IDP Opportunity In the NFL Draft
Posted 4/24 by Jene Bramel, Exclusive for Footballguys.com
Coaching and defensive coordinator changes are well behind us and the dust has now settled on the first and second tiers of free agent movement. The final phase of the NFL's non-playing season is now on the horizon. Let's look at the league's best opportunities for IDP production in the upcoming NFL draft. And remember to join us in the IDP Forum on draft weekend for real-time defensive prospect analysis and discussion.
MLB Detroit Lions
Last year's darling Jordon Dizon looks to be a poor fit for the 4-3 planned by Jim Schwartz, who prefers size with his speed. With Julian Peterson (assuming there's not a move to an every-down DE role in the works) and Ernie Sims entrenched outside and last season's MLB Paris Lenon still floating in free agency, the MLB spot is wide open. With the Lions flush in early draft picks, there's a very good chance that the spot will be filled by a talented rookie.
MLB St. Louis Rams
New head coach Steve Spagnuolo has moved Will Witherspoon outside and is currently planning on using veteran Chris Draft as his MLB. Draft is a capable talent, but there's definitely room for an impact every-down player in the new Ram defensive scheme.
ILB/OLB Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have gaping holes both inside and outside at the linebacker position if they are committed to running the 3-4/4-3 hybrid that new defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast used in Arizona. Recent addition Zach Thomas was inconsistent in Dallas last season and is now two full seasons removed from his last successful year in an every-down role. The Chiefs will almost certainly address the RILB/MLB hybrid position early in this draft. Outside, Mike Vrabel should provide a veteran presence and solid play, but he's not a game-changing standup edge rusher. Big play league owners should be watching for an OLB/DE 'tweener here.
MLB Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals made Keith Rivers a top ten pick last season, and he looked NFL ready before a jaw injury ended his season. With veteran stopgap Dhani Jones slated to start in the middle again this season, it's possible that the team will look to add a body to groom for the future. A talented rookie with every-down skill could have long-term IDP value here.
ILB Miami Dolphins
Miami gave Channing Crowder a sizable contract shortly before free agency began, but did so begrudgingly. Outside of the cornerback position, the Dolphin defense is relatively deep. The Fin braintrust knows what it has in Akin Ayodele, but an upgrade at RILB is a possibility in this draft. An every-down prospect could push Crowder off the field in passing situations and assume much of his 2008 value in time.
SS Oakland Raiders
The Raiders unceremoniously dumped Gibril Wilson before free agency began, leaving a host of questionable talent to compete for jobs at the safety position. Michael Huff has yet to fulfill any of the promise expected of him, and, while Hiram Eugene have shown flashes of potential in the box score and the Raiders may consider Tyvon Branch at SS, too, the position has been too productive to ignore any rookie safety taken by Oakland in this draft.
SS Cleveland Browns
The Browns allowed Sean Jones to leave in free agency this year, leaving a thin group behind FS Brodney Pool and probable SS Mike Adams. With neither Pool nor Adams a force against the run, a solid two-way safety talent could be targeted in the draft and carve out good value sooner than later.
OLB Denver Broncos
With the Broncos seemingly committed to running Mike Nolan's hybrid 4-3/3-4 one gap scheme, improving the outside pass rush will be a high priority. Elvis Dumervil and Jarvis Moss (among others) will compete for those roles, but nobody on the Denver roster has proven that they can rush the passer consistently from a two point stance. Those in big play leagues should have a considered eye on any OLB/DE 'tweener taken by the Broncos in this draft.
SS Jacksonville Jaguars
The safety position has never been a big producer in the box score in Jacksonville, but with Reggie Nelson much better in space as a roving deep safety than supporting the run in the box, a classic SS could break the trend. Sean Considine and Calvin Lowry are replacement level talents at best, and a rookie could have plenty of opportunity to contribute early here.
ILB Dallas Cowboys
Keith Brooking isn't likely to be a long-term option, Kevin Burnett has moved on to San Diego and Bobby Carpenter clearly doesn't have the support of the coaching staff as an every-down ILB. The RILB spot in a Wade Phillips 3-4 front can be a very productive spot for an every-down player; a rookie ILB prospect with cover skills could be a nice stash for those in deeper dynasty leagues.
DE Washington Redskins
With Jason Taylor out of the picture and an assortment of marginal veterans and unproven youngsters left behind, there may be an opening at defensive end opposite Andre Carter and alongside Albert Haynesworth. Any rookie getting a significant number of snaps is likely to be ignored in the opposing offense's gameplan and could pay dividends in the box score immediately.
