In '05 there was one with Orpheus Roye finishing at #12. In '04 there were no top 30 3-4 ends. In '03 there were two, Marques Douglas at 19 and Richard Seymour at 20. Notice first of all how few 3-4 ends ever make the top 30, but more importantly, notice how none of them ever repeat. Aaron Smith was #5 in '02, #64 in '03, 37 in '04, 79 in '05 and 30 last year. Orpheus Roye was #12 in '05 but has finished no better than 44 the other 2 years while playing in the Browns 3-4 scheme. Ty Warren is another guy who finished high last season and will be over rated because of it. He's been in the same scheme for four seasons but prior to last year had never finished in the top 45. You have to go all the way back to Bruce Smith and/or Phil Hansen to find guys who could sustain production from the position. Castillo is a very good player who is just entering his prime. I believe that if there is anyone in the league who can pull of this trick, Castillo would be the favorite to make it happen. It's just way too early to anoint him.