2009 IDP Value Plays

Posted 8/24 by the FBG IDP Staff - Exclusive to Footballguys.com

Defensive Linemen

DE Adewale Ogunleye, CHI (ADP: DL17)

Larry Thomas - Someone is going to have a great year under DL coach Rod Marinelli, why not Ogunleye, he even has the odd year going for him. From Norton's DL EOTG... Ogunleye's career numbers are very interesting from this perspective; in even numbered years he's averaged 35-11-6, while odd numbered years have produced an average of 44-10-11.5. Following this trend he should be up for a big season in 2009. Obviously take this with a grain of salt. I think Ogunleye finishes in top ten this year, slightly better than his DL 17 ranking.

Jeff Pasquino - The Bears rotate their one defensive end, but not Ogunleye. "O-gun" will be on the field and posting 45-50 tackles again this season, but the big question will be about his sack totals. There is an interesting pattern in Ogunleye's career - he has had nine or more sacks four times and in every other season since 2003 (2003 - 16, 2005 - 10, 2007 - 9) and we are in another odd-numbered year. Take him as a high DE2 with DE1, double-digit sack upside.

DE Aaron Schobel, BUF (ADP: DL19)

Jene Bramel - Schobel appears to be fully recovered from his 2008 Lisfranc sprain. Wily veterans with a solid array of pass rush moves, a good motor and a willingness to stand up in run support make for solid IDP options. In a weak DL group, Schobel has as good an argument to be your DL1 as any number of others. I'd rather have him than four or five others ahead of him on this ADP list.

DE Darryl Tapp, SEA (ADP: DL20)

Jeff Pasquino - Seattle is going to be one of those teams that will struggle to keep their time of possession. If they are to compete, they must throw often and score in bunches. Playing in the NFC West affords their defensive line two shots each at Kurt Warner and Marc Bulger, plus games vs. Tampa Bay and Detroit. Tapp was the youngest DL in the Top 20 last year and he is poised to get better.

DE Patrick Kerney, SEA (ADP: DL22)

Aaron Rudnicki - His tackle numbers were down in 2008 (15 solos in 7 games) before a shoulder injury ended his season prematurely, but he also has 19.5 sacks in 23 games as a Seahawk. At 32 years old, Kerney might be due for a slowdown but he's still one of the best 2-way DEs in the league. With Cory Redding and Darryl Tapp splitting time at LDE, Kerney figures to move over to RDE where he'll likely face less double teams and pressure most QBs from their blind side. Lawrence Jackson will spell him at times, but Kerney should get the bulk of playing time if healthy and produce like a top-12 DE.

DE Derrick Harvey, JAX (ADP: DL25)

Bob Magaw - Harvey was one of the top pass rushers from the class of 2008, along with Chris Long and underachieving Vernon Gholston. Jacksonville was so sold on his talent and ability to fit their need for a young pass rusher that they blew up their draft to move into the top 10 (after a near Super Bowl finish in 2007). Unfortunately, any possibility of a rare rookie DE breakout was sunk by the longest holdout of any 1st rounder. With a year of seasoning and first training camp under his belt, the Jags will give him every opportunity to fulfill his vast potential.

Sigmund Bloom - Harvey will get some standup looks as the Jaguars are mixing in some 3-4 fronts. The increased tackles, plus the step forward his game should take now that he's got a full camp under his belt should make Harvey decent DL2 this year.

DE Shaun Ellis, NYJ (ADP: DL26)

Jeff Pasquino - Yes, Ellis was suspended for Week 1, but the NFL schedule (and fantasy season) is a marathon, not a sprint. Ellis finished as a Top 20 DE last year and Rex Ryan will put him towards even more solid work with the defensive scheme he brings up from Baltimore. Ellis will have a combined 50+ tackles and a half dozen sacks when all is said and done on the year, making him a sleeper with a low floor and a decent upside for 2009.

DT Darnell Dockett, ARI (ADP: DL27)

Bob Magaw - Dockett doesn't garner any scheme-related favors by having to line up as a 3-4 DE part time, but when on his game (witness his high profile 3 sack outburst in the Super Bowl and nearly sack a game first half of the 2007 season) is nearly unblockable. The Cardinals have one of the most potent, explosive offenses in the league, forcing opponents to play from behind and air it out times, enabling him to pin his ears back in (frequent) pass rush situations. The new DC could blitz positional athletic prodigies Karlos Dansby and Adrian Wilson more, which might serve to free up Dockett against heavily distracted game plans and blocking schemes. He benefits from playing in the comparatively weak NFC West, and should be highly motivated in his bid to secure a long term contract. Make sure and check beforehand whether he is designated as a DT (like at FBG) or a DE (such as MFL)... an important distinction with serious implications towards positional value (probably more upside as a relatively low ranked DE than a highly ranked DT).

DT Haloti Ngata, PHI (ADP: DL30)

Jeff Pasquino - Ngata has been rock solid in the middle of that Baltimore defense, racking up 40+ solo tackles in both 2007 and 2008 to place him as a Top 10 DT and Top 30 DL last year (Top 40 in 2007). The problem has been few sacks for him (only four the last two years), but Kelly Gregg (another solid sleeper) is back and will help to take away the double teams on Ngata. Look for Ngata to get his 40 tackles again in 2009 and add 5-6 sacks to those numbers.

DE Dewayne White, DET (ADP: DL31)

John Norton - White played in 14 games in '07 and only 12 last year, but still finished as the #18 DL in each of those seasons. He doesn't have a history of big tackle numbers but his 26 games with the Lions have produced 12.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 3 recoveries, a pair of picks and 5 passes defended. He's a proven playmaker and with the season ending injury to Jared DeVries, is certain to hold an every down role. We shouldn't underestimate the impact that the new, more aggressive defensive scheme could have either.

Anthony Borbely - White has missed six games in his two years with the Lions, but he was on pace for 40 solos in each year and averages almost a sack every two games. Numbers like that over 16 games will get White into the top 20. With the season-ending injury to Jared DeVries, White should see enough snaps to reach those numbers if he can stay healthy.

DE Andre Carter, WAS (ADP: DL36)

Jene Bramel - Carter has burned me with his inconsistency before, but it was a much more painful inconsistency when he was drafted as a DL1 or DL2. At this ADP, coming off a nagging foot injury, surrounded by better DL talent and a new mandate to get upfield rather than read and react, Carter is a potential steal as a late DL3.

Anthony Borbely - Carter had a poor season last year, partly due to nagging injuries, but he really didn't play well when he was healthy. A more aggressive scheme and better surrounding talent, namely Albert Haynesworth should help. Carter represents tremendous value as DL36...an area where you usually do not find players like Carter who are capable of 40 solos and double-digit sacks.

Bob Magaw - New DT Albert Haynesworth was probably the single greatest addition of talent to any team during the 2009 free agency cycle (arguably in the past few years). If the former Defensive Player of the Year candidate brings even a fraction of the rabid Kodiak-like intensity on display the past few seasons, Carter's job of getting after the QB INSTANTLY becomes easier. It is hard to assign with precision how large an influx of talent Haynesworth represents stacked against his predecessors, but it could only be called massive. Carter's increased opportunity could scale accordingly/proportionately. He could be in line for a double digit sack season for just the third time in his career.

Linebackers

LB Brian Urlacher, CHI (ADP: LB17)

Aaron Rudnicki - While his tackle numbers were way down last year, Urlacher did break 90 solo tackles in each of the previous three seasons. The Bears promise to be more aggressive on defense this year with Lovie Smith taking over the playcalling duties and Rod Marinelli coaching the defensive line. If the offense opens up as expected with Cutler under center and the secondary remains a weak spot, the Bears defense will likely be on the field a lot. When healthy, Urlacher is still one of the best middle linebackers in the league and I expect a big bounce back season from him.

LB London Fletcher, WAS (ADP: LB19)

John Norton - I agree that last year's slip in production was enough to downgrade Fletcher a little, but it's not like the guy fell on his face. He finished with 96 solo tackles and if he picks off one pass (he had 3 in '07), we're talking about a 5th consecutive top 10 finish. He's still the focus of the Redskins defense and hasn't missed a single game in his entire 10 year career.

Jene Bramel - Even if you decide to fully buy in to the argument that a 34 year old linebacker stands on the precipice of a monster decline, letting a guy who hasn't made less than 90 solos and has started every single game over the last nine seasons slide to a LB19 ADP is still a serious overreaction. Fletcher remains one of the better all-around linebackers in the league and has a better defensive line in front of him this year. He has no business being drafted outside the top twelve linebackers.

Anthony Borbely - Fletcher's ADP is currently LB19. I realize he is getting up in years, but he has arguably been the most consistent IDP in the last decade. In the last seven years, he has averaged almost 100 solos per year. Even if he slips a bit, he should still be good for 90 solos and a top ten ranking.

LB Lofa Tatupu, SEA (ADP: LB23)

Anthony Borbely - Tatupu is playing in a more aggressive scheme, is healthy, and I think the Seattle defense will be on the field a lot this year. No Trufant for awhile, a rookie playing next to him, a so-so line even if Kerney is healthy, and an offense that I don't like all adds up to more time spent on the field. In the three years prior to last year's injury plagued campaign, Tatupu averaged 87 solos per year. He has been a mid-teens ranked LB when healthy and I think he is a steal at LB 23.

LB Lawrence Timmons, PIT (ADP: LB24)

Larry Thomas - I'm very high on Timmons, especially in a dynasty format, where I have no problem taking him as a LB 1. Timmons is very active, can rush the passer, drop in coverage, and make plays all over the field. Has the big play ability of another Florida State alumnus, Derrick Brooks.

LB Stephen Cooper, SD (ADP: LB26)

Aaron Rudnicki - Despite missing 4 games with a suspension in 2008, Cooper averaged 6 solo tackles and 2 assisted tackles per game once he returned to the lineup. If he maintained that pace over a full 16-game season, he'd have finished with 96 solos and 34 assists. He also was not just a one dimensional run stuffer as he added 4 interceptions in those 12 games. The return of Shawne Merriman along with some other improvements should reduce the number of snaps for the Chargers defense, but don't expect a huge drop-off in production from Cooper.

Sigmund Bloom - Cooper produced like an LB1 last year after he returned from his four-game suspension, yet you can still get him at the price of an LB2/LB3 . He could have more big plays this year with the return of Shawne Merriman.

LB Bart Scott, NYJ (ADP: LB32)

Jeff Pasquino - Rex Ryan was the mastermind behind the recent successes with the Ravens on defense. Ray Lewis may have gotten all the television time and interviews, but the real heart of that defense was Terrell Suggs playing right next to Lewis. Now the Jets will run the same scheme, and Bart Scott moves from Baltimore with Ryan to fill the Suggs role with the Jets. Expect big numbers from Scott who could easily finish as a Top 10-15 LB.

LB Gary Brackett, IND (ADP: LB35)

John Norton - Through 12 games in 2008, Brackett was on pace for 95 solo tackles and a 4th consecutive top 15 finish. He remains one of, if not the most underrated fantasy LB in the game. Its simply mind boggling that he has such a low ADP.

LB James Laurinaitis, STL (ADP: LB36)

Jeff Pasquino - The Rams are not going to be very good, and teams will be playing with a lead against the troubled organization. Laurinaitis has already locked down the MLB role for St. Louis as a rookie, making him the easiest first year IDP to target this season. Similar to the troubles in Denver last year that allowed DJ Williams to have all those tackles, Laurinaitis will have many opportunities to rack up the stats and could finish with 100+ tackles this season.

LB Justin Durant, JAX (ADP: LB37)

John Norton - He may not have a top 10 on his resume' but Durant is a player we have been watching very closely for the past two years. What that attention has revealed is that when he's given an opportunity to be productive, he has really come through. There is no better opportunity on the Jaguars defense than Durant's new role at MLB. It will be a big surprise if he falls short of 90 solo tackles and a top 20 final ranking.

Bob Magaw - The hope is that recent OLB Durant puts up numbers closer to those of former MLB Mike Peterson (finished between LB3-LB9 from 2003-2005) than that of occasional fill-in Daryl Smith. The 2007 2nd rounder has great size (6'1" 240 lbs.), speed (ranged from high 4.4 to low 4.5 in predraft workouts) and small school pedigree (three time Black College All American, part of a select group including the late Steve McNair, Shannon Sharpe and Colts FS Antoine Bethea). Any concern about a position switch from OLB to MLB could be doubly mitigated by the fact that former Colts WLB Peterson made a similar transition, plus Durant played MLB almost exclusively in college. Also like Peterson, he is a more explosive athlete and accomplished playmaker than Smith. Though typically drafted as a LB4 or later, has LB1-LB2 upside.

Sigmund Bloom - Taking a chance on Durant as your third or fourth LB is a good recipe to steal production in the mid to late rounds of your IDP draft. Durant is ultratalented and he should be able to make an impact with his coverage skills and nose for the ball in his first year as a three-down starting MLB. Don't be surprised if he ends up in the top 15 fantasy LBs when the dust settles.

LB Derrick Johnson, KC (ADP: LB41)

Jene Bramel - There are plenty of undervalued linebackers on this particular ADP list. Gary Brackett (LB35), Justin Durant (LB37), Channing Crowder (LB39) and Clint Session (LB50) are all safe bets to outperform their ADPs by 10-15 slots. But Johnson has top ten potential in his role as the WILB on a defense likely to see top five tackle opportunity. His role will be identical to that of Karlos Dansby's in Arizona over the past two seasons. 90+ solos and a good number of peripheral stats are a near lock, making Johnson the best relative value on this list.

Aaron Rudnicki - With the Chiefs shifting to a 3-4 defense this year, Johnson is one of the year's best breakout candidates among fantasy IDPs. He has shown flashes of potential in the past but has often failed to live up to the high expectations that many had for him. Lining up in the middle of the field this year, however, should provide him with an opportunity to chase down plays from sideline to sideline. I expect a significant improvement in tackle numbers, and his playmaking skills could help elevate him even further to LB1 type numbers. He's a huge steal at his current ADP.

Larry Thomas - Johnson appears to be a good fit at WILB in the Chiefs new 34 scheme. In Kansas City's pre season debut, Johnson registered six solos in less than a half vs Houston. If defensive line can do their job and keep him free, he could be in for a huge year. Chiefs appear a good bet to be one of the league leaders in tackle opportunities. Currently the 41st ranked LB, should finish in the LB2-3 range with LB1 potential.

Sigmund Bloom - Much like DJ Williams, Johnson was put at OLB because of his great athleticism, but he is also at home going from sideline to sideline, and he'll have a chance to do that in the new 3-4 defense in KC. Johnson has constantly been around the ball in the preseason, and he should get enough tackle opportunities to break into the LB2 ranks this year, even though he's currently going off the board as an LB4.

LB Will Witherspoon, STL (ADP: LB48)

Bob Magaw - Before the wheels came off in an injury-riddled and career worst 2008 season for Witherspoon (OLB33), mirroring the same general funk writ large that dragged down the 2-14 Rams in one of the worst campaigns in organization history, he had been an IDP stalwart. Sandwiched between his rookie year (OLB31) and the 2008 debacle, he had three top 5 and two top 20 finishes, a span overlapping stints as a Carolina WLB and St. Louis MLB (where he was very productive but playing out of position). With the Rams drafting highly decorated and regarded rookie MLB James Laurinaitis, Witherspoon returns to his more natural weak side deployment, where he can best leverage his outstanding athleticism, instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed and open field tackling ability. On the bonus plan, he had 7 sacks in 2007, and could be turned loose by new HC Steve Spagnuolo, who doesn't have anywhere near the DL firepower at his command which he enjoyed as the Giants DC, and could get creative and look to other sources to generate QB pressure... a near defensive axiom for a disciple of the late, great Philadelphia DC Jim Johnson, such as Spags.

Jeff Pasquino - Much like the reasons I like James Laurinaitis, Will Witherspoon is a great pickup late in your draft. "Spoon" played the MLB spot the last few seasons for the Rams, affording him the chances to make 90+ solo tackles in 2006 and 2007. Slowed down by age and a few scrapes, Witherspoon struggled last year and now moves over to the weak side LB spot. That is still a valuable IDP spot and the Rams' defenders will be on the field often. Witherspoon also has the upside of filling in for Laurinaitis should the rookie struggle or get injured during his first pro year.

Defensive Backs

CB Richard Marshall, CAR (ADP: DB13)

Anthony Borbely - Considering that Marshall was the nickel back in each of his three seasons, his tackle numbers have bordered on amazing. He has been in the top 25 in solo tackles among all DBs in all three seasons, including 2007 when he finished with 79 solos. What will he do playing every down? He has great ball skills and combined with some struggles in pass defense last year, Marshall will probably be tested a lot, especially early in the season. That can do nothing but increase his numbers across the board. He is my top fantasy DB and has a current ADP of DB13. There are still many people sleeping on Marshall; don't be one of them.

S Roman Harper, NO (ADP: DB15)

Jene Bramel - In-the-box SS for an aggressive coach surrounded by a relatively weak OLB group. History of racking up 75 or more solos and plenty of coverage stats. Isn't that the definition of a potential stud IDP option? Getting Harper after players like Ed Reed, Brandon Meriweather, and Bob Sanders will be considered highway robbery by October.

S Chris Horton, WAS (ADP: DB21)

Jeff Pasquino - Chris Horton is locked in as the starter for Washington at strong safety, and the Redskins will have him patrolling the secondary to make plays for them all year. Horton now knows what it is like to endure for a long professional season and he is ready to go for the full 16 game schedule. The additions of Haynesworth and Orakpo may appear to be a bad sign for his tackle numbers, but the upside of those better players is that he will be given more freedom to look for big play opportunities in the secondary. Horton plays with a reckless abandon, yet under control - much like Troy Polamalu. This could be the last time that Horton can be selected outside of the Top 12 fantasy safeties, so grab the undervalued player when you can.

S Kerry Rhodes, NYJ (ADP: DB22)

John Norton - If you look at his production over the last couple of years #22 might actually be a tad high, but consider the news that Rhodes is going back to SS and will have a role much more like the one that made him the #2 DB in 2006. After playing center field for the past two seasons Rhodes will be back in the box where he will be used in some blitz packages etc. The last time he was used this way he produced 76 solo stops, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, a recovery and 4 picks. While he's not a lock to match those stellar numbers, he's certainly worthy of much higher consideration than #22.

Sigmund Bloom - Rhodes will be unleashed in Rex Ryan's more aggressive defense. He has been an elite IDP in the past, and this scheme will give him the chance to be a top 10 DB once again. He's more than worth a pick as your DB2.

S Bernard Pollard, KC (ADP: DB23)

Larry Thomas - Is in line to be the Rodney Harrison of the defense. Mike Brown was brought in for depth and is not a challenge. Pollard should see a good amount of time in-the-box as well as many tackle opportunities. Has the ingredients to be a top ten DB.

S Sabby Piscitelli, TB (ADP: DB24)

Jeff Pasquino - Tampa Bay is going to have a long, long year down in Florida. They still have yet to figure out their passing attack and they will face three teams in their division with strong playoff hopes. Expect teams to force the Bucs to try and pass, which should lead to the opposition winning time of possession. Facing Matt Ryan, Drew Brees and Jake Delhomme two times each and several strong backs to control the clock in the second half should make for lots of work for Piscitelli. The suspension of Tanard Jackson for four games also means teams will attack the secondary, so he will be busy.

S Michael Lewis, SF (ADP: DB32)

Jene Bramel - This ADP is even stranger than Roman Harper's. Two seasons of solo tackles in the mid-70s and an average number of big plays and coverage numbers may not be sexy but it's worth much more than the DB32 ADP would suggest.

Bob Magaw - Lewis is inexplicably ranked in the mid-twenties among safeties. Excepting his rookie year, as well as his last campaign (2006) in Philadelphia, in which he lost his starting SS job, he has finished as high as 4th and no worse than 15th among safeties in his five other years of NFL tenure. The 29 year old, eighth year, hard hitting vet has an impeccable, nearly unblemished resume in terms of IDP production, is still in his prime, playing fast and an explosive open field tackler. When the same coverage deficiencies that surfaced and led to his eventual downfall in Philly are properly schemed around, he brings a lot to the table in run support as a classic, in-the-box thumper. The 49ers have a suspect offense and the stop unit could be on the field early and often, and the front seven is sketchy outside of Justin Smith and Patrick Willis, which should conspire to make Lewis a busy dude once again in 2009.

Anthony Borbely - Lewis has been a solid fantasy DB for several years and constantly ranks near the top of the DB list in solo tackles. In five of the last six years (excluding 2006), Lewis has averaged 77 solos and 19 assists. He doesn't put up many big play numbers and there always seems to be reports that he will be benched because of his poor coverage skills. At an ADP of DB32, Lewis is a steal.

S Erik Coleman, ATL (ADP: DB34)

John Norton - When the Falcons drafted William Moore it was anticipated that Coleman would move back to FS. His ADP of 34 undoubtedly reflects that fact. With the injury to Moore the teams has done some shuffling, the result being that Coleman will open the season at SS and seems likely to remain there. If you looked at his ADP over the past couple of weeks I expect it would be much higher, as it should be with the current set of circumstances.

Aaron Rudnicki - After falling out of favor with the Jets, Coleman resurrected his career with the Falcons last year and finished as a top-10 safety. He was credited with an impressive 80 solo tackles despite playing at FS alongside Lawyer Milloy behind a strong LB crew. Rookie William Moore had his knee scoped and missed most of the preseason so the Falcons decided to move Coleman to SS for this season. With a weaker group of LBs in front of him and an inexperienced secondary around him, Coleman certainly has the potential for another top-10 season in 2009.

S Chris Harris, CAR (ADP: DB38)

Sigmund Bloom - Harris saw lower than expected tackle opportunity last year as the Panthers controlled most of their contests. That should change this year as they lost their best defensive tackle for the season. Opposing offensive linemen will be able to get to the second level and blot out the Panthers LBs, who are not great at shedding blocks. Harris will see a lot of ballcarriers make it to his level of the defense, and he will likely end up in the box a lot to offset the weakness up front.

S Brian Dawkins, DEN (ADP: DB42)

Bob Magaw - When healthy, seven-time Pro Bowler Dawkins has been an amazingly consistent IDP scorer (ranging from 2nd to 11th among safeties in the past five seasons in which he played more than 10 games) from the notoriously uneven DB ranks, often characterized by violent fluctuations in opportunity and impact. Tossing out a few injury-abbreviated outlier seasons, he has been a steady presence in run support, churning out 60-70 solo tackles seasons with regularity, as well as being a big play machine... at least 3 sacks four times, 2 INTs 10 times and 2 FFs seven times (including an elite DE-like 5-6 FFs four times). To those understandably concerned that Dawkins has lost a step at 35, he had a strong IDP campaign last year with no appreciable drop-off in production, eerily similar to those compiled in his prime (60+ solos, 3 sacks, 1 INT and 6 FFs). The Broncos are expected to take a step back on offense sans ex-QB Cutler, the front seven cupboard was left shockingly bare for new HC Josh McDaniels, not to mention the defense is in the midst of an abrupt shift to a 3-4 which the roster as presently constituted is ill-equipped for... all this should translate to Dawkins being on the field a lot, and in position to clean up a lot of slop when he is (with D.J. Williams one of the few front seven defenders of consequence in front of him). Former Patriot OC McDaniels hopes that, like fellow dynamo geezer safety Rodney Harrison in New England before, Dawkins punctuates his career with a blaze of glory in his twilight years.

S Chris Hope, TEN (ADP: DB43)

Anthony Borbely - Hope has put up solid numbers in three of the last four years and in the year he didn't, he battled injuries for most of the year. In the three productive years, Hope averaged 71 solos, 24 assists, and four interceptions. With Albert Haynesworth gone, Hope should see more tackle opportunities. I consider Hope to be a low DB2 with upside. At an ADP of DB43 (125th overall), Hope is a steal.

Jeff Pasquino - Once upon a time, the Titans struggled to defend up the middle of their defense. That was the pre-Haynesworth era, and now we are in the post-Haynesworth timeframe. Without solid run stoppers, opposing teams will want to test the middle of that defense and may get to the second level quite often. Look for Hope to creep down into the box for more run support much like he did in 2008 when he was a huge surprise (finishing as the #1 DB in fantasy).

CB Brandon Flowers, KC (ADP: DB44)

Aaron Rudnicki - Flowers entered 2008 with high expectations from many fantasy owners. He's a physical corner who loves to come up and support the run, but he is also a promising playmaker. That makes him a very appealing fantasy option as his tackle numbers should allow him to be consistent from week to week but he still has the potential for some huge scoring weeks like he had against Brett Favre and the Jets last season. I expect improvement across the board from him and a top-10 finish among all DBs is certainly a possibility.

Bob Magaw - Scout's scout Mike Mayock of the NFL network raved about Flowers, calling his tackling skills and ability in run support among the best he had seen for a DB in several years. He also flashed some playmaking ability with 2 INTs and a defensive TD. The Chiefs are in the early stages of a massive rebuilding project (on both sides of the ball), and the defense could be on the field a lot in the upcoming years. Flowers was the only IDP in FBGs top 40 DBs with two missed games. Prorating his rookie numbers over a full 16 game schedule would have yielded close to a top 15 finish among DBs. Don't snooze on this ascendant talent and emerging prospect