Faceoff - LB Angelo Crowell, Buffalo Bills

Posted 7/19, exclusive to Footballguys.com

Upside - by Bob Magaw

Crowell proved that he not only belonged in the NFL, but capable of playing at an extremely high level when he was pressed into action early in '05 (WLB Takeo Spikes went down with a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon). After just a handful of tackles and no big plays in a reserve role his first two years as a pro ('03-'04), he exploded on to the scene with 120 combo tackles (near top 15), 3 sacks and 2 INTs. He was pacing for similar to better numbers across the board before a fractured leg landed him on IR with nearly a third of the season left (reportedly fully recovered).

He has outstanding bloodlines and football genes... his brother Germane played WR for the Lions (before his career was cut short by injuries). The ex-Virginia Cavalier star is in the top 3 in career tackles, behind former Pro Bowler Jamie Sharper and ahead of PIT stalwart James Farrior. He's a gifted athlete that can run, hit and cover. Should be a three down LB that stays on the field regardless of down and distance situations, due to his superior coverage and blitzing skills.

With prized but inexperienced and unproven high second rounder Paul Posluzny being installed in the MLB spot recently occupied by Pro Bowl-caliber fireplug London Fletcher-Baker, Crowell may have to range further and could see an increase in tackle opps in run support. In addition to the departure of Fletcher-Baker, the Bills will also have to cope with the loss of veteran team leaders Spikes and CB Nate Clements (signed by SF in a blockbuster, bank breaking deal making him one of the highest paid defenders in league history). The DL has some question marks in the interior, and they will have a very young secondary... Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson are promising but raw.

If the defense takes a collective step back in '07 as some team observers suspect, the stop unit could find it harder to get off the field on third down and face more sustained drives by opposing offenses, creating more net defensive plays, as well as tackle and playmaking opps for Crowell. Expectations should be slightly tempered, as he plays from the less than ideal SLB position, across from WLB Keith Ellison. May be hard pressed to crack the top 30 LBs, and represent less than optimal starting material except in deeper leagues.

Downside - by Jene Bramel

As I wrote in the downside opinion on DeMarcus Ware, I like Angelo Crowell as a player. Crowell plays the run well for his size and his above average coverage and playmaking skills make him a talented all-around linebacker. But IDP production isn't all about talent. It's important to take note of a player's role before jumping to conclusions about his fantasy value.

Before the Bills traded up to select college standout Paul Posluszny in the second round, there was speculation that Crowell could fill the MLB position vacated by IDP stud London Fletcher-Baker in free agency. With Posluszny on board, Crowell moves back to his more comfortable outside linebacker position. Unfortunately, he'll play the vast majority of his snaps on the strong side from the left outside linebacker spot.

The good news is that the Bills are planning to use second year man Keith Ellison on the weak side. Ellison was regularly targeted by opposing rush offenses due to his size, leaving Crowell with more pursuit responsibility than the average LOLB. Still, Crowell will have to contend with Posluszny, a instinctive, sure tackler, and solid safeties Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson for those pursuit tackles. When offenses do run at the strong side, Crowell may have difficulty shedding blocks to make plays. The bottom line is that Crowell is no lock to make 80 solo tackles this year from the left side of the defense, even in an every down role.

Durability may also be a question for the 6'1", 230 pound Crowell, especially on the strong side. Crowell held up well in 2005 as a full time player, but played on the weak side the majority of the time. Taking on a larger blocker on every play could beat Crowell down by the last month of the season when you need him most in your IDP lineup.

Crowell may well finish the season as a solid low level LB2 -- mid level LB3 despite lining up on the strong side. But his upside is limited in the current alignment and there are other options in that tier of linebackers who can provide similar production with higher upside. Be wary of counting on him as a definite every week starting option in 2007.